I slept late.

What a great morning!

Sun up. No clouds. Sky absolutely blue. And a terrific breeze.

Another great Key West day has been born.

Yesterday’s American soccer game was terrific. I know it is called football. However, I feel strange using the term.

It was a great World Cup event. America has a new hero. Landon Donovan! His goal will live in memory forever!

When I was young boy, no one knew soccer. When I was a young lawyer, I noticed a soccer field and some players near my home. It sort of appeared over night. The players were mostly Italian immigrants.

I thought at the time this game is never going to go anywhere.

When my children were in school, soccer was nothing. Then when my grandchildren were in grammar school, they all played in organized soccer leagues for little ones. Most of my grandchildren are young adults today. So it was a while back.

I thought at the time that if a whole generation was being trained in soccer, the game had to take hold.

And it has! And will even more so after yesterday’s exciting victory!

President Obama did the right thing yesterday in the General saga. He was correct to replace McChrystal. The chain of command has to be followed. Civilian control of the military has to be respected.

I dislike a professional army. And we have one. There is always the danger of a military take over. Trust my concern. That is how revolutions occur in many countries. And with all the crazy factions out there today, it is a possibility.

I have spoken of this concern on the radio show and in this blog in the past. Just beware. Ever cautious.

The solution to the possible danger is simple. Return to the draft. Or perhaps one or two years of compulsory service starting at 18. If such occurred, our military would be less a possible danger to democracy. It would also result in less wars. Politicians would be less inclined to get us involved if their contstituent’s children would definitely have to serve.

Last night was dinner at Michael’s. Emmett bartending. I played golf with him last week. Sorry I could not make it yesterday.

I stopped at Lisa’s on the way home. She said Robert is practising golf in the backyard morning, noon and night. Who knows! Perhaps another Tiger in the making!

Radio show toimorrow. KONK 1500 AM. On the internet worldwide at http://www.konkam.com/. An interesting show! Many great issues have arisen this week begging for discusion.

Enjoy your day!

Good morning world!

Welcome to Key West!

The weather is lovely! People terrific! The place to live!

Yesterday was outstanding! A good day all the way around.

My morning started with the grandkids.

Robert and Ally had slept over. They were to be at the golf course at 8 am for their very first golf lesson.

Robert was excited. Ally appeared a bit intimidated. Lisa was a wreck. Make sure they have water. How will Ally go to the bathroom? What if they get hungry? Leave my phone number in case the want to leave or get hurt. And on and on it went.

I took them to the golf course. Left them with several other little ones at the marked table in the restaurant. No one talking. All just sitting. Like what am I doing here!

Then the pro came in. I took him to the side. Gave him my phone number. In case some one of them breaks an arm I told him. He looked at me strangely. Like I was some sort of a nut. He told me this was not their first rodeo. They had done this many times before. Safety came first. I was the only one who had left a phone number.

Oh, well.

I watched as they left for the first hole. Robert and Ally were riding in a cart. Both beaming. I instantly knew there was nothing to worry about.

I left. I would retrurn 4 hours later to pick them up.

I had a haircut appopintment at 10. It was only 8. So I headed for the Coffee House.

Glad I did. In walked Jane. Lovely Jane. My contemporary age wise. She is about 3-4 years older. Short. Beautiful. White hair. Always a smile. Wears long white dresses. Like gauze. She floats. Does not walk.

We had an interesting catch up conversation. The last time we were togethr she had told me she was reading War and Peace. Why, I asked. It’s a task! Self abuse. Over 1,100 pages. Because I never did, she replied.

She was proud to tell me she had finished War and Peace. And was now reading Anna Karenia. This woman loves to beat herself up!

She was still looking for the War and Peace DVD I had told her about. The one starring Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Mel Ferrer. I told he I had recently watched Anna Karenia on Turner’s Classic Channel. It was a talkie starring Greta Garbo.

A great conversation which lasted till I had to leave for my haircut.

I was Lori’s first customer. She thought my bringing the grandkids for their haircuts last Saturday was cute. Her observation was that I had a good time with them and they with me. She was correct.

I was back at the golf course. Precisely at noon the door to the restaurant opened and the kids came trampling in. All appeared a bit tired. They received a pep talk and their season passes as new members of the golf course. A big deal!

Then Robert and Ally came to me. They were beat but uplifted. They each explained how the club was to be held. They had the science down. Interlock grip, thumb placement and all that.

Hot dogs, potato chips and diet Pepsi for lunch. All the bad things their Mother does not permit them to eat.

After lunch, I took them to my home and pool. I figured their hot bodies needed an immediate cooling off. Had them strip down. No nudity laws here. And jump in. Just for 5 minutes.

Then it was off to bed for them. I figured they needed a nap. I was correct. Within 5 minutes, they were out cold. And slept for 2 hours!

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge started from Key West this past weekend.

The Marriott was loaded with motorcyles and motorcyclists. Around 500.

The Hoka Hey Challenge is sponsored by Harley Davidson. It is a 14 day race from Key West to Homer, Alaska. Just like riding a horse. The participants sleep outside by their steel horses. The cyclists are considered the most elite riders ever to saddle up on a motorcycle. Like Top Guns.

There is only one prize. To the #1 finisher. $500,000 in Alaskan gold. The theory is there is no reward in a warrior society for second place.

Tough guys!

Hoka hey means a good day to die. Comes to us from Crazy Horse. The Indian chief who defeated Custer. Crazy Horse used to shout it as he was racing into battle. History records that he shouted hoka hey at Little Big Horn the day he slaughtered Custer and his troops.

Dinner was at La Trattoria last night. At the bar. Many locals. Good conversation.

I had an urge. Spagheti with oil and garlic. It was good!

On the way home, I had a second urge. Ice cream. Stopped at Publix and bought a half gallon of ice cream. And devoured half of it when I got home! Good, but not good.

Today is Wednesday. Golf day. I cannot play. Bad. I have something more important to do.

Enjoy your day!

I spoke of the topless rights event scheduled for July 4 yesterday. I received a comment mentioning the Garden of Eden.

I have only been to the Garden of Eden on two occasions. About 10 years ago when it first opened.

The Garden of Eden is located on the roof of the Bull on Duval. It is an outdoor clothing optional bar.

My wife and I visited.

Did nothing for me. I never returned.

I will concede I was anxious to see bare ass women running around. I was disappointed. Everyone, including the wife and I, wore our clothes. Only the barmaid and waiter wore less.

It was boring and drab.

I understand the place is now more active. Disrobing does take place. Not a bad thing. This is Key West.

However the nudity begins around 11. Too late for me. I am generally fast asleep by that time.

Lunched at BO’s yesterday. It has been years since I have done so.

BO’s is a shack on Caroline near the waterfront. Shack aptly describes the place.

BO’s is famous for its fish sandwich. I had one and read the newspapers. And fought off an ant or two.

The food and atmosphere were good. Different. Not my cup of tea, however. It will be a number of years before I return.

I spent the afternoon at Smathers Beach. At the quiet end. Under a lone palm tree. Peaceful. Good for the soul.

Lisa and the kids came over to sleep last night. Termites still a problem.

I took them to dinner at Outback. The grandkids loved it. Their first time.

I ordered one of Outback’s gooey desserts. With 3 spoons. Lisa did not want to partake. Actually, she did not want me to order it. She permits Robert and Ally to eat ice cream. But nothing gooey and rich and chocolatey as I ordered. It was a hot chocolate cake covered with a scoop of vanila ice cream covered with whip cream covered with hot chocolate syrup.

Watching Robert and Ally go at it was priceless! With the first bite, they knew it was something different! And good! Very good!

The look on their faces! They could not get enough fast enough! And all the time Lisa was having fits.

Then it was home to bed. My home.

Robert and Ally must have been wired from the dessert. They could not make up their minds where they wanted to sleep. First, Ally was in bed with me. Then she left. Robert came in. He was almost asleep when he decided to return to Lisa’s bed.

Then tragedy! Robert knocked over a ceramic lamp on the bedstand. Clean up time!

It is now morning. The grandkids are eating chocolate cheerios as I write.

Then we are off to the golf course. They are taking their first golf lessons!

A big day!

Four whole hours.

Professionals in the making!

Enjoy your day!

Father’s Day started off terrific!

Breakfast at Camillle’s with Lisa and the grandkids. All of Key West was there.

In the afternoon, I was to attend a bowling party followed by a pool party. I never made it. I got sick. Tired sick. Dizzy.

I called host Don Manaher with my apologies and went to bed. And stayed there the rest of the day.

Feel ok this morning.

I am already up and at Lisa’s. She has left for work. I am to drive Robert and Ally to summer camp in a little while.

Key West is at the cutting edge in many things. At the forefront at this moment is the right of women to go topless. Yes, topless. That means breasts exposed. Hanging out in all their natural glory.

Background.

Key West has an anti nudity law. It is being challenged. The claim is it is unconstitutional in that it is unequal in its treatment of men and women. Men can go topless any time. Women cannot.

What is described as a gender equality rally is planned for July 4. Independence Day. An appropriate time. A topless parade is scheduled.

Key West has a local law that basically prohibits bare breasted women in public. The local law speaks in terms of sexual organs. The operative terminology. Whoever drafted the local law went to extremes in drafting it. Exposure of the female breast “…below the top of the nipple” is prohibited.

Those opposing the Key West law, most of whom are women, claim female breasts are not sexual organs. They may be legally correct. Florida has a state law defining nudity which does not include female breasts. Said simply, the state law does not recognize the female breast as a sexual organ.

The claim is state law supersedes local law. Makes sense to me. Good legal sense.

The local State Attorney has indicated he will not enforce the local law via arrests during the parade. There is still a question as to what the Key West police will do.

Whatever…..Key West is at the forefront of this civil rights issue.

I plan on watching the parade. Without the grandkids, of course.

By the way, I discussed this issue on my radio show The Key West Lou Legal Hour last friday. And got a lot of feed back on it.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Father’s Day!

About time! We deserve it!

I am sure the women feel the same on Mother’s Day.

Yesterday started with haircuts at Lori’s. Lisa asked me to take Robert and Ally for their haircuts.

My pleasure!

An interesting experience.

Robert went through the procedure normally. Sat, chatted with Lori, admired himself in the mirror.

Ally was very serious. Lori said she always is.

Not afraid. Just intent. Watched every nip and cut. Did not move at all. She would not even talk with me.

Robert looked like a young man afterwards. A gentleman. Ally…..I could see her face! It had been a while. She is making her hair grow.

I had promised them cuban toast. So it was off to Lucky Day Cafe.

Ally was proud. She had been there before. Robert had not. She was explaining everything to Robert.

Great cuban toast! They ate all theirs. Robert wanted more. He said he was still hungry. I had to say no. I felt bad. It was close to lunch time and Lisa would have been mad at me. He understood he had to return home and have lunch with his mother.

Somehow I got to keep the grandkids for the afternoon. Lisa had some things to do. So it was home to the pool.

Lisa showed up at dinner time. I ordered 2 Domino pizzas and fish sticks. Robert wanted fish sticks. We ate outside under the tiki hut.

The evening ended up being a Camp Poppa sleep over. The grandkids wanted to sleep over. They never have. Lisa agreed. And went home, of course. There I was with the two of them for the night!

It was dark. I got a brilliant idea. Lets swim in the pool in the dark! It went over big!

I put on the pool light and in we went. They were thrilled with the experience.

Afterwards, we laid on my bed and watched the U.S. Open. Both Robert and Ally are into golf. Especially Robert. They take their first lesson for 4 hours this coming tuesday at the golf course.
Both already understand putting green, fairway, flag and hole.

They soon drifted off and I was able to enjoy the end of yesterday’s golf round.

Fortunately, they slept till 7. I was up earlier as usual.

Lisa arrived at 7, also. With my Father Day gifts.

I opened them in bed with the grandkids all over me.

All kinds of crazy things.

One of the gifts is a recorder book. A talking book. Robert and Ally had made the recording. Did the talking.

The book opened with them saying…..Dear Grandpa, You’re nice, you’re cool, you’re tons of fun…..as Grandpas go, you’re number 1!

The message ended with Ally shouting….Poppa…..I love you! and Robert shouting…..Poppa!…..You rock!

I rock. What a joke!

But a good experience. For them. For me.

Love them! Love Lisa!

We are going to continue the Father Day celebration with breakfast at Camille’s at 10.

Then I am done with the grandkids for the day! I told Lisa I have had enough. The rest of the day is adult time.

Don is having a bowling party at 2 and Karen a pool party afterwards. That is how I will be spending the rest of my day.

Enjoy your day!

My friend Jim Brown who lives in Crete became a grandfather yesterday for the second time. And he has a third grandchild scheduled to arrive soon, also.

Congratulations, Jim!

I loved doing the radio show yesterday. From the comments received, the show was a good one.

I dedicated the first half of the show to women’s rights. I continue to believe women are still getting the short end of the stick.

I did a bit in the second part of the show on the Lone Ranger. To add a bit of humor. Nothing like the Lone Ranger himself, Kemo Sabe, Tonto, Silver and hi ho Silver away! Even threw in the Butch Cavendish gang for good measure.

The day was beautiful. I opted for a light lunch at home outside. Sat on the deck and watched the water flow by.

The afternoon was committed to paperwork again. It is only half bad however. I sit near open glass sliding doors overlooking the ocean. I am like 30 feet away. It helps soften the fact that I am working.

It was the Chart Room first last night. Met Marty. He is contemplating a trip to Lebanon. Wants me to go with him. Go with a Jew to Lebanon! Are you crazy I asked him!

Met Jim in the Chart Room. He was down from Homestead for the weekend. A master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He is not new to Key West. He was here back in the 1970s when the Atocia was discovered by Mel Fisher. Jim was working on Fisher’s boat that discovered the Atocia. He had a picture of himself climbing the mast of the vessel. Shades of Mutiny on the Bounty!

Jim did 3 tours in Iraq under Bush 2. He is scheduled to return for a fourth soon. Too much, I told him. We expect too much from our troops and are subjecting them to too much. Perhaps however that is the way it is when you have a professional military force as we now do.

I was Marty’s guest for dinner at the Wine Galley.

I wanted fried oysters. I am into them. No fried oysters.

Larry Smith was terrific last night. The Wine Galley is his room. Has been for years.

As I listened to him perform, I could not help thinking how he has evolved over the 10 years I have known him. He has become a singer/peformer extraordinaire.

This morning is a big deal! Lisa is working. I am taking the grandkids for their haircuts. They go to Lori, also. Then to Lucky Lady for cuban toast. They love cuban toast!

Enjoy your day!

Everything is too good in Key West!

The weather is fantastic!

It worries me.

The Gulf oil spill is around the corner. Yet not even a tar ball.

I sometimes wonder. Can it be? This disaster is going to miss us?

A big morning ahead. The Key West Lou Legal Hour!

Ten o’clock this morning. KONK 1500 AM. Better yet, watch and listen on the internet at www.konkam.com.

Some terrific topics. The Gulf oil spill, of course. Then Prop 8 and same sex marriage, a soon to be topless women’s march in Key West, poor judgment and the law involving a female attorney and an underwire bra, the weird lawsuit of the week concerning an accident which ocurred while an off duty police woman was putting on a thong, the legend of the Lone Ranger, the Kagan confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court, the King of Ghana and our slave heritage, Vermont weird dumb laws, a walk back in Presidential history with Abraham Lincoln, recent developments with the new Arizona immigration law and more!

Listen in!

Yesterday was a quiet one for me.

I walked in the morning. Apparently not enough. I am fighting 3-4 extra pounds.

Then cuban toast and coffee and the newspapers at Lucky Day.

Home to paper work.

In the middle of the afternoon, I needed a break. So it was off to get a manicure. Tammy brightened my day! A lovely Vietnamese woman…..girl. She must be all of 25. Short. Thin. Long black hair. Beautiful. Tammy and her husband recently purchased the nail business. They are hard workers.

Back home. More paper work. Kept me at my desk till about 9. A busy day work wise. It is called retirement. I sometimes wonder.

I did not spend much time looking at my e mails yesterday. Played catch up this morning.

My friend Howard Livingston wrote me yesterday to tell me about his new internet show Key West Time that was debuting last night at 8 on conchtv.com. I missed it! Sorry, Howard.

Next week and every week for sure I will watch it!

Howard is a good guy. He asked me in the same e mail if I would be a special guest on his new show. Of course! I am honored!

Have to hustle now. Get ready for the radio show. Listen in! Watch!

Enjoy your day!

Actions speak louder than words!

Yesterday I said I was disappointed with the President’s speech. Today I must say I am impressed with what he accomplished yesterday. I refer to the $20 billion committment plus he obtained from BP.

Perhaps Obama is a differnet type leader. He seems much like Teddy Rooseveelt. Speak softly and carry a large stick.

Credit must be given where credit is due. Good job, Mr. President!

Radio show tomorrow! The Key West Lou Legal Hour. The week moved by swiftly.

10 am. KONK 1500 AM. Better yet, on the internet at www.konkam.com where the show can be seen as well as heard.

Topics include some pressing thoughts on the Gulf oil spill, a female attorney wearing an underwire bra who was denied admittance at a Florida detention facility where she went to see a client, a walk back in history with a tale of how some tried to steal Abe Lincoln’s body from his tomb, same sex marriage, the soon to start Kagan confirmation hearings for the U.S. Supreme Court, the King of Ghana and Vermont dumb laws.

I am working on a story involving the Lone Ranger. When completed, you will enjoy hearing about the legend. If not tomorrow, next week.

Golf yesterday!

I did good!

I hit the ball the best ever!

Still not scoring. I lack consistency. But WOW! Did I hit it when I hit it!

Three natural pars on the front side. Two on 4s and one on a 5.

The humidity was heavy. I tired on the back side. No pars.

In the past month, something has happened. My swing is stronger. And straighter. I think it is a combination of my heart working better and the lost weight having eliminated my stomach. Whatever, Tiger Woods watch out!

I hit one ball 250 yards off the grass! My second shot on 9. Hit the ball straight as an arrow. Over the green about a foot.

Don Manaher was riding with me. He says every time I ride with him I have a good day. He’s right!

My group also consisted of Larry and Yankee Jack.

Pretty soon I am going to start losing strokes. I don’t care!

I was the big winner yesterday. $16. Winner buys drinks. Drinks cost me $20. Some days you just can’t come out ahead!

The Chart Room was packed last night with locals. Captain Peter, Che, Sean, Katherine and Sheila. The oil spill monopolizes conversations. Rightly so. One of the group bought BP and Tansocean stock yesterday. A good buy at the right time!

I had dinner on the deck at the Pier House. There was no humidity. I sat down just as the sun was setting. Fried oysters and sailing vessels. What a meal! What a setting!!

Enjoy your day!

The President’s address to the Nation last night disappointed me.

I have nothing more to say.

Another interesting Key West day yesterday. Screwed up might be the better word.

I went to take a shower at 9 in the morning. No water. Bone dry.

Did I pay the bill?

Checked it out. Yes, payed.

Telephoned the water company. A problem in Key Haven. Mine not the first call.

I waited an hour. Still no water.

I need to shower and brush my teeth in the morning. Feel icky otherwise.

So I headed over to Lisa’s. The termites have nothing to do with water.

A block from my house were 2 trucks and a bulldozer. And water bubbling out of the ground big time. A broken pipe.

It took till 3 in the afternoon for the pipe to be repaired and water restored.

I did my thing at Lisa’s. Saw no termites.

Afterwards, I headed over to Blossom’s for cuban toast and coffee. I had not been there in a while. Blossom’s is the old Paradise Cafe relocated one block away. Same people. A different location.

Blossom’s has a new front. The inside is still the same, however. So is the food. The best cuban toast in Key West!

I spent the rest of the day home working on friday’s radio show. I have some great topics to share with you friday!

Lisa and family showed up for dinner. I expected them. The termite problem brought them to me.

Lisa cooked. Chicken, potaotoes and peas in oil broiled in the oven. To die for!

Robert and Ally swam. Then took baths in my jacuzzi.

I encouraged them all to sleep here. No, they were going home. They could handle the termites!

Humid this morning. The air is heavy. Very little breeze.

I play golf this morning. Should be good for at least a 2 pound loss.

Enjoy your day!

The Gulf oil spill remains the major concern for the people of the keys. It is coming. Slowly. But as sure as nightfall, it will arrive.

With all due respect (I still sound like a lawyer), BP and the government are sitting on their hands as far as the Florida keys are concerned. Too little by way of preparation is being done.

Key Westers are an independent sort. Much like the don’t tread on me Texans of long ago.

Key West is getting ready on its own. They will welcome help from BP and the government when it comes. But until then, they are doing what they think is correct to minimize the immending disaster.

An independent local response has formed. A group is meeting, talking, preparing and doing things. Basically without help from BP and the Coast Guard.

One of the problems with the Coast Guard assistance is that it is not forthcoming till the problem is 72 hours away. Too late in many instances! Look at the beaches and wetlands in Louisiana and Mississippi.

One of the things the local response group is doing is called Adopt a Mangrove. The oil will kill the mangrove population and the many fish that habitat within these islands. The oil soaked mangroves will be substantially easier to clean if the everyday garbage which natuarally floats to them is removed first.

The group is out cleaning mangrove islands on their own. In anticipation of the coming problem.

One mangrove island recently was cleaned by 13 women in kayaks. They removed 35 bags of trash.

It is called self help. The independent people of the lower keys are not waiting for BP and the government. They are doing their thing and making their contribution.

It’s old fashioned. It’s American.

God bless them!

A quiet day for me yesterday.

My day started with a doctor visit. They seem to multiply as one gets older.

I have had a thyroid problem for well over 30 years. Was on a high daily dosage. Since I lost the 30 pounds, my need has decreased dramatically. Every two months my dosage gets reduced.

I am impressed!

Lunch was at Lucky Day Cafe. Cuban toast with melted cheese and tomato. Read the morning papers.

I spent the rest of the day at home doing paper work and preparing for friday’s radio show.

Dinner last night was at the bar at the Sports Page. No one there. Chris bartending. I had a sandwich. Made some small talk.

Stopped at Lisa’s on the way home. The family was all gathered in the living room. Prepared to sleep on couches and other chairs. A slumber party of sorts.

Seems termites have invaded Lisa and Corey’s home. Especially Lisa’s bedroom. The tent will be arriving soon!

Enjoy your day!