Larry Smith had shoulder replacement surgery Wednesday afternoon.

I stopped by the hospital yesterday morning to visit him.

He is well!

I expected to see Larry lying in pain. Pressing the morphine button every time he felt a pain shot coming.

It was not that way.

Larry was propped up in bed. A bright smile on his face. Talking non stop.

He was in terrific shape. God bless! I had expected the contrary.

A speedy recovery, my friend!

Peter Diamond was visiting Larry also. I have not run into Peter in quite a while. It was good to see him. Peter is a vocalist and appears at many of the leading Key West haunts.

Lunch at the Yacht Club. Then a bit of grocery shoping. The cupboard was bare.

Last night bocci! Always a big night!

It was fun!

How did we do? Better than expected.

We played the #2 team from last season. We were the cellar team last season.

We won 1 out of 3 games. Almost was 2!

On the first 2 rolls of the first game, our opponents scored a 3 and a 4 respectively. The game was only a couple of minutes old and we were losing 7-0. We were beaten decisively in that first game.

The second game was close. We lost by 2 points. It was a neck and neck battle.

The third game was a blow out! We beat them like 16-6.

We all played better. We all played well–on occasion. That is one of our problems. Lack of consistency. However, we recognize it and are working to overcome.

The season will not be as bad as the last one. Last season we only won 4 games. Already in 3 weeks this season, we have won 2. That is progress!

Playing were David, Don, Rob, Michael, Keith and me. Keith is David’s son. This is his first season as a bocci player. He was outstanding last night! Jules was in New Orleans visiting girl friends. We missed her hook shot.

I have no plans for today. Nothing to do. It is going to be an interesting day.

Summer is terrific in Key West!

Hot and humid!

The humidity can become a bit too much on occasion when there is no breeze. But that is seldom since Key West is a small island and there generally is an ocean breeze.

Yesterday was a hot and humid day. But with a breeze!

I played golf with Don. Only Don. We were the only persons who showed up to play.

Larry was in the hospital having shoulder replacement surgery. Yankee Jack is in Maine doing a gig. Randy has not showed up in 2 weeks. Aaron wanted to play later. Everyone else is up north.

So it was me and Don.

Don is an excellent golfer. I suck. We played a money game.

He started off giving me a stroke a hole, except for the par 3s. At the end of the first nine, Don had won 7 holes. Being a gentleman, Don gave me 2 strokes a hole on the back side. I needed them!

It was enough to stop the blood letting. I was able to win a couple of holes on the back side and tie most of the others.

In the end, I only lost $5 to Don. It was his genrosity on the back side that saved my ass.

To place the entire round in perspective, Don shot a 76 and I a 115.

I had fun, though!

Last night was dinner with Lisa and the grandkids. At Lisa’s home. Corey is out of town for a few days on business.

Robert and Ally are all wound up over school. They started back this week.

I was home in bed early. No drinking. Never went out, other than dinner at Lisa’s.

I hate it when a person of prominence passes on. The mourning lasts several days and we are all a part of it. I feel drained over Ted Kennedy’s passing.

MSNBC had a one hour special on the 4 Kennedy brothers prepared for showing tonight. Due to Ted Kennedy’s death, they ran the show last night at 9. A Chris Matthews special. Outstanding! If you missed the special, look for it on the reruns.

I am up early again. Still dark outside. I love the black of eary morning before the sun rises. Nothing can be seen. The only sound is the passing ocean.

Enjoy your day!

Ted Kennedy. Rest in Peace.

You live long enough, you feel a part of history. I voted for Jack Kennedy for President. I worked for Robert Kennedy’s election as a U.S. Senator. I observed Ted Kennedy’s development from playboy to statesman.

The Kennedy era is ended. Yes, their children and grandchildren may enter public life. But it will not be the same. Something special has moved on.

A return to my mundane life.

Yesterday started with a haircut. It was Lori time! A pleasant lady. She does her work at Blown Away which is on Southard, just off Duval.

I walked Duval afterwards. From the Atlantic to the Gulf and back. It was hot and humid. I am on a new health kick again. Eat and drink less and exercise more.

Key West is relatively quiet this week. Generally is. It is the week before school starts. Families are getting ready for school rather than vacationing.

I stopped for water at the Pier House Beach Bar. Read the newspapers there also. I was the only one at the bar. It was that quiet in town!

I was driving to the Chart Room last night when Marty called. He was hung up taking a hearing. We had intended to have dinner together. I told him I would wait for him.

The beach may have been empty at the Pier House during the day. The Chart Room at the Pier House at night was not. People still drink.

I waited for Marty till 8:30. During that time I chatted with Che, Dan and Captain Peter. Then Gary and Tecia came in. My new found friends from Oswego, New York. They work over at Fort Zach park mornings.

Gary was wearing a Syracuse University tee shirt. Good guy, Gary! It is nice to have another Orange fan here in Key West.

Marty never made it. I gave up waiting at 8:30. My stomach was growling. Left him a message I would be at La Trattoria.

He never showed up.

La Trattoria was slow also. I enjoyed Erin’s company and that of some patrons at the bar.

And then home to bed.

Golf this morning! Good! As usual, I am anxious to play.

Enjoy the day!

I am up late this morning. Overslept!

Yesterday was a pleasant day.

I had lunch at Blossom’s and read the newspapers.

Then to Borders for some further reading. I am into a World War II book about the interpersonal relationships amongst Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin. The book covers their meetings and communications. Each was playing head games with the others. Most interesting.

Last night my first stop was the Chart Room. No Marty. He deserted me.

However, Jean and Shiela were there. Much better company. And more pleasant to look at.

Afterwards I walked over to Kelley’s for wings.

And then home to bed.

A good Key West day.

Condoms are for safe sex. There are places in this world where they should be used and are not.

One of those places is the Ukraine.The Ukraine has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world.

To induce condom use, a Ukrainian scientist invented music playing condoms. You heard me right!

The volume of the music depends on the intensity of the love making. The tone depends on the sexual position.

Only in America! No, only in the Ukraine!

Good morning!

I am up early! Still dark outside!

Yesterday proved to be a terrific day.

It started with the beach. Fort Zachrey Taylor beach. I went with Lisa, Corey and the grandkids.

Hot! No breeze! I spent most of the time in the water or under some trees.

Robert and Ally swim like fish. I am impressed how they handle themselves in the water. Corey had them swimming by the rocks. He had his snorkeling mask and the grandkids their goggles. They were all floating around looking at the fish. At one point I put on Corey’s mask and took a look. There were a lot of different and colorful fish!

Last night was a big evening for Larry Smith at the Wine Galley.

Larry is having shoulder replacement surgery Wednesday. Last night was Larry’s we love you and good luck party!

The place was packed! I have never seen so many people! Inside and out! Dancing! Singing! Clayton Lopez was featured. Many vocal artists and musicians attended. All participated in providing entertainment.

It was a big night!

Larry, you are definitely loved!

Enjoy your day, my friends!

The past two days have been enjoyable. But a bit tiring. Especially Friday!

I baby sat Robert and Ally Friday. That made two days in a row! Hard work! I was exhausted by the time Lisa picked them up Friday afternoon!

I had promised Robert and Ally miniature golf. So Friday we drove up to Boondocks to play. This was their second time. They are getting better rapidly. Robert even had a hole in one! Ally did one hole in a 2!

They loved it! Laughed all away around the course! It made me feel good about having taken them there.

Then we had lunch at Boondocks.

Robert and Ally both ordered macaroni and cheese. What else! Robert had a diet Pepsi. His mother does not permit the children to drink soda. So Robert was sort of cheating and knew it! He drank gleefully!

Ally had lemonade. It was pink! Pink is her favorite color! She was in pink lemonade heaven!

After returning home, we swam for a while. And then Lisa arrived and took her children back.

I fell into bed exhausted! Two days in a row of baby sitting! I suddenly realized why God makes parents young!

Thursday night I was too tired to dress and go out. But not tired enough to stay in. So I sneaked over to Hogfish for a sandwich and some quiet bar chatter. And then home to an early bed.

Yesterday was a Louis day. I seem to be doing a lot of them lately. Perhaps there is a need. Who knows!

Anyhow I started my Saturday with a manicure. Then to Borders to read a bit.

Lunch was at Blossom’s. The people who ran Paradise Cafe ran into difficulty. They could not make a deal with the bank. So they have reopened down the street and around the corner. At Blossom’s! It is on White Street, just off Eaton. The same good food. The same good people.

I started Saturday night at the Chart Room. Lots of people! Marty, Captain Peter and Shiela. And Michael the bartender.

I also made two new friends. Brian and Tisha. They were sitting next to me at the bar. They are from Oswego, Nedw York. I did a lot of law work in Oswego over the years. It is about a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Utica. So we had some common acquaintances.

Brian retired after 37 years with the County. Tisha retired after a life time with the Police Department. They reside here in Key West in July and August. And then return for another 3 months in January, February and March.

They live and work at Fort Zachrey Taylor Beach. They live in their own RV and do minimal maintenace work mornings at the beach.

A good life! Both looked healthy and tanned. And Brian proudly said his blood pressure had dropped because of the job.

They both love Key West.

I am glad I ran into them . I suspect we are going to become good friends.

It was steak time! I wanted a good one! So it was off the the Strip House at the Reach. What a delicious sirloin!

I planned on going over to the Keys Piano Bar after dinner for some good music. However as I finished my coffee, my body told me I felt just right! I needed no more of anything. So it was home to bed and a good night’s sleep!

Today is Sunday. Love Sundays!

I am starting the morning with a swim with Lisa, Corey and the grandkids. At Fort Zach beach!

Tonight will be Kate Miano’s Gardens and then to the Wine Galley to hear Larry Smith. Larry is having shoulder replacement surgery Wednesday and we are gathering for a party tonight to wish him well.

Enjoy your day!

This past week a mother and son died. On the same day. In two different cities 50 miles apart.

Vicky Tehan and her son Basil.

The Tehan story is an All American story. About an All American family.

Vicky died at the age of 92. Her son Basil, 67.

Vicky married Louis Tehan in 1941 in Utica, NY. They were the children of immigrants. Their parents had come to this country from Syria.

Louis and Vicky were a typical first generation immigrant family. Full of desire for the future. Wanting everything for their children. Hard working. Seeking the American dream.

With one difference. They succeeded! They reached for the stars and made it!

I first met Louis and Vicky when I was very young. Sometime during World War II.

My parents had bought a two family home on James Street in Utica. Their first tenants were Joe and Ann Torchia. The Tehans and Torchias were good friends. Eventually my parents became good friends with the Tehans, also.

I remember visitng the Tehan home with my mother. The home was located on Square Street. It was a store front with an apartment in the back or upstairs.

The store front was filled with brown card board boxes filled with all types of candy.

At that time, Louis made a living by selling candy door to door. I recall him selling Hershey chocolate candy bars that way. A bar at a time.

Eventually the business grew. Louis and Vicky opened a new and bigger store on the corner of James and Conkling Streets. Again a storefront. With an apartment upstairs.

The time frame is around the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The store was bigger. And the Tehans were now selling all kinds of products. The candy had given birth to air conditioners, dishes and the like. Every thing but clothes.

It was the beginning of discount stores. And the Tehans were there at the forefront of the industry.

The whole family worked! Louis and Vicky had 6 children. They were all over the place helping out.

Success continued to follow Louis and Vicky. Success for them resulted from hard work. And they must have worked real hard! Whatever they did, proved successful!

They opened a new and bigger store. Real big! In a shopping plaza on Mohawk Street. It was a catalogue store. Catalogue stores were a new concept for selling.

A customer looked up the item he wanted in a catalogue. Got the number. Gave it to an employee. And the product was delivered to you from the back room. A revolutionary selling concept at the time!

With the advent of the big catalogue store on Mohawk Street, the Tehan working crew consisted of more than Louis and Vicky and the 6 kids. They now were hiring people! Employees!

Louis and Vicky were precursors. They got into a new field and succeeded big time!

Louis died in 1974. A good man gone!

Vicky continued in the business world after Louis passed on.

She and the family built their own shopping plaza on Commercial Drive in New Hartford. A big one! Besides a Tehan store, it had everything else a huge commercial plaza has on the property.

And Vicky was the Chairman of the Board! Chairperson, that is!

Vicky was the ultimate woman! Active from day one in the business. From that little store front on Square Street to the big commercial plaza in New Hartford. She worked and raised a family at the same time. She did 50 years ago what women are trying to accomplish today. Just as the Tehan business was a precursor, Vicky was also.

Vicky was a soft spoken humble woman who aged gracefully. She was a lady! In and out of business.

Louis and Vicky had to be proud of their family. Their 6 children gave them 16 grandchildren, who in turn have thus far produced 10 great grandchildren. Louis would have been proud of the seed of his seed. And Vicky was always proud of the whole family!

I have not intentionally neglected their son Basil. Vicky and Basil’s deaths on the same day in separate communities was mere happens chance. Perhaps God wanted them to walk into Heaven together to greet Louis.

Basil was a part of that American dream I mentioned earlier. His parents sent him off to college. Basil ended up obtaining a Doctorate in physics from Clarkson University. He spent most of his adult life teaching in local colleges.

Basil was a humble individual, also. The fruit does not fall far from the tree.

Basil and I were neighbors in Utica. We both lived near the local community college campus where I walked every day during the warm weather. I had to pass Basil’s home on my way to the campus. Basil was generally outside puttering around. And he always had a warm smile and a wave of his hand as I passed by.

How does the saying go? We were better to have known them!

Rest in peace Vicky and Basil.

Good morning world!

Yesterday was a terrific one! Babysat the grandkids by day! Bocci by night!

My babysitting started earlier than scheduled. Corey telephoned to say Robert and Ally were getting ansy. Could he drop them off early?

I had them at 9!

They came through the door all juiced up! Pure energy! I thought they had chocolate for breakfast!

We played games and talked. Then we talked and played games.

Finally, it was lunch time. My plan was to take them to Hogfish. I changed my mind. Opted to stay in and make grilled cheese sandwiches.

Turned out to be a winner! We had a ball at lunch while eating them!

After lunch, it was pool time! Robert and Ally swim like fish. They will be diving for treaure in a couple of years just as their father does. The water tired them and tired me!

I needed a nap. I said lets go upstairs, turn on the TV and take a nap. Robert was for it. Ally said no. What a pain! So I said, OK Ally. You stay down stairs. Robert and I will nap alone.

It took Ally all of 2 minutes to join us. And it took each of them less than 5 minutes to fall asleep. I had Ally sleeping in the crook of my right arm and Robert out cold with his head on my chest.

And I was in and out of a light sleep for about an hour.

Then Lisa arrived and my babysitting portion of the day was over. I was ready for it to be over!

Bocci last night!

We did good! And we did bad!

We won 1 out of 3 games.

The first one we won 16-8. A knockout!

The second game we were leading 14-9. And lost 16-14!

The third game we were winning 14-8. We lost 16-15.

We played Larry’s team. Always a blood match! We limited our players to 5. We were hopeful that by playing the best, we would win. We almost did! But close is not good enough!

David, Don, Rob, Jules and I played. Why did we lose the last 2 games after having comfortable leads? I think we choked a bit. We did not have the shots at the end when the chips were down!

This is to take nothing away from Larry’s team. They beat us far and square. However, I think we gave the last 2 games to them. We lost. They did not win.

No disrespect, Larry.

Whatever, we played the best we have played in a year. I am confident we will win our share of games this year. Good bye cellar! We are leaving you!

Guess what! I get to babysit again today. Robert and Ally will be here in about an hour. I am toying with the idea of taking them up to Boondocks for miniature golf and lunch.

Talk with you tomorrow…..

Weather is the topic of the day every day at this time of the year in Key West. The hurricane season is upon us!

Key Westers are presently comfortable with the hurricane problem. The first 3 storms of the season petered out or moved in a different direction.

Speaking of weather, TV yesterday morning reported an 80 per cent chance of showers. I looked out the window. No way. I was correct.

Key West locals pay little or no attention to the weather channel. A 30 per cent chance of rain means absolutely no rain. Every other prediction is questionable.

The only time for concern with the weather report is when it says no rain. Guaranteed, it will rain!

I should have been a weather reporter. You can be wrong and still retain your employment!

I am not adversely reflecting on hurricane weather reporters. They are a different breed. I have found during the hurricane season that their projections are right on!

Even though I knew yesterday’s weather report was less than accurate, I started the morning hoping we would finish 18 holes before it rained.

No rain, Jose!

The weather was great! The sun intense, but there was a good wind. From Hurricane Bill. Just enough wind to keep us comfortable. Not enough wind to affect our game. Nor provide an excuse for a bad round!

I played with the big guys yesterday! Kurt, Don and Larry!

They gave me a ton of strokes. And I still was the big loser! $11!

Kurt was the big winner! He also picked up $35 in a side game with Don.

Larry is getting in all the golf he can this week. Next Wednesday he is scheduled for shoulder replacement surgery. It will be a while before he swings a club again!

Sunday at 9 at the Pier House’s Wine Galley will be Larry’s last Sunday Showcase till the shoulder heals. A farewell/good luck party is planned. Larry’s friends will be there. All 3 of them!
Only kidding! The place will be packed. Larry is one of the most well liked people in Key West!

I was late getting to the Chart Room last night.

Marty was finishing his drinking as I was starting. He wanted to eat. Where became the issue. We could not agree. We are becoming like the odd couple!

Anyhow he went to the restaurant of his choice. I stayed and had another drink.

I decided to go to Michael’s for dinner. Neither Marty nor I had mentioned Michael’s as an option last night.

Guess who was at the bar when I walked in? Yes, Marty! We both laughed!

Tonight bocci! We play Larry Smith’s team. They were good last year. Made the playoffs. And they won all 3 of their games last week. Whereas, we lost all 3 of ours.

However, I suspect we will do well tonight. It is always a grudge match when we play Larry’s team.

I am babysitting today. Corey is dropping Robert and Ally off at 10. I will do some pool time with them this morning. Then Hogfish for lunch. They like it there, though they prefer McDonald’s. I am not a McDonald’s person. So it will definitely be Hogfish! I took them to McDonald’s last week when I baby sat. This week it is my turn!

I some times wonder who is more of a child. Me or them!

After lunch we will be back at my home playing games till 3, when Lisa comes to pick them up.

It is absolutely amazing! Three years ago I was a successful working attorney in New York State. Now I baby sit.

Life’s normal progression! Not bad, either! A hug from Robert or Ally is more thrilling than any court room victory I ever experienced!

Enjoy your day!

A quiet Tuesday.

Robert and Ally are sick again. Kids always are sick. Their coughs are back.

I stopped over to see them. They were playing and running around. No apparent disability, except for the coughs. Lisa is medicating them and I assume they will be better in a few days.

Then to the Coffee House for a double choco mocha and to read the papers.

Lunch was at home.

Afterwards read a book outside in the shade for a while.

Then a nap inside in the cool of the air conditioning.

Last night was Outback’s for dinner! Have not been there in a long time. A juciy prime rib and baked potato for dinner. Satisfying food!

The reason I ate at Outback’s is I wanted to go to the movies. The theater is at the Sears Shopping Center. Outback’s and the movie house are close by. Walking distance.

I saw Julie and Julia. A winner! Meryl Streep is terrific! What a talent!

I am up early this morning. A full night’s sleep is becoming a problem the past few days.

Of course, it is black outside. However the ocean is moving fast. Waves are breaking on the rocks. I can hear it all from my open window.

It is hurricane Bill. Bill is moving eastward fast. Though still more than a thousand miles away, its impact is being felt here in Key West. Wind! Strong yesterday. Will be stronger today.

We are lucky. Bill is bending north and will not hit Key West nor come any where close. But I suspect we will have a rainy and windy day come Saturday or Sunday.

Golf this morning. The wind will play a decisive factor with every shot. It is going to be interesting.

Maybe with the wind so bad, I will play good!

Hope springs eternal!