NO DUVAL CRAWL FOR ME

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There is a Key West tradition known as the Duval Crawl. You start drinking at one end of Duval, continue to the other end, stopping at as many bars as you can on the way.

I have never done the Duval Crawl. One reason is I could never drink that much. The other is I do not drink beer. Can you imagine me stopping at 10 or more bars and having a gin at each one?

I was invited yesterday afternoon to join two lady friends for a Duval Crawl. It was 2 pm. They were at La Te Da. La Te Da is located at the Atlantic end of Duval. I declined.

I received a call from them this morning. They had a wonderful time! Ended up at the outdoor Cuban restaurant at Mallory Square dancing. Following which they attended the sunset. The sunset is at the Gulf end of Duval. Their Duval Crawl lasted all of 4.5 hours. Not bad. They both felt good. This morning, not even a little hangover between them.

I intended to be up early yesterday morning. Number one on my agenda was grocery shopping. The cupboard was beyond bare.

I did not make it. I got engrossed in the Sunday talk shows and stayed in bed till one in the afternoon.

My first stop early afternoon was the Plantation Coffee House. I enjoy reading newspapers. Sundays are the best time because there is so much of them. I sipped coffee and read for more than an hour.

At that point, it was Publix time.

The worst time to grocery shop is sunday afternoon at Publix. It is the high traffic time. The aisles are crowded with carts and stockers. Most of the cart drivers do not know what they are doing. They would never pass a cart driving test. They go in every direction and park their carts in the worst places. The stockers are a similar pain. Why Publix has them stocking the shelves on a busy sunday afternoon, I do not know.

It was cold yesterday and last night. As anticipated! 65 was the day high. Last night it dipped into the high 50s. Today it will be in the mid 60s at best. Cold for Key West! The natives wear winter jackets. So do the tourists, if they have one with them.

I have learned something in the eight years I have been living alone. When it is cold, you need a body next to you in bed. Not for sex! To keep warm!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

KEY WEST SPORT FIGURES

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Key West has sent forth some prominent sport figures.

One is Boog Powell. One of the ball fields in town bears his name.

Powell played on the 1966 and 1970 Baltimore Orioles World Series championship teams. He was voted MVP in 1970. Powell is known for his first base playing abilities. Later in his career, he was moved to the outfield following which he became a designated hitter.

Boog Powell graduated from the Key West High School. He refers to Key West as his hometown.

Another is David Robinson.

A 6’7″ giant who graduated from Annapolis where he played basketball. Did his stint in the US Navy. Then went on to play his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs professional basketball team.

David Robinson was born in Key West.

Finally, Sergio Sanchez.

Sergio is a Conch. Born and raised in Key West. He pitched for the Key West High School team somewhere back in the 1960s. He was the team’s star pitcher.

In his senior year, Key West and North Miami High School met in the finals of Florida State baseball. The winning team would be State champs.

Sergio pitched for Key West. Steve Carleton for North Miami. Serge and his team won 2-1. Serge recalls the day as the day he beat Steve Carleton.

Serge went on to college and then served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He volunteered for the second tour. He spent his career thereafter as a math teacher in Key West schools. Serge was respected by students and parents alike.

Carleton went on to professional baseball. A successful career. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Staying with sports a bit longer, Syracuse lost to Louisville yesterday. By 5 points. A few weeks back, Syracuse beat Louisville by 2 points.

It was a good game. Syracuse had its weak moments and that is why the team lost. The loss was the third in a row for Syracuse.

Though hope springs eternal, my gut feeling is that this is not nor will it be a Syracuse year.

Such is life.

The game was at noon. I watched it from the comfort of my bed. Afterwards, I began prepping for my Tuesday night blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou.

Last night was big time pleasant. I was out with Dee.

We hit the Chart Room first. Ordered our drinks and opted to leave. Too crowded and too much noise. We walked out drinks over to the Wine Galley. I knew Larry Smith would be playing. The Wine Galley is generally a quiet mellow place.

Larry interrupted his singing to offer his condolences on Syracuse’s loss. He later came over and talked with us. Turns out he and Dee know each other well. Some 20 years. From Larry’s days at La Te Da and hers at Aids Help.

Bill from some where up north was at the Wine Galley. He came over. His son graduated from Syracuse. Bill is a die hard Syracuse fan. We conversed sadly. Commiserated might be the better term.

Dinner was at Hot Tin Roof. Excellent as usual.

Duval was strange last night. Basically deserted. The cold. Around 64 degrees. Tourists were inside the bars and restaurants keeping warm.

Cold outside this morning. Inside, also. Around 62 degrees at the moment. The high today is projected at 66. Long pants time again.

The first thing I am going to do this morning after showering, is go to Publix. The refrigerator is really empty. I could not even enjoy my usual breakfast this morning.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

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My friday morning TV/internet show takes quite a bit of time to put together. Some time is devoted to preparation each day. Then the Wednesday or thursday before, several hours.

I enjoy the research. I enjoy putting the show together. I enjoy doing the show.

However problems arise which can be frustrating.

I was 4 minutes into the show yesterday. All of a sudden Jenna burst into the studio. You’re not on….. something’s wrong, she exclaimed.

I sat and waited. Four minutes later Krystal said everything was ok and start the show anew. Which I did.

It was a good show. Many interesting topics. Especially Berlusconi’s wednesday exploits. He knocked Germany’s Merkel. Publically told the whole world she had a “…fat ass” and would probably be a poor sex partner. He did not state the last part as delicately as I have.

The next thing I learn is that a Naples court has issued bench charges against Berlusconi for allegedly paying a 50,000 euro bribe to a politician from another party.

And you thought American politics was rough!

Anyhow…..I do not know if anyone could understand yesterday’s show. I have been told by some who tried to listen that my voice was coming over in a loud screech. So much for the technical difficulty having been resolved.

I apologize. Hopefully it will not happen again.

Key West weather sucks today. It did last night, also. It will till tuesday. It is cold!!! Sixty two degrees at the moment. Longs pants days. Sweater or a sweat shirt underneath a jacket.

Almost like being up north!

Not really.

After my failed show yesterday, I visited Lisa. It was time for another father/daughter talk. We seem to be having many lately.

Last night the Chart Room and Wine Galley.

Chart Room packed with tourists. To cold to be out on the street. I sat at the end of the bar. First talked with Don from Cleveland, then Peter and Don, then Peter alone, then new friend Lynn, then Lynn and Ollie. In between I exchanged a few words with the lovely Emily.

I was hungry. Walked over to the Wine Galley. Had a light meal and enjoyed Larry Smith’s singing. Larry undoubtedly a Key West talent.

Today, Syracuse basketball once again. For sure. Syracuse and Louisville go at it at noon. I am going to watch the game from the comfort and warmth of my bed.

Enjoy your day!

COLD FRONT HITS KEY WEST

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It started yesterday afternoon. A cold front came in. A damp one. It will be with us through monday. High 60s by day, very low 60s by night.

Get out the long johns!

The Key West Lou Legal Hour this morning. Great TV and internet viewing. Topics like Burlusconi saying Germany’s Merkel had a fat ass, the Oreo and Walmart, Bud Beer allegedly watered down, Exxon winning again in court, the Keystone Pipe Line, use and abuse of 911, a lawyer locked in jail, and more.

The show is at 10 this morning my time. It can be viewed on TV on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19 from Key West through Miami-Dade County. It is also available world wide on the internet. www.tvchannel19.com.

My yesterday began with a visit to Lori for a haircut. She trimmed my beard a bit, also. All five chairs in her beauty parlor were filled. Another sign Key West is experiencing a very good season.

Then to the dentist. For only a five minute adjustment. Or so I thought. I spent 1.5 hours in the chair. No pain. All mechanical. I have another appointment scheduled for tuesday. When will it end?

The diet ended a month ago. However, I have been watching what I eat. As a result, I have lost an additional  4-5 pounds. The effort has been to avoid fats. Blew it yesterday at lunch time!

I have been dying for a Cuban cheese toast with tomato. All that delicious melted butter. Cuban bread made from pork lard. What a marriage of ingredients!

I did it! Magnificent! It had been four months since my last one. If I am to maintain my present body shape, it will have to be four months before I have another.

Bocce last night. Turned into a weather disaster. The cold front moved in dramatically just as we were to start playing. It rained. Lightly, then heavy. You could see the water starting to pool on the clay courts.

The rain was cold. The dampness ate through to the bone. About 15 of us were huddled under a tree with room for five before the games were called.

Everyone went to Don’s Place. Where else? It is like a private club.

I was hungry. Did not eat prior to leaving for bocce. Decided on Hogfish. The rain had stopped.

Hogfish packed also. Another sign the season is upon us.

I grapped a newspaper and sat at the corner of the bar. The lobster bisque is the best. I ordered a bowl to warm up. It was lobster night for me. I followed the bisque up with a lobster roll.

I knew no one. I spoke with no one. I was content with the newspaper.

Again, please watch my show this morning. You will be entertained!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

 

OUTBACK RIP OFF

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I generally eat at Outback once a week. I have always considered Outback good food at a good price. Last night I discovered the food is still good. However, the price is not. Outback has raised  prices regarding certain items. Perhaps deviously.

I generally order a prime rib. The middle priced cut. Like $16.95. Two vegetables or sides came with it at no additional charge. I always ordered steamed vegetables and a baked potato.

Last night, the steamed veggies and potato cost me an extra $7.95. An $8 increase basically. I was required to order them seperately. What previously had cost $16.95 was now $25. A thirty per cent jump in one shot.

Outback had a new menu. Items had been moved around. I discovered the change/increase before ordering. Was I to beat on the young waitress? I ordered and paid. However Outback has lost me as a regular customer.

Previous to Outback, I had been at Don’s Place and the Chart Room.

The remnants of Wednesday golf were still at Don’s. Don, Tom and Boomer. Hershel, also. We chatted. Bocce primarily. Bocce season is upon us once more. We play tonight. It will be my first time in the new season. I missed last week because of the grandkids and Wizard of Oz.

The Chart Room walls were splitting. So many people! No question. It is the height of the season.

I talked with Peter and Emily.

I spent the afternoon writing next week’s KONK Life column. The Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Written from my perspective. Suggesting the whys involved. My premise was to the effect that the Catholic Church is presently facing its own hell.

Sequester/sequestration is all over the news. When does it actually go into effect? Today at midnight? Tomorrow at midnight?

Neither.

I researched the question. Turns out the answer is two pronged. It involves the President signing and a fixed time for his signature.

Sequestration goes into effect when the President signs a document so stating. The President is required by law to sign the document no later than 11:59 friday evening.

Interesting.

The Republican and Democratic leaders are meeting with the President tomorrow during the day. Last minute again. Even if they agree to something, I assume it will have to be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate. Can’t be done prior to 11:59 friday night. Most of them are not in Washington. They are home. Our legislators only work three days a week. Tuesday through thursday.

A contemporary died yesterday. Van Cliburn. He was 78. I am 77.

No one had heard of Van Cliburn till he won the 1958 Moscow Competition for concert pianists. He was 23 at the time. A big deal winning. The U.S. and Russia were at each other’s throats. It was surprising an American won.

Van Cliburn received a ticker tape parade up Broadway when he returned home to the United States. Though his modus operandi was conservative piano playing, he acquired rock star status world wide.

I sometimes think I am losing it mentally. In yesterday’s blog, I said Syracuse was playing Connecticut last night. Syracuse did not play Connecticut. They did not play anyone. There was no game scheduled.

Tomorrow the Key West Lou Legal Hour. My TV/internet show. Ten in the morning my time. Join me. As usual, it will be terrific. Such modesty! But it is good!

Another crazy week. I shall be hitting on sequestration and the Pope, of course. Plus the hot air balloon accident in Egypt, Michelle Obama, the results of the Italian election, the Walmart employee who ate one bag of Oreos and has been charged with a felony, E. Howard Hunt’s death bed confession, the claim Budweiser being watered down, and more.

Please join me.

The show is available on television from Key West north through Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. Also on the internet world wide. www.tvchannel19.com.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

BEER WATERED DOWN

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It is all over TV and the internet this morning! It is the news of the day. Even pushed sequestration aside.

The report is that several lawsuits have been filed recently against Anheuser-Busch alleging the Company has been watering down certain of its beers since 2008. In other words, what was in the bottle was not as potent as the alcohol content on the label.

The news definitely will be of interest to Key Westers. My sense has always been that Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser was the beer of choice in Key West. Budweiser is one of the brands it is claimed was watered down.

The topic of choice today on the golf course, at Don’s place and the Chart Room, will be the claim Bud is watered down.

It was blog talk radio time last night. The Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou show.

The numbers post show indicate a definite increase in listeners. Still the call ins are not there. I had only one last night.There is an old song that has a line…..all alone by the telephone. Please, do not make me an old maid!

I had planned on writing a bit this morning re Key West weather. It has been absolutely perfect the past few days. Hovering around 85 degrees. Even hit 87 two days ago.

Not this morning. Raining a steady drizzle and damp. It is rare for Key West to feel damp, rain or no rain.

Strange weather this year.

I spent yesterday afternoon researching. I got tired after a while. Went outside and laid on a lounge for about an hour. I have not been getting enough sun lately. I am beginning to look pale. Like tourists their first day in Key West.

Syracuse basketball again tonight. We play Connecticut. Connecticut beat us two weeks ago. They should not have. But did. I suspect Syracuse will win tonight. The team has to make up for that defeat and the beating Georgetown gave them over the weekend.

We shall see. I will be at John Lukas’ Big Ten Sports Bar watching the game.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

TALK WITH LOUIS TONIGHT

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Tuesday again! The week moves swiftly. Tonight is my Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou show. Blog talk radio. Listen or call in on the internet. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Everything discussed. Some of the topics tonight may involve sequestration, what the Italian election results mean, Syracuse basketball, Pope Benedict’s resignation, austerity v. stimulus, and Time Magazine’s recent article regarding outrageous medical bills.

You can call in to chat with me. Disagree or whatever. If you know before hand that you will be calling in, I suggest you do it 10 minutes before. Calls are taken in the order received. If you decide to call in while the show is on, do so. There may not be anyone in line waiting.

The show is a mere half hour. Interesting and exciting. Insightful. You will enjoy!

If you have not read last week’s Time magazine article on why medical costs are killing us, do so. You will be doing yourself a favor. It is an eye opener. Steven Brill wrote it. The article is available free on the internet.

A thought occurs to me. If hospital and doctor bills are so far out of line, why do the insurance companies pay them? A thought inspiring question!

This morning’s news tell us a hot air balloon blew up over Egypt. Twenty one passengers on board. Eighteen killed.

Three years ago while in Arizona, I took an air balloon ride. First time. Looked interesting.

There were 19 of us on board. What appears to be a small bucket under the balloon, is really large. Compared to the ballon, it is small.

Hot air balloons have captains that operate them. The process involves fire and gases. Wind actually is a minor component. I asked the captain if the balloons ever blew up. He said, “No way!”

The Italian election results are in. No clear winner. There will probably be another election in a couple of weeks.

The decided loser was present Prime Minister Monti. His party received less than 10 per cent of the vote. So much for austerity as far as the people were concerned.

Berlusconi and Bersani’s parties ran closely together. It is doubted a coalition government can be formed.

The why  I am sharing this information with you. Fifty seven per cent of the Italian people voted in effect against austerity. Their cry could be labeled as stimulus over austerity in order to recover economically.

The election results will have an immediate heavy impact. The euro is in trouble.  European banking as a whole is in trouble. It is doubtful Germany will be paid back any monies in the immediate future.

My day yesterday started with the dentist. Again. I have another appointment thursday.

I visited with Lisa afterwards.

In the afternoon, I wrote two short stories. The Bakery and Grandpa Asserts Himself. Both will be in the book of short stories I hope to publish at some point this year.

The Chart Room in the evening. David and I had some interesting discussions. Especially regarding the Academy Awards. We disagreed on who looked good and who terrible.

Mary was bartending. She joined in the talks on occasion.

I wanted to do more after I left the Chart Room. I walked over to Sloppy Joe’s. Sloppy’s is not one of my favorite places. I rarely go there. Too crowded and too noisy for me.

I had a drink at the bar. The place was packed with tourists. It is the music that bothers me. I guess  have gotten old. I left after one drink.

A reminder again. My blog talk radio show this evening at 9. Please join me, if you can.

Enjoy your day!

 

FRANKIE BENEFIT A SUCCESS

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Key West is full of surprises!

Frankie the Plumber had heavy duty heart surgery in November. The bills were overwhelming. A fund raiser was thrown for him yesterday at Don’s Place.

A success! I do not know the final dollars. However more than 1,000 people attended. Don’s parking lot was full of colorful tents. It was like a street feast. Food and drink galore. Music.

Frankie looked good. A bit on the thin side. Says he will return to bocce next thursday. He is one of my bocce partners. His wife Sandy was her usual beautiful sedate self. A woman of class.

Jill is to be credited with the success of the event. Jill is Don’s outside bartender. She is also the hoola hoop queen I talk about on occasion. Jill recently started a band. It has a strange name. 40 Ft. Sharpie. I doubt anyone could forget such a name.

The band was there and played. Sounded good. I see success in the offing.

Jill was running around coordinating everything. Wearing a dress. First time I had seen her in a dress. Lovely.

Larry Smith was there. Larry is a Key West character and icon. He is on his annual Lenten diet. No alcohol and no food for 40 days. Tough. He lives on some liquid concoction. Larry does not necessarily do it to lose weight. He says it is to clean himself out.

Larry and Christine told us about the rooster fight the day before. There were two roosters fighting on their front porch. One was killed. Larry wanted Christine to pick it up, clean it  and cook it. I sometimes think the lack of food is affecting Larry’s brain. No way was Christine going to touch the dead rooster or eat it.

Larry telephoned his mother up north. How do I cook it, Mom? Pick it up by the legs she tells him and hold it in a pot of boiling water. Then remove the feathers and so on.

Larry figures Don might know so he telephoned Don. Don says are you crazy? The chicken is fill of germs inside and out.

The chicken ended up where it belonged. In Larry’s trash can.

I stopped at the Old Island Days Art Festival on the way home. The festival is held every year at this time on Whitehead in front of Truman Annex. It has grown over the years. Now it runs into Truman Annex, also.

I enjoy a quick walk taking in the booths of art work, jewelry, clothing, etc. All consistent with island living and folklore.

The Little White House is located on the grounds of Truman Annex. Harry Truman vacationed there many times while President. Every year at the Festival I have seen Harry Truman walking along Whitehead viewing the booths and nodding his head in a hello to the spectators.

The guy looks like Harry Truman! For real! Dressed as the Presidnet had. Including straw hat and cane. I missed him yesterday. I was disappointed.

The Academy Awards last night. Enjoyed the show from the comfort of my bed. I thought it was one of the best produced Academy Award shows ever. Pure pleasure and nostalgia.

Tomorrow is Tuesday. Tuesday is Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My blog talk radio show. Nine in the evening. A half hour of current events discussion. Call in and chat with me. We will probably cover sequestration, the idiots in Washington, Syracuse basketball, the Vatican, and whatever else might tickle your fancy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I have to run. Another dentist visit.

Enjoy your day!

 

DEPRESSION ABOUNDS

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My heart cannot take much more of Syracuse basketball this season! It is constantly in my throat.

It is a game by game situation. One good game followed by three bad ones. Not good for my health!

Yesterday blew me out. Syracuse played long time foe Georgetown. I expected a close game. The Vegas line had us up by 7. Syracuse lost by 11.

What bothers me is why we lost. I read a couple of reports on the game this morning. No one is calling a spade a spade. Syracuse lost because it could not play against Georgetown’s zone defense. Plain and simple. Syracuse could not get a decent shot off from any where.

Boeheim says the team did not shoot well and that is the reason for the loss. With all due respect, it goes a step further. We could not penetrate effectively against Georgetown’s zone defense. That is why Syracuse did not shoot well.

Coach Louis suggests Syracuse practice big time over the next few days as to how to play against a zone defense. I see a lot of teams utilizing the zone defense against Syracuse in future games.

Son in law Corey has been affiliated with the Mel Fisher Museum for about a quarter of a century. He is the Museum’s Chief Archaeologist.

Corey has come up with a brilliant idea to educate people as to the wonders of underwater ship discovery and subsequent restoration. Mel Fisher will be scheduling evening get togethers to explain how a ship wreck is discovered and the ship and its contents restored. An interesting process. I have already been exposed to it.

The cost for an evening of fun and marvel is $20 per person. Do it alone, with your better half or with a group of friends. Telephone 305-294-633, extension 22, for reservations.

Big day today!

Frankie the Plumber had massive heart surgery recently. He is still mending. A fundraiser to help with the medical costs is being held this afternoon from 1-6 at Don’s Place. Everyone come! Frankie is the best of the best.

Then tonight the Academy Awards. I love watching the award show every year. Will be doing so this evening from the comfort of my bed.

Italy’s national election starts today. It is already underway. A two day event. Will end tomorrow evening. I am curious to see the direction the Italian people take.

Sloan and I worked together yesterday morning. She is educating me step by step. I am getting pretty familiar with my tablet. Published my first photo on Facebook. A big deal for me!

The Chart Room first last night. Peter and JJ there. Peter and I had a good discussion concerning Block island. He sailed into Block many times. I did a couple of times and also rented homes a few summers. A great place for a summer vacation!

Tourists included a Delaware couple and a group from Cleveland. All were repeat visitors to Key West. Having a terrific time!

JJ was surprised I was doing a TV show. He happened upon it friday morning. He had to run so he taped it for future viewing. Another viewer! That makes 3. No, I am joking. Fortunately, many are enjoying the show. From 35 different countries roughly.

There was no room at Outback. I walked over to the Chinese restaurant for dinner. I should not have. Ate too much. Enjoyed every morsel, however. I will have an extra 2 pounds of water bloat for a couple of days.

A very old friend and I crossed paths again. Dee. I met Dee for the first time 25 years ago.  The last time I saw her was 10 years ago. We ran into each other friday evening.

I mentioned to Dee her face, eyes and neck looked strange. Bloated. I wanted to be delicate. Our first meeting in 10 years. She could have gotten fat. I doubted that was the cause, however.

Her eyes were puffy slits. I asked if she was taking steroids or had a thyroid problem. No.

Whatever, I roused Dee’s concern. She went to the emergency room yesterday afternoon at 2 and was released at 10 in the evening. She was on intravenous and got two shots in the butt during that time.

Dee has a cat. Her cat would not come out from under the bed. Dee reached in for the cat. The cat scratched her arm several times. Whatever cat infection can occur, Dee got. Supposedly very dangerous. Gets in one’s glands also. Can be fatal.

I told Dee she owes me. I saved her life.

Enjoy your sunday!

 

 

BOCCE SEASON BEGINS

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Nothing is more important than bocce! Except the grandkids.

The new bocce season began thursday night. I missed it. I was at the Key West High School watching Robert and Ally perform in the Wizard of Oz.

My team did well without me. They won all three games! Hopefully the start of a terrific season for us.

My TV/internet show was yesterday morning. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. It is supposedly being You Tubed. I am not certain if yesterday’s show was. It has been sort of hit and miss. I am trying to have the situation corrected.

My discussion of Time Magazine’s brilliant article on why medical bills are killing us was the most popular. Without peer. Steven Brill’s article is an eye opener. All 18 pages are available free on the internet. I suggest you read it.

The cupboard was bare. It was Publix time. I forgot to buy a lottery ticket.

I wrote next week’s column for KONK Life. Titled it A Little Bit Of Everything. I quick hit on several topics venting my feelings about the issues. Things like the Key West $17 million lottery winner, Key West being one of four cities nationally where women earn more than men, China and cybertheft, sequestration, and Berlusconi and sunday’s election.

A pleasant evening last night.

There was supposed to be a showing of Jack Baron’s works at the Joy Gallery on Duval. I walked up and down the street. Could not find Joy Gallery. The phone book said 1100 block of Duval. Not there. I will telephone today to find out where it is. I suspect the gallery has moved.

I have 15 Jack Baron pieces. Jack has been dead 6 years now. I am curious what the market is for his work.

The Chart Room was next. A good group of friends. Emily, David, Peter, and Sheila. Shared a couple of drinks and decided I was hungry.

Walked across the street to the Hot Tin Roof. Wow! All the people! Even in the bar area. Fortunately, I was able to grab a table in the corner.

Big time basketball this afternoon. Syracuse and Georgetown. At 4. At Syracuse.

The Syracuse/Georgetown rivalry is well known. Many hard fought games over the years. No more league play after this season, however. Syracuse is leaving the Big East.

The teams have played each other in Big East ball for 33 years. Today is the next to last game. Two weeks from now Syracuse and Georgetown will meet once more at Georgetown.

The end of an era.

Today’s game will be typical. Hard fought. Down to the last minute. Syracuse is ranked #8 nationally, Georgetown #11. That says it all.

In recognition of the admiration Syracuse fans have for the rivalry, it was announced earlier this week that the game at the Carrier Dome was sold out. 35,012 people expected. The most ever for a home Syracuse basketball game.

Son in law Corey has a big deal starting up at Mel Fisher’s. It is for the benefit of those interested in slave ships, merchant ships, discovery of both beneath the surface, and how the treasure discovered is restored.

I will share more with you in tomorrow’s blog.

Enjoy your day!