My granddaughter Maggie recently celebrated her birthday and, as she was born in the year 2000, it got me thinking. Inasmuch as the 21st century commenced on January 1, 2001, she, and all others born in the year 2000, are uniquely situated to become Tricentenarians!When she celebrates her 101st birthday, it will be at the dawn of the 22nd century, …
When I was young, I remember sitting up close to our (small screen, black and white) Dumont television bearing witness to "Mr. Television", Milton Berle ("Uncle Miltie"), birthing modern communications. And since then we have progressed so far: color TV, fax machines, the Internet, computers, cell phones, FaceTime and all the rest. During that pr …
Recently, my daughter in law Julie, who is a librarian at our local library, made an off hand remark about how much she values and enjoys her library community. I asked her to expound upon her thought and, In part, she responded: "Working in the library has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Helping patrons who need all kind …
My fellow Syracuse University graduate and Key West neighbor, Louis Petrone, aka "Key West Lou", achieved his 90th birthday this past Sunday. On its own, the mere accumulation of so many years is cause for celebration, but, even more so, we must celebrate how his (triumph of the will) determination carried him through extended travail which would …
Maggie Olive Klein, daughter of my son David and wife Julie, is my second born grandchild and first female in my line. When my mother first set eyes upon her she excitedly exclaimed (at her look alike) "Who does she look like?"Oft times, I greet Maggie exclaiming "Who does she look like?" In recognition and memory of my beautiful mom. Beauty asid …
Since I was young, I have been compelled to take pictures (pics in modern parlance). First on film and now updated to digital. My iPhone camera allows for "in the moment" candid shots, instant editing and is cost free. Not to mention the ability to share and upload to the internet. Can you believe, I have nearly 70,000 pics on my phone, in addi …
I am not sure about this, but I believe we are experiencing a late Spring. Officially, Spring sprung on March 20th, but having returned North last week, it seemed like we happily happened upon an atypical lush, colorful, vibrant and welcoming environment, which was more "just so" than past years. The feelings that Spring, in all its glory, engend …
To lose favor or a position of power or honor is a fall from grace. Last weekend a hot shot, flashy football player, who happens to be the son of his coach "Neon" Deion Sanders, was expected and expected to be one of the top 3 National Football League draft picks. Namely, Sheduer (Light of the Almighty) Sanders, the star Colorado QB. He wa …
As I write this I am experiencing a sense of melancholy and I ask myself why? Clearly, it is because we will soon return "home" in the north. "Home" Where is "Home"? If "Home" is in the north, why am I experiencing meloncholy?
I am involved with two separate groups, each of which buy weekly lottery tickets (thank you Rosalia and Mitch) and, to date, neither group has won, but winning doesn't seem to be the true benefit. The fellowship of being part of a group, with a positive common goal, is the true benefit, as we make believe (dream) we are going to win and talk and …
We have a next door neighbor, Charlotte (Charlie) Johnson, who we have known for over 6 years and have seen mature into an accomplished young woman. After suffering a number of medical setbacks for over 2 years, surviving a serious bike accident and changing schools, she found herself falling behind, but found her niche in a local high school/col …
My son David gave me a novel birthday present, a Key West treasure hunt, which he planned during a recent visit and shared with his mom Joanne. There was no treasure map, just 5 destinations: Pepe's Cafe, Sloppy Joe's Bar, Hog's Breath Saloon, Saltwater Angler Fishing Store and Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory, which I mapped out in a logical biking loo …
Joanne, Charcoal and I annually "snowbird" in Key West, the southern most point of the continental United States and home of mile marker 0 on the US-1 highway. My birthday is in two days and, as per our 10 year tradition, we memorialized it by photo opping at the appropriate mile marker (Leigh Connell picture). Our friends Leigh and Jim Connell hav …
I admit it, I spend an inordinate amount of time, pre sun up to post sun down, on my Key West front porch observing and engaging with the passers by. We are situated on an intersection corner and there is multidirectional incoming traffic enhanced by lots of southern hospitality inspired "Good Mornings" which pave the way for easy conversational …
I know that everybody has a back story and very few of us have it easy, but if you work in the service industry, service is your most important product! If I come into your establishment to enjoy myself, please do not tarnish my enjoyment with your attitude. If you are busy, that's good for business and should make you feel positive. If you are t …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend