100,000 CHICKENS

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Key West is known for its chickens. Chickens everywhere. Tourists love them. Few locals do. The chickens are dirty and germ ridden. Not eating chickens.

Chickens properly bred and raised are ok, however. Clean healthy birds.

Bill Gates recently announced a 100,000 chicken program. One his wife Melinda is joining with him to put together. One supported also by Hefner International.

Gates wants to send 100,000 chickens world wide to poor countries. They are cheap and easy to raise. Healthy food for children.

A good idea. My anti-chicken bias is limited to Key West chickens.

We are running out of food. World population on the rise. Fish in oceans not endless.

Squid and octopus not diminishing in number, however. On the rise. Climate change, pollution and over fishing does not seem to affect them.

Most already love squid. Calamari!

As to octopus, I fear not many have had the opportunity to enjoy octopus. I did many times in Greece.

The first time I was on a small boat going nowhere. Just drifting around. We ended up on a small island. Probably had a name. I do not recall. Where we landed was only a small house and a smaller building behind it. The smaller building the outhouse. .

We were hungry. The man and woman living in the house were happy to feed us. Octopus!

The cooking was done on an outside grill. The kind used in the U.S. to cook outside.

The octopus was about two feet in diameter. He chopped a tentacle off. Threw it on the grill. Spent time cooking, turning it over.

When done, placed on my plate. About five inches long and three inches in diameter. Hollow inside. The skin a quarter inch thick.

While cooking, brush basted with oil.

I cut into my piece. Cut easy. Like a knife through soft butter. The taste. Delicious. Tender. Brought a smile to my face. A chunk of bread and octopus on a basically deserted island. What more could I ask for?

The moral of the story. Do not fear octopus. Youu will love it! Guaranteed!

Spent yesterday preparing for last night’s blog talk radio show.

Did the show at 9. Two topics excited me more than normal. I led off with them. A cashless society and carless dealerships.

A cashless society is on its way. No more paper bills or coins. A card. Sort of like a debit card. All spending, transactions done via the card.

I predict the U.S. will be a cashless society within 5 years. Banks and corporations love the idea. The Federal Reserve favors it. What can the 99 percent say?

I am against a cashless society.

Imagine going to buy a new car. No cars in the lot. No cars inside the dealership. You will be greeted and sold digitally. Earphones with a viewing screen built in. General Motors is preparing to test the process in some Cadillac dealerships next year.

A quick dinner before the show at Hogfish. Fish and chips. Hogfish fish and chips.

Debra and Patrick return to Key West! Tonight. at La Te Da. The best of the best. Do yourself a favor and go listen to Debra sing.

An observation. We are moving closer to George Orwell’s 1984 every day.

This week’s KONK Life hits the stands at 5 this afternoon. I have a special column this week. Corn Flakes…..Cure Masturbation. Humor and discomfort. Nuts involved. And I do not mean the edible ones.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

KRIZIA NEGRON WEATHER GURU

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How things happen.

I met Krizia Negron for the first time at the bocce party saturday night. She told me she was a meteorologist. I thought on TV. No, she works in the background at the National Weather Service on White Street. She prefers the type work she does. Plotting storms, hurricanes, studying patterns, etc.

Her work choice impressed me as well as her desire to perform behind the scenes.

Sometimes a person is outed for reasons beyond their control. Krizia was favorably outed in this morning’s Key West Citizen.

Front page. A large picture of Krizia preparing to release a weather balloon outside the National wWather Service building. On sunday morning, nevertheless. When most of us were still in bed.

One of her ways of following Tropical Depression 3/Tropical Storm Colin.

Colin will not pass anywhere near Key West. The cone indicates it will cross Florida somewhere in the middle of the State. Key West will be hit however with heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The rain and winds were due last night. Does not appear they occurred. More predicted for this afternoon.

The weather outside continues to be strangely calm.

I spent yesterday afternoon writing about corn flakes, masturbation and the Kellogg family. My weekly KONK column. It publishes wednesday. Titled: Corn Flakes…..Cure Masturbation. Something different.

The Warriors easily defeated the Cavaliers again last night. 110-77. I was surprised. Thought James and his team would win.

Today a memorable one in the history of the United States. D-Day. June 6, 1944. Allied troops landed on Normandy. The march to Berlin began.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

LEAGUE BOCCE PARTY FUN

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Big night! Last evening the League Bocce Party. Fifty six teams, 500 plus players.

The event was at the rooftop of the Waterfront Restaurant. Three stories up. What a view! The whole harbor!

The rooftop is going to be a special restaurant. It will be magnificent. Can’t miss. As long as the food is good and reasonable also.

The place not yet finished. Probably will not have a formal opening till the Fall.

A bunch of us taxied over from Don’s Place. Don, David, Stan, Clare, Donna, Mary and me.

Saw old friends. Made some new ones.

Nancy is a loyal fan of this blog. Reads it daily. I am ashamed to admit I have met Nancy only two times. The first time at last year’s League Bocce Party at the Waterfront. She sought me out to introduce herself and compliment the blog.

Instantaneous love! Me for her.

Nancy introduced me to her husband Carl that evening. Carl commutes back and forth from New York City. He is an anesthesiologist.

Nancy and Carl were at the party last night. Nancy called me over. I am ashamed to admit I did not recognize her. Mea culpa. I chatted with Nancy, Carl and their two friends a while.

One friend was Phil. He is a vacation rental concierge with Historic Key West Rentals. The other, Krizia.

Krizia has an interesting job. She is a meteorologist. Works at the big weather building on White Street. She is not the lady on TV. She works studying, plotting, and determining the weather, danger spots, hurricanes, tropical storms, etc. Pen and pencil in hand.

I spent yesterday afternoon researching next week’s KONK Life column. I will write the column this afternoon. It hits the stands wednesday.

Recent columns have been on the heavy side. Two on heroin. Another about America losing its promise. It was time for a change of pace. Something  relatively light. Interesting also.

The title: Corn Flakes…..Cure For Masturbation.

A winner!

A strange day ahead weather wise. Krizia, please note my projection.

I woke early this morning. It was gray. Sat down to do this blog and all of a sudden big noise! The weather had changed dramatically. Raining big time, wind howling, palm trees bent. Just like that it began. Ten minutes later, it stopped. Sun came out. Everything was calm. Nothing moving.

The calm before the storm. I understand Key West is in for some severe weather beginning this afternoon. Heavy rain. Wind with gusts up to 30 mph.

Today a memorable one in the career of Elvis Presley. The year 1956. Presley already a phenomena. He was appearing this date on the Arthur Godfrey Show. Heartbreak Hotel was Presley’s #1 hit at the time.

Many thought Presley’s style was sinful. Including the Church. Ergo, when Presley appeared on TV, he was only shot from the chest up. His famous gyrating hip movements not shown.

That night on Arthur Godfrey, the full Presley was shot. Scandalous hips and all. To Hound Dog.

Time changes things. The dancing by Presley in 1956 is what people dance to today. Well, most. I have not yet. A coward.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

 

NATIONAL DONUT DAY

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Today is National Donut Day. America has a national day for everything.

Donut can be spelled two ways. The original, doughnut. Contemporary, donut. Both acceptable.

National Donut Day got its start in 1938.

During World War I, Salvation Army volunteers gave donuts and coffee to troops. Relatively close to the front lines. In 1938, National Donut Day was created to honor the work of the volunteers.

The Day means free donuts in some venues. Here in Key West, Duunkin’ Donuts offers a free donut with every purchased drink. Krispykreme locations will give a free product with each cup of coffee purchased.

Glazed Donuts is at 419 Eaton in Key West. I could not ascertain its policy re free donuts this day. Stop by anyhow. Glazed Donuts’ donuts are great!

Welcome home, Donna and Terri. My lesbian wives have returned. They claim forever. Hopefully so. Two better people do not exist.

Patrick and Lester are leaving Key West. Moving to Georgia. Sad. Two of Key West’s best. I have known them 20 plus years. They are friends. Patrick and Lisa tight.

Patrick aka Patty Cakes was the Sq. 1 bartender for 20 plus years. Everyone loved Patrick. Always available to help in a crisis.

Big swimming race tomorrow. Around Key West. 12.5 miles. Ocean currents galore.

Called Swim Around Key West, an annual event. Began in 1977 when Anna Fugina swam around Key West. She did it for health reasons. Her time, 12 hours 59 minutes. Today’s record is 3 hours 31 minutes 28 seconds. In recent years, most complete the race in 5-6 hours.

Anna is now 64. She will be racing tomorrow.

Not a local thing. One hundred eighty five swimmers  from 7 countries and 29 states will participate.

The race begins at 7 tomorrow morning off Smathers Beach.

My KONK Life column this week is America Has Lost Its Promise. It hit the stands yesterday. Appears in KONK E-Blast this morning. Was also linked to my Key West Lou website this morning. .keywestlou.com.

How the world turns! Sins of yesterday acceptable without question today.

On this day in 1956, Santa Cruz, California passed a local law banning rock and roll. New music at the time. The city considered it detrimental to the health and morals of youth and the community.

Military service has always been an item of discussion/investigation as regards Presidential candidates. Recall, Clinton got beat up for not having served. Bush 2’s National Guard service was closely examined.

The issue not yet an issue as regards Trump. Vietnam was his time. He was found ineligible for a “foot thing.”

Trump’s deferment will become an issue at some point.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

DAVID….. A GOOD PERSON

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David Wolkowsky is the best of the best. Made his fortune. Returned to his beloved Key west. Spent his years since returning doing everything to help Key West and its people.

David is 96. In fairly decent shape. The one who fights me for the anti-gravity treadmill at physiotherapy.

His generosity significant.

For many years, David has recognized school teachers. Must be some teacher back when influenced his life. The recognition is in the form of money. David presents the Teacher of the Year with $25,000. Several other teachers, $5,000 each.

I attended the award ceremony yesterday at the Key West High School. The ceremony was in the library. I sat in the back so I could take the whole thing in.

David was beaming. He looked 25 years younger than his 96 years. A smile ear to ear.

It occurred to me that David might consider the teachers his grandchildren. Not children because of the years. They were his family.

The teachers respectful and friendly to David.

David, thank you for inviting me.

I was showered, shaved and out. David’s event was concluded just before 4. Where to go? Earlier than I normally am out.

My first stop was Aqua. Thought I would have a drink with Mark at the Back Bar. Learned the outside bar does not open till 5.

Ordered a drink. Drank it slowly. It was going to be a long night.

My cell phone rang. It was Dee. She was in her way into town. She lives on Cudjoe Key. We decided to meet in an hour at Sq. 1.

My evening was fantastic. Fun filled. We drank at Sq. 1 and ate at Outback.

Dee looked terrific. The best I have seen her in years. She has undergone some heavy cancer surgeries the past three years. All took a toll on her. However, she is back again. And, looking better than ever!

Which I told her several times.

Turtle nesting season upon us. Loggerhead turtle nesting. Mama turtle comes onto the beach and buries her eggs. Called nesting. It takes 50-60 days for the eggs to hatch. They hatch at night. The baby turtles then follow the moon light into the ocean.

Dengue fever has infected one person in Key West. The mosquito bite occurred in Key West. The person a visitor. Now home and on the road to recovery.

First dengue fever case reported in Key West since 2010.

The Associated Press recently released a study. From its NORC Center for Public Affairs. One of the findings was that 9 out of 10 Americans lack confidence in the political system. Another, 70 percent are frustrated with this year’s Presidential election.

Nothing we did not know.

China has done it!Discriminated against men. Created a sexism issue affecting men. Certain areas of China have “Female Only” parking spaces. Larger than those for men. The rationale being women have a harder time parking.

China not the first to do this. German began a few years ago. In some German regions, 30 percent of the parking spaces are mandated to be larger and for women only.

Immigrants a problem? Sweden took in 163,000 persons seeking asylum last year. Only 494 found jobs.

I have written and spoken on my blog talk radio show about Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu. He should not have come to Congress last year to speak uninvited by Obama.

Now it is out that he received $80 million last year from the King of Saudi Arabia for his political campaign to continue as Israel’s leader. Most recently, it has been announced Saudi Arabia will build a large embassy facility in Tel Aviv.

I was under the impression Arabs hated Israel and Jews.

Recently, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman wrote a critical article regarding Netanyahu. Titled: Destroying Israel From Within.

Enjoy your day!

TRUMP LACKS STABILITY

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The Chinese have a saying that one picture is worth a thousand words. That picture was on view for all to see yesterday. It was Trump’s press conference re the Vet’s money and the media.

Trump came across. His best yet. His worst performance. The man is crazy. Lacks stability. He is not Presidential timber.

I am in a quandary. Hillary does not turn me on either.

What to do? The third party candidate, if there is one? Does not move me.

My choice continues to be not to vote.

I paid for my weekend laziness yesterday. Normally, I research and write my tuesday night blog talk radio show on monday. I took monday off. A mistake. I had to work my ass off yesterday to get ready for last night. From 10-5.

The material was terrific. Touched many issues. The show went well. Moved smoothly. I mention the show went well, smoothly, etc. because sometimes it does not. It is not the material. It is the connection between the issues. They have to run smoothly one after the other.

Today is scheduled already. Busy. A manicure in the early afternoon. Then two David Wolkowsky interests. David asked me to join him.

David annually gives Key West’s outstanding teacher $25,000. The five or so runner ups, $5,000 each. The rewards event is this afternoon at the Key West Library.

Then at 5, the Custom House is having a special showing of 71 Mario Sanchez bag drawings. The 71 drawings are all from David’s collection.

Perversion in the Keys. In the Upper Keys. Someone placed camera’s in three women’s restrooms. Anne’s Beach, Harry Harris Park, and a Circle K. In coat hooks resembling hangers.

The Sheriff’s Department is investigating. County facilities were immediately inspected. Nothing found. From this time forwarded, all have been placed on a schedule for routine inspection.

I have been talking and writing about Venezuela for four yeas. President Nicholas Maduro is pure incompetence. Four years ago, his country ran out of toilet paper. The people still do not have enough. Nor food at the present time.

Inflation spiraling wildly upward. A dozen eggs costs $150. Experts predict inflation hitting 720 percent by October. Some predict 1,200 percent by year’s end.

Enjoy your day!

 

MONDAYS AT AQUA

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I rarely see a sunrise these days. I rather spend an extra hour or two in bed.

However, this morning I was up early. Observed a Heavenly work of art.

The sunrise was different. Not the usual bright orange ball breaking the horizon. Too many gray clouds. The sun rose behind the clouds.  Yellow covering the back of the gray clouds. Like an egg that breaks as you put it in the pan. The yolk covers everything.

There was more to the sunrise. The water was rippling. The sun reflection off the ripples different also. Silvery.

Monday night at Aqua! It seems to becoming a habit with me every two weeks. Monday night refers to cocktail time. Five to 8.

The bartenders sing. Robustly!

I love the singing and music. I join in. It is a form of karaoke. The words on screens.

I did Oklahoma and That’s Amore last night. Not alone. With everyone else.

Love it!

In a fashion, reminds me of Bobby Nesbitt’s days at Aqua. And prior thereto, at the gay bar next door. Bobby did a wednesday cocktail hour songfest. Everyone joining in.

It is a shame that no similar gig exists  today in Key West for Bobby. I get my shot of Bobby saturday nights at Tavern ‘n Town.

Duffy’s for dinner.

Bob and Lynda Frechette enjoying. Don’s Place bartender Pete and his lady Diane, also. Plus, Jennifer, Jana and Mark. Mark continues to paint. He showed me his newest works on his cell. Great stuff!

Hurried home after dinner to watch the Golden State/Thunders game. Golden State had a come from behind victory. 96-88.

The last quarter was the game. I fell asleep at the end of the third quarter. Happens all the time!

This morning’s World Almanac section of the Key West Citizen carried a few words by Walt Whitman. The opening stanza of Oh Captain! My Captain! A poem regarding Lincoln’s death. The poem began…..Oh Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done.

The fearful trip referred to Lincoln’s death.

Brought me back to my college days. To a third year English literature class where we devoured, dissected, etc. Whitman’s works for a month.

Greece is special. I love Greece!

In my Greece trips, I failed to visit Crete. It was always out of the way for me. I should be ashamed.

I have a Facebook friend who lives on Crete. Jim Brown. Another reason to visit.

On this day in 1941, the Germans conquered Crete. It was not easy. The Cretes fought like hell!

Hitler initially had 3,000 troops parachute in on May 20. It was supposed to be an easy task. Hitler had to send another 19,000 troops in. It took the Germans 11 days to conquer Crete.

The event an item of pride to this day with Cretes.

An interesting side point. Hitler wanted to conquer many of the islands in that portion of the Mediterranean. When Hitler saw how much effort and troops it took to conquer little Crete, he gave up on the idea.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9 my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I spent too much time this weekend being lazy. I have yet to put the show together. I will be researching most of the day.

Enjoy your day!

 

MEMORIAL DAY 2016

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Memorial Day. A day of remembrance. A time to recall those who paid the ultimate price for their country. They died.

What concerns me is that man will always have a Memorial Day. It is man’s nature to make war. To kill one another.

World War I was to be the last major war ever. World War II was the war to end all wars. Nevertheless, wars have been ongoing.

My yesterday was divided between two major events. Writing this week’s KONK Life column and spending time at Schooner Wharf watching the Minimal Regatta.

Yesterday morning, my mind was a blank as to what to write about. I had several thoughts. None came together for me.

I was doing my morning Facebook routine. There was a posting by Joseph Lyles. A friend. A good man in every respect. He posted a several line column of statistics. All had to do with the economy’s impact on various groups of people..

I used Joseph’s posting as the basis for my column. America Has Lost Its Promise. My observations were that the economy is what has made a Trump and Sanders successful. Further, if things did not change, America was headed for an Arab Spring.

Once the column was done, I was off to Schooner Wharf. Minimal Regatta time. Yesterday, the 25th Annual Minimal Regatta.

Participants construct their boats. Construction  items limited to plywood fasteners, duct tape, and 2′ x 4’s. Nothing else. Most boats do not complete the race. They fall apart.

Presidential politics found its way into the Regatta. Trump and Clinton participated. Look alike copies.

Stepin Fetchil was born in Key West this day in 1902. I have written about him several times over the years. Though not generally recalled in Key West, he attained national fame.

Stepin was born of Indian parents. His birth name Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andew Perry. Nothing appears re his Key West years. He lived in Key West only 8 years. His parents moved the family thereafter to Tampa. Stephin never returned.

Stephin’s claim to fame. He was an Afro-American comedian and actor. Most famous during the 1930s. The first Afro-American movie actor to become a millionaire.

This year many have say there should be a third party. One will be there on election day. The Libertine Party. Not new. Has been around for years. However, this year putting forth quality candidates at a time America is crying out for a third party.

The Presidential candidate is former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson. The Vice-Presidential candidate former Massachusetts Governor William Weld.

Johnson is a fiscal conservative and a social liberal.

The team will not win. However, they will make noise. Hopefully enough to qualify the Libertine Party for the Presidential debates.

In  recent months, I have written and spoken on my blog talk radio show of the new close relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel. One example being the King of Saudi Arabia giving Netanyahu $80 million for his campaign last year.

It has been announced Saudi Arabia is going to build a gigantic embassy in Israel. In Tel Aviv.

I find this surprising. The two countries have not had formal diplomatic relations since the late 1940s. They still do not. In addition, Saudi Arabia has been in the forefront to annihilate all Jews in Israel and to destroy in every respect the nation of Israel.

Strange bedfellow

Joan of Arc was burned at the stake this date in 1431. In English controlled Normandy. Her judges, Church authorities. Her crime, heresy. She followed God’s words as spoken to her rather than the rulings of the Church.

An interesting point seldom mentioned. Not one witness spoke in support of any of the charges. The Court wanted to find her guilty and did. Ecclesiastical due process 1431.

Enjoy your day!

 

CONCH REPUBLIC PILOT DIES

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William Gordon died yesterday. He was flying a World War II vintage P-41 at a New York city air show. his plane crashed into the Hudson river.

Gordon was 56.

Gordon was no stranger to Key West. Earlier this year, he participated in gthe Naval Air Show at Boca chica. He also flew a bi-plane on behalf of the Conch Republic Air Force in the Conch Republic Days Bloody Battle recently.

He was no stranger to Key west. in recent years he has visitied many times. Friends indicate it was his intention to permanently reside here at some point.

May he rest in peace.

Sloppy Joe’s grand opening recently passed. I forgot to mention it. I refer nogt to the four years Sloppy Joe’s wass located at what is now Captain Tony’s on greene Street. TRather to the corner of Duval and Greene opening on May 5, 1937.

The grand opening was at 9 in the evening. Free dancing. First time i was aware dancing was a pay event in Key West then or now.

Sloppy Joe’s has remained openb for 79 years. The place the mosrt popular in bar in Key West. It provides a unique Key West flaor. It will be in th dsame place doing the same business 79 years from now.

Screwy afternoon yesterday. Lunched at 5 Guys. no food at home. Intended to grocery shop after lunch.

5 Guiys’ parking lot empty. It was 1 pm. thought the place waqs closed. Not so. i walked in and the employees all standig around. Not a customer present.

I placed my oder and waited. cionmtinued to wait. was taking forever to get fed. and I was the only one prfesent!

the problem appeared to be everything had been closed down to some extent. The cooking arfea had to be heated. Fresh French fries had toi be made.

Finally, my number was called. 84. I looked agt the employee who called my number. i had a strange look on my face. he suddenly understood and bust owut laughing. I did, also. I was the only customer in the place. Sitting right in front of where he was.

Then to Publix. Parking lot half full. where were the other shoppers on the saturday of Memorial Day Weekend?

I went inside. Very few.

I asked the gent behind the cold cuts counter where were all thje peeople. He said they had come in in droves in the morning. it had been quiet since.

Spent a couple of hours rfeasearching this week’s KONK Life column. Four different subjects. None turned me on. None I thought would be of interest to readers.

Here it si sunday morning and I still do not have a topic. Bad!!! My column  has to be to the Publisher by 5.

Dinner time! Wanted to try something different. Did. ended up at the Half Shell Raw Bar. I had not b een therre in at least 15 years.

Enjoyed! A dozen fresh oysters and a crab stuffed lobster. To die for!

Today is Bob Hope’s

 

DA VINCI’S LAST SUPPER

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This morning’s Key West Citizen makes mention of Da Vinci’s greatest work, The Last Supper.

On one of my Milan trips several years ago, I was fortunate to view The Last Supper. Overwhelming!

I never realized til the viewing that Da Vinci had painted The Last Supper on a dry wall. It is roughly 15 feet by 28 feet. Contributes to the overwhelmingness.

The Last Supper was painted in the 15th century. Within 60 years, deterioration had begun. Nature, a war, etc. contributed further to its deterioration.

Finally in the 20th century, a 22 year restoration took place. Concluded in 1999.

The painting sits in a large room. The building the room is located in sits next to a large Church. However, The Last Supper is not in the Church. It is in the large room.

I make the distinction because to view The Last Supper before me was like being in Church. Solemn. Respectful.

I sat an hour taking it all in. An emotional time that stayed with me the balance of the day.

My day yesterday began with Lori at Blown Away. Haircut time.

Lori is a runner. Long distance. She recently competed in the KEYS 100 relay race. She ran 16 miles of it.

Lori is a tiny lady. Thin, of course.

She amazes me.

Then around the corner to the Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch and newspaper reading.

I normally enjoy Cuban cheese toast. Yesterday, I sexed it up. Added ham. Did not like it as much as without. I will be back to the cheese toast alone next time.

The Chart Room first last night. The new bartender at work. Emily has quit. She bought a home and some land in Indiana and will shortly be moving there.

Good luck Emily! You are a good friend who will be missed.

The new bartender is John. Appears to be a nice guy.

A fellow named JT came in. We started talking. Thirty nine years old. Went to Marist College. Majored in history. Has a Masters in education. Engaged now with the Poughkeepsie School District.

JT was a walk on with the Marist basketball team. I had attended Manhattan. The two colleges occasionally meet in basketball. The conversation was interesting.

JT and I had dinner together at the Hot Tin Roof bar.

On the way to my car, I passed the Chart Room. Che was inside. I had not seen Che in months. In fact, I had asked John about him earlier in the evening.

Che is not Cuban. His name misleading. He is a New York City Jew. Extremely intelligent.

Che is the only person I run into occasionally in my night time pursuits who is older than me. He is 86.

It was good to see him. And find him healthy!

Key West gasoline prices have risen in the last 5 weeks. Dramatically. From $2.05 a gallon to $2.63. This is how it began several years ago. I filled my gas tank yesterday. Cost me just over $30. The first time in months I have been in the 30s. Better however than the $60 it cost a couple of years ago.

We are into the Memorial Day Weekend. Tons of incoming US 1 traffic yesterday into the evening. Northern Boulevard busy, also.

There is always one! A man was riding a bicycle. The simple foot operated kind. The type that cannot go fast. He was driving down the Boulevard. In the middle of the driving lane. Ambling along. Not a care in the world. Traffic backed up big time behind him.

The wide sidewalk by the water was empty.

God is good! Sometimes even government.

For whatever reason, the road direction in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is being changed to make way for a new entrance.  One hundred fifty five trees to be cut down.

Local bird lovers became incensed. The gray kingbird spends several months a year in the trees. A meeting was held. The problem discussed. The government acquiesced. At least 60 of the 155 trees will not be cut down.

This morning’s Key West Citizen makes mention of Maya Angelou having died this day in 2014.

Maya was in Key West one time, as I recall. Her dear friend Oprah planned a party for Maya’s 86th birthday. A long time Caribbean cruise. Referred to as a floating birthday party.

Oprah planned one day of the celebration for Key West. On Sunset Key.

Enjoy your day!