Good morning!

It is around 5 am.

The electric power just came back on.

I woke just before 3 to the sound of heavy rain and thunder. And lightning! The kind that flashes into your bedroom. It is wild living on the ocean!

They were bowling big time upstairs. Soon after I woke, there was a real big boom! The power went out! TV shut down. I sleep with it on. The ceiling fan stopped moving.

And so it remained till a few minutes ago. Big rain, loud thunder, flashing lightning and no electric power.

Thank God for modernization and civilization. I need electric power and all the amenities it provides.

Yesterday was a Thanksgiving celebration at Montessori. My grandchildren’s school.

Robert was an Indian. Ally a Pilgrim. Both looked terrific! Both were proud to be so attired!

The children all sang. Then sat for a thanksgiving feast. Turkey and all the trimmings. Just like tomorrow. After they were done, it was the adults’ turn. I limited myself. A small slice of turkey and some stuffings. I am saving myself for tomorrow to pig out.

I spent a good part of the afternoon at Borders continuing to read Sarah Palin’s new book.

I am developing a perspective on her. She is different from most people. It appears to have to do with her upbringing in Alaska. Not the easiest due to the nature of things and the weather that far north.

My mind is open on Palin. So may hers be also. She may just be a Perot type nut.

I have a way to go to finish the book. My thoughts will formulate as I progress. Nothing is locked in yet.

Thanksgiving tomorrow! A big deal! It has developed into a family day here in America.

At Christmas time we have visions of sugar plums dancing. At Thanksgiving it is the Pilgrims and Indians feasting together.

Sorry folks, but the Thanksgiving vision does not appear to be factually correct.

The Plymouth dinner was not as we have been led to believe. The Indians and Pilgims were not friends. In fact, the Pilgrims freely killed the Indians as opportunity arose.

The Indians suspected the Pilgims were going to attack them. So they decided to strike first. Ninety strong the Indians approached the Pilgrims. Before the battle could ensue, both sides started talking to each other.

Sort of peace talks. For 3 days.

They had to eat during that time. The Indians went out and killed 5 deer. They also ground corn and pumpkin. They lived off these food stuffs during the 3 days of negotiations.

Peace was arrived at. They had a dinner to seal the peace. The same deer, ground corn and ground pumpkin. With a few fowl thrown in.

The dinner was not necessarily the happy time represented and believed by us all.

Thanksgiving as a special day first arose in our history during the later part of the American Revolution. The Colonists had begun to do well. The Continental Congress passed a resolution for a day of thanksgiving. The day had nothing to do with Plymouth or the Indians.

In 1817 New York State was the first state to officially establish a day of thanksgiving. Again, the day had nothing to do with 1621 and the Puritans.

Abraham Lincoln was the first public figure to really nail down Thanksgiving as an official holiday.

In 1863, the Union had just won the Battle of Gettysburg. A significant victory. A turning point in the Civil War. Because of the victory and because of the general good which Lincoln believed was befalling the Union, Lincoln signed a Proclamation officially establishing the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving.

Lincoln’s Proclamation makes no mention of Plymouth, the Puritans, the Indians or any feast at that time.

In the early 1900s illustrations began appearing in newspapers and periodicals regarding the 1621 dinner feast involving the Pilgrims and Indians. These illustrations depicted the scenerio as a happy and festive time. It is from these illustrations that the Thanksgiving day as we know it developed.

Interesting.

How history shapes us. Or history as we believe it was.

Whatever. As long as we are all happy.

Today is Wednesday. Wednesday is golf day. After all the night rain, will we be able to play? It depends on the sun. If the sun rises and it is warm, it could dry things enough for us to play. Still dark, however. So I won’t know till later and you will not know till tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!

Still dark outside. Black. But I can hear the ocean running by through my open window. Loudly. Must be a strong wind today.

This radio thing is new to me. I love it! I love the reception it is receiving!

Only 3 shows so far. I prepare for them. This week the show falls on Thanksgiving. I have a big Thanksgiving show prepared. The topic, Thanksgiving of course.

And two great guests! My grandchildren Robert and Ally. Five and four respectively. What could be better than a conversastion with the two little ones about the meaning of Thanksgiving.

But it is not to be!

There is no radio show on Thursday.

Because I am the new kid on the block, I was unaware that the talk shows for the day are cancelled. It will be a day of holiday music instead.

Live and learn! I am a bit disappointed. I am sure the grandkids will be also. Lisa and I had them prepped and excited to talk with me on the radio show.

I spent the morning yesterday continuing to prepare for the holiday radio show that will not be. I learned later in the day of the no talk show thing.

Last night was soccer. Robert played. It was the last game of the soccer season. He played well.

I felt sorry for the kids. It had rained just before the game. So they were all a bit sloppy afterwards.

Then to the Chart Room. Packed! Many I did not know. However Frank and Che were there. Larry Smith stopped in to say hello. Charming Michael bartending.

Elaine and Michelle also there. Elaine is from somewhere in New York. Michelle is her daughter and from somewhere in the Carolinas. They were vacationing in Key West for the week.

Michelle is a sales manager for Hampden Inns. 35ish. Lovely and interesting.

She was intrigued by my hair. It is short cropped. She asked if she could touch it and rub it. Of course. I told her I was getting a haircut in the morning. I am. She could not understand why as it is so short from her perspective. To me, it is too long.

I had dinner at the bar at Antonia’s. Delicious! A wonderful chicken dish. Chatted with owner Christopher. Also with Doctor Dan and his wife Isabel.

It was day 27 of no alcohol and smoking. The good doctor told me that statistics indicate day 28 is the big failure date. So I should be prepared for a difficult day today. I do not believe it.

Oh, my Syracuse basketball team! After their crushing victories over ranked North Carolina and California over the weekend, they have moved up in the national rankings. From 24th and unranked to 9th and 10th respectively.

Now Syracuse has to stay there. And move up even more!

We shall see. It is going to be an interesting season.

Big morning today!

Not just my haircut with Lori.

Montessori is having its Thanksgiving play and luncheon for parents and grandparents. Robert and Ally attend Montessori.

This is my second year at the event. Last year Robert was an Indian and Ally a Puritan.

The food is spectacular. The parents go all out in preparing the luncheon meal. There will be stuffed turkeys galore with all that goes with the meal. All kinds of potatoes. Pumpkin pies.

I love it all!

Lisa continues to knock herself out with her Key West internet department store. www.viakeywest.com. Christmas is coming. You may want to Christmas shop a bit with her. It is convenient and easy.

The Key West Lou tee shirt demand is dropping off. The key lime bunt cakes picking up. The bunt cakes are delicious.

Still dark outside. My sleeping has been eradict lately. I prefer waking up when the sun is up. Perhaps I go to bed too early.

Enjoy your day!

Good morning!

I am up early. Around 5 am. Dark outside. Quiet. I cannot hear the breeze in the palm trees or the water moving.

Yesterday was another slow one. Getting to be common lately.

I watched the Sunday news shows in the morning and read the Key West Citizen.

The TV news zeroed in on the Senate’s procedural vote Saturday evening to debate the health care bill. Will the bill make it? Some pompous Senators pontificating and bustering. Threatening to defeat the proposed legistation if certain changes are not made. Since this is a Democratic show, it appears that 4 senators are trying to upset the will of 56. Does not sound like majority rule to me!

Don’s Place in the early afternoon to watch professional football. A good afternoon. Don, David, Keith, Randy, Aaron, Steph, Nancy, Rob, Beebe, Jules and every one else watching the various games. Good people all!

I left early. For some reason, I was not into any of the games. My favorite team is the Philadelphia Eagles and they were not playing till last night.

I drove over to the Coffeee House on Duval. I spent the next couple of hours reading the New York Times and New York Daily News. Nothing like the Sunday New York Times!

Then Sunday dinner with Lisa and the family. Ally seems to be growing. She must have spurted this week. Robert and Ally are pure energy. They never stop.

I was home in bed in time to watch the Philadelphia game. I fell asleep with the Eagles 4 points ahead in the last quarter. Did they win? I forgot to check the score before I started writing this morning.

Thanksgiving this week!

America’s family holiday!

My radio show is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day. Thursday at 1 pm Eastern Standard Time.

My three shows so far have involved some what heavy legal matters. The homeless, mortgage foreclosures and the pending 9/11 trial in New York City. However, a holiday is a holiday! A time to relax and enjoy. A time to ease up.

So my Thanksgiving radio show will be a holiday treat. At least I hope it will be. I am planning it as such. It will be a story of Thanksgiving. Its historical roots. Why we do what we do on the holiday. Its legal connection will be that at a point in time in the history of our country it became a legal holiday.

Just to share a small part of the show, we all grew up believing the first Thanksgiving was at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Good luck! Berkley, Virginia claims the first such feast 2 years earlier than the one in Plymouth. In addition, the Indians say the Puritans had nothing to do with the holiday. They claim Indians were celebrating the harvest every fall for years before the Puritans even landed at Plymouth rock.

And then there is a fourth version which I came upon that is probably the true rendition. I will share it with you on Thursday.

The Key West Lou Legal Hour can be heard on radio on KONK 1680 AM. The internet carries it at http://www.konkam.com/. And call ins can be made by telephoning 305-294-2769. The telephone number is also referred to as 305-294-CROW.

I am trying to encourage call ins to the show. Help me! Call in!

I received my first call last week. From Gary in Oswego, New York. A Key West snowbird.

Call to ask a question, make a comment, dispute something I may have said or just to wish me and everyone a Happy Thansgiving!

Enjoy your day!

Lisa just telephoned. She wanted me to come over for breakfast. Too early, I said. I am going to lay around and watch the Sunday TV talk shows.

The weather is always interesting in the keys. I mentioned to Lisa that it was pouring big time here in Key Haven where I live. Lisa lives in Key West proper. About 3 miles away. She said the weather was beautiful in Key West. Sun shinning. No rain.

That is the way it is here in the keys. The rain will soon pass and another glorious day will be upon us.

I did Harpoon Harry’s for lunch yesterday. Had not been there in a while. Opted for the Saturday special. A hot roast beef sandwich. Terrific! Love all that thick gravy! Good for the cholesterol also!

I finally got to Borders to start reading Sarah Palin’s Going Rogue. I am not enough into the book yet to render an opinion or thought concerning it.

Interestingly I read somewhere this week that the book’s opening day sales totaled around 300,000. President Clinton’s book written after his Presidency opened with 400,000 and Mrs. Clinton’s book had first day sales of 200,000. There is obviously a lot of interest in Palin and her book.

I stayed in last night. Tired. Went to bed early to watch some TV. Fell asleep quickly.

Sunday! Sunday! Love Sundays!

The political talk shows intrigue me. Especially Meet the Press.

Love reading the Sunday newspapers. At some point I will bury myself in the New York Times for a couple of hours.

The afternoon is pro football at Don’s Place. A good time! Good people watching with me!

Then I am not sure what. Could be Kate Miano’s Gardens tonight. Or dinner with the family at Lisa’s. Or Larry Smith at the Wine Galley. Or a quiet dinner at La Trattoria. Or nothing. Depends how I feel around 5 o’clock.

I love this life style!

I wish it upon every one!

The weather has been absolutely perfect the past few weeks. Low to mid 80s by day. High 70s by night. No humidity. Comfortable all the time.

What a place to live!

My big experience by day yesterday was grocery shopping. Again! I either enjoy it or don’t know how to do it. Perhaps a bit of the both.

My problem is I do not buy enough. When I am checking out, I am always so proud at how little I have spent. No wonder I have to return several times a week!

Dinner last night was at the bar at Hot Tin Roof. They have a TV. I wanted to watch the Syracuse/North Carolina basketball game.

What a game!

This could be a Syracuse year!

As of last night, Syracuse was ranked 24th in one poll and unranked in the other. North Carolina was ranked 4th and 6th in the two polls.

Syracuse walloped North Carolina! By 16 points!

North Carolina was winning by 2 at half time. That was it for North Carolina! Syracuse went on a 22-1 run to start the second half. Unheard of! Fantastic! Terrific!

The night before Syracuse beat 13th ranked California big time.

Lets hope Syracuse can keep it up! It is a long season ahead. But credit must be given where due. And last night Syracuse earned it big time.

I can’t wait to read the morning papers regarding the game. Especially the New York ones. The game was played in Madison Square Garden.

Amy Culver is a Key West icon. A lovely lady! Former restaurant owner. Now a professional comedian. Even went to school in New York City to study comedian acting.

She is on Facebook this morning with a comment . Her comment generated a few comments in response. Whether the comments are true, I am not sure. They could be since people are people. Whether true or not, the comments are terrific and I share them with you.

All three concern statements that would be made to hotel personnel.

The first is the inquiry…..Does the water go all around the island?

The second…..When is the second sunset?

The third and possibly the best…..A call to the front desk that the microwave does not work. A maintenance man was sent to the room to tell the person that there are no microwaves in the room. The guest was trying to heat a burrito in the safe.

Go Amy!

Terri White continues to be a hit in New York in the revival of Finian’s Rainbow. That and her homeless story. She spent 3 months last year sleeping on a bench when broke. Today a star!

Terri’s story so far has appeared in the New York Times. She has been featured on the Katie Couric show. And People magazine did a major aticle on her. Next Tuesday at 6 pm Terri will be on national TV on Inside Edition. Figure out the channel where ever you are and watch it. Terri’s story is heartwarming! Terri is heartwarming!

I started today’s blog by telling you the weather has been perfect here in Key West for several weeks. I am up early this morning. Still black outside. But the window is open. It is raining like hell at the moment!

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday was a great day!

The radio show from all reports was terrific! I am excited. The topic for discussion/exploration was the recent decision to try certain 9/11 conspirators in civilian court in New York City. A hot topic nationally this week!

I am hoping to make call ins a part of the show. Got my first one yesterday! Gary from Oswego, N.Y.

Gary and Tecia are sort of snowbirds. They are here in Key West off and on. Someday maybe full time.

I met Gary and Tecia at the Chart Room several months ago. We became friends. They are due back in December. Hurry my friends! You are missed! And thanks again for calling in!

Bocce last night!

It was the final night. A make up evening. We had been rained out one evening several weeks ago.

Whether we won meant nothing. Our loss last week kept us out of the playoffs. The team we were playing last night was in a similar position.

So we agreed before hand to have an easy evening. No practice throws, get right to it, no aggravation, no trying, etc. Just fun.

And guess what? My team played terrific! We won all 3 games!

Maybe that is the secret. To take it easy and play like you don’t care.

When I returned home I was happy to see that Syracuse had won a big basketball game last night. Yes, the basketball season is upon us.

Syracuse is playing in a big time early tournamnet on the west coast. North Carolnia, ranked #6 in the country, is playing, as well as Ohio state #15 and California #13. Syracuse is ranked #24.

Syracuse destroyed California. By 20 plus points. Apparently Syracuse looked good. Very good! Coach Boeheim is reported to have opened his TV interview after the game with the comment, “I think we still can be better offensively.” Wowie! I hope he is correct and Syracuse has a big year ahead!

Syracuse plays North Carolina in the finals of the tournament tonight. Hope I can see it on television here in Key West.

And that is what makes for a great day. A successful radio show, 3 bocce wins and a Syracuse victory!

How our values change in life.

Enjoy your day!

My radio show today!

Please listen in!

The Key West Lou Legal Hour will devote the entire hour to the hot legal topic of the week. The decision to try the 9/11 terrorists in federal criminal court in New York City as opposoed to a military tribunal.

Listen in! Call in! Participate!

1 pm is the time.

The radio show can be heard here in Key West on KONK 1680 AM radio. Outside Key West and world wide on the internet at www.konkam.com. And for those of you with a question or comment, you can call in. The number is 305-294-CROW (305-294-2769).

The show has the capacity to be a talk show. I would like that. I know what I think. I would like to know what you think.

So far in the first two shows, no one has called in. I would like to see that change today.

It is no big deal to call in. Just telephone. You will not be asked to identify yourself, except for a first name and the city from where you are calling.

Ask a question. Share a thought. Express an opinion. Whatever. Your participation will add to the quality of the show.

I am going to be asking for call ins during the show. Please do not leave me hanging out there waiting. I need your help to make the show better.

So…..call in to 305-294-CROW with your question, thought or comment. Today from 1 pm to 2 pm.

Yesterday morning was golf.

I did not play well. At least I consistent. Cost me $22.

I played with Don, Tom, Tino and Yankee Jack. Don and Tom were the big winners. Tino the big loser.

But…..we had a good time! A lot of laughs. Some complaining. A few groans. A little yelling.

I spent the afternoon preparing for today’s radio show.

Golf tires me. So I decided to stay in last night. I had an early light dinner and then to bed. Going to bed early does not work for me. I wonder why I do it. I fall asleep and then wake around one in the morning and am up the rest of the night. So it was last night!

I heard from Howard Livingston the other day. He telephoned. He was somewhere in the midwest. Between having visited his family and visiting the new in laws.

We have not talked in a while. We used to boat a lot together. That was when he was a businessman. Now that he is an entertainer, and a successful one at that, there is little time for such fun activity. Howard said we should boat again. And soon. We agreed that we would fit it in between now and the end of the year.

I look forward to it! We enjoyed some great times together!

I have a bit more preparation for today’s radio show. Be sure to listen in. And call in!

Enjoy your day!

I am up at my normal time this morning. It is dark outside! Pitch black!

Yesterday was another quiet one.

I walked. And walked some more. Exercise is king!

Then I stopped at Lisa’s. My computer was still on the bum. Used hers to check things. It was lunch time. Lisa came home. We had a sandwich together sitting in the kitchen. Our conversation primarily surounded her internet department store Via Key West. www.viakeywest.com.

After lunch I went over to the Coffee House. I ended up having a chocolate something and devouring the New York Times. Every section of the Times!

I spent the rest of the afternoon and early part of the evening working on tomorrow’s radio show.

I want the broadcast to be current issue wise. Talking about today’s events where possible.

This week’s big legal issue seems to be the trial of some of the 9/11 culprits in civilian court. Federal Court in New York City.

What a furor! People are talking about it every where here in Key West. Most are opposed. They feel these persons who are allegedly responsible for 9/11 should be tried in a military court. The issue is also a hot one on the television talk shows.

Tomorrow it is the issue on the Key West Lou Legal Hour. At 1 pm on KONK 1680 AM radio and on the internet at www.konkam.com. Listen in! Should be interesting!

I have a busy day today. Golf this morning. A meeting involving the radio show this afternoon.

Will I get off the tee this morning? I doubt it. But I will try. It is the weakest part of my game these days. Very weak. I drive like an old lady. Maybe it’s because I am an old man. Actually age and sex have nothing to do with it. I just do not drive correctly. Do not know why. Nor can any one who watches me tell me. It is my cross to bear!

Almost forgot. Lisa telephoned me last night. I missed soccer since I was absorbed in preparing for tomorrow’s radio show. Ally scored 2 goals at soccer last night!

My granddaughter!

Enjoy your day!

I am late with the blog this morning. Sorry. Slept late. And my computer is still screwed up. It will be fixed later today. So I am at Lisa’s writing this morning.

The drive to Lisa’s home from mine was spectacular! The only way to describe it. The sun was bright. Only a scattering of clouds. Temperature around 78. Dry. Cool.

I enjoyed yesterday. Especially lunch time.

I took a long walk in the late morning. Part of my new found good health kick. I ended up at the Mel Fisher Museum. Son in law Corey works there as the Museum’s chief archeologist.

Next door to the Museum on Whitehead Street is a long narrow building. It has 3 or 4 stores fronting on Whitehead. The store fronts are built up. About 10 feet off the ground. With a long white railing fronting the stores.

The store fronts are located about 100 feet off the busy path tourists normally travel.

Absolutely the worst place to locate a retail store.

Or so I thought. I found out differently yesterday.

My friend Maxine Makover operates a knitting goods store at the location. Called Knit Wits. She sells yarn and related items for knitting and crocheting.

I stopped in at lunch time. First time I had been in her store.

What a lovely place! Absolutely beautiful inside! Magnificent!

Spacious. Well decorated. Colorful. Exudes a feeling of warmth.

I congratulated Maxine on the store. She invited me to stay for lunch. Next door, beween the 3 stores and the Museum, is a small restauant. She ordered chicken soup for me, the special of the day. Followed by a baked apple in a succulent crust covered with a just sweet enough topping.

We ate seated at a round glass table in the center of her store.

All this was terrific! But I asked…..how do you make money? Where do the customers come from? She said watch.

I spent about an hour with Maxine. First, a woman came in alone. She was off a cruise ship and only in Key West for a few hours. Then 4 more women came in. Also off a cruise ship. Then several other women. And some made purchases.

Turns out knitting is big with women! Even when they are out of town! Most had become aware of Maxine’s store when they rode Ed Swift’s trolley cars. The trolley goes right past the front of the stores. After their trolley trips, these women hurried back to explore the store. Turns out knitting is a very special past time for women.

Plus, Maxine’s Knit Wits is the only knit goods store in Key West. If you are the only one, a prime location is not required. The customers will find you. And find Maxine’s store they do!

So I had a terrific lunch with a terrific lady and learned a bit about the yarn business to boot!

Afterward when I completed my walk, I hurried over to the Borders book store. I was anxious to start reading Sarah Palin’s new book. I was one day early. The book will not be on the shelves till today.

Last night I shared some time at the Chart Room with Che and Captain Peter. Captain Peter had just returned from a one week vacation in Mexico. Marty was absent. Working taking down some municipal meeting.

I had dinner at the bar at Antonia’s. Not drinking makes a big difference in the cost of eating out. My total bill was $16!

I noticed during my walk earlier in the day and then my walk while out last night, that Key West is busy. There are tourists in town. A good bunch of them. Great for the Key West economy.

It must also mean that things are getting a wee bit better economically. If this trend continues, that may very well be the case. However, I question my observation based on the unemployment statistics.

Tonight is a big time at Don’s Place. 5 to 7. Nancy and Steph are having a Bead for Life party. Bead jewelry made from recycled paper by Ugandans. The sale proceeds are returned to Uganda to help educate Ugandan children.

A good cause! Lovely beads! Go take a look and spend a dollar or two for a good cause!

Enough for today. Time to walk. Good health continues.

Enjoy your day!

Another lovely Key West day in the making!

Sun bright. A soft breeze. Cool.

Yesterday was spectacular weatherwise. Low 80s, yet cool. No humidity. Everyone was commenting on what a terrific day it was.

Lisa telephoned me Saturday night. Be here at 9 tomorrow morning for breakfast.

I was.

Always an experience. The grandkids make it so.

Lisa went all out. Eggs, pancakes, granola, yogurt and raisin bread toast. And bacon. Turkey bacon! Lisa is a health fanatic where food and her family are concerned.

I hung around Lisa’s for a couple of hours doing family things, including playing a bit with Robert and Ally.

Then I was off to the Coffee House to read the Sunday newspapers. The Coffeee House was unusually crowded. Had to be the boaters who were still in town for the finals of the power boat races later in the day.

I did not attend the power boat races yesterday. However I understand they were the best ever! Speeds of upwards of 111 and 116 miles per hour. The helicopters zooming low overhead. Perfect weather. And a perfect sea. Calm.

The power boat races are international in nature. The boats and their crews come from all over the world annually to Key West for this race.

I spent the afternoon at Don’s Place watching the football games. The crowd was a bit less than normal. Perhaps the boat races impacted. I am not sure why.

In any event, Sunday afternoon at Don’s Place is always fun! Good people! Good TV! And good food!

I went to bed early. Around 5. That is early!

I watched the Colts/Patriots game from my bed. What a game! The Colts over the Patriots 35-34. All the action was in the last quarter. Not quite correct. The last quarter was exciting. The last minute thrilling!

A good Sunday!

Enjoy your day today!