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 …
Joanne and I have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren and in the past weeks we have hit the Familial Lottery! In that period Grandkids Ruby, Maggie and Jackson visited us in Key West in a whirlwind of eating, sunning, talking, swimming, shopping, laughing, biking, drinking, socializing, chilling, showing off and front porch sitting. I know I've gained at l …
Legend has it that cockfighting abounded in Key West and was a Hemingway favorite. Then it was outlawed in 1986 and the roosters were set free. Unfortunately, in 1998, Hurricane George spread the fowl all over our tiny, pristine Paradise and they have been multiplying ever since. You know why a rooster crows, don't you? Mitigation has failed misera …
Being a pet lover came late for me 11 years ago when a little black, female Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle) entered my life. She is aptly named (by my wife Joanne) Charcoal and pictured. To be honest, it was not love at first sight, but, day by day, she grew on me until she stole my heart. To say I love her is an understatement! That brings us …
I have had a beard since 2011 and on and off before then. The most compelling reason therefor is the luxury of not having to shave each morning. In my curly haired case, shaving was probably more daunting than for others. Call me lazy or practical, I'm one satisfied non shaver! Not only does my beard add stress free minutes to my day, but, obvi …
The other night, we were having dinner with friends at a restaurant and there was a call on Joanne's phone. Normally, because we were out for dinner, she would have let it go to voice mail. However, this time, for whatever the reason, she answered and handed me the phone saying it was our friend Paul. I took the phone and wise cracked "Why are yo …
Recently, a friend, a recovering alcoholic, told me she had a "high bottom", a term I was unfamiliar with. Too proud to ask, I later looked it up and learned that "high bottom" connotes an alcoholic who recognizes the problematic nature of their drinking early on and decides to pursue recovery before hitting a more severe low. Well, it was news t …
No doubt, climate change is wreaking havoc. Be it hurricanes (water) or Fire. This time, it is the horrible Santa Ana wind blown LA fires. My words can not describe the damage and tragedy they have wrought! What I can do is support a Gotham initiative spawned by Gotham Hall of Fame member Bruce Swicker (Networker of the Year 2022). Bruce, who l …
Concentrating on the bright side of a unique, complicated year my positive highlights are:1) Appreciable Gotham growth and community 2) Visiting mile marker 823) Grandson Shawn becomes an Eagle Scout4) Shawn and sister Ruby compete in Gotham Battle of the Bands5) A good friend is cancer free6) Family picture on Rao's wall7) 4 months without Drinkin …
If you have found me to be pushy (excessively or unpleasantly self assertive or ambitious) lately, I apologize. Blame it on my ambition. Ambition is a good trait, as is self assertion and, in this case, it resulted in favorable results for the Gotham community in general. Partially because of my pushing, the Gotham Foundation Season of Giving …
One of my goals in life is to continue to "be in the traffic" (and remain relevant). However, if you want to be in the traffic you need to deal with the congestion.And so it goes...
As I live my life I concentrate on not allowing my mind to enter dark rooms where depression and despair reside waiting to cloud my outlook on life. Consistent with my oft stated mantra "Up is down and down is up" I always seek to see the bright side of a situation or event. I try to spread this "cheer" to those who have been brought down and defl …
I am a member of a quarterly Gotham breakfast group (pictured). Members are Corey, Bruce Swicker, Robert Intelisano, David Oralevich, Craig Shink, Alan Kreit and David Abeshouse. At our most recent breakfast we discussed the sad news of the passing of David's beloved younger brother Adam and resolved to attend the Shiva together at David's house. …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend