KEY WEST LOU / FRAN AND TOM DIXON RETURN

Last night a big one for me. My two very close friends Fran and Tom Dixon returned and I ate my first for real meal since January 31.

Fran and Tom are from Buffalo. Met them in Key West some 20 years ago. We became deep rooted friends immediately. They visit Key West 3-4 times a year. Tom has an affiliation with Ocean Key.

We have not seen each other since last Fall, however. They have a daughter in Wellesley. Two children already. A third was on the way. The third born a month ago. A new granddaughter. Fran the dependable perfect mother and grandmother. Frequently did the trip from Buffalo to Boston to help.

They are my “friends.” Real ones. I had to fight them off when I had the para-thyroid surgery in Tampa a few years ago and the heart surgeries in Miami recently. They were always a plane ride away from coming to sit with me. I told them “no.”

We met for dinner at La Trattoria last night.

My first shock was seeing Tom with a cane. I still recollect my cane days. He is coming off a hip replacement surgery and requires it. He looked distinguished.

Fran her usual beautiful self. Two days here and already deeply tanned.

I enjoyed the evening. Even more so because for the first time since January 31, I ate a meal. I gambled and ordered lasagna. Thought this toothless wonder could muck it up appropriately. I was correct. What a joy! Followed it up with chocolate mousse for dessert. Yes, felt like I died and went to Heaven!

Speaking of teeth, saw one of my dentists yesterday. Finally making progress. I suspect the whole procedure should be complete by mid September. Wowie! Note I have lost 62 pounds since January 31 because of my inability to properly eat. Losing weight a top priority for many, even me! Sixty two pounds a bit too much, however.

This week Hemingway Days are being celebrated. Generally, a big deal. The town full! Not last night. The street crowds were slight when I walked to La Trattoria at 6 and continued to be light when I left at 9. Tom told me Key West was not as busy as normal during the day yesterday either. I called earlier in the day for a reservation at Antonia’s. Was told they were closed till monday. La Trattoria was only half full last night.

Today, the Running of the Bulls. Hopefully, there will be a big crowd for the event.

My day began yesterday morning with a session at Select Physical therapy. Ashley beating up on me again. Tough! Good for me, however. Supposedly making my heart stronger.

Today in 1985 was a big one for Mel Fisher. After 15 years of hard work and debt, he finally struck gold and more. He discovered the “mother lode” for the Spanish galleon Atocha. It was a God bless time for Mel, his family and Key West.

I might add a significant find for Jean Thornton also. Sometime afterwards, she went out diving with Mel Fisher looking for more gold coins, emeralds, etc. The search never ends. There is always more to be found.

Jean happened upon some gold coins and emeralds. Changed her life! The Indiana school teacher was no more.

A comment in today’s Citizens’ Voice. An obvious “truth” item: “The City of Baltimore will likely complete the reconstruction of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge before Key West finishes replacement of the Staples Avenue Bridge.”

Sheila Jackson Lee, a long sitting Black Democratic Congresswomen from Texas, died yesterday from pancreatic cancer. She was 74. A brilliant outspoken woman. A champion African American and women’s rights advocate, her voice will be missed in the Halls of Congress.

The Trump who spoke at the Republican Convention was not a “new Trump.” Only his delivery was different. Not his words. Instead of yelling and screaming, he was quiet and subdued throughout. His message the same he has been delivering for years.

His introductory remarks lengthy. Too long, I thought. However, he is an actor who knows when he has a good thing going for him and will not easily let go. It was the bullet that missed killing him. God looking out for him the obvious reason. He was too much God in his remarks. Things like only by “the grace of God” and “I had God on my side.” He “played” the God issue to an extreme. Well for him, however.

The faces of the Convention delegates gave me concern. Most were not the same as in previous years. They were blue collar America. Working people. Part of the Trump plan to transform the Republican Party for election purposes. Well done, frankly.

The Democrats appear to be going elitist. The “new leaders” are botching it. If successful in eliminating Biden from the race, it will be impossible for the Dems to win. Too little time left. Also, people like Biden. Even if Democratic leaders do not. They are “pissing” on their leader. Democrats may not come out to vote for whoever Biden’s successor might be.

I continue to believe in Biden. The job he has done and will do. Much better by far than what Trump will IMPOSE on us. Trump talks one game now but will act a different one if Presidnet. Also Vance is not a winner. The next few months will show the same. Why Trump picked him, I do not understand.

A closing thought. Trump and the Republican Convention was geared toward capturing the votes of the working class. Only to get elected I assume. He speaks with a forked tongue. His commitment is to the CEO’s of America and will not change.

Enjoy your day!

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