Bob Smith was an oracle of wisdom. He wrote BOB in the mid 1990’s, sharing his thoughts with the world.
Today, BOB and hurricanes.
My sense is naming hurricanes and following their path on TV was a relatively new thing in the 1990’s. BOB thought they gave a feeling of preparedness. A false feeling. Hype had nothing to do with being ready for 100 mile plus winds and rain.
He felt Hurricane Andrew in 1992 proved his point.
Evacuation always important. Many failed to leave. Almost always. Traffic extremely slow, not enough gas, etc.
BOB had the solution. Airlift Key West residents out. Like the Berlin airlift. The federal government could label the program the Florida Keys Evacuation Plan.
FEMA was not doing a good job. Useless. My observation is that FEMA improves with every hurricane. However 26 years after Andrew, still do not have it down.
BOB believed FEMA would never improve.
BOB disparaged politicians big time. Tiny brains. Did not know how to get the job done: “I have long since abandoned the idea that reason rules with these clowns.”
I took it easy yesterday. The previous 3 days had been hectic.
Began with a walk up and down White Street. Should be referred to as the new White Street. Many buildings remodeled. All type new businesses opened and opening. Exciting.
Then lunch at Sandy’s Cafe. Situated right in the middle of White Street. It has become one of my favorite lunch haunts. I sit quietly, read the newspapers, and enjoy Cuban cheese toast with tomato and Cuban coffee.
Last night, a late one for me. I am usually in bed by 9. Last night, 12:30!
My evening began late. Bria Ansara’s birthday party was 8-10 at Bourbon St. Got there 8:30. Crowd building. By the time I left an hour later, the place was jam packed. People dancing, singing, waving their arms.
Bria entertaining. A lovely woman. Magnificent. A talented vocalist.
Saw her in a different light last night. Normally, I get to see and hear Bria at Berlin’s on the weekend. She sings on those evenings a lot of tunes from the 1940’s through the 1970’s. Music for oldies like me. Music from my time. The music of most Berlin customers.
Bourbon St. last night, A much younger crowd. No one even close to my 82 years. They were whooping it up. Bria leading them.
A lot of people I knew. Many from Aqua’s Dueling Bartenders. Many women who perform in Key West, also. Fantasy Fest Queen Destiny, one of the bartenders from Berlin’s, Guy de Boer, Chris the photographer, Erin, and others I recognized but whose names I could not recall.
Since I wasn’t dancing, singing or whooping it up to today’s music, I left after an hour. Decided to stop at the Chart Room. Glad I did.
Ollie was holding court at the end of the bar. A Key West icon.
Met Mandy and Gene. Ollie introduced us. Spent 2 hours chatting with them.
Gene originally from Syracuse. Grew up in Camillus, a small community adjoining Syracuse. Mandy and Gene today live in Smeltfield, Virginia. The home of Smeltfield Ham and Bacon.
They have 3 sons and 4 grandchildren.
Gene still working. An industrial designer. He designs aircraft carriers. I was impressed.
Mandy retired. However her work background equally impressive. She spent her career working with the Navy and Coast Guard at their highest echelons.
We talked about everything. They hope to return for Fantasy Fest. Have never seen it.
I liked their attitudes. They are both 60. Kids educated and gone. They are ready to live.
Go for it!
My drive to Bria’s party found me on North Roosevelt Boulevard at the right time. There before me was the setting sun. A huge yellow ball. Caught the sun just as it was cutting the horizon.
A benefit of living in Key West.
I intend for today to be another Louis day. Only thing scheduled is a haircut with Lori at noon. Going to try to schedule a manicure and pedicure for later in the afternoon.
It’s a good life!
Enjoy your day!