Still sick! Getting better. Taking forever. Still bedridden. Left leg healed. Right leg from ankle to knee taking its own good time. A bit each day. I suspect I am 3-4 days from total recovery. Solution is bed and 16 pills a day. One a super-duper antibiotic twice a day. Pain remains horrendous.

A bit of Trump.

Trump was infatuated with ending the Israel/Hamas War. For a selfish reason. He wanted to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He and very few others.

Now he returns home a loser. He must be a better President. Remove the military from our city streets. Stop operating as he is. He is not functioning as a President should. Oh the so many things he does wrong.

He must have the capacity to be a PRESIDENT. Otherwise our Nation will end in ruin before he leaves office.

Citizens must return to work. They want to earn and receive pay checks. Failure to be paid is another reason our Nation could fail.

Only Congress must have the power to spend money. So sayeth the Constitution. Not the President.

I do not believe the President is in excellent health. Nor do many other Americans. He should speak the truth in this regard. The American people will work with him and support his continued Presidency.

Trump should get rid of the 100 percent tariff on China. China will retaliate. We do not need significant conflict with the second most powerful Nation in the world.

Some Key West.

Fewer people visiting Key West. Perhaps fewer visiting all over the U.S. Not healthy. I watched a Key West TV show last night. Of Key West in the early evening hours in the past week or two. I was surprised how few persons were walking the streets and could be seen sitting in restaurants.

Forty years ago, the Chart Room was as a practical matter the Key West City Hall. Deals and important decisions were made there every evening.

The Key West Fire Department is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Though the State prohibits colored cross-walks, they will return. The Tallahassee bloodhounds screwed up again. Used a false reason to take away from persons all over the State cross-walks they enjoyed.

I’m looking forward to Fantasy Fest. Buffalo’s Fran and Tom Dixon will be joining me again. We will do everything! I must be better by then!

Fran Brown not interested in leaving S.U. for Penn State.

Hope I finish recovering rapidly! Ninety has its negatives.

Enjoy your day!

o

The esteemed American Benjamin Franklin had a son. William. The two were on opposite sides during the Revolutionary War.

William at the time was the British appointed Governor of New Jersey. He implored the New Jersey State Legislature to remain loyal to the British Crown during the Revolution. He believed such was the road to achieving “peace, happiness, and a restoration of the public tranquility.” He was opposed to “anarchy, misery, and all the horrors of a civil war.” 

William was born in 1730 to an unknown mother and raised by his father Benjamin Franklin’s common law wife Deborah Read,

Benjamin was a known “playboy” with the ladies and the fact that two ladies were involved with William not surprising.

William was considered a capable Governor and was encouraged to join the Revolution. He refused, was placed under house arrest, and removed from the Governorship by the Continental Army in January 1776. He was later imprisoned in Connecticut. When released, he followed his beliefs and fought for the loyalists.

The two never reconciled.

My right ankle and lower leg are still swollen and painful. I am taking a strong antibiotic and 15 other pills and remain in bed all day with my legs elevated. 

Dr. Norris and Nurse Sarah attended me at home yesterday. Norris thought the ankle looked the same, though still very swollen and warm. He said lets watch it. The antibiotic has to kick in at some point.

Sarah came after Norris had left. She immediately said it was larger/more swollen. She had measured it in the hospital. Measured it again, It was one centimeter larger than when I was discharged. She thought I should return to the hospital. I needed the antibiotic intravenously. She said she would contact Norris and see what he thought.

I’m sure they talked. However, I am still here.

My ankle is smaller this morning for the first time in several days. Not a hell of lot, but enough to be noticeable. If it continues to come down, I doubt I will be returned to the hospital.

Enjoy your day!

Will I ever get better? My new goal in life. Spent all of yesterday in bed. Expect to do the same today.

Gout continues big time in right leg. This morning woke to find it is beginning in left ankle again, as well as extreme left lower back pain.

I am taking 16 pills a day. I am confident they will kick in and remedy me. They have in the past. M last batch of pills is at 9 in the evening. I slept through 9. Woke at 1 am. Panicked. Took them then. An important batch of pills. One is to control the gout. Wish it would move its ass!

Yesterday was strange in two respects. One is I slept constantly. Did not even hear the phone when Lisa called. The other oddity is I could not stop eating. I was famished. I emptied the refrigerator. Lisa will have to replenish me this morning.

This is a Trumpie day.

Trump and the Courts, 

The Constitution provides for three separates divisions of government. All equal, Two are the Executive and Judiciary. Trump either does not understand or does not care. A major confrontation may be imminent. One I doubt Trump can win.

Trump did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize. I never expected him to. It was awarded to Maria Corina Machado. A Venezuelan democracy crusader. She is opposed to the Venezuelan government. She is an opposition leader in hiding fighting for democracy in her country.

Trump must be upset. He did everything to convince the powers to be he was the person to be awarded. Everyone except Trump knew he was not.

U.S. money is tight. Why then has Trump’s new foreign aid plan allocated $50 million for Greenland’s polar bears?

Another example of Trump spending that could have been avoided…..Argentina. Trump financially rescued Argentina by having his Administration take the rare step of directly buying Argentine pesos in global currency markets in a bid to relieve pressure on the national embattled President Javier Milei, an enthusiastic supporter of President Trump. Trump also essentially agreed to a U.S. $20 billion loan to Argentina.

Some U,S. economists consider both moves questionable. The buying of pesos frowned upon since they are considered to lose value. Re the exorbitant loan, Argentina has a long history of reneging on its government debt.

One economist said, “Lending money to Argentina is easy, getting repaid is what is hard.”

It appears the shutdown will also close the Smithsonians.

The storm hitting today will first strike Florida’s eastern shores’ Expected to damage shore properties. Key West may experience it.

Syracuse has an off weekend. They need it.

Enjoy your day!

Today Key West!

A soft easy blog. A few incidentals and me added too.

Me first.

Still not well. I wanted to dress and go out a bit today. Nothing big. It was not possible. The gout it my right foot prohibited it. The pain with each step unbelievable. 

I am taking 16 pills a day. Some to bring the swelling down. It will work in due course. Wish it would hurry.

Slept 9-4. Good! I was not sleeping at all.

Took a shower. First since last friday. Did I need it! Corey came over in case I fell.

I am eating big time. From not eating earlier in the week to devouring everything. I miss the hospital food. It was that good and I did not have to prepare it.

I see the Key West revolutionary spirit coming to the forefront. Good! Citizens are coloring certain things. The cross walks were removed. Such asses in Tallahassee. Some locals planted colored metal polls on the sidewalks away from the foot traffic and close to the street. Neither interfere nor involve street traffic.

For school children, this is Fie Prevention Week. Remember…..we all did it. Stood outside in front of a fire truck and one of our classmates made a prevention speech. I did it in the sixth grade. I was unaware I had been selected. Came to school in a white tee shirt and pants. The nun sent me home to dress better. I lived around the corner from the school.

My parents were working. I grabbed a suit coat that fit me well and returned. It was enough to make the nun happy.

I recall the last sentence of my speech to this day. Mine. “A match has a head, but no brain.” I was so proud of it!

On this day in 1934, Maria Gustens, Matron of Mercedes hospital for 22 years was made aware she had been awarded the Cora of the Order of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, an honor given by the Cuban government for “outstanding service rendered to Cuba, etc.”

The last hospital where she served in now an apartment house on Virginia Street.

Some who resided there claim Gustens appeared to them. Some claim she touched them. I buy that she resides there and is in effect a ghost.

On this day in 1953, Mary Lee Grohas became the first woman to be elected President of the Key West Chamber of Commerce. Back in Utica, I was a Chamber member for many years. Never President. Whatever, I found time on the Chamber provided the opportunity to quietly solve many community problems. I am confident Grohas performed in a similar fashion.

On this day in 1997. former President George H. W. Bush was n the Keys for the annual Governor Bush bonefish tournament which was held further up the Keys.

Forget not Hugh’s View – the roof of Book & Books. Thursday evenings from 6 pm till sunset. Enjoy a drink and be in the middle of sunset!

Of the top 10 cities nationally with high grocery prices, 5 are Americans. San Francisco #2, New York City #4, Boston#5, Chicago #6, Los Angeles #7. 

Aristotle: “For the things we have to learn before we can do, we learn by doing.”

Sorry it took so long to do a relatively short blog. My mind and body are working that way.

Enjoy your day!

I began feeling down last week. Everything bothering me. Except, I I did not know. Dr. Norris, Lisa and Corey had to make me aware. And I fought them for a few days. Stupidly refused to go to the hospital. 

I was admitted friday night and released yesterday.

I honestly believe had I not been hospitalized, I would not be here today. I WAS SICK!

A brief run down of my symptoms. Gout. Big time. Whole leg. Both legs. My ankles a mess. Ankle bones sore. If touched, the pain was instantaneous and extreme. Exhaustion. Back pain. Hallucinations like you would not believe. I was talking like a nut. Had not slept in days.

For me the scariest was when I woke in the hospital one morning and had double vision which then moved to triple vision. The episode last 4 hours.

The overall concern was a stroke . A new blood clot in my system. It was also believed I had some sort of virus in my system.

I am still not perfect. I believe I was prematurely released. Both legs had corrected themselves, but two days ago my right ankle and leg to the knee blew up again. Big time with big pain. Also my temperature went up 30-40 points. Nevertheless the hospital determined I was better off at home for the remainder of my recovery rather than continued hospital confinement.

The symptoms remain the same today. Home care is on the the way.

Two observations. At 90, I am an expert in hospitalizations. The Key West Hospital has improved tremendously. The care unbelievable. On top of that another unbelievable, the food was outstanding! I have never eaten hospital food that good!

Also, Dr. Norris is the best of the best. An excellent caregiver!

I could have died. The suggestion in the air.

Enough.

Watched Pat Bondi yesterday. Our Attorney General. A liar, insulter, etc. We are not in good hands with her.

The Egyptian talks hopeful of leading to some sort of Israel/Hamas peace is not going to happen. Trump gets things going. Other nations enter into talks to accommodate his pushing. Then, nothing. In spite of the ongoing favorable, I believe another nothing is in the making.

Watched MSNBC from the hospital bed yesterday. A guest was an Israeli man who had been captured by Hamas initially and kept prisoner for 500 days before released. His wife and two daughters also. They died, however.

I cannot recall his name. He wrote a book titled Hostage which was released yesterday. His rendition of the facts concerning his capture, etc. sad. I cried.

Six former Surgeon Generals: “It’s our duty to warn the nation about RFK Jr.”

Germans have begun to eat pudding with forks. It appears the trend is going global. Crossing the Atlantic.

Country singer Zach Bryan warns in a new song ICE will “bust down your door.”

Price tags on goods to be purchased not a forever thing. Originated in the 1870s. Prior thereto, haggling the way business was done.

This day in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began. In a barn. Took buildings down for two days. Three hundred killed. Property damage $4 billion dollars in today money.

Increased U.S. flight delays every day because of government shut down.

“Cats” debuted on Broadway this day in 1982. I saw it. Andrew Lloyd Weber, musical composer of “Cats” said in an interview: “You’re the luckiest person in the world if you know what u really want to do…..and you’re the luckiest person in the world if you can make a living out of it.”

My friends, I am glad I am here and able to write this blog. There were a few times this week I questioned “next” in my life, if any thing.

Enjoy your day!

Achtung is the correct spelling of the German word meaning “attention” or “caution.” Similar to “watch out” or “beware” in English. Due to misspelling over many years, it is generally spelled “actung.”

I bring the word to your attention because of the meeting Trump and Hegseth had with Generals, Admirals and certain non-commissioned officers yesterday at Quantico. Gave me the feeling our Nation is continuing to move in the wrong direction.

Hegseth called for the meeting. Such required U.S. miliary hierarchy to travel from all over the world to attend. Hegseth also invited Trump. Leads me to suspect the meeting was Trump’s idea in the first place.

Hegseth and Trump both spoke.

The meeting a mockery of our military from my perspective. I suspect the purpose of the meeting was to change and exercise firmer control over the military. Trump began by touting his political agenda which we have all heard many times before. It was followed by an audience silence. Trumped laughed and told them it was ok to react, to applaud and if hey did not perhaps be out of a job. His comments best described “control ones.”

Overall, the summit was a politically charged one. Not really one a government and the military should be having. Reflected Hitler type meetings beginning in the 1930s.

Hegsmith began by spelling out the new standards that were being imposed onto the military hierarchy. Fat generals were no longer permitted. He spelled out physical standards for troops also. Soldiering was going to be tougher. No beardos and no war. Those who failed to meet them would be out. Including Generals and Admirals.

Then swiftly the ball was passed to Trump.

It only took few words for me to feel uncomfortable about our President. I began to think he was not properly dressed. His words this year have taken on what could be viewed as stronger, more dangerous and scarry. Perhaps he was not properly dressed for the occasion. I began today’s blog with “achtung.” To remind people of the historical Hitler. First a politician. Civilian clothing clad. Then moved into a sort of unform by wearing a beige shirt. And other uniform type items. His supporters followed suit. Finally in 1939, Hitler clad himself in a field gray military uniform. As did his followers. Purpose without question to spell out he was “Commander in Chief.”

Is this the direction Trump is moving?

The first 44 minutes of Trump’s speech were generally the same bullshit he has been spouting. Biden, antigen, media, tariffs, border, his restaurant visit, no Nobel prize. Then the blow of blows in his 44th minute: We should use “some of thee dangerous cities as training grounds for our military.” God forbid! Never! Not at all!

He also exclaimed the value of the battleships of yesterday. The B-2 bombers also. He mentioned how he thinks often of the World War II TV show “Veterans at Sea.”

We cannot win today’s wars with yesterday’s miliary equipment. If we could, we would still be using them.

Re Trump’s words, George Wills afterwards said: “America’s can do spirit needs liberation from can’t do regulation.”

Lawrence O’Donnell: “Trump on the verge of outright insanity in a deranged speech to military commanders.” Not a commander in chief, “a “Disaster in Chief.” He further described Trump  a “clown.”

Yesterday a busy one. Recently had my annual physical with Dr. Norris. I have residual symptoms from the recent abdominal bleed and previous falls. Spent yesterday scheduling new appointments. One for tomorrow, both at the same place. Two Cat scans. One of the brain, the other my right arm. A neurological exam on friday. I am sure there will be more down the road.

Last night, The Grand with Steve, Cindy and Matt. Enjoyed fried calamari.

Tonight the wednesday night lasgna special at Brady’s Irish Pub, plus the good company of Carolla.

You can tell I am Italian at heart by the food I eat.

Syracuse will be tested again satuday. Plays SMU at SMU at 4:30. Brady’s also has an excellent prime rib dinner saturday’s at 5. It will be a good evening, especially if Syracuse wins. I don’t know.

Enjoy your day!

No blog yesterday. My annual physical with Dr. Norris ate up most of my time and left me exhausted afterwards.

It turned out to be a close Ryder Cup. At the end of the first day’s play, Europe’s lead a large one 11.5-4.5. What a difference Sunday made! The U.S. came back big time. Lost by only 2 points 15-13.

A valiant U.S. effort.

Play was abusive. By the fans. Especially towards McIlroy and his wife. Language and behavior.

Golf is a gentleman’s game. Fans should conduct themselves in a similar fashion. 

Lyndon Johnson was a comedian of sorts. He had an automobile transfixed into an amphibious vehicle. Drove on land and water. He pranked people with it. Told unaware passengers his brakes had failed and drove the car into a lake. Thoroughly scarring his passengers.

The New York Times reported Key West weather would have a “hot index” today of 104 degrees. Dangerous, even though the actual high will only be 7.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ended his reelection bid. He was too far behind several other contenders.

I decided to change my breakfast restaurant of choice yesterday It has been Goldman’s for years. Its food good quality. However the food could be better, the help more courteous, and the seating improved. I generally breakfast alone. Sick of being limited to a small table, even when the place is half empty.

Opted to return to I-Hop yesterday. Guess what? Permanently closed. I was surprised. So it became Denny’s. I had a large booth. The eggs extra large. the potatoes outstanding. The breakfast called a $5 Smash. The toast left something to be desired. Redmond’s toast excellent in comparison.

Later in the day I enjoyed a healthy Smoothie at Date and Thyme.

Is Netanyahu going to make it possible for Trump to be awarded the Noble Peace Prize? Trump, note not Netanyahu, announced yesterday a peace plan was in place involving Israel and Gaza. Not firm yet, however.

I will believe it when I see it.

Both purportedly behind the plan authoritarian figures whose words often fail to materialize.

It appears the U.S. government will shut down at 12:01 am wednesday.

Major League Baseball announced robot umpires will be used in professional baseball beginning next season.

Trump’s plan to send troops to Portland remains riddled with uncertainties. It may never get off the ground.

Dolly Parton has “health challenges.” They are forcing a delay to her Vegas concerts till 2026.

Tropical storm Imelda heading for southeast U.S. today. Supposedly will not reach land. It is expected to turn sharply northeast this later this afternoon. 

Let’s hope so.

Expect heavy rain this afternoon, however.

It is 8:20 this morning. Still pitch black outside. The weather changed without me being aware. For real. It has been changed for some time without me having paid attention.

Enjoy your day!

I looked forward to yesterday. Syracuse would take down Duke. The U.S. would do well against Europe in the Ryder Cup.

My teams failed in both regards.

Duke defeated Syracuse by 35 points…..38-3.

Wow! Not expected! At least I did not expect it. True, our spectacular quarterback Steve Angeli did not play. He had fractured an Achilles tendon the week before. It was Rick Collins time to shine. He failed. In fact, the entire Syracuse team failed.

Syracuse’s total failure was hard to understand. One very good player out of the game should not have meant the whole team was bad. Yet Syracuse was.

Collins not yet star status. His passes slow. Delayed. Low. No where the competency of Angeli.

I found it hard to understand how an overall good team totally failed because one player did.

Such is life, however. This will not be a Syracuse year. Perhaps next year. Assuming Angeli returns.

The Ryder Cup no better. After two days, Europe is up 11.5-4.5. Where were our professional golfers? Europe only needs 2.5 pints more to win the Tournament.

My “sports day” was a complete disappointment! So bad I believe my despondency will continue through out today.

Nothing of comparable importance to report/comment on today.

The U.S. has started the Ryder Cup behind. A bad first day. At the end of Day 1, Europe leads 5 1/2 t0 2 1/2.

Hope still springs eternal. Seventy percent of the tournament remains to be played.

U.N. walks out on Netanyahu’s speech as Israel intensifies assault on Gaga City.

Toto the dog in the Wizard of Oz appeared in a different Oz film many years earlier than the one we are familiar with. As a result, she was a “pro.” Paid a higher salary than most human cast members. There were roughly 600.

Toto was Dorothy’s loyal companion in the Wizard.

Toto was paid $125 per week. The Munchkins only $50 per week. $125 per week equal to $3,885 in today’s money.

Trump was compared to Hitler in a scorching speech to U.N. members. The President of Columbia called for the U.N.to launch a criminal investigation into his U.S. counterpart.

World leaders upset with Trump. Properly so. He as gotten far out of hand.

Some around Trump “tasteless.” Presidential aid Stephen Miller’s wife Katie appeared on a TV talk show this week. She described her husband as being a “sexual matador” while bragging about him.

War Secretary Hegseth  requires a new pledge for reporters at the Pentagon. They can only report news he approves.

An interesting comment recently in The New York Times: “If only we’d fight as hard to save our democracy” as we do other matters.

The three most satisfying airports for passenger satisfaction in the U.S. are Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan County Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Trump flouts the ranks. What happened to checks and balances?

It is claimed Russia is helping China to attack Taiwan. 

How tough things are financially in war torn Gaza. Even renting a spot to pitch a tent can cost too much.

The Christian Right of today are more about vengeance than kindness.

Washington is four days from running out of money to fund the government. What will happen?

Trump has a tendency to capitulate when facing confrontation. I suspect he may re the clash and work out a deal with the Democrats.

It is coward time for Trump.

Trump claims he ended seven wars. “Unendable” ones. No way, Jose!

He claims he has been averaging a war a month. Again no way!

I give him credit for being a good liar. He and Pinocchio go hand in hand.

There is a 61 mile conveyor belt in the Sahara Desert. For what purpose: To make phosphate. Seventy percent of all the phosphate on the planet is in Morocco.

Production of the Ford Model T began this day in 1908.

Babe Didrikson Zaharias: “Practice which some regard as a chore, should be approached as just about the most pleasant recreation devised.”

Enjoy your day!

Comey’s indictment a “Rubicon-crossing moment. The Justice Department we have long known dead.” It has become an arm of the government to punish the President’s enemies, regardless of the law. A tragedy for today with lasting implications, even if the case is dismissed.

On this day in 1960, Kennedy and Nixon squared off in the first televised debate. From a viewing perspective, Kennedy was the winner. Nixon’s profuse sweating defeated him.

Orally and only listening, Nixon was the best. TV was new to politics, however. It was all in the seeing rather than listening.

China is the adult in the room now where climate is concerned. Focused and surging ahead while the West is distracted.

Trump announced pharmaceutical products may face tariff rate increases up to 100 percent, updated furniture 30 percent, and heavy trucks 25 percent starting October 1.

Disaster further impacts Gaza City.  Gaza City hospitals are closing and fleeing as Israeli forces advance.

Obama accuses Trump of “truth violence” re public health. He made the comment while in London two days after Trump made his public health announcement seeking to tie Tylenol to autism.

China wants a “super embassy” in London – sparking anger and spying fears.

I find the following surprising. In its numbers. The first time I have seen them so excessive. It was reported in several places yesterday in one report that 820,000 face dire hunger in D.C. Another report claimed more than one million people in Washington are food insecure. The numbers suggest roughly 1 in 10 children across the region are not getting enough food.

A shocking report yesterday. Hard to believe. One of the Nation’s outstanding college football coaches resigned. Clemson’s Debo Swinney resigned because Clemson’s season so far is 1-3. His decision. He was not pushed out.

He specific the Syracuse decision contributed to his resigning. He further claimed he refused to be embarrassed by this year’s record thus far. He claimed this year’s team was “absolute garbage.” Intimating the problem not his fault. He forgets you can’t win them all!

I find Swinney’s words disappointing. I have heard many times over the years that a person cannot be a good winner till he has been a good loser. It took Swinney a long time to reach the point.

Trump’s youth support has faded. Reason: They expect more from an “adult” leader. Like behaving like an adult.

One thing Americans fear most is war. Threat today more than just a possibility.

Syracuse my Syracuse! Looked like Syracuse was off to a great season. Still may be, though doubt surrounds the team’s expectations now.

Our great quarterback Steve Angeli suffered a fractured Achilles tendon. He is out for the season.

Replaced by sophomore substitute Ricky Collins.

Syracuse plays Duke tomorrow. Was expected to win. No more. Duke now a 5 1/1 point favorite.

I do not buy a Syracuse defeat till I see it. Syracuse will require a running game as well as the passing game Angeli provided.

We will find out beginning at noon tomorrow when the teams kick off at noon. The game is being played at the Syracuse Dome.

Enjoy your day!