I CHEATED!

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It had to happen. Last night, I cheated. I am not happy about it this morning.

I have been dieting since mid November. At the moment, I am down 35 pounds. I have been stuck at 35 pounds for 3 weeks. Just as I was stuck for a period of time at 27 and 30 pounds.

My will power is not that strong. I need the encouragement of the scale. I need to see the pounds coming off.

I gave in. I ate! A full meal! First time in four months. Delicious!

I had not intended to give in. The thought had not entered my mind. I was not tempted. However as I sat at the outside bar at La Te Da, I suddenly said what the hell!

It was raspberry glazed duck. I ate it all! Plus the vegetables and delicious bread and butter.

A good boy I was not.

I woke in the middle of the night with a heavy feeling. In my head as well as stomach. Could not sleep. I still have that heavy feeling this morning.

I learned a lesson. When you have been avoiding food for a long time, you cannot dive in like I did.

As always, La Te Da was enjoyable. Don was with me. It was good to see my bartender friend of many years, Tonto.

Met a terrific couple. Joe and Jane. Their other home is New Jersey. They also own a home in Key West on Olivia Street. Six months here, six months there. Both retired school teachers. I enjoyed their company. Just my luck, there six months in Key West ends today. We will have to wait till November to continue the relationship.

I intended to attend the Jimmy Buffett concert at Higgs Beach. I got stuck home on a one hour plus business call. By the time I left, it was almost 7. Buffett was due to appear at 7:30. Parking would be a pain. I would have had to park too far away. A long walk to the concert and then back to the car did not turn me on. I went to Don’s Place instead.

All was not lost, however! The concert has been recorded for replay on margaritaville.com. It will air at specified times over the next few days. If you too missed Buffett, take advantage of the recording and watch the concert at your convenience starting today.

It was Don, David, Toni and John at Don’s Place. Don, David and I got involved in a long bocce discussion. How long can we keep playing as we have this season? We are 17-4.

Don always wants to change things. He likes to move players around. I told him to leave well enough alone. It ain’t broke. Don’t fix it.

We play again tonight.

Saw Dr. Jackie Lefferts in the morning. My body still aching from the falls I took. My left hip and butt are a  dark purple inside a black ring. The bruising is bad because I am on  a blood thinner. My ribs had started hurting. The reason for the visit. She does not think I broke one. I was sent for an x-ray and will receive the results today.

We talked about my frequent falling recently. She thinks I have a balance problem. I don’tknow. I am being scheduled for balance exercises at the physiotherapist’s.

Getting old is fun!

Enjoy your day! Don’t fall!

TOURISTS PACK KEY WEST

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I will be shocked if at the end of the season, Key West merchants complain. The season appears to be a gigantic success. People, bicycles and cars. Everywhere! Everyone smiling.

As it should be.

Last night was simple. First, Don’s Place. Conversation with Don, Jimmy, John and Keith. Bocce and golf the subject matter. Then Don and I to Tavern ‘n Town for dinner.

I love talking about Harry Truman. He is as important to Key West’s history as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.

The Key West Citizen’s History portion this morning had a picture of Truman and Speaker Sam Rayburn taking a walk in Key West. Sometime in November 1948. Truman was dressed Key West style. A colorful sport shirt.

The walk took place on one of Truman’s 11 visits to Key West. He spent a total of 175 days here.

Angus. Angus. Angus. One of the nicest guys in town. No one would dispute me. Angus spends time at Don’s Place, plays bocce and works as bar manager at Schooner Wharf. This morning’s E-Blast carries a couple of pictures of Angus on St. Patrick’s Day taken at Schooner Wharf.

This is amazing! I have been talking for three years about Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro. He’ the guy who ran out of toilet paper, milk and condoms. Plus, all kinds of foodstuffs. The Venezuela people suffered and continue to suffer.

I am surprised the people have not yet revolted. Things are that bad.

Maduro needed a scapegoat so as Venezuelans would not think he was responsible. He found one. The United States. He blames us for everything. His present complaint/warning is the United States is assisting in a coup and planning to invade Venezuela. The guy is a nut!

Over the three years, I have compared Maduro to Castro. Castro blamed all of Cuba’s evils for 50 years on the United States. Cuba and Venezuela are close. Best friends.

Raul Castro spoke out yesterday in defense of  Maduro and Venezuela. Regarding the United States, he said it was “…..impossible to seduce Cuba or intimidate Venezuela.” Said by Castro while Cuba and the U.S. are negotiating a reunion.

Everyone crazy!

On this day in 2003, Bush 2 announced the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The map of the Middle East changed as a result. Wars became commonplace. No weapons of mass destruction were found.

Thank you, Mr. President. Iraq is your legacy. Sad because you did do good in many other areas. Mark Anthony’s words at the time of Caesar’s death come into play. As I recall…..The good men do is interred with his bones, the evil lives on forever.

I have to hustle. Have a haircut appointment this morning. Parking has become a big time problem under the new parking rules. I need extra time to find a proper parking place.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

TRUMAN’S VACATION HAVEN

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The History section of this morning’s Key West Citizen notes that on this day in 1950, President Truman arrived in Key West for a one month vacation. The month long stay is indicative of how much the President enjoyed Key West.

It was not the first time Truman had visited Key West. He actually visited 11 times. His 11 stays totaled 175 days. Key West his home away from Washington.

Truman would stay at what is known today as the Little White House. Back then it was the Commander’s Quarters on the Naval Base.

Truman did not sit on his butt the whole 30 days doing nothing. An aide accompanying the President set forth in detail what Truman did every day.

He would come with an entourage. His close staff, a couple of Generals and Admirals, a cabinet member or two, and some close friends from Independence. He would walk in the early morning, work most of the day. In between work, he took time some days to visit the beach  where he did some sunning and swimming. Occasionally, he fished. There is a photo of Truman in his undershirt sitting in a small flat boat fishing.

His evenings were generally the same. A couple of drinks followed by dinner. Then cards. Truman enjoyed playing cards and did so every evening. Enjoyed another drink or two. Then to an early bed. Around 9 many evenings.

Truman left an indelible print on Key West. He is an integral part of Key West history.

Last night was Don’s Place for a while. Many from the bocce team there. Don, David, Stan and Clare. The conversation centered around bocce and Syracuse and Ohio State basketball.

The cupboard was bare again. Stopped at Publix on the way home.

A couple of years ago, I read somewhere that supermarkets in poor neighborhoods would raise their prices on the days welfare checks were received. I think Publix is doing it here and now in Key West. Not for welfare recipients, however. Since the season started, prices have inched up and there are fewer sale items.

With Syracuse not playing in any post season tournaments, my basketball interest has faded. Big time! When I had Syracuse to follow, I would also watch other teams play. Now, I could care less.

Bocce tonight! The team is off to a better than usual start. May we keep it going!

Enjoy your day!

RESEARCH

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A considerable amount of my time is spent researching. For everything I do. KONK Life column, blog talk radio show, the daily blog, and for the books in process I am writing. I enjoy/love doing it!

Permit me to briefly share what goes into the weekly KONK Life column as an example.

First, I need a topic. A subject to explore. I search for the generally unknown. Also for one that appeals to me personally. When a topic crystallizes, I search the internet for further information.

The unfortunate thing is that after I give the topic the internet run, it turns out not to be as I thought. So it is back to searching for a topic again.

I am supposed to have the column into KONK Life by wednesday each week for publication the following wednesday. It is thursday this week and I do not have a column yet. It could take me through sunday. The two items I thought had appeal fell apart upon research. I am still looking. I fear not. Something always comes up. Like a bolt out of the blue!

A good chunk of my yesterday was spent researching.

The only break was a walk once again at Home Depot.

Last night was Don’s Place. I stopped in around six. Don, David and John at the bar. I sat with them. The chatting continued for more than two hours. First with all three. Then we lost David. John followed soon thereafter. It was Don and me till Larry showed up. The three of us finished the evening..

A good time out. Pleasant company. Many things discussed. One of course was bocce. We play tonight. Our team has started with a bang. We are 8-1. The team we play tonight is 9-0. The opposition is a good team. Better than us. We have had experience with them. They beat us the last two times we played.

It will be an interesting evening.

Syracuse plays its final game of the season saturday. Against North Carolina State. Both teams are 18-12. Should be a good game.

Have to hustle. A haircut appointment with Lori this morning.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

KEY WEST TREE COMMISSION

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Key West has a Tree Commission. Not strange. Key West has a commission for everything. Talk about mini managing!

The Tree Commission came into being in 1971. It’s sole purpose at the time was to stop the paving of green areas. Since that time, the Commission’s power has grown. Today the Commission regulates all kinds of trees on public and private property. Things like branch removal, crown cleaning/thinning, and crown reduction.

Is the Commission a good thing? I do not know. What I do know is that every time a friend has received a letter from the Tree Commission, he/she was upset. Very upset!

I went to Don’s Place at noon to watch the Syracuse/Pitt game. I knew I could not get it on my home TV. Don’s Place could not either. Toni helped looking for channel numbers. The bartender was helpful. However no Syracuse/Pitt game.

I returned home immediately. I do not enjoy day time drinking.

My recollection told me the game might be available on the internet. It was. I sat at my desk and was able to enjoy 3/4s of the game.

I was impressed with watching the game on the internet. For real. You can get the picture to cover the whole screen. It seemed I was closer to the action than on TV. By at least 50 percent, crazy as it sounds.

Syracuse lost 65-61. Defense fair. Offense terrible. A continuing problem. Syracuse has difficulty getting the ball in the basket. Cooney scored zero points. His back was out . You could see it. He took very few shots. Normally he plays the entire game. Not last night. Probably less than half.

I am anxious for the season to be over.

Long Time TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford was in the keys yesterday. Tavernier. Kathie is also a wine producer. She was at the Winn-Dixie signing bottles of her Scheid Family Wines. More than 1,000 in attendance.

I misspoke when I said she was in the keys yesterday. She actually spends much time in the keys. She and husband Frank have a home in the Key Largo area which they have enjoyed for years.

I finished reading Maria Laurino’s The Italian Americans.

The first half was fascinating and informative. The second half not so much as I was somewhat familiar with the events covered.

Two new things I learned from the book. Both deplorable.

In the late 1800s, mob lynchings of Italians was common in New Orleans, Tampa and the south generally.

I knew that during World War II, those of Japanese descent were interned in camps for the duration. I did not know that Italians and Germans were also. They were interned and/or restricted.

Those who were interned were Italians who had lived in the U.S. for many years but had not been naturalized. Others were merely restricted. Which meant they could not go into certain areas and down certain streets. They were subjected to a curfew and were required to carry papers identifying themselves.

Joe DiMaggio’s parents were restricted for the entire war. Even though Joe and his three brothers all fought for the U.S. in the war.

Larry Smith is a dynamo. Loved by everyone, though frequently criticized. A musical entertainer of much talent.

Tomorrow night Larry is the featured speaker at the Friends of the Key West Library. The event is at St. Paul’s Church at 6. Larry is going to talk about the kinds of music that have influenced his career as a pianist and composer.

Go! Larry is always enjoyable. I plan on being there.

The sun is out and shinning. Key West is in for a second consecutive day of warm weather. Somewhere in the mid 70s.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNA

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Jenna’s birthday yesterday! Happy birthday once again dear friend.

I attended a birthday party yesterday afternoon for Jenna. Fun! Many women. Young and a bit older. All knockouts regardless of age. The younger were Miss Americas and the ones a bit older Mrs. Americas.

Several publishers and writers also.

The people and conversations enjoyable.

Jenna with her usual joy and exuberance enjoyed everything! Ah, to be young again!

Don’s Place was down the block from the party. Stopped in. Glad I did. Tino was there. He and wife Maria are visiting for two weeks. Old friends from Chicago.

Tom with Tino. We had a drink and chatted a while.

Nate was bartending. I had not seen him in several months. Nate is one of Key West’s best people. Plus, an outstanding golfer! I played in a scramble with him once. My team had it easy. Nate drove just short of the green. All we had to do was chip on.

We won the scramble.

I decided to stay in last night. Glad I did. I am a movie freak. I love movies, especially old ones. Last night was a double header. A Farewell To Arms followed by Casablanca. A movie lover’s dream evening.

I felt connected watching A Farewell to Arms. The book was written by Ernest Hemingway. The area in northern Italy where the movie was shot and the story took place was very familiar. Especially the lake. I have been fortunate to have visited several times.

Today’s Key West Citizen notes that on this date in 1964, the Beatles gave their first American performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. We all watched, me included.

It is amazing how if you live long enough, you feel as if you are a part of history. Merely by having been alive at the time something took place.

Another police story. This one takes place in Sheffield, England.

An officer operated a police helicopter. A big plane with all sorts of up to date equipment. Similar to a helicopter the military now gives local police departments in the United States. The plane was equipped with a thermal imaging camera.

England has a special sex sport. It is called dogging. Public sex. In the woods, off roads, etc. The women strip and generally are available to whoever might want them.

While the officer was on duty flying the helicopter, he filmed the dogging activity. Then he would take the film home for viewing by he and his wife. They are now in a divorce proceeding. The wife is mad at her soon to be ex husband. She reported to his superiors the film taking. The officer is now suspended.

Many lessons to be learned from the story. Think about it.

Enjoy your day!

 

KEY WEST CHICKENS

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The morning of what will be another good day in Key West!

Today’s Key West Citizen’s Day in History section made comment re Key West chickens. On this day in 2004, the City Commission appointed an official chicken catcher. An experiment that failed.

The contract with the chicken catcher was for 9 months. He would be paid $20 for each chicken captured. There was a limit of 900. At the time, it was estimated there were 2,000-3,000 free roaming chickens.

The chicken catcher captured 542. Considered to be roughly 25 percent of the chicken population. At that point, the chicken catcher packed it in.

He claimed the City leaders were not committed to the cause. He felt they were micromanaging by providing him with chicken lists which specified particular areas where he should do his catching. The chicken catcher found this difficult. Many chickens might be in  a particular area today, but not tomorrow. They moved at will. The chicken lists were useless. By the time he got to an area to catch them, they were gone.

The chicken catcher claimed Key West residents were not cooperative.  They would stomp on his traps and taunt him. The oral abuse was too much.

Another consideration was involved. Money. Chickens are an endangered species or have some sort of protected status in Florida. They cannot be killed. The chicken catcher was required to ship them to a chicken farm located somewhere in northern Florida. The chickens would spend their remaining days in chicken comfort. The cost of shipping the chickens north came out of the $20.

There are chickens in Key West to this day. They probably will be here for all time.

Where did the chickens come from? Two sources are suggested.

The first involves cock fighting. A big sport in the keys for years. It is said cock fighting matches still go on in the wooded mangrove areas away from highways and police. The chickens of today are the descendants of the chickens originally brought to the lower keys for cock fighting purposes.

The other source is that early on, chickens were part of the food chain. There were no super markets. People kept chickens for food and eggs. A number of today’s chickens are descendants of those chickens.

Personally, I do not like the chickens. They are dirty and I fear germ carrying. I will concede however they are lovely to look at.

On to professional football. When I first heard of the deflated ball problem and the Patriots a few days ago, my initial reaction was that whoever was involved should be barred from professional football for all time. The wrong as bad as that committed by the Chicago White Sox many years ago. However after watching many retired pro football players on TV commenting on the issue, it appears every team does it. If so, then the punishment, if any, should be nominal.

The NFL however must put means and rules in place that will prevent this from happening again. The whole matter leaves me with a sour taste.

We close with my diet. I finally lost another pound. I am thrilled. It is now 28 pounds I have shed. I look forward to 30, though I do not plan quitting at that number.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

IN SEASON

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The cartoon on the editorial page of this morning’s Key West Citizen has boldly written thereon Welcome to “In Season” in Key West. No question, the season has arrived. Tourists everywhere. Walking and driving difficult. Everyone happy. Why not, they are in Key West!

Twenty six years ago when I first visited Key West, the  “in season” was February 15 to Easter Sunday Monday. The first two weeks of January were dead. The next two weeks a smattering of tourists. Things picked up the first two weeks in February a bit. Then the avalanche began on February 15. It was like a water faucet had been turned on. People gushing all over the place.

Things have changed. Most certainly. And for the best! Key West is a vacation town. Its only business is tourism. Better closer to 12 months a year than 2.

I felt like a man lost in the desert yesterday afternoon. I wanted to watch the Syracuse/Clemson game. The plan was to meet Dan and Lisa at Jack Flats. I got there early. No Syracuse game. Jack Flats did not carry ESPN 3. Hustled over to Don’s Place. He gets everything on his TV sets. Again, no game.

David came in while I was complaining and explained to me that ESPN 3 only airs on the internet and certain cell phones.

I learned something.

Never got to see the game.

Probably for the best. Syracuse got whipped by Clemson 66-53. Prior to yesterday’s game, Clemson was described as the worst shooting team in the ACC. They found the range yesterday!

I have no further comment re the game.

The weather was a surprise yesterday. The weather report said 70 in the afternoon and 68 in the evening. Cold for Key Westers! It was cold cold on my deck overlooking the water. The ocean breeze always adds to a  cool day.

I dressed accordingly. Long pants, which I hate to wear, and a heavy long sleeved shirt.

When I got out of the car in Key West, the temperature was 78. I had to walk several blocks to Jack Flats and back. Sweating! It was a shorts and tee shirt day!

I mentioned yesterday hearing from some Greek and Italian friends about four jihadists hiding somewhere in Greece. One of some importance. Later in the day, they were arrested in Athens. The leader was Abou Omar Soussi. He was arrested in Omonia Square. Just behind the Square sits the Monastiraki. A Greek restaurant where I spent some afternoons sitting outside and enjoying a drink and bite to eat. I sometimes sat there a couple of hours. A great place to people  watch.

The world seems to get sicker by the day. Generally in Africa and the Middle East. Yesterday, on a road in South Jersey. A baby was found on fire in the middle of the road. Suffered severe burns. No further news was available.

My apologies for ending today’s blog on such a sick note.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

LESLIE CARON

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Beauty is beauty! Cannot be denied! Leslie Caron was a beauty.

Leslie goes back a few years. Late 1950s. Her first movie was An american In Paris. She co-starred with Gene Kelly who discovered her. Cyd Charisse was scheduled to co-star with him. She got pregnant. Kelly was in Paris at the ballet. Saw Leslie dancing and convinced her to perform Charisse’s part.

The rest is movie history. She starred in many films. One of the best known is Gigi with Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jordan.

Why Leslie Caron this morning? The History portion on page 2 of the Key West Citizen noted that on this day in history she visited Key West and was the house guest of Tennessee Williams. Yes, she stayed at the lovely corner house on Duncan street.

Big day yesterday! I walked! I am not walking enough.

I walked Duval back and forth. It was cool/cold. Sweatshirt time. The coolness made it easier to walk. The cold lasted all of 36 hours. Today it is predicted the temperature will be in the high 70s.

On my way home from downtown Key West, I stopped at the Marriott Beachside. Sat in one of the comfortable lobby chairs and read the newspapers. Whereas most  hotels have free coffee in the morning, the Marriott was serving champagne. They even came around pouring and refilling glasses.

A New Jersey couple arrived to check in. The wife was seated near me. Not a happy camper. She was complaining of the cold. I assured her it would pass and she would be happy. I don’t think she believed me.

Stopped at Don’s Place last night. Thought I was to meet Don at 5:30. Apparently not. He was not there. I stayed a while and chatted with Jimmy.

Then to the Chart Room. Busy. Jean and Joe Thornton in attendance. Celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary. Congratulations to the both of them!

Met Jill. She has lived in Key West for years. She is a bartender at the Rum Bar. Not the Rum Barrel. The Rum Bar is in the tiny white house at the far end of Duval near La Te Da. It is also a guest house called The Speakeasy. We had an enjoyable time. Jill has a place in Maine on a lake where she spends a good part of her summer each year.

I looked forward to KONK E-Blast this morning. My column Rank Insubordination was to appear. Never made it. There was a screw up. My Christmas column from three weeks ago was run.

I am told Rank Insubordination will run tomorrow. I consider it one of my better columns and definitely of interest. It concerns Mayor de Blasio and the New York City police.

Enjoy your day!