MECHANIC JUNIOR GRADE

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Finally made it in life! I fixed a problem with a car.

I have a Volkswagen 2010 Beetle convertible. Off and on I have had an ignition problem. The key will not turn. A genuine pain in the ass! This past week it happened often. Became a real aggravation.

I had to leave the car at the Weston garage thursday night because the key in the ignition would not turn. Jennifer was kind enough to drive me to the Weston yesterday. I told her on the way that several months ago it happened while I was at Don’s Place. Left the car overnight. The next day when I returned, it turned over like nothing.

Same thing happened yesterday. The key turned and I was on my way. Cost me $48 to leave the car overnight, however. $4 an hour. A rip off!

Drove over to a shop near the beach that advertises Volkswagen repairs. Closed.

I wanted to go to Sloppy Joe’s last night to watch the Hemingway Look Alike Contest. Showered again, shaved and dressed. Into the car in the garage. #x&*%, the key would not turn! I raised a hell of a sweat. Aggravation set in big time.

I stayed home. Had no choice. Poured myself a couple of gins and felt better.

During the night, my sciatica returned. Nothing going right.

I got up extra early this morning. Googled Volkswagen ignition key problem. Should have done it first!

Turns out the 2010 Volkswagen has an ignition key turning problem. Several remedies suggested. I tried them all.

Wear your seat belt. Interesting. Claim was the key would not turn because of a security problem. Seat belt had to be attached. Did not work.

Hit the hole where the key goes in with something heavy. The end of a butter knife. Did not work.

Put the key in and hit the key with something heavy, turning the key at the same time. Impossible to do. Required body gymnastics.

Jiggle the steering wheel. I did that at the Weston garage. The wheel did not move even a little bit. Tried it again this morning. Absolutely no movement.

Finally, spray some WD 40 into the ignition hole. Where the hell was I going to get WD 40, whatever it is, at 5 in the morning?

The Lord was with me. Keith leaves some materials around for when he has to fix something at the house. Would you believe! There was a can of WD 40 in the bag. I gave the hole one spray. Waited a minute. Voila! The key turned like it was in melted butter.

I tried several times. Worked each time. Lets hope it works later today. I plan on attending the Running of the Bulls at 1 by Sloppy Joe’s.

You might ask why I do not take the car to a Volkswagen dealer. Because the nearest one is 160 miles north in Miami. Last time I buy a car that does not have a dealership in Key West.

Compounding everything, my sciatica came back during the night.

The weather is iffy. It smells and tastes like rain. Extra humid. Clouds black. Blacker coming in off the ocean.

Yesterday’s weather report said storms this afternoon. The morning report says clouds. I think we are going to have some rain. Whatever, I will have my slicker with me. The bulls run regardless of the weather.

Enjoy your day!

 

L’ATTITUDES

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Dinner at L’Attitudes last night. A very fine dining experience.

L’Attitudes is located on Sunset Key. A boat ride away. All of five minutes. The restaurant sits just off the dock where the boat disembarks customers.

The last time I was at L’Attitudes was 15 years ago. Beautiful then. More beautiful now. It has been remodeled.

I had not been in all that time because of the boat ride. An inconvenience from my perspective. I now realize my loss.

Everything magnificent! From the view to the food to the service. Viewing the sunset while dining is special in and of itself. The sun set through gray clouds in a large orange ball. Mallory Square dressed up.

I asked for a table inside when I made my reservation.  By a window so I could see the sunset. My request was met. Thank you, Chris and Dan.

My waitress was Eve. Short for Ivelisse. Puerto Rico born. She has been in Key West 16 years. Efficient. Charming. Lovely.

L’Attitudes making a ton of money! Obvious. The place full. The boat bringing customers back and forth. The customers tourists. I did not recognize any locals.

Would I return? Yes. To dine alone at the bar and read the newspapers. With the added benefit of the setting sun.

My day yesterday began at Farmers Market. Bought bread. A long thin crispy loaf. Two. Toasted half of one for lunch. To die for.

Then Publix. Picked up a few essentials. Ran into Paul Toppino. Two bachelors grocery shopping. What the final quarter of life brings.

Spent part of the afternoon working on tuesday’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

My evening ended in a bit of disaster. I had to leave my car in the Weston garage. The key would not turn in the ignition.  Walked down to the Chart Room, had a drink, and Emily called me a taxi.

I have not taken a taxi in ten years. Expensive. $27.50, without tip. Pier House to my home in Key Haven. Bring on Uber!

When I finish this blog, I have to find someone to drive me to the car. The key problem happened once before. I left the car in Don’s parking lot. The next morning the key turned with no problem. Hope it works the same way today.

Tons of events scheduled for today as part of Hemingway Days. The one that appeals to me is the second preliminary round of the selection/elimination process in the search for this year’s Hemingway look alike. Sloppy Joe’s at 6:30. A full house guaranteed.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reports Sheraton Suites was sold for $94 million. Most if not all of Key West’s major hotels have changed hands the last three years. Why not! Key West is packing them in. Guaranteed high occupancy at high rates.

Last but not least. Perhaps the most important item this morning. Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi announced a budget reduction for the next year. Almost 6 percent. Taxes will be reduced! When was the last time?

Gastesi should run for President!

Enjoy your day!

 

TRAINWRECK

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Went to the movies last night. Saw Trainwreck. Thought it was a wreck.

I went to view the movie because of all the hype it has been receiving. A great funny show. Contemporary sex. I was not impressed.

The first third of the movie I had trouble staying awake. The rest of the movie had its funny parts. If contemporary sex is as was represented, I have missed out on a lot. I am sure I have. It is a different world.

LeBron James is in the movie. He has a significant part. Plays himself. He is an actor! No question about it. The man has talent in a second field. The thought occurred during the movie that his performance was worthy of an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

I was right on. This morning’s news reports James signed a major Hollywood contract yesterday.

Trainwreck was the last stop of the evening. Prior to the movie, I enjoyed an early dinner at Tavern ‘n Town. Michael Emerson entertaining. Enjoyed his singing.

Hot Tin Roof’s Joseph came in for dinner. Went over to his table to say hello. I like Joseph.

Across the bar from me were two Key West lovelies I seem to be running into frequently of late. Sisters Mary and Jeneane. Friends from the Pier House. They were with a woman of Asian extraction. A beauty.

My morning began with the anti-gravity treadmill at Body Owners. For whatever reason, knocked me on my ass yesterday. I was dead all afternoon. Spent the afternoon in bed after lunching at Hogfish. I thought food would pep me up. It did not.

I plan of visiting the Farmers Market at lunch time today. The refrigerator is empty. I want to buy a few Farmers Market items before heading over to Publix.

Hemingway Days continue. Hemingway boxed. Enjoyed mixing it up. He encouraged other Key Westers to box. Neighborhood boxing matches were held at Blue Heaven. Hemingway refereed them.

In addition to fishing, boxing, and writing books, Hemingway wrote poems. As part of Hemingway Days, there will be a reading of his poems tonight at Blue Heaven. The program titled Papa’s Poems. Early. Like 5 o’clock.

Anna reports she had a great meal at Mythos last night. Mythos roasted a baby goat on a spit. Anna says it tasted like lamb. I believe it. Mythos did a goat for me on my last visit to Amorgos.

My KONK Life column re Planned Parenthood and the sale of fetus body parts hit the stands last night. It is available throughout the Keys today. I linked it to my Key West Lou website this morning. keywestlou.com. Read it and believe!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

HAPPY HUMP DAY

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I have been visiting Key West for over 25 years. Bought a home 17 years ago. Been a Florida resident 9 years.

Never heard the term hump day till my Key West days. Thought it meant that wednesday were set aside in the Keys for sex. How nice, I thought. It was only a few years ago when I mentioned the sex thing in this blog that I was made aware it represents the middle day of the week.

I do not recall hump days in upstate New York. I live and learn.

A happy hump day one and all!

Key West weather continues to be outstanding. Warm/humid every day. One problem. Insufficient rain for this time of year. July brings summer weather. Rain every day. Not long in duration, however consistent. Every day. No rain every day this July. We could use it. Otherwise, a problem.

I spent some time yesterday morning shopping for baby clothes on Duval. A gift package. Hard to find quality baby clothes in Key West. Several stores. Basically, all selling the same. Guess I will be going to the internet.

Lunched at the Cuban Coffee House. Ran into Bobby. He’s been in Key West longer than me. I first met him 25 years ago when I was visiting. The last time I saw him was five years ago at the Casa Marina for July 4th fireworks.

It was good running into him. He was going to Peter Diamond’s for a haircut. Peter’s barber shop is next to the Cuban Coffee House.

Yesterday afternoon  was spent researching a bit further for last night’s blog talk radio show. Then fine tuning the material.

Reaction to the show was as I expected. Post show comments indicate a furor with the recent revelation that Planned Parenthood has been selling the cells of aborted fetuses and actual body parts of partial born aborted fetuses. My KONK Life column this week is devoted to the abomination.

This week Key West celebrates Hemingway Days. 125 plus Hemingway look alikes in town. Another city is celebrating a similar event, except for Santa Claus. Copenhagen this week is holding its annual World Santa Claus Congress. More than 125 Santa Claus’ in attendance. Their purpose to study Santa Claus problems. This year the issue is too many cookies. The kids leave Santa so many cookies that Santa is gaining weight.

Today’s Hemingway Days events include Meet the Papas at Sloppy Joe’s at 5:30. The Key West Marlin Tournament kicks off. $50,000 in cash prizes. Last night was meet the Hemingway look alikes at Sloppy Joe’s. Key West is into Hemingway days!

There is a company on the internet called Car Decal Geek. Love the name! The company makes vinyl decals and stickers for cars. They have a section depicting Key West. Terrific! It’s all there! Everything!

Car Decal Geek is a Michigan based company. A growing company. Take a look at their website for some great decals.

Enjoy your day!

CUBA EMBASSY OPENS

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The anti-gravity treadmill has an attached TV screen. I have become addicted to The Price Is Right. Never watched the show before the treadmill. Yesterday, no Price Is Right. Instead, the available stations all carried the opening of the Cuba Embassy in Washington.

An impressive event. More so because of its significance. Another step closer in the U.S. relationship with our neighbor. I was moved the moment the Cuban and U.S. flags were raised simultaneously in front of the Embassy.

It is probably because Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba. I have a great interest in the renewal of the relationship. I wanted to write a blog marrying everyday Key West events with Cuba. I found a Cuban organization that was putting together a Cuban/U.S. blog. They only wanted Cubans or persons of Cuban extraction however. I continue looking.

Went from the treadmill to Roostica for lunch. Had a luncheon meeting. I continue to be impressed by the business Roostica does. Quality and prices have to be the main contributing factors.

Spent the afternoon researching tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. The show interesting once again. Not because of me. Rather due to events which occurred this past week. Like Warren Buffet buying a Greek island , China moving its ass, the hourly and daily cost of the Afghan war, the newest way to transport cocaine, Trump, examples of how banks control us, a United States of Europe, and more.

Join me for a quick moving half hour. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

The Chart Room first last night. Only David and me. Then to the Hot Tin Roof for a bite to eat. Four “Chart Room regulars” at the bar. I have noticed recently a fall off of regulars at the Chart Room. For example, most are at the outside bar at the Galleon friday nights.

My imagination?

Today the start of Hemingway Days. Exhibits at the Custom House and Tennessee Williams.

Today special in another way. Today marks Hemingway’s birthday.

On July 20, 1985, Mel Fisher hit the Atocha mother lode. $400 million of gold, silver and emeralds. God bless America!

One of the two divers making the find was Andy Matroci. He is still alive and kicking. He lives on Eagle Street in Key West and captains the J.B. Magruder salvage boat.

The last day of the British Open exciting. Especially the four hole playoff. Zach Johnson the winner.

Johnson moving when interviewed afterwards. A humble religious man. Thirty nine, he was not ashamed to cry. He is a first class representative for professional golf.

I overslept. Have to move my ass. A haircut appointment with Lori.

Enjoy your day!

 

MAN ON THE MOON…..WOW!

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Today marks a remarkable event in history. The event being the most memorable of my life. Impacted me. Man on the Moon!

On this day in 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon. I was 34 at the time. It was late night. Around midnight. I was excited. A human walking on the moon. The thing science fiction movies were made of. Not reality. Yet, it was about to happen! Live on TV in front of my eyes.

My four children were all under 10 at the time. I woke and got them all out of bed to watch. I wanted to view this moment in history. It meant nothing to them. They were merely amusing their crazy Dad. To this day, when I ask if they recall watching the event on TV, none do.

I am now 80 and nothing has matched or exceeded Neil Armstrong walking on the moon.

Today has a special significance for Key West. Mel Fisher found the mother lode of the Atocha in 1985. Changed his life! His family’s life! Jean Thornton’s life!

I mentioned in yesterday’s blog that I had been researching Margaret Sanger for this week’s KONK Life column. As I dug further, it became obvious that the recent story re Planned Parenthood selling aborted fetus baby parts superseded it. Ergo, I wrote Planned Parenthood Sells Aborted Fetus Baby Parts. Margaret Sanger gets a paragraph near the end of the column. The article publishes wednesday in KONK Life.

I was half asleep watching the British Open when the phone rang. It was Dee. Hello, how are you, etc. It was close to dinner time. I asked if she wanted to meet me at Roostica. She said ok. Meet you there in an hour. Dee lives on Cudjoe Key.

A nice dinner. Dee good company most of the time. An intelligent woman, she is interesting to talk with. She has a doctorate in Psychology and teaches at Boston University.

Olga working. My new waitress friend. She gave me a beaming smile and wave as I walked in.

It was work day around the house yesterday. For Keith and Jennifer. Not me. Keith attacked the jungle outside my house. Everything grows swiftly in the heat. The trees, bushes, etc. need to be trimmed 1-2 times a year. Jennifer was cleaning up inside. Anna is in Poland vacationing for two months and Jennifer has been helping out in her absence.

Anna’s story similar to Tammy’s. She is another who has succeeded in achieving the American dream.

Anna and her husband immigrated from Poland many years ago. Today, her husband is the Chef at Cafe Sole, one of Key West’s top restaurants. Anna cleans homes. The job may not sound dignified. The money is. Anna is busy all the time.

They have their own home. They vacation two months with their children every two years in Poland.

I love Anna’s sundays. She refuses to work. She goes to St. Mary’s in the morning and spends the rest of the day at Fort Zachery Taylor Beach.

Hemingway Days begin tomorrow. Will run through sunday. I look forward to having a god time at certain events.

Anna e-mailed me. She is settled in on Amorgos. I envy her!

I have spent much time on Amorgos. Made many friends. I was the only American on Amorgos most of the time. People would stop by to meet me. I was an oddity. They had never met an American.

Anna’s e-mail made me feel good. People were asking where Louis was.

Mythos owns my favorite restaurant on Amorgos. He and his daughter were wondering what happened to me, was I ever going to return. I would spend my afternoons at Mythos’ place sitting outside in the shade writing. Antonio at the restaurant next door wondered when I would be back. He prepared the best smelts! Just like my grandmother made. Elini whose home I stayed at was wondering if I would ever return.

Flora on Amorgos again. Cleaning rooms for the summer. An Albanian school teacher otherwise. I wrote a short story about Flora three years  which I published in my book. The title…..Flora’s Story. A sensitive tale.

The Greeks are taking a beating in the media these days. They are made to look lazy and careless. The island people are neither. They are simple happy folk living life as their forefathers did 100 years ago.

Enjoy your day!

CHAMPAGNE AND JENNA

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jenna2
Jenna took me out for my birthday last night. A week late. But ok. She was in Atlanta last weekend.

Dinner at Azur. Jenna picked the place. An excellent choice. Fine food and service. A relaxing atmosphere.

We started dinner with champagne. Jenna loves champagne. We have enjoyed the bubbles several times together. The first was while watching Fourth of July fireworks some five years ago. We watched from my deck. In lounge chairs. A bottle of Dom Perignon on a small table between us..

A fine time then and a fine time last night.

Jenna has her own morning TV talk show. She interviews persons of interest. She also manages the TV studio. In between, she models in Miami and elsewhere. Her career is moving along.

I met Jenna when I started doing a TV talk show. She was my producer. I knew from nothing when I started. I learned a lot from her.

Last night, she talked to me about doing this blog once a week on video. Everything the same, except you see and hear me. I am considering trying it.

Frequently when I mention Jenna, out of towners ask that I post her pic so they could see what she looks like. Today is the day! Two Jenna photos!

A lovely lady. Inside and out.

jenna1

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spent a lot of day time yesterday researching this week’s KONK Life column. Still have more research ahead today. Will write the column later today. It is due at the publisher’s.

The topic involves Margaret Sanger. Considered the founder of what today is Planned Parenthood. An outspoken woman regarding birth control and abortion.

Some interesting things have come to light this week. Her motivations re supporting birth control and abortion. Sanger shockingly was anti-black, participated in Klu Klux Klan meetings, believed only in the survival of the fittest, espoused Hitler doctrines, and more. Deeply revealing.

The revelations resulting from news this past week.  Planned Parenthood has been selling cells/parts of aborted fetuses. A revelation in and of itself!

Anna leaves for Amorgos today. I envy her. Amorgos is my favorite place.

Uber has pulled out of Key West. I do not think it final. They will be back.

Enjoy your Sunday!

HEMINGWAY DAYS COMING

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Next tuesday is the beginning of one of the Key West events I enjoy most. Hemingway Days.

There will be over 125 Hemingway look alikes hoping to be selected as Hemingway Look Alike 2015. Many of the participants have been coming 10-20 years hoping to win. Losing isn’t bad. A whole week of fun!

The other thing I like about Hemingway Days are the bulls. Especially the Running of the Bulls. Where else, except in Key West!

Some Hemingway descendants visit. Hemingway’s  daughter and grandchildren.

Key West has been home to many fine authors. Others, merely to visit. Whatever, Key West is always happy to greet them. John Updike was in Key West for Hemingway Days 1993. He was here to receive the Conch Republic Prize for writing. In introducing Updike, one of Hemingway’s grandchildren described his writing as having a sensuous style, his life’s work reflecting the freewheeling creative spirit of Key West.

I came across an Updike quote. Interesting, especially to writers and would be writers. “And then there’s that constant feeling that if you’re not writing Moby Dick, you’re just clowning around.”

My day yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I keep increasing speed and incline. I have my nitroglycerin in my pocket just in case.

Then a manicure with Tammy. Love that girl!

The humidity has been unusually heavy this month. I asked Tammy if she was using her pool evenings to cool off. Her bright eyes looked up at me as she exclaimed….When would I have time, I work till 9 in the evening 6-7 days a week! Followed by instantaneous belly laughs from the both of us.

Keep working Tammy. It pays off in the end.

I planned on staying home last night. Don screwed up my plan. He telephoned and said he had to see me. A business matter that could not wait. I tried to beg off. To no avail. So it was shower again, shave and down to Don’s Place.

Don and I concluded the business discussion in 30 minutes. I figured I was up and about. Might as well stay out. Enjoyed some time at the bar with Don, Stan, Claire and David.

Then Don and David joined me at the Chart Room. Unusual. These guys rarely want to leave Don’s Place.

We ran into the other David at the Chart Room. Don and the other David have been friends for years. I learned that at one time Don’s wife Stephanie worked for David. David is an occasional customer at Don’s Place. He is on vacation this week. Told Don he did the breakfast club yesterday morning.

Everyone ends up in Don’s Place!

We spent 2-3 hours at the bar. A good time every minute! Very few customers other than us.

A couple came in and were standing at the corner of the bar next to where I was sitting. David and Heather from Akron. It was a David evening. David and Heather are frequent visitors to Key West. David retired. Nice people.

The British Open a mess because of the weather. Yesterday’s round cut short because of the weather. Especially the wind. The wind was moving the ball on greens before a player could even putt.

I was up in the middle of the night to watch the Open. No way. Tried at around 6 this morning. Still no golf. The weather again.

I just learned today’s golf cancelled. Weather. Especially the wind. Tomorrow they are going to get 36 holes in. Plus, those that did not finish friday will have to get those holes in also. I suspect that will be too much and it will be decided to extend the Open to include monday.

Big night tonight! I am Jenna’s guest at dinner to celebrate my birthday. She picked the restaurant. Azur. A great restaurant I seldom visit. I am looking forward to Jenna and Azur this evening.

Enjoy your day!

MORE JUDY BLUME

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Great writers have found their way to Key West over the years. Judy Blume one of them. Judy calls Key West home. Still writes. Her books have sold 88 million volumes.

She is the icon of children, teen and adult fiction. Her writing personal. Especially her earliest works which were and continue to be helpful to young ladies world wide. Her books concerned issues facing young women growing up. Things like periods, birth control, and anxiety about bra size.

Her early works were censored. They were penned at a time when sex and puberty were not matters for public discussion.

Today’s Guardian carries an interesting article. Titled The Ten Best Judy Blume Quotes. I never read the Judy Blume books for young ladies. Periods and bra size were never my concern. The quotes indicate the need for what she wrote and what I missed. Missed I believe as a father. The matters she wrote about were better left to mother.

Some of the quotes set forth in The Guardian.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get married. Why would I? All it does is make you miserable.”

“Like my mother said, you can’t go back to holding hands.”

“That’s not a bad word…hate and war are bad words, but fuck isn’t.”

“Are you there God? It’s me Margaret. I just told my mother I want a bra. Please help me grow, God. You know where.”

My KONK Life column this week was published yesterday. It is carried in today’s E-Blast and has been linked to my website keywestlou.com. Titled We Lost Our Way. About screw ups which reflect our moral compass has been lost.

Greece. My Greece. Woe!

Greece is and has been since 2010 a nation under occupation. Economically. The Euro nations dictating policies and priorities. In every conceivable way. Micro managing. The noose was placed around Greece’s neck. The Euro nations led by Germany squeezed Greece tighter and tighter.

Blame not Greece alone. The Eurounion bears responsibility. It has had the governmental control of Greece in hand for five years. Things have not gotten better in that time. Worse, actually.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

CUBA GETTING READY

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The Associated Press’ Andrea Rodriguez recently wrote an excellent article re Cuba’s getting ready for business it anticipates will come. Most of what has been accomplished thus far was done prior to Cuba and the U.S. kissing and making up.

A new mega port project is under construction west of Havana. Close to completion. Already signing up business.

A 2,300 foot dock has been constructed. Along side, the Chinese built four huge off loading cranes. A nearby area the size of a football field has been graded. To provide private companies ready land to build upon. Hopefully, foreign companies. The area will be a special economic development zone.

Cuba knows it has to jump start a sluggish economy. Cuba is hopeful foreign investment will be attracted.

In the last 1.5 years, seven companies have signed up and are ready to launch. Five foreign and two domestic.

Interesting Key West weather. Typical summer weather. Yesterday afternoon, it rained. Actually poured big time. All of ten minutes. Strong winds. White caps. This morning everything is calm. Dead. Nothing moving. The tide is out. Water smooth. Appears a person could walk on it. Sky gray.

I overslept yesterday morning by one hour. Really had to move my ass to get the blog out, shower and get to the anti-gravity treadmill on time.

After the treadmill, it was the Cuban Coffee Queen. Cuban cheese toast and Cuban coffee. Read the Wall St. Journal. Not my favorite newspaper. Ultra conservative. Too far to the right. However, I periodically read it because I like to know what the right is thinking. The same reason I occasionally watch FOX TV.

Last night, it was Don’s Place first. Enjoyed a stressful conversation with Don, Stan and Claire. The subject matter immaterial. Don was wound up.

Stopped at Tavern ‘n Town on the way home for a bite to eat. Glad I did. Met a most charming woman!

We were sitting at the bar together. She extremely attractive in a conservative way. Fortyish. Tanned just enough. Long black shiny hair hanging over her shoulders. she was wearing black leggings and black flats. Her top a white blouse of sorts. Loose. A wide slit in the middle down the front. Cleavage excellent. A little extra showing. In good taste, however.

I had a most stimulating conversation with her. About everything and nothing. I am sure she did also. I could have fallen in love.

I will probably never see her again. She was to leave on the first plane this morning out of Key West. We did exchange cell phone numbers. I told her about the blog. Asked if I could write about our meeting. She said yes, except do not mention my name , the city I am from and my work. I understood.

The mystery lady I hope to meet again.

Anna will be leaving Santorini sunday. To Armogos. She finally was able to get a room in a pensione. I envy her. I would love to be with her on Amorgos. The only place I like better than Key West.

Anna was worried yesterday about money. ATM machines on Amorgos empty. Anna has an Italian credit card. Good in Santorini. She went to the ATM and loaded up with euros. A good candidate for a robbery!

Greece, Greece, Greece. Strange things are happening. I am getting lost at this stage trying to figure out who is going to do what next.

The Parliament had to approve or disapprove the Eurounion deal. I thought it would be defeated by a heavy vote. Instead, it was approved overwhelmingly. 229-64.

The demonstrations got sloppy last night for the first time. The protesters throwing molotov cocktails at the police and the police returning tear gas. The day time strike called for by the unions had some degree of success. How much, I could not determine. Civil servants, municipal workers, and pharmacy owners did not work.

The new deal will not work. I read somewhere yesterday that interest costs alone will reach $5.5 trillion over the next ten years. Impossible to pay.

A New York City police officer choked black Eric Garner to death a year ago. The City has settled with Garner’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit. $5.9 million. An expensive choke hold!

Honda admitted overcharging certain minorities’ interest charges on purchases made by them. Specifically, Afro-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders. Honda agreed to repay $24 million to those affected.

I did not over sleep this morning. I was up at 3:30 to watch the British open.

Enjoy your day!