Nathan Hale. An American Revolutionary War hero.
Hale was 21. A Yale graduate. Then school teacher. Joined the Connecticut regiment to fight in the War. Appointed a captain.
New York City was occupied by the British. The colonists needed a spy to enter New York City ascertain British troop size and location. Hale volunteered.
He spent several days in New York carrying out his responsibility. The British were not stupid. They knew there was a spy in their midst. They were closing in on Hale. Finally, captured him.
British General Howe himself said to Hale that he would be hung in the morning. No trial. Not that one would have helped much.
As Hale was being led to the gallows, it is claimed he uttered the famous words…..”I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”
Historians question whether Hale uttered the words. Written documentation lacking.
Another reason is that there is an early 1700’s poem containing similar wording.
Whatever, it is good for us to believe Hale so spoke.
Harpoon Harry’s for lunch yesterday. My usual. Ham and eggs and fries. Then a walk along the waterfront.
A mid afternoon visit to the dentist. Dr. George Linder. Nothing wrong. A routine yearly visit to check my implants. A thorough examination of the entire mouth. Well worth the visit.
Last night for cocktails at Aqua’s Back Door. Mark Watson bartending. He bartends every wednesday night. That is why I go.
I was there quite a while. A number of people I knew came in. Good company all! Donna and Terri. Zoey. Zoey’s real name is Zorica. She is a native of Macedonia. Manages Aqua’s liquor and cigarette store attached to Aqua.
Jimmy Olson and Jimmy back from New Hampshire.
A lady named Lisa.
Big day for Donna! A bit tired also. First day at work. She can be found three days a week at the Butterfly Conservatory.
The cosmetic stores on Duval continue to be involved in fraud and chicanery. I do not understand why the City/Codes does not close them down.
The most recent incident involves a 70 year old tourist. She purchased a few items. Not much. When she received her credit card statement in the mail, the charge was in excess of $5,000. The matter has been reported and the police are investigating.
Citizen activity is growing in Key West. A vigilante approach in some instances.
Re the cosmetic shops, The Key West Rip Off Response Team. They have picketed some of these establishments in the past. They too are looking into the $5,000 over billing.
This morning’s Citizens’ Voice tells the story of a Georgia free range chicken farm where bald eagles are eating up the profits.
Some 15 years ago, I was sitting outside the old Paradise Cafe enjoying Cuban toast and coffee. A mother hen with 5 little chicks were walking by. The chicks in an orderly line.
All of a sudden, I heard a loud swoosh. I looked up. There were two hawks carrying off two of the chicks. The mother hen and three remaining chicks moved on as if nothing happened.
I do not know the difference between a bald eagle or hawk or any similar bird. The two I saw might very well have been bald eagles.
Homeschooling is big in Florida. The Key West Art & Historical Society has announced a new program to support homeschoolers. Two hours a month. To add/supplement to what is being taught at home.
If anyone is interested, the Custom House’s Director of Education Adele Williams should be contacted.
Syracuse/Connecticut saturday. Connecticut a 5 point favorite. Time to win another one!
Enjoy your day!