Key West Lou / BEST LASAGNA EVER

I gorged myself last night on home made lasagna.

I was half asleep around 5 when I heard the doorbell ring. Threw on some clothes and ran downstairs. Hoping I would not fall because I was hurrying.

Opened the door and there stood Dan Riordan

I told him right away “don’t touch me…..I don’t want to shake your hand.” Then I proceeded to chastise him for coming to Key West this year. My concern coronavirus.

Dan’s wife Lisa was smart. She remained in the car. We waived.

Dan and Lisa have been visiting Key West for many years. Generally rent the same place January and February. We are die hard Syracuse fans. We would watch Syracuse play at Don’s Place, Jack Flatts, or some other bar.

They live in Skaneateles, New York. Very few have ever heard of it. A small community about 15 miles west of Syracuse. Located on Skaneateles Lake. Homes are year round and owned by the Syracuse elite.

Dan and Lisa operated a restaurant in Skaneateles for years. Dan the cook/chef, Lisa ran the front. Hostess, bookkeeper, etc. They worked hard. Sold the place 2 years ago. It was time to pack it in.

Here I am inside the house chastising Dan who is standing on the porch. He hands me a package. Dinner. Thank you I responded and he was on his way.

The greatest cook in my lifetime was my grandmother. My father’s mother. She could make round steak taste like filet mignon.

She came to America from Italy as a young lady. Married my grandfather.

My grandmother never learned to speak English. Rarely left the house. I guarantee you however she was a happy woman each day. Eight children and all the grandchildren that followed.

Pasta was big with Italians. We used to call it macaroni back then. Enjoyed it every sunday and wednesday.

Rarely did the pasta come out of a box purchased at the store. It was home made. A major production.

Grandma’s daughters and daughters in law would come over. They all made the pasta together. I do not recall every step. Two however stick out in my mind.

The white large sheet. Before anyone did anything, a clean large white sheet was laid on a bed.

The steps I do not recall, except for the machine used to make the macaroni. Stood about 10 inches tall. The home made dough was entered into the top. An arm on the machine was cranked and the pasta came out of the bottom. Whether lasagna, linguine, or whatever, each piece carefully carried and laid on the sheet.

I have not enjoyed the quality of lasagna similar to last night’s made by Dan since my grandmother passed on. It was glorious. And the sauce! Not out of a bottle. Home made.

Some additional doses of the vaccine were available in Key West this week. A portion made available for the over 70’s.

I did not know about it. Donna and Terri got their shots thursday. Called me to tell me and to call the Health Department. The shots are being given at the Gato Building.

Tried all day friday and yesterday. Voice box full. Even tried today with the same result. I will begin again at 8 tomorrow morning.

Donna said very efficient. You had an appointment. You were taken on time. Then given an appointment for the second shot 3 weeks hence.

The supply is limited. Last week the County expected 800 doses. Received 312. I have a feeling the Gato Building supply will be exhausted by the time I make contact.

I received several e-mails and calls from snowbirds and short term visitors to Key West who are presnetly here. Also received the same number of e-mails and calls from locals.

Someone made a rule that visitors could receive their shots here in Key West. Residency not a requirement. The visitors were thrilled. Never expected to get their shots while here. The locals upset.

I am a local. I am upset. There is not enough of the vaccine for us living in Key West. “Foreigners” should return home where they have been included in the numbers.

I do not know who was responsible for the decision. My initial reaction is Governor DeSantis. He would make a stupid move like that.

Syracuse/Georgetown last night at 7. I laid in bed to watch the game. Missed it all. Fell asleep and did not wake til the game was over. I can’t win.

Syracuse did win however 74-69. Syracuse blew an 18 point lead, but hung on to win.

Someday I must share the Syracuse/Georgetown rivalry. Interesting and exciting.

Enjoy your day!

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