Never made it to the golf course yesterday. I was running late. Had to push myself to make it on time. I am not pushing myself lately. Because of the blood pressure problem. It is still not under control.

A bit of caution now will insure that I am around to play another day. Many more days!

Did exercise, however. In due course, I made my way to Smathers Beach. Walked down and back. Hot/humid. Very few people. The view outstanding.

Spent a good portion of the day at home working on tomorrow’s internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. 10 am my time. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/.

Join me for what will be another interesting and thought provoking show.

Topics include a French woman who received a judgment for $14,000 from her sexless husband, an Indonesian tale about seven dogs who ate their owner (disgusting but true), the Goodwin Liu story, a retested porn performer who came up with a negative HIV, a 9/11 comment, a walk back in history to Abraham Lincoln, a California proposed babysitter law that does not make sense, a small town in Italy talking secession and printing its own currency, California and circumsicion, the jury result in the Californuia penis amputation case, condom use by broadcasters during Irene, who hurt the manatees most, and more.

Tune in. You will not be disappointed! I assure you!

I enrtertained last night. Threw a dinner party. At the Yacht Club.

I arrived early. Wanted to be there to greet my guests as they arrived. Who do I see as I enter? My Sheila from the Chart Room. A hug and a kiss. A brief conversation. She was someone else’s guest for dinner.

Sheila is still recovering from her bicycle accident. Walking with a cane. Getting there. Hopes to return to work on the 17th.

The dinner party was terrific. Great guests. Don and Stephanie, Rob and BeBe, Herschel and Erika, David and Kurt. David and Kurt were not a couple. David’s Karen could not make it. Kurt travels alone as I do.

Have to be careful with these things in Key West.

Good food and drinks. Everyone happy. A lot of laughs. A good evening in every respect.

Afterwards, I hurried home. Wanted to catch the post Republican debate comments. Watched them. Realized I missed nothing. Fell asleep.

Bocce tonight. It was part of our conversation last night at the dinner party. The subject consumes us.

We have several new players on our team. Actually, we have too many players. Not everyone will be able to play every week. One of the new players is Frankie the plumber. Frankie is not new to bocce. Only our team. He is a star star from the tough Monday night league.

A coup that we have Frankie on the team!

Obviously, Frankie has to start. There is no question, he will be our best player. No competition for the honor!

Normally, I play the first game. Don told me tuesday I was being moved to the second or third game to make way for Frankie. No problem from my perspective. Besides fun, the name of the game is to win! I accepted my down grading like the good trooper I am. All for the team!

Last night Don and David told me I am playing the frst game with Frankie as my partner. I could not understand the reasoning as to why. But happy I am!

Enjoy your day!

I was a good boy yesterday. I walked. In the morning. Smathers Beach.

A good brisk walk. Sun burning down. Humidity a killer. Saw all of three other people during my walk. The smart ones had walked earlier when it was cool or not at all. A strong wind was blowing in off the Artlantic. 20-30 miles an hour. Carrying sand with it. The sand was biting. My trip takes me down and back. The return trip was difficult. I was walking into the wind. I had to push.

Stopped at Lisa’s afterwards. Love her!

Harpoon Harry’s for lunch. All of five  customers during the lunch hour. September is the slowest business month of the year in Key West. One reason is that it is the warmest.

Saw Michelle as I walked towards Harpoon Harry’s. We waived to each other. Michelle is a long time friend. We are also on the same bocce team. She now works for Cuban Queen as a delivery person. Michelle and her moped!

Worked on friday’s internet show.

I am going to take a walk back in history to Abraham Lincoln. His “…a house divided cannot stand” quote. We are a house divided today. And an insulting group at that. From both sides of the aisle. Some Republicans have already stated they will not be attending the President’s address thursday night to Congress. Whether you agree is unimportant. Obama is our President. An address to Congress important. Respect and duty compels everyone’s presence.

There is an excellent Lincoln book I read a couple of years ago. I commented on it in this blog at the time. It is a Lioncoln biography entitled On Becomingv Abraham Lincoln. Written by John T. Morse, Jr. in 1893.

Morse was born in 1840 and lived to 97. He died in 1937. The significance of the book is that it was written by someone who was alive and an adult during Lincoln’s Presidency. Sort of a first hand knowledge thing. Plus, the book is critical on occasion of Lincoln. Just as political books written today of today’s political figures might be. The new Cheney book being an example.

A terrific book. I recommend that you read it.

The Chart Room first last night. JJ bartending. Met Judy. It is amazing. Everytime I think I know everyone in Key West, I meet someone who has been here quite a while also. Who I have never met before. Judy has lived in Key West 13 years.

I had dinner at the bar at Hot Tin Roof. Very few customers. Just as it was at lunch. Again, it it that time of year.

John and I talked college football. We were both pleased our respective teams won this past weekend. Wisconsin killed who ever they played. Wisconsin was pre season ranked #10. John is hopeful the team will be a repeat of last year’s.

Yesterday, I reported that I had a do nothing day the day before. Several have commented it is good to experience such a day every now and then. Several however were critical that I would waste a day in that fashion.

I enjoy wasting a day every now and then. They are my days to waste. Whether in bed or up and about the house.

The recent wasted day had me up and about. It was a good Key West day from my perspective. Such a day for me means sitting outside in the sun by the pool, floating around in the pool with a noodle under my arms, and writing under the shade of the tiki hut. It also means wandering into my air conditioned home and taking a nap on cool bed sheets.

Not a bad day!

Sopmeone wrote this morning and asked about the weather. She said the September report showed rain and showers. She is due to visit Key West beginning September 16. She wanted to know if she should still come.

Of course.

It rains every day in September. It is part of our rainy season. Most days it rains 1-3 times. For 5-10 minutes. Then the sun comes out again. Or the rain may skip a day and pour during the night. Either way it is not an encumbrance to enjoying Key West.

So, come on  down!

Golf this morning. I look forward to it.

It may rain while we are playing. Probably will. Once or twice. We play right through the rain, unless it pours. Then we huddle under a tree. The rain passes quickly. One or two holes later, we are all dry from the sun and sweating from the humidity which follows a rain storm this time of year in Key West.

Enjoy your day!

I had a wonderful day yesterday!

I did nothing!

Hung around the house all day. Except for an afternoon visit to swim by Lisa and the family, I was alone. Generally with my thoughts. Little internet and TV.

Debbie Renfroe is a Facebook friend. Her message today is interesting. It perhaps explains why my generation was a bit screwed up and the one following very screwed up.

Her words…..As a child, I saw Tarzan almost naked, Cinderella arrived home after midnight, Pinocchio told lies, Aladdin was a thief, Batman drove over 200 mph, Snow White lived in a house with 7 men, Popeye smoked a pipe and had tattos, Pac Man ran around to digital music while eating pills that enhanced his performance, and Shaggy and Scooby were mystery solving hippies that always had the munchies.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Labor Day!

Do you know how Labor Day became a national holiday? To recognize the labor movement obviously. To give the otherwise proud workmen another reason to be proud. Back in the days when it was first established, of course.

The United States was born of strife and death. The Revolutionary War. Fighting and death big time. The Civil War is another example of strife and death.

The first national/federal holiday to be known as Labor Day did not occur in the United States. It happened in Toronto in 1872. Labor Day did not become a federally recognized national holiday in the United States till 1894.

There had been the Pullman strike in 1894. It was horrendous. Strife and death again. The U.S. Army and U.S. Marshalls were called in to put the striking workers down. Not nice when your own government beats its citizens up to quell a huge protest. President Grover Clevelansd was fearful that unless some significant olive branch was offered to the workers, that another and worse strike would occur. He did not want to use American power to put down American citizens a second time.

Cleveland decided to establish a national day of recognition for working people. It was to be called Labor Day.

Cleveland presented his Labor Day bill to Congress. Within six days, both houses of Congress passed it and Cleveland signed the bill into law. Six days! Would never happen in the Washington atmosphere of today! Even if the President and two houses of Congress were of the same party!

That is how Labor Day came to be.

I started my yesterday with Tammy. A relaxing pedicure and manicure. It is amazing the business Tammy and her husband do on a Sunday. Good for them!

Stopped at Lisa’s afterwards. Corey’s parents visiting. The big announcement was that Robert and Ally could ride a two wheel bike without training wheels!

We went outside. I wanted to see. Robert had it down to a science! Turn, stand, he did it all. Ally can do it, but is still a bit timid. She wants to know someone is holding the back of the seat so she will not fall. If you take your hand away, she does not fall. Not until she becomes aware no one is holding her.

I spent the balance of the day till dinner time at home writing.

It was the Yacht Club for dinner. Lisa and family and the visiting grandparents. Every one dressed a bit. Ally and Lisa in new dresses.

It was Italian Night. I have never known the Yacht Club to have one. As an Italo-American, I was concerned.

Served buffet style, it was overall good. The lasagna, especially.

We all ate big time. Robert and Ally devoured their meals. It was past their dinner time and they were hungry. We even had dessert. The We consisting of Robert, Ally, Corey and me. Two key lime pies and 2 chocolate sundays. Wowie!

It was still early when dinner was concluded, so I headed over to Don’s Place. Packed. Unusual for a non football Sunday evening. A fantasy football thing was going on in the back outside. A large group there. Both bars crowded.

I chatted with several people. Spent some time sitting next to Joanie and talking with her. I likeJ oanie. She is good people.

I want to pay Lori a compliment. She was a knockout last night! Hair and eyes done, cheeks glowing.

Of course bocce controlled the conversations. Someone showed me that the Sunday paper indicated our team was in first place. We were 3-0. No other team was undefeated. It is very early in the season.

I would like to think we could stay in first place. I doubt it. Our goal overall is to make the playoffs again. That means we have to be in the top four. And then win a game or two in the playoffs!

I had one drink at Don’s and came home. It was about eight. I immediately went to bed and slept till 5 this morning. A good night’s sleep.

This is going to be a I don’t know day for me. Nothing scheduled.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday was a quiet one. Of necessity. I was recovering from the night before!

I had a haircut appoinment with Lori in the morning. When I arrived, she had a lovely in her chair. My Lisa!

It was Lori’s first day back to work from a two week vacation. She and her boy friend visited their parents in Maine and New York. New York was actually Long Island. They were there for Irene.

Lori has lived in Key West for many years. She and the boy friend have experienced a few hurricanes in that time. Including some big ones like Georges and Wilma.

The house guests turned out to be a big help. They assisted the family in preparing for Irene. Food, water, candles, battery operated lights, a battery operated radio and so forth. The prep included filling the bathtub with water to flush the toilets.

Good guests!

Lori said other than a power failure and some flooding, Irene was no big deal where she was staying.

I spent the next several hours researching. Then decided to grocery shop. Publix, of course.

The store was more crowded than normal for a Saturday afternoon. Must have been the holiday weekend. I only needed a few things. I wandered around. Took my time. I had no plans for the rest of the day.

There was a striking woman near the meats that I thought I knew. We glanced at each other. Neither of us spoke. Later, I noticed her again.  Then at the check out counter, she was behind me. She said, you’re Louis Petrone. Yes, I replied. I am Barbara Grant. I know you from Don’s Place…..You have not seen me there in a while…..I only go during the football season on Sundays.

I apologized for not remebering her. Told her she looked familiar when first we saw each other. As I was leaving the store, I recalled the Sundays and her at Don’s Place. And a pool party at Don’s home a couple of years ago when she and I chatted while floating around in the pool.

Spent the evening watching old William Holden movies on the Classic Movies Channel. He was one terrific actor.

I had the good fortune to meet Holden and know him a bit. In the mid 1970s, I started going to La Costa near San Diego. It was a health spa. Popularly known as a fat farm. You payed $3,500 a week to eat 800 calories a day and work out from 9-5.

Holden was at La Costa doing the spa thing several times when I was there. We got to be La Costa buddies.

Two things have always stood out in my mind from the La Costa experience with him. Holden was a very humble man. He was a surprisingly short man, also.

You would never know he was an international movie star or anyone of importance. His humility was a constant.

As we got to know each other better, I brought his height up. He looked like a tall man in pictures. He was about 5 foot 6 inches. However, at no time did any of his leading ladies tower over him. He laughed. Holden said that for many love scenes with various actresses, he had to stand on empty Coca Cola cases when he kissed them.

Holden passed on in 1981. He fell in his apartmenmt and hit his head. Bled quite a bit. Apparently could not move or call for help. His body was not found for four days. It was reported that he might have been drinking when he fell.

Drinking was the reason Holden visited La Costa. He was aware of his drinking problem. His trips to La Costa were to dry out.

I have a late morning appointment with Tammy. Manicure and pedicure!

Tonight, I am taking Lisa and the family, plus Corey’s parents who are visiting, to the Yacht Club for dinner. This Sunday’s buffet is special. It is Italian night.

Enjoy the Sunday portion of your Labor day weekend!

Wow am I late! It is noon already!

Sorry!

I went out last night. Had a terrific time. Stayed out late. Slept late this morning. Had a hair appointment when I got up.

But…..I am finally here. My apologies again.

I must share this with you. I have received about a dozen emails and a dozen telephone calls this morning. Where are you? Where is the blog? Are you ok? Is something wrong? Thank you for your concern.

Big day yesterday. Even before the night.

I did my internet show The Key West Lou Legal Hour in the morning. Great show! Again, it is not me. It is the material.

Two topics proved to be especially interesting to viewers based on post show comments. The first was Harry Truman. I took a walk back in history and his train/financial problems in the 1948 Presidential race. The second were my comments about Glenn Beck and Michele Bachmann and their purported close relationship with God. Apparently He communicates with them on occasion.

At noon, I was at Salute’s with my friday luncheon group. Ten guys from various walks in life. All successful in their own way.

The conversation moved. We covered a multitude of local issues. Nothing national. The group has  certain rules. One is that at least one sports item must be discussed. No problem yesterday. These guys are all graduates of Florida schools. The football season is upon us. So it was college football and the Miami Dolphins.

I kept quiet. What do I know about Miami, Florida, etc. I did not even mention Syracuse’s overtime victory against Wake Forest the night before. It would have been…..who is Syracuse?

I had nothing to do last night. No plans. I almost stayed home. A good thing I did not. I had a terrific time and that is why this blog is late!

I started at the Chart Room.

Just Emily and a customer. The customer and I started talking. His name is Mike. He is from Toronto. He is involved with pharmaceutical marketing in Canada. Married. Two children.

This is his second trip to Key West. Came August the last time, also. Stays at the Eden House.

We had a lengthy conversation on politics in our two countries and the medical system in both. Canada has free medicine. Taxes are higher. But the medical care is top notch and costs Canadians nothing. I was concerned about how long a Canadian has to wait to be admited to a hospital. He said his experience was right away. No waiting. He was in the hospital on two separate occasions for his heart and two separate occasions for a cancer problem.

Suddenly, a swarm of people arrived in the Chart Room. Happy and talkative. They had been partying some where before and were feeling good. It was Sheila, Sheila’s friend Diane, Sean and Katherine and Captain Peter.

I love these people! We all talked. And more importantly, laughed.

Captain Peter and Mike chatted. Turned out both were born in England.

First time I met Sheila’s friend Diane. A nice person. She is from Champagne, Illinois. More importantly, she was born in Kankakee, Illinois. Home of the illustrious Cheryl and Roger. She works as a secretary for some non profit at the University of Illinois.

Diane is also an artist. While we were talking, she was penning a sketch on the back of a bar coaster. When she finished, she gave it to me. It is sitting in front of me at the moment. The scene is an outdoor bar, stools, a palm tree and the sun. All on a little square coaster!

Diane is also a Jimmy Buffet and Howard Livingston fan. She returns to Key West for Buffet’s Swizzle Party in November. Swizzle party?

I spent about three hours at the Chart Room. I left when I received a telephone call from Don. He was at his bar and asked me to stop in  my way home. I did. That stop was good for another couple of hours. And a few more drinks. My blood pressure was down the previous two days and, for want of a better excuse, I was testing it by drinking.

It was Don, Herschel, Erika and me. One topic only. Bocce and our team. It consumes every one involved during bocce season. I do not know what our serious conversation accomplished. We beat every one up, analyzed various players, moved partners around, etc.

Then home. It was late! I do not recall the time.

Slept late this morning. Slept good. When I was dressing, I could not find my money and credit cards. They were on the front passanger seat of the car. Strewn all over the seat. I don’t know why. Barbara telephoned me last night. And again this morning. I do not recall talking to her last night.

Apparently a bad boy was I!

I plan on staying in this evening.

Enjoy your day!

Dark outside. Had to rise early. My internet show this morning at 10. Join me. Viewed world wide.The Key West Lou Legal Hour. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/.

Besides the topics I have shared with you previously this week, I am going to hit upon the Democratic/Republican disunion, the beloved Harry Truman, and the origins of Labor Day.

It will be a stimulating show. I promise you!

The big news this morning is Syracuse’s win over Wake Forest last night. In overtime, 36-29. A bit of a sloppy game on Syracuse’s part, but a win is a win. Mighty Casey did not strike out!

Started yesterday with Dr. Lefferts, my internist. Thought it was going to be a quick visit. She is checking on my blood pressure, also. Turned out to be a long visit.

Dr. Lefferts is the finest diagnostician I have been subjected to. Absolutely the best! She has never been wrong with me. And, on at least two occasions, came up with maladies affecting me when I felt good. Both could have been life threatening if not discovered and treated.

Then to Lisa’s for a cup of coffee and a father/daughter chat. Except it was not father/daughter material. Lisa is a computer guru. Social media is her forte and business.

Facebook came out with some new things the other day. I punched a wrong key. I was not sure this blog was getting out effectively via Facebook anymore. Lisa correctred whatever harm I did and showed her Dad the correct way to proceed.

She made it appear so simple.

Last night was a disappointment. No bocce. I received a telephone call at 4 from Don. The bocce courts were flooded. How, I asked. He said from the rain. What rain? Don said it had rained heavy off and on all afternoon. It never rained in Key Haven where I live.

So our major match against Larry Smith’s team will have to be rescheduled.

It is not uncommon here in the keys for it to rain on one key and not another close by. Key West and Key Haven are only three islands apart. The space between about 2.5 miles. It amazes me.

Again, watch my intenrnet show if you can.

I feel a Porky Pig moment….That’s all folks!

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday morning golf!

A terrific time!

I played with the big guys. Don, Kurt, Larry and Nate. All shot in the 80s.

Louis shot 110.

However…..because of all the various side games played, Kurt and I won. Amazing! We each won $5.
Turned out not to be a financial bargain however. The winner(s) buy the drinks. I was in a generous mood. Told Kurt I would pick up the tab. $35!

Some days it does not pay to win!

I would be remiss if I failed to gloat over my play on 18. Good play by me is rare. 18 is a long par 5. Water on the left and woods on the right all the way down. The entrance to the green closes dramatically. Plus, sand traps to the right.

Normally I end up in the water near the green.

I was 160 yards out. I hit the finest golf shot of my life. High and straight. Landed 20 feet short of an uphill green. It was a Wow! shot. Got me applause from the  big guys. I then putted from the fairway up to the green and pin. To the hole was 30 feet. I hit the pin and bounced off to about a foot from the hole.

An excellent finish! Maybe that is why I was so generous in offering to buy the drinks.

It was Don’s Place last night. The conversation? What else. Bocce.

Tonight, we play. Second game of the new season. We won all three games last week. We still are on a high.

We play Larry Smith’s team. A blood match. Larry’s team ended up 2nd in league standings last season. We were close behind in 3rd. Additionally, four of the teams have a league within the league. We play each other for a big free party at the end of the season. Larry’s team and ours are part of that four way group. So tonight is a money game! The losing team contributes $150 towards the party. The winning team nothing.

I chatted bocce with Don, Jimmy, Boomer and Joanie. The lovely PD was sitting nearby.

Don introduced me to Yulena. A wow! As attractive as my shot on 18. She sat next to me.

It poured while I was at Don’s Place. Like a hurricane. Heavy rain and wind. I checked Facebook this morning. Jean Thornton had a photo of the corner of Duval and Green Streets. Sloppy Joe’s corner. Flooded. That end of Key West is a low area. The sewers are not adequate to take a heavy rain. On one occasion, I saw people swimming in a nearby intersection.

Tomorrow’s internet show The Key West Lou Legal Hour is developing well. Included topic wise will be some comment on the many CEO’s of major corporations whose pay is greater than what their companies pay in taxes. In most instances, the major coprporations pay no taxes.

Which…..proves the point that our tax system is out of whack and needs replacing. Too many loopholes. I say throw the whole thing out and go to a flat tax.

Another item to be discussed is the proposed law in California to require minimum wage to be paid adult babysitters. That does not bother me. Most babysitters are well paid. Much more per hour than minimum wage. Lisa is always telling me it is not the cost of an evening out for her and Corey, it is the babysitting tab. She says they have spent $60 before they even walk out the door! $20 an hour appears to be the going rate in Key West. Some work for $15 per hour. None are adults.

What does bother me about the proposed law, which will bother you also, is that the parents must provide a substitute caregiver every two hours to cover rest and meal beaks, the sitters are to be covered by workers compensation and receive overtime pay. The pay is to be determined by a “meticulously” calculated time card or pay check.

It has already passed the Assembly. It is before the Senate for consideration.

An example of something carried too far!

Join me tomorrow for my internet show which is available world wide. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/. 10 am my time. You will enjoy!

I have to hustle. An early morning appointment with my doctor. Internist this time. Monday was the heart doctor, tuesday the dentist and today the internist. It seems to be a pattern in my senior years. I hate it!

Enjoy your day!

Rise and shine. Not this morning. I rose. But it is black outside. I am up early. Golf this morning.

The dentist was the major item on the agenda yesterday. Saw him in the morning. I had been back into severe pain for a few days. The visit helped. I am better now. Just a bit of pain on one side. Hopefully it will go away. Dentist thinks it will. I was able to chew last night. A simple thing in life. However not appreciated till it cannot be done.

Visited with Lisa after the dentist. Robert and Ally consumed our conversation. They are discovering the world every day. Exciting!

I ended up spending the rest of the day in. In means in and out. Between the kitchen and deck. Blood pressure still out of whack. Dentist tired me out. Thought I would take it easy.

I need to get out though. Tonight. I need people. In the flesh. The computer is fine for interaction with others. But only for a while.

Friday’s internet show is developing fantastically. All this time at home leaves me writing most of the day. Join me Friday at 10 in the morning my time at http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/. for some interesting comments.

Taxation of small businesses absorbed a bit of my time yesterday.

Prostitution is legal in Bonn, Germany. The City has set up parking meters for street walkers, ladies of the night. Prostitutes are taxed in Germany. Those working the streerts cheat on their taxes. They do not report all of their income. So the girls now have a parking type meter on the street which they must contribute to each evening before work.

Texas, a bastion of Conservative Republicanism and the home no and less taxes Governor Perry, has instituted a tax on a small business. A small business tax with a touch of socialism as to how the tax monies are to be spent.

Strip clubs selling alcohol are required to pay a head tax on each customer. $5. The money is earmarked by the State to benefit victims of sexual assault who are uninsured.

A stretch.

Serious money involved. Texas collected $42 million the first two years the tax was in effect.

And more. Like the claim that one Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge choked a fellow Supreme Court Judge during deliberations. The alleged assault took place in the presence of the other five Supreme Court Judges. The alleged assaultor was the Republican Judge who had to run following the collective bargaining debacle. He won a close race. The assaultee was a female Democratic Judge whose philosophy was contrary to his.

Can’t make these things up. It’s life! Life most of us were not aware existed. I love the research and preparation that goes onto my legal blogs and shows. I generally smile at some of the things I discover. Sometimes even laugh.

I listened to Sirius yesterday. Told you to listen to Sirius. No Terri White. Why? Because she was not on yesterday. She was supposed to be, but something happened. Donna assures me Terri will be hosting Broadway on Sirius today from 9 am to 3 pm. If you have Sirius, listen in. Channel 72.

Golf this morning. I haved not played in 3-4 weeks because of my health. It will be good to get out on the course. And play with my less than sane friends!

Still dark outside. I could have stayed in bed a little longer.

Enjoy your day!

Much to talk about today. A lot happened yesterday

Irene. She may have gone, but she left a mess! Even in upstate New York.

My hometown Utica got wet. The street I lived on had many flooded cellars. The street next to my former home was closed. It is at the base of a hill. About a mile up, there is a small creek. It sometimes overflows and runs deep down the street/hill. The New York Thruway was closed from Amsterdam to Syracuse. About a 100 mile stretch. Utica sits in the middle of the closed portion.

The same story all over the northeast. I cannot believe that Vermont got flooded so badly. And poor New Jersey. Wow!

Clean up time! Hopefully everyone will pull togegther. I am referring to those like Eric Cantor in Washington who insists on cuts in other areas of spending for any monies expended in helping those hurt by Irene. When we engage in some sort of half assed war or send relief to a third world country devastated by a hurricane or what have you, no such position is taken. We spend the money and worry not.

It does not make sense to me. For strangers, we do it without question. For our own, we have to make sure there is debt relief. And my dear friends, remember that the money being spent comes from OUR tax dollars.

I want you to know I had this blog finished at 7:30 this morning. I hit the wrong key/screwed up when I went to publish it. Lost 2/3rds of the blog. Ergo, could not redo till now. Had to visit the dentist first. What follows is the redo at about 11 am.

Walked yesterday. Home Depot. What a good boy am I!

I just lost several paragraphs again. If it happens once more, this is today’s blog!

I worked about three hours on Friday’s internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. Another great show in the making! Not because I am brilliant. Rather it is the subject matter. The world is full of crazy people. They do startling things. Some of which make interesting topics for discussion. Like Michele Backman and her Godly reports on the earthquake and Irene, Glenn Beck’s recent Almighty incarnations, a town in Italy into self help and considering secession, the jury result in the penis amputation case, frustration if you are flying out of a certain Paris airport, condom use during Irene, and the Chinese mortgage bubble.

Then it was to the heart doctor. Spent two hours there. not waiting. Being attended to.

My blood pressure continues to be off the wall. I also had an obvious water retention problem. My ankles were swollen.

Doctor said increase pill dosage and take a water pill. Increased the dosage. Too soon to tell re the blood pressure. Takes several days. Took the diuretic at 3:30 this morning. By 7:30, I had lost seven pounds.

Spent the balance of the afternoon at Lisa’s. The grandkids had just gotten home from school. Ally came in and made some kind of sign to her mother with one hand. It was the love sign. Ally started learning sign language yesterday at Montessori.

I was scheduled to attend a charity fund raising party at Vino’s last night. Passed on it. Good health took precedence. Went to bed early.

Terri White! Broadway star! My friend! Your friend!

Terri is presently in the previews of Follies on Broadway. The show formally opens September 12th.

Terri is not one to sit idly by. Her show has been closed a couple of days because of Irene. In that time, Terri is serving as the talk host on the Broadway segment of Serius. Channel 72. Yesterday and today. Nine am to three pm.

The news was all over Facebook yesterday. Jean telephoned me with the news, also. I missed Terri yesterday. Listened to Sirius this morning returning from the dentist. I must have listened in at the wrong rtime. No Terri. Just continuous music.

Donna also called yesterday to tell me to listen in to Terri.

Be sure to listen!

I had the good fortune to meet Howard Livingston 14 years ago. We became good friends. This was before his singing success. He merely was CEO of a large manufacturing facility in Chicago that made parts for railroad diesel engines.

Howard would take me boating. He always had 1-3 boats. He had a constant companion, also. Ester Mae. A Portugese water dog. Ester Mae loved the water. Was in it constantly.

When Howard and I went out on the boat, Ester Mae was always with us.

I used to sit in the front of the boat facing in the direction we were traveling. Always fearful of getting sick. I sucked up the wind big time.

Animals and I were not the best of friends. Still are not.

Ester Mae would be soaking wet by the time we got on the boat. She would always come forward and sit right next to me. She sat up and faced out in the same direction as I did. With her body close against my bare leg.

All the time!

I was not particularly thrilled. But apparently Ester Mae was. She never left me alone. Eventually, I became accustomed to Ester Mae and we developed some sort of friendship.

Ester Mae was part of Howard’s family.

Ester Mae passed on yesterday. Howard, I am so sorry! I know your pain must be deep. I have a vision that when St. Peter and your parents greet you at the pearly gates, Ester Mae will be jumping around to greet you also.

Enjoy your day folks!