Home again! Never want to leave again! For medical reasons, that is.

It was not the best of times. Five weeks. Just under one month in Miami’s Mount Sinai Medical Center. Two pacemaker surgeries, one heart valve surgery, two lung procedures. The real problems, the ones causing me the most pain and discomfort, involved the gout I developed in both feet for 3 weeks and constant ass pain from old beat up mattresses in the hospital.

Slept in my own bed last night for the first time. Seven hours. A record. Only slept decent in the hospital one night. Generally averaged 0-3 hours sleep a night. Drove the nurses crazy moving my body around looking for pain free comfort.

This blog will be short. Though it feels good doing a blog again.

Another joy is to have a computer available. Missed the computer.

A step back in history with today’s podcast. Seven years old. Goes back to Hurricane Irma. I had escaped to Jean and Joe Thornton’s home in Birmingham for 12 days. I did the blog seated in a chair holding my cell phone in my bedroom there.

A visit with Dr. Norris later this morning. Important. Involves the drug Eliquis. A story unto itself which I will share another day soon.

Jaqueline is picking me up 3 Monkey Smoothies early this morning from Date & Thyme. I have missed them. Will be my breakfast this morning.

Need food. The softest. Still need an upper plate. Recall I lost mine when I got sick in the ambulance the first night I passed out the last day in January. Difficult to eat/chew without an upper.

So much for today. Starting slow. Thrilled to do even this little this morning.

Enjoy your day!

Lucky me!

My age and health have been of grave concern to me recently. One of Key West’s favorite women put it in perspective however. The wondrous Lynda Frechette.

She wrote today: “Ninety-nine percent (99 %) of people born world-wide between 1930 and 1946 are no longer living. If you were born during this time, you are one of the surviving one percenters of this special group. Their ages range between 77 and 93 years old, a 16 year age span.”

I was born in 1935 and am 88 years old.

For some reason, a song from my youth has been running through my head this afternoon: Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go. Finally realized it was the seven dwarfs in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs singing. Do not know why.

It is Sunday afternoon. I am finally home in my own abode. Fourteen days in the hospital followed by eleven days at Lisa’s.

Good to be “home.”

Today the first I have felt normal. Feel good. Lost 13 pounds. Most amazing thing is I have been walking yesterday and today without my cane. Cane it be the pacemaker? The cane has been my best friend for 3 years. Don’t worry. I am not being foolish. If I need it, I will use it.

I have many friends locally in Key West. I am going to make a request. PLEASE DO NOT VIST ME. I will be back in the hospital Wednesday for further tests and surgery has been scheduled for 8:30 Thursday morning. I need to get strong. The gout denied me of almost two weeks of physiotherapy. Exercises to build my body up for the valve surgery. I need the few days to get ready. Talking will exhaust me.

I am not trying to be disrespectful. I am sure all understand.

Probably no more blog till after the surgery. I hope to have it followed with at least a week of physiotherapy in Miami. I plan on bringing my laptop with me so I can write.

Love you all!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

You have no idea how terrific it is to be able to sit and type this brief blog to you. A beginning.

The world changed for me a little more than 3 weeks ago. My heart stopped twice in 48 hours. 

The first time, I passed out. In the middle of the street 9 at night. Ended up in an ambulance on the way to Lower Keys Medical Center. Puked my guts out during the drive and early on at the emergency room. Lost my upper plate at the time. Into a bag while upchucking in the ambulance. Attendant said don’t worry, they will be returned to you at the emergency room.

I am still without them. No one could find them.

The ER wanted to send me to Mount Sinai in Miami. I refused. I was stupid. Could not believe my heart was beating low. Thirty to 40 beats a minute. Supposed to be 60 – 100. 

I went home. 

I was wearing a monitor. Two nights later at 3 in the morning, I received a phone call at home advising me to get to the emergency room. My heart had stopped for 3.2 and 3.6 seconds. I was in trouble. Ambulance arrived and I was on my way to the ER again.

This time I listened and was ambulanced to Mount Sinai in Miami. A trip from Hell. I was pissed. Thought I should have been in a helicopter. I have been a resident for 30 years and qualify. ER person in charge said I did not qualify as I was not in danger of imminent death. My argument that my heart had stopped twice in 48 hours did not qualify me.

The ambulance was not part of the Monroe County Fire Department fleet. It was a third party contractor’s. Old and shaky. Dirty. I felt every bump in US 1. Like one a foot. On a semi-nauseous stomach.

My stay in Mount Sinai was to be 2 1/2 days. Turned into 14. Went in 2/1, left 2/14.

Pacemaker and an aortic valve replacement recommended. Pacemaker first to make sure my heart did not stop during the valve replacement. The valve replace the more serious procedure.

Two fuckups during the pacemaker surgery. The surgeon left a wire in my heart and pierced my lung. Second surgery required to take care of the wire. Two lung procedures to deal with the pierced lung. Air had spilled into the area between my ribs and heart.

Sleeping next to impossible. Best was a night I was able to sleep 4 hours. Actually went 4 nights with no sleep at all. Problem was comfort. My ass had become very painful from being down on it 24 hours a day. Mount Sinai does not believe in walking patients.

I developed two blood clots in my upper left arm. Still have them. Pacemaker and clots near each other. Pacemaker more important. Must be protected. No pills, etc. to reduce clots. Nature to take care of clots. Thirty days for them to go away. In the meantime my left arm and hand blew up. Fingers swollen till now. Of no use. Could not type. Arm sore.

I am required to protect left arm and shoulder. The area of the blood clots and pacemaker. Means I cannot sleep effectively in bed. Arm must be elevated. I sleep in parlor chairs with arms to rest left arm on. My ass is in the chair 24 hours a day.

Typing today so fingers and arm functional for first time.

Came home to Lisa’s. No way could I take care of myself. Receiving nursing and physiotherapy also.

Physio going poorly. Just short of a week ago, I developed gout in both feet. Last time I had gout was 50 years ago in one toe. Took the pill and felt good in 2 hours. Pills taking a long time this time. Three alone the first day. Left foot down, normal. Right still swollen. Ball and top. Limited motion. Pain till yesterday extremely painful when weight placed on ball.

Lisa and Corey have had to lift me from chair several times an evening for bathroom, replacement of body in chair, etc. Blowing both their backs out.

I have reached the point where I can shuffle along on cane to bathroom and table since yesterday. Right foot shuffling about 4 inches ahead each time.

Not eating. Cannot chew. Putting down everything soft. Means no defecation. Farts and water all that is expelled. Not healthy. Need to get a plate. Cannot get to dentist however.

I am scheduled to return to Mount Sinai this coming wednesday for the aortic heart valve replacement on thursday. The replacement a pig’s ass.

Don’t know if I will make it. My physio has been extremely limited. Spoke with Mount Sinai yesterday. Dr. Norris a winner locally.  I suspect my next surgery will be deferred a week till I am stronger.

Such is the story. Would you believe!

I want the valve replacement. Know I need it.

There is more to come. however Mount Sinai doctors have put a hold on it for reconsideration in 6 months. I have had an aneurysm for 20 years. An aortic valve one. Same aortic valve. Where it comes out the top of my heart. It has now grown beyond the danger point. Surgery heavy. Several hours with a long recovery. Ribs have to be cracked to get at it. Whereas the aortic valve replacement will be done through the groin. Could die on the table or be screwed up the rest of my life. I am not even worrying about it at this point. Lets get through the valve replacement procedure.

Nothing more to say. The whole “mess” has been bad. My head is good. The pacemaker and valve replacement required. I am comfortable with the decision. The aneurysm we will deal with down the road. My present need it to get fixed up and back to my blog and friends. I miss people. I am a people person.

Thanks to all who have written or helped. I have more friends than I realized.

I will not be writing everyday. I am exhausted at the moment. You will hear again, however!

Before tomatoes or anything else this morning, let me tell you about the weather. It is COLD! It is 7 in the morning and 60 degrees! Too cold for Key West!

Strange weather this year. One week hot, next week cold. No balance. I am grateful for the warm. Just wish it would remain so.

Ran into a couple yesterday morning while I was enjoying my Monkey Smoothie at Date & Thyme. They are here for the week. First time visitors from Michigan. Were disappointed. Could not understand the weather. What could I say. 

Now for tomatoes.

Tomatoes were once thought to be poisonous. Amazing! Today, tomatoes are the most “preferred” vegetable. Preferred favorite by 89 percent of people in a recent Veggie Tracker Survey.

Tomatoes ae not a vegetable, however. They are part of the fruit family. Merely a factual observation. Of no importance to my article.

The history of tomatoes is interesting. They were native to Mesoamerica and its seeds were introduced to Europe by returning home Spanish Conquistadors early in the 16th century. First grown as an ornamental plant.  Tomatoes were bright and shiny and made a lovely appearance on a table. To be viewed, not eaten.

Europeans began eating them in the late 1700’s. Imported ones. Not grown in Europe yet. Imported. Expensive and could only be afforded by aristocrats.

Soon the tomato became known as the “poison apple.” Many deaths attributed to eating them. It was not the tomato that directly killed persons, however. It was the wealthy class’ choice of dinnerware.

The wealthy ate off pewter plates which were high in lead. The tomato’s acidity caused the toxic lead to leach from the plates, poisoning those who ate from them.

With the passage of time, pewter plates were less used. People forgot the earlier deaths and returned to eating tomatoes.

The “invention” of the pizza in Naples in the 1880’s contributed to the return of tomatoes as a popular item for consumption, also. People enjoyed the pizza’s tomato taste. Such helped turn the tide from anti-tomato to pro-tomato.

Today’s podcast is 6 years old. Its subject matter a concern for a return to the Monroe Doctrine. Hollywood Lou your host.

Now for serious commentary.

This portion of the blog involves a religious organization known as People of Praise, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and her father Michael Coney.

People of Praise is a whacked out far right religious group. For purpose of this article, I will most times refer to the Supreme Court Justice as Amy. Merely for purposes of an easier flow to the article.

Amy and her husband were members. Her husband may still be. Amy’s father Michael Coney is and recently was elevated to Counsel within the organization. Amy withdrew from People of Praise when she was under scrutiny for her seat on the Circuit Court. Her questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee re People of Praise was extremely limited. She claimed she was a Catholic. It is believed she became one relatively close to the time of her Senate hearing.

The Guardian wrote a detailed article published 8/26/22 re People of Praise. Some of its contents advised People of Praise requires “complete obedience of women to their husbands…..roles of men and women…..men considered divinely ordained as the ‘head’ of the family and ‘dominant to woman.”‘ Additionally, men “making all decisions about finances and dating relationships,” embracing “traditions like encouraging members to speak in tongues, and performing exorcisms.”

Amy continues to proclaim she is a “faithful Catholic.”

I published a blog 9/27/20 re People of Praise and Amy titled: “Wives Have To Obey Husband’s In Everything.” I suggest you read it to understand the husband/wife relationship and that of the woman within People of Praise itself. A must read.

I wrote the blog at the time of Amy’s nomination by Trump to the Supreme Court. I wrote: “With her nomination to the Supreme Court, Trump has set the Court on a path unhealthy for America. She will lead the Court in destroying basic freedoms that have taken years to attain.”

Her vote to repeal Roe v. Wade supports my statement.

Amy’s father’s new role in People of Praise has returned the Justice’s involvement in People of Praise to the light of day. Some are concerned. Some view People of Praise as a cult. The fear is her father’s elevation to Counsel comes at a time when former members who allegedly endured physical and sexual abuse as children is on the verge of disclosure.

There are those who feel Michael Coney has the power to block such information. Information that might be embarrassing to Justice Barrett.

Note, Justice Barrett has not been accused of wrongdoing in any fashion with regard to that which is purportedly on the verge of disclosure.

Again, I recommend you read my 9/27/20 blog “Wives Have To Obey Husband’s In Everything” to fully grasp the strange position a female holds in People of Praise.

Tonight, Syracuse/Boston College. Dan and Lisa joining me at Jack Flats for the game.

Enjoy your day!

A Texan at heart. An unknown Texas school teacher.

A secret shelf of banned books thrives in a Texas school. The censors have yet to discover it. Good! Great! Terrific! The American way!

Texas has the distinction of being a State that has banned an extreme number of books. More than nearly any other. The right wing has moved to sweep “undesirable” books off public library shelves. Many teachers have lost their jobs or were pressured to resign. 

One teacher came up with a way to resolve the problem. She created a special bookshelf in the library and stocked it with books purchased by herself and others. Books banned or to be banned. 

The teacher’s attitude: “The books that make us uncomfortable are the books that make us think. Isn’t that what schools are supposed to do…..make you think?

It’s inevitable. The teacher’s identity will out and she will lose her job. Perhaps even be arrested. A Rosa Parks situation in the making.

Great golf at a course with “a history” this week. Pebble Beach.

I enjoyed playing the course several times. I am one of the world’s worst golfers. but nevertheless enjoyed playing the course. Hard! Difficult! I will enjoy each hole as it is played on TV, recalling the holes as I played them as opposed to the professional golfers. The difference day and night!

Protesters threw pumpkin soup at the Mona Lisa painting in Paris. Fortunately, the work is protected from damage by a glass covering.

Very many years ago, I had the opportunity to view and enjoy the Mona Lisa. How disgusting that some screwed up morons would attempt to destroy one of the world’s greatest pieces of art.

One door closes and another opens.

Marian Kobayaski was laid off from a dream job at Linkedln. Unexpectedly, with an e-mail notice.

Six months later she was hired by Google at almost twice her Linkedln salary.

Today’s podcast is 6 years old. Discusses the pending Hurricane Florence and whether Trump was prepared for it. A discussion of Trump’s handling of Puerto Rico part of the podcast.

Trump continues to be a sicko. Biden is working hard to solve the border problem. One he should have worked hard to solve earlier. In any event, Biden is now on top of it. Many Republicans support his plan. Not Trump, however.

Trump is pressing his supporters to vote against it. Calls Biden’s plan a “monstrosity” and “betrayal of America.” Failing however to describe why he opposes Biden’s plan. Name calling not enough. Facts are required.

Wake up America! Don’t be sucked in by Trump’s baseless bullshit!

Texans do not necessarily agree with Governor Abbott re the way he is handling  his “war” against Biden re the border. Only politicians do.

Texas’ largest newspaper, the Houston Chronicle, scolded Abbott saturday for defying the Supreme Court decision to temporarily bar the use of razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump making defense a question of money again. Recall when he said several years ago that the U.S. was supporting NATO who would not be there to help the U.S. if necessary. He forgot they “were there” immediately following the 9/11 attack.

Trump now singing the same tune re aid to Ukraine. He continues failing to understand money alone is not at issue. It’s the big guy helping the little guy. It’s the big guy putting his money where his mouth is to avoid a Putin type war on Ukraine being fought on U.S. soil.

Joseph Greenberg said Trump’s statements were “grotesque and idiotic and a gift to our enemies.” Former CIA Director Michael Hayden’s response to Trump and his statement: “You fool, you fool.”

Trump is a “fool.” A psychopathic one. Hopefully a sufficient number of Americans will realize this and reelect Biden instead. We cannot place the U.S.’ head on a chopping block!

Someone asked me what is “so special about Key West?” I thought for a moment. My response: “It’s unique. Like no other place. You either like it or don’t.”

One has to visit and “taste” the community. One to three days enough to know. I “knew” the first day I was here years ago.

Today the beginning of 5 consecutive cold days. Temperature at 9 this morning 64 degrees. Appears 67 will be the high. Great beach weather!

Keys history: David Porter was a Commodore in the U.S. Navy in the early 1800’s. He left to become Commander-In-Chief of the Mexican Navy.

On this day in 1827, he brought 3 Mexican vessels to Key West in preparation for an attack on a Spanish Navy squadron in Cuba.

It was Antonia’s for me last night. Glad I went. Good time! Met a couple of interesting people.

My seat at the bar was next to Cecilia. A lovely 50ish woman from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her first visit to Key West. She came for a music festival. She is into music big time. Staying at the Marriott Beachside. Arrived wednesday, leaving today.

I asked, “Coming back?” Her response, “One hundred percent yes!”

Hope so. An interesting woman. We got into some issues I would like to explore further with her.

She left and Phyllis took her seat. Phyllis a contemporary of mine age wise. We had a lot to talk about in that regard.

We have similar backgrounds. Both originally Upstate New Yorkers. She was raised in Binghamton. Lived thereafter and still does in Rochester. Her husband was with Kodak. He passed away five years ago. 

Phyllis spends the season here each year. Knew TK intimately.

I enjoyed her company. I am sure we will run into each other again as her season began two days ago and has 2-3 months to go.

Time to throw on some clothes and be off for my Monkey Smoothie fix. I will be braving the cold.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday was Holocaust Memorial Day in Germany. Germans carry the shameful burden of the Holocaust even today. As with many other countries, Germany is experiencing a resurgence of anti-Semitism.

Tens of thousands took to the streets to demonstrate in support of democracy and against the rise of Germany’s far right party, the Alternative for Germany. Demonstrators carried signs reading “There Is No Alternative To Democracy” and “Kick Out Nazis.”

There is a concern in Germany that Hitler’s right way ideas have been passed on.

Trump’s significant debts and judgments at some point will have to be paid. He will be pursued legally for payment of the same. Trump lacks liquidity. Cash. His assets are primarily in over evaluated real estate properties. He will be compelled to sell them off even cheaper than their actual value in order to meet his financial obligations.

Love today’s podcast! I did it 6 years ago. Trump called Stormy Daniels “Horse Face.” She retaliated that his personal was “tiny.”

Syracuse enjoyed a dominant win over North Carolina State last night. Syracuse won 77-65. The game was actually decided just before the end of the first half when Syracuse went on a 23-4 run.

Next for Syracuse is Boston College. Tuesday evening at 7. I will be watching the game at Jack Flats with Don and Chris and Dan and Lisa.

Key West weather magnificent the past few days. In the 80’s.

Weather reports however indicate winter returns tomorrow to South Florida. We will wake to COLD! The wind chill in some areas will feel like the weather is in the 40’s and low 50’s.

Not that cold in Key West, however. It will be 64 degrees at 6 am tomorrow. The low during the day will reach 58 degrees. Maybe we will feel the wind chill numbers. Key West will not reach 70 degree weather again till next Saturday.

Glad I got my wonderful small heater. Works quickly and terrifically.  My long pants and sweaters ready. As is my 40 year old leather jacket. I will need them all this week.

Key West History reports this morning that “the coldest night ever in Key West” was this day in 1836. The temperature dropped to 44 degrees.

In 1854, house lots on Key West were selling for $250 each. Oh, for those days to return!

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston will not seek another term.

Sad.

Though there were times I disagreed with her, overall she did a good job in an era of new, unique and difficult problems.

Thank you, Teri!

I grew up in Upstate New York in Utica. In the Mohawk Valley, the foothills to the Adirondacks. A snowbelt! Like you would not believe!

From child to adult, I would personally taste freshly fallen white snow. Tasted good! Taught my children to do the same. I am sure they shared the experience with their children.

Movie star Reese Witherspoon was recently criticized when she revealed she eats/tastes freshly fallen snow. Those criticizing her claim such snow is not clean enough to eat.

I disagree. Reese obviously does, also.

The housing market continues to get worse. Fewer homes are available for sale and rent, prices for each higher, etc. The “boom” is destined to fail, however. The real estate market has always been cyclical. When it comes, the falling prices will be swift and dramatic.

I am not a realtor. Just an old man who has lived through several booms and knows how things will be. What goes up, does come down!

La Jolla is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. I have been fortunate to visit La Jolla several times. Once for a San Diego Super Bowl and many others while attending the “fat farm” La Costa.

My visits were many years ago. I found La Costa pleasing to the eyes in every respect. Set on the Pacific, magnificent stores, art galleries, restaurants, etc. The people especially charming. Everyone rich! No question about it.

I mention La Jolla after reading a news release this morning. More than 20 undocumented migrants landed on a beach in San Diego before running into wealthy La Jolla. Where the average sales price today for homes is $2.2 million. They ran in every direction in La Jolla. Must have thought they died and went to Heaven. Till apprehended, of course.

The Texas border dispute breeds “loose talk” of civil war. Twenty four State governors have expressed support for Trump and Abbott’s position to ignore the recent Supreme Court decision and Biden’s efforts to resolve the problem.

At the moment, a joking matter. Dangerous, however. Things could easily get out of hand at some point. Politicians like Trump and Abbott have forgotten how to govern. Instead of common sense and sugar, they spew gasoline on what could easily become a volatile situation.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Dante!

On this day in 1302, Dante was exiled from Florence because of his politics. While in exile, he began writing the Divine Comedy. The Divine Comedy consisted of three books. The first, a tour through Hell. The second, Purgatory. The third, Paradise.

The Divine Comedy was published in sections between 1308 and 1321. Became enormously popular and was published some 200 plus years after Dante’s death as one unit. The year 1555, titled The Divine Comedy.

I write especially about Dante’s Divine Comedy because of my Spanish professor in college. Professor Cantatore. An elderly Italian gentleman.

I studied under the Professor for two years. He began each class by reciting an excerpt in English from Dante. He was so taken and imbued with The Divine Comedy he wanted his students to share in its glories.

I must admit I never read The Divine Comedy itself. There was no time my agenda in those days for such an undertaking. The good Professor must have known that and that such applied to all his students. Nevertheless, he wanted Dante’s work to be part of our educational process.

A wonderful experience occurred in my life because of the Professor Cantatore’s sharing.

The Gates of Hell sculpture comes into play. Rodin’s sculpture.

A monumental sculpture that depicts a scene from the Inferno, the first section of Dante’s Divine Comedy. The work stands 19.7 feet high, 13.1 feet wide, and 3.3 feet deep. Contains 180 figures.

Rodin was commissioned to do the piece in 5 years. It took him 37.

The sculpture depicts what a person would see if standing before the gates of Hell. It was hell! Dante’s warning over the entrance: “Abandon every hope, who enter here.”

Preparatory to beginning the sculpture, Rodin lived a whole year alone with Dante.

The pain reflected exquisite. Each face masked with terror.

Years later as a practicing attorney with cases in New York City, I had the opportunity to view the sculpture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art had it on exhibit from a Paris museum for a lengthy period of time. I visited the work often. A bench had been placed in front of it. I would sit there and stare, think and contemplate. Hell was no place to go!

Thursday was my hedonistic day. A once every two week ritual. 

Began with my Monkey Smoothie. Flavorful and healthy. Followed immediately by a haircut by Lori. A 25 year ritual which began when I had a full head of hair. Now, nothing.  Takes all of 2 minutes. Lori puts the electric razor on #1 and removes the fuzz. Then a cold water shampoo to remove the “little hairs.”

The day is planned timewise. I then drive over to Lee Nails and Tammy. She has been taking care of me for 20 years. A manicure every two weeks. A pedicure added every fourth. Yesterday a pedicure day.

Love the entire process! Concludes with a trip home for a two hour nap. A fitting conclusion to the self-indulgent few hours just spent.

Yesterday afternoon, I was fitted for a heart monitor. Must wear it for 2 weeks.

Last night, Grady’s. Everyone should go to Grady’s. Great food at reasonable prices. Carola bartending. A locals place. Everyone happy.

Carola had baked some Irish scones. She brought me three. Love the woman! I had one for desert and will enjoy the other two this morning for breakfast.

It was the friday special for me. Polish pierogis. I find it amazing that an Irish pub has some of the best Polish and Italian specials in town.

Tonight. Syracuse/North Carolina State will find me at Jack Flats.

Donald, oh Donald! When are you going to learn? You love self-abuse. Continue ranting, keep your mouth going, you will end up self-destroying.

The federal jury in the second E. Jean Carroll defamation case returned a verdict of $83.3 million yesterday. On top of the $5 million another jury awarded her in the first sexual assault/defamation case.

The jury deliberated less than 3 hours.

The $83.3 million broke down to $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages after finding Trump acted maliciously. My, oh my. How could anyone believe Trump acted maliciously?

Hope Carroll can collect!

On this day in 1945, Auschwitz was liberated. Never to happen again. So it was said, so it was promised. Yet here we are 79 years later and the danger is world wide.

Enjoy your day!

On this day in 2003, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory at 1316 Duval Street opened. Still going strong. Even better today.

My first visit was 5 or 6 years later with a very young Robert and Ally. The first of several visits since.

The Conservatory should be a mandatory place to visit along with the Hemingway House, The Little White House and Mel Fisher’s.

The Kelly McGillis Classic International Flag Football Association annual event began with a parade down Duval last night. Today at 8 am, the games begin. The Championship Game 7 pm sunday. The game will be played at the Wickers Field Sports Complex.

The event will close with a dinner monday at the Half Shell Raw Bar.

Thirty teams from several nations will participate. The ages of players ranging from 9 years to seniors.

Big Ku Klux Klan parade in Key West this day in 1923. The Klaners paraded through Key West with their faces covered of course, in full white robe regalia, with a firey cross heading the procession. They also rode through Key West in 18 automobiles. The parade never stopped nor was a word spoken. The vehicles all the same make and their license plates masked.

Secretive. Intended to put the fear of God in all watching.

Who is responsible for closing the pickle ball courts across from Higgs Beach for the month of February? What “genius reason” was behind the decision?

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. Topic: Louis Says Guns Rights Should Go Before The Supreme Court Again.

Tomorrow night Syracuse/North Carolina State. The game 7 pm at the Dome.

Why didn’t “cruel and inhuman treatment” prohibit the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith in Alabama?

For the first time, nitrogen asphyxia was utilized. A face mask attached five ways was placed over Smith’s face. Nitrogen gas was pumped into it.

It took 22 minutes for Smith to die. Spectators said he “struggled for life” the entire 22 minutes.

Resembles in a fashion the gassing of 6 million Jews in Nazi Germany?

What have we become? Most certainly, more Hitler like every day. By word and deed. Our political leaders adopt Fascist methods more frequently. Always finding some reason to so proceed.

Trump finally testified yesterday in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial. His testimony lasted less than 5 minutes. Nothing of significance said.

Another heart doctor visit this afternoon. I am being fitted for a monitor. Required to wear it for two weeks.

Polish pierogis tonight at Brady’s Irish Pub.  Bar always crowded friday evenings. Excellent conversations. Carola overseeing things.

Enjoy your day!

The lead off article in yesterday’s blog concerned old age. I selectively choose excerpts from an  article posted in Weird Fantastic & Ridiculous Things In The World and shared them. The article unauthored.

I was moved by the article’s contents. Turned out I was not the only one. The reaction to the blog was overwhelming. Comments, calls, etc. moving. So much so, that I feel compelled to share the entire article with you. Including the photo which accompanied the article. The photo of a house in winter with snow falling on it.

Enjoy. Be touched as I was.

The entire article follows.

“THIS IS RIGHT ON THE NOSE. …….READ IT SLOWLY… I DON’T KNOW WHO WROTE IT, BUT I AM GUESSING IT WAS A SENIOR!!! I FIRST STARTED READING THIS AND WAS READING FAST UNTIL I REACHED THE THIRD SENTENCE. I STOPPED AND STARTED OVER READING SLOWER AND THINKING ABOUT EVERY WORD. THIS IS VERY THOUGHT-PROVOKING. MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK.

AND THEN IT IS WINTER You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is… the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise…How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is…my friends are retired and getting grey…they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me…but, I see the great change….Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant…but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore… it’s mandatory! Cause if I don’t on my own free will… I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so…now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last…this I know, that when it’s over on this earth…it’s NOT over. A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done…things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime.

So, if you’re not in your winter yet…let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long!

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life…so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember…and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!

“Life” is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.

LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

REMEMBER:….

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

“LIVE HAPPY IN THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR!

LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

~Your kids are becoming you…….

~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!

~You forget names…. But it’s OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!

~You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything

~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don’t care to do them anymore.

~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It’s called “pre-sleep”.

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an “ON” and “OFF” switch..

~You tend to use more 4 letter words … “what?”…”when?”… “what?” . ???

~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it’s not safe to wear it anywhere.

~You notice everything they sell in stores is “sleeveless”?!!!

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

~Everybody whispers.

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet…. 2 of which you will never wear.

~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

Stay well, “OLD FRIEND!” Send this on to other “Old Friends!” and let them laugh in AGREEMENT!!!

It’s Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.”

 

Thought provoking.

 

Enjoy your day!