CONCH REPUBLIC NAVY GETS A NEW SHIP

Key West adding another notable to its memorabilia/tradition book.

Mel Fisher’s search/dive boat when he discovered gold, jewelry, etc. was the J. B. Magruder. The Magruder still in operation. The vessel and its crew are in Key West for Mel Fisher Days. The Conch Republic Navy is making the Magruder part of its fleet. An honor!

The Magruder is sitting in front of Schooner Wharf. Just about every event relating to Key West days of old take place at Schooner Wharf. The key location for such Key West events. Schooner Wharf one of the few remaining places evidencing the Key West flavor of days gone by.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I have been increasing speed, incline, etc. a bit. In spite of the air conditioning, I was sweating big time by the end of the half hour.

I had some things to take care of in the Square One area. While walking on the Duval side, I noticed a Key West Aloe store. I have walked by the site many times. Never noticed it before.

Key West Aloe was started in Key West many years ago by two fine gentlemen. They sold some 15 years ago. The new owner minimized Aloe’s presence in Key West. The plant was moved to another community. The store moved several times.

Key West Aloe the best after shave lotion! No question about it. I have been using it for 25 years. I had run out. My face missed the cooling gel.

I went quickly into the store. The gel has a newly designed container. Threw me off. I bought the gel. I cannot wait to shave this morning!

Key West Aloe is an integral part of Key West history.

Lunched at Harpoon Harry’s. Packed. Wednesday the turkey dinner special. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables and gravy. Of course, I ordered it! Cost $10.

I had difficulty parking. The large public lot across the street was full. I waited a bit till someone pulled out. As I was walking to get my parking ticket, I searched the license plates. Most out of staters. Tourists still visiting.

Yesterday’s Miami Herald carried the Key West/Uber story. It is now a crime to operate one in Key West. An excellent article.

My KONK Life column this week is Illegal Human Trafficking. The title written with tongue in cheek. It is the Uber story internationally. I close with the Key West involvement.

I wrote the article sunday and e-mailed it to the publisher sunday evening. KONK Life hit the stands yesterday.

The two columns are different. I go into detail as to who is behind the company, where the financing has been coming from, why they are so successful, etc. If such interests you, read my KONK Life column. It is also available as of today on my Key West Lou website. keywestlou.com.

United Airlines computer went down yesterday. As did that of the New York Stock Exchange and Wall St. Journal. We are told merely coincidental. I am skeptical. Find it hard to believe.

Wars today are not only fought with guns. Wars are fought economically and via hacking and/or screwing up another country’s computer systems.

Coincidence or intentional?

While enjoying my oatmeal this morning, I was leafing through AARP’s magazine which I received yesterday. I am old enough to read the AARP publication.

There was a comment regarding grieving the death of a close one. The question was how long should one grieve. The answer…..As long as it takes.

Enjoy your day!