tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34794212012-01-16T16:30:52.313-05:00There are two Key Wests. They occupy the same island but are worlds apart. The sham Key West is a show for tourists; the Real Key West belongs to those of us who live here. Come with us now ... to the Real Key West.Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.comBlogger11981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-15144171969308395652011-08-12T17:33:00.001-04:002011-08-12T17:38:17.341-04:00

Those who know me well know that I'm a devoted  and devout member of the Worldwide Church of Apple.  I bought my first Apple computer in 1984, the year the Macintosh was introduced.  But I didn't buy a Mac because we needed portable and the original Mac wasn't.  What I did buy was an Apple 11c, just like the one in the picture.  We were going on the road for three months in Sweet Surrender,  a 23

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-67218709001246839772011-08-09T12:39:00.000-04:002011-08-09T12:39:02.663-04:00

Hi Deanie,  I don't think that I have a way to contact you apart from this blog. We have new(er) pictures posted here. And for you and anyone else interested in "Living Aboard" we heartily recommend The Houseboat Book by Barbara Flanagan.  We're on page 55, and less prominently in a couple of other pics. Most of my posting these days has gravitated to my Facebook account.  The enclosure link

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-34800770043339630272011-05-10T21:17:00.001-04:002011-05-10T21:19:53.803-04:00

It was just ten days ago that we spent our first night on board the F/D Sundog, but they were ten days full of new experiences, the good kind that result in learning something new. We sealed the deal with Roger on April 25th, a Monday, and set off to make everything official with the "authorities" -- Monroe County for title; registration and sales tax; City of Key West for a lease, payment of

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-61959052765370788362011-04-25T12:00:00.122-04:002011-04-25T13:18:49.132-04:00

Bob & Janet are on the move again.  We're leaving District 6 in Old Town and moving to District 1 to live on a floating home.  We'll be on  board by the end of April, leaving the Elizabeth St. home we've rented for the past 21 months.  In some ways, we'll miss this neighborhood.  The people here are our friends.  But the beauty of living on a 2 x 4 mile island  is that we'll still be nearby and

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-59430759000708466772011-04-13T00:01:00.002-04:002011-04-13T00:01:03.405-04:00

Today is the 71st anniversary of the birth of Norman Taylor, a.k.a. Captain Outrageous.  It feels to me like his soul has been stirring, as several events have taken place that are connected to him. It began with a telephone call three weeks ago from the concierge of a ship called The World.  The World is a 644-foot private yacht that is owned by the owners of 165 private residences (they call

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-91972904473593395042011-02-09T06:21:00.001-05:002011-02-09T14:08:41.935-05:00

Today is the day -- a mournful day -- that we remember our friend Captain Outrageous, Norman Taylor, who 'shuffled off this mortal coil' in 2007. In one of those inexplicable moments of synchronicity, 'Greg' reminded me today of Howard Livingston's Key West Time web site videos, and this episode in which we see a bicycle painted by the good Captain, on display at  Eaton Bikes. Good wishes go

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-61655915389273163182011-02-05T17:11:00.000-05:002011-02-05T17:11:49.807-05:00

Quite by accident today, I discovered (not in the explorer sense) the islands of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.  They lie 10-20 miles west of Key West, between Key West and the Dry Tortugas, and incorporate the Marquesas Keys, Gull Keys, and a dozen other smaller keys, all in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge was established in 1908 to provide a preserve and breeding ground for native birds

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-46678368720332421882011-01-30T10:26:00.000-05:002011-01-30T10:26:22.100-05:00

I came across this from KeyToons.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-34982597775006688162011-01-29T12:13:00.000-05:002011-01-29T12:13:59.858-05:00

Picking up from where I left off yesterday: Pick up a copy of the Key West Walking and Biking Guide at the Key West Light Gallery, located at 1203 Duval Street.  This free guide has fourteen separate tours and includes a brief description of many historical points of interest.  Touristy, yes, but not Duval Street touristy.  A good -- no, great -- guide to what makes Key West so special to Real

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-14227879454818975052011-01-28T22:55:00.001-05:002011-01-28T23:00:20.282-05:00

No, not that Emily.  Tonight, this Emily wrote to me in comments: Hi Rob. My name is Emily, and I have enjoyed reading your blog. i"m coming to Key West for a wedding from Feb.2-8. Could you suggest some fun, "real Key West" things to do and places to go. I definitely don't want to do the touristy route, and it seems like you have a lot of info. Thanks! EmilyShe said some kind things about this

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-14000544494356044632011-01-01T13:13:00.000-05:002011-01-01T13:13:10.254-05:00

Been running through my mind all morning.Happy New Year to all y'all.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-27341937265699455802010-09-23T20:24:00.001-04:002010-09-26T01:09:00.408-04:00

On September 1st at 12:29 PM PDT (3:29 PM EDT in Key West) we placed an order with Apple for an iPad for Janet.  The package was delivered by Fed Ex at 11:29 AM on September 7.  Here's how that happened: My friends, that is logistics at its finest.  Three companies coordinating and executing in a way that leaves a very happy customer in their wake.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-71179690398023226392010-07-04T12:06:00.000-04:002010-07-04T12:06:16.090-04:00

I noted here on May 26th that the Keys Federal Credit Union (our bank since 2004) was merging with the Dade County Federal Credit Union. Mysteriously, and with very little information as to why, the Dade County FCU backed away from the merger, keeping KFCU under the supervision of the National Credit Union Association. There doesn't appear to have been a Plan B in place.  Nevertheless, we're OK

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-88905020659702544372010-06-19T17:27:00.000-04:002010-06-19T17:27:38.125-04:00

A friend asked me the other day whether citizens of Key West have the right to propose that City government do, or not do, certain things, and to call for a city-wide vote on their proposals. The simple answer to that question is "Yes".  It's called an initiative petition and can be approved by voters in a process called a referendum.  The process can go so far as to nullify any previous

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-75390836673319818332010-05-30T14:38:00.000-04:002010-05-30T14:38:47.253-04:00

I'm hoping the whole world gets to see this: Nine months to stop. 200 feet deep. 31 years ago. OMG!

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-35068430806542004042010-05-26T13:31:00.003-04:002010-05-26T13:41:01.169-04:00

Old news, but just published in Time Magazine.  Oil, mosquitos, dengue ..... it's going to be a long and lonesome summer if this keeps up.   What's next?  Hurricanes? Dengue fever appears in the Florida Keys Posted using ShareThis UPDATE:  Made the New York Times, too.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-68355651908131396492010-05-26T10:48:00.000-04:002010-05-26T10:48:36.820-04:00

We've banked with the Keys Federal Credit Union since coming back to Key West in 2004.  Last year, they fell under the supervision of the National Credit Union Administration for the same kinds of reasons as have affected banks and other credit unions across the country.  The NCUA is the credit union equivalent of the FDIC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and has the authority to close

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-37030059449171818632010-05-26T10:29:00.001-04:002010-05-26T10:35:18.650-04:00

I'm frustrated.  In fact, I'm irate.  Indeed, I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more. All of the institutions I rely on seem to be falling apart and seem to not be able to get them remedied. There's not much I can do directly to stem the flow of oil in the Gulf as I watch in horror the live feed spewing oil at some unknown rate from a reservoir of unknown size for the

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-89168144474357614422010-04-20T11:09:00.000-04:002010-04-20T11:09:26.957-04:00

CAUTION:  This post has nothing to do with Key West, other than the fact that I'm here (and you're not).   But, if you persist, you may read on.  My blog, my choice of topics. I'm not one to buy a lot of software, but once in a while I come across an application that is so compelling that I will spring for a license.  I'll usually do that for smaller apps that don't cost much, rarely more than

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-89298373185118823262010-04-15T09:13:00.002-04:002010-04-15T09:13:53.599-04:00

In my current role, which I think of as Conservator, at the Bahama Conch Community Land Trust, I'm starting to really understand the depth of the shortage of affordable workforce housing in Key West.  It's been on the City's agenda for at least five years now, thousands of hours and millions of dollars have been spent to try to ameliorate it, but it never gets better and slowly grows worse. I had

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-77125104817339477582010-04-13T13:54:00.000-04:002010-04-13T13:54:30.228-04:00

Tribute up to Captain Outrageous on this day, which would have been his 70th birthday. Miss you, Cap.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-80008669234058659632010-03-03T22:54:00.000-05:002010-03-03T22:54:10.185-05:00

While Cam and I were traveling in Europe, we used Amanda's iPod Touch to look for places to stay.  In particular, an app named AirBnB.com introduced us to the possibilities of renting rooms in people's homes for a brief time, usually 1-3 nights, at rates far below hotels and guest houses. We used the app a few times to try and find places to stay in Paris and Berlin, and once in Innsbruck.  None

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-57628020164588545912010-02-07T19:13:00.001-05:002010-02-07T19:14:28.036-05:00

I found this letter to the editor of the Key West Citizen, written a few days (1/29/08) after the press release cited in the previous post. Lawsuit is real motive behind bike enforcement   Modern police departments try to be proactive and engage in strategic planning. Our chief of police seems to work strictly on a reactive basis, as the recent press release on bicycle enforcement dutifully

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-67701183689102327372010-02-07T17:20:00.000-05:002010-02-07T17:20:03.663-05:00

Is Key West a lawless republic?  Well, no, there are plenty of laws, maybe too many.  But it seems that maybe the enforcement of the laws we do have is more a matter of choice than a requirement of the job. On January 22, 2008 then-Patrol Operations Captain Donie Lee issued a press release that began: "The Key West Police Department warns visitors and locals alike that its road patrol officers

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-82157748540214295212010-01-31T11:05:00.001-05:002010-01-31T11:06:01.107-05:00

The compositor of this week's Solares Hill ad for the Tropic Cinema must be from Arizona.  Verdi's Flagstaff is this week's Opera in Cinema Series feature. Yee- hah!

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-41753600270866684972010-01-30T11:21:00.000-05:002010-01-30T11:21:34.405-05:00

I took my first dose of Chantix at 9:00 AM.  I'm now committed to stop smoking on or before next Saturday, February 6.  I do three more days on one pill a day, then go up to two a day for the next 8-12 weeks.  Maybe. About two weeks ago I responded to an ad in the Citizen inviting people to attend a two-hour introduction to available stop-smoking programs in the Florida Keys.  The introduction

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-59480683301915618582010-01-29T23:43:00.000-05:002010-01-29T23:43:56.861-05:00

Los Van Van rolled into Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West on a bus from Miami at around 8:45 PM for their scheduled 8:00 PM concert.  Buzz in the crowd was that there was some kind of delay at Miami Airport.  It was worth the wait. Los Van Van is a high-energy 14-member Cuban band.  They're traveling with a good-sized road crew; it took almost five minutes for everyone to get off the bus and move

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-67291223776615638922010-01-14T09:01:00.000-05:002010-01-14T09:01:25.056-05:00

The Chicken Lady, Katha Sheehan, came by yesterday to hand-deliver a book that I ordered from The Chicken Store website on Tuesday.  I wasn't at home but Janet talked to her for a while. The book is Tales of an Island Rooster, written by Katha in 2002 and is based on her long-time observation of the Key West chickens that are part of the fabric of this place, as they are no where else that I

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-32307675878537507222009-12-25T11:31:00.001-05:002009-12-25T11:31:19.563-05:00

Awaiting the barbarians, by C.P. Cavafy What has this to do with the real Key West?  I'm not certain -- yet. On my journey to Ithaka. Thanks Tommy.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-38674743995040832732009-12-18T00:36:00.000-05:002009-12-18T00:36:52.694-05:00

I haven't posted here very much since coming back from Cam's and my trip to Europe in September and October.  This is why.  I've been busy. I will tell the whole story one day.  For now, it's to figure out what to do about it.  Find out who cares enough to help reach that decision.  Do the right thing. I'm hopeful.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-85709280636557022212009-12-12T22:05:00.000-05:002009-12-12T22:05:18.783-05:00

Rommel 1999-2009 R.I.P. Losing a friend is never easy.  Rommel was a good and faithful friend and we grew to love him.  He lived with us for over two years, first on Ann Street and then at South Street. At first we weren't sure how to handle him.  He had a reputation for aggressiveness, especially toward other dogs.  Taking him for a walk often involved traveling on side streets, being

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-83699053742418753352009-10-29T17:25:00.000-04:002009-10-29T17:25:55.462-04:00

I got back to Key West a week ago today after traveling for six weeks with our grandson, Cameron (Chasse). It was a Grand Tour of Europe in a tradition that goes back to the 1600's and was considered to be an education rite of passage for young men in a gap year following completion of a course of education. It's good to be back home again.  The weather in Europe towards the end of our journey

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-88834796718054004712009-09-13T12:43:00.000-04:002009-09-13T12:43:56.751-04:00

Despite some difficulty in getting internet access reliably (we're at Isaacs Hostel in Dublin right now using their wireless, I'm managing to keep up with what's going on back "home" in Key West. I've downloaded the Key West Citizen for Thursday through Sunday, keeping up on the news about the Acevedos, Hendrick, etc. I've already voted in the upcoming municipal elections. They'll probably be

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-59961828108897554132009-09-13T12:29:00.000-04:002009-09-13T12:29:06.459-04:00

As announced elsewhere, our grandson Cameron and myself are on tour in the British Isles and Europe until October 20. We're blogging our adventure at Cam's blog with me as guest contributor. We're in Dublin just now, preparing to board a bus to London (via overnight ferry). Follow along there. As time permits, I'll continue to write about Key West here, maybe draw some comparisons along the

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-43606797622500533262009-09-05T00:40:00.000-04:002009-09-05T00:40:05.459-04:00

The days dwindled down and now there are just five days before Cameron and I will be on our way to Ireland to begin our own excellent adventure. Arrangements have been made. Bags are being packed. We'll spend three days in New Hampshire tying loose ends, then we board Aer Lingus in Boston on the 9th for the 'overnight' flight to Dublin.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-17948278595227205462009-08-11T00:39:00.000-04:002009-08-11T00:39:48.511-04:00

My weekdays are for working on things that have to get done; weekends, like the one just past, is for doing things I want to do, like write something at my blog so my "followers", all 14 of you, and other visitors (395 so far this month) will know we're still here in Key West and don't intend to leave any time soon, at least not for good. There is a rumour abroad that we are leaving here to go

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-81944775757354361482009-08-09T23:05:00.002-04:002009-08-10T00:10:13.108-04:00

Russian oil rigs just 45 miles from Florida?Let's do a swap: Morgan McPherson for Juan Contino Aslán. Give them until October 7 to come up with a plan. In searching for the Mayor of Havana, I found the website CityMayors.com where Mayors from around the world are identified and profiled. Key West isn't listed, but could be if enough people go there and enter the Key West Mayor in the section

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-80316441311312965152009-08-09T15:45:00.007-04:002009-08-09T18:31:04.025-04:00

I went with Janet on Friday morning to see yet another physician, this one an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) to have her hearing evaluated and to discover whether there's anything in that region of her body contributing to vertigo, a generalized lack of balance, and stuffiness and congestion.The doctor, female and an osteopathic physician, saw her about 25 minutes after the scheduled 11:00

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-44008395372320401682009-06-28T19:27:00.002-04:002009-06-28T19:32:45.207-04:00

announcing the inaugural, "4th of July KEY WEST Benefit Blast"A Bar Stroll in Red, White, and Blue! To benefit the Forgotten Soldiers Outreach July 4th Key West Benefit BlastFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPRLog (Press Release) – Jun 26, 2009 – 4th of July Key West Benefit Blast. A Bar Stroll in Red, White, and Blue! Rick Dostal announces the inaugural, "4th of July Benefit Blast" along the Historic Key

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-30771802019044307142009-06-26T15:24:00.002-04:002009-06-26T15:28:01.635-04:00

Kermit is a familiar figure at the corner of Greene and Elizabeth streets, dressed in his chef uniform and holding up one his famous key lime pies for the tourists passing by on the Old Town Trolley. The video shows how you can make a key lime pie at home. Or 24 of them.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-24636988502861678332009-06-26T15:06:00.004-04:002009-06-26T15:15:24.103-04:00

I went on the air at KONK AM with Jim Thomsen, on the program Spirit Talk. When I tuned in it was with the expectation that I'd be listening to Rev. Randy Becker from the UU church. Randy is traveling and Jim -- who I knew from our days at the Seekers Forum that met, and maybe still meets, at the church -- Jim was filling in for him.Jim has a web site, Smiling Cloud, on which I found this

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-76919787920785508892009-06-24T22:40:00.003-04:002009-06-25T15:11:27.426-04:00

Barefoot Bob is dead. Robert Salamone, originally from Chelmsford, MA, a hop, skip and jump away from Tyngsboro, MA where I spent my high school years, passed on on June 22 in Key West. Robert -- Bob -- operated the bar known as Barefoot Bob's during the 1990s. If I have it right, the club was first at the Duval St. location of today's Willy T's. And I remember going just once to Barefoot

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-71210558702511183232009-06-24T09:26:00.003-04:002009-06-24T09:32:39.082-04:00

Heavy weather coming in from the north, but a strange force field seems to be keeping the island here in the dry.We're in that circle in the center. Can't last much longer.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-58193333445450283852009-06-19T17:01:00.004-04:002009-06-19T18:19:30.520-04:00

What should a depositor DO on finding out that their bank was just dropped to zero star rating by Bauer Financial? The answer to that is, "it depends". Mainly it depends on how much money you have in the bank and what kind of account it is. And what does 'zero star' mean, anyway?Bauer puts it this way:All banks are subject to federal regulatory capital requirements, but those requirements vary

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-30563005359604994942009-06-13T15:13:00.001-04:002009-06-13T15:15:04.154-04:00

Here's a follow-up to my recent Kokomo post:

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-69089456985024465722009-06-13T14:20:00.003-04:002009-06-13T15:04:10.244-04:00

For months now the Monroe County School District has been embroiled in controversy over who ought to be punished for mis-, non- and malfeasance that led to the theft of several hundred thousand dollars of public and private (kids) money, the arrest of the wife of the Superintendent of Schools, and then the Superintendent himself.One way that it's all playing out is on the pages of the Key West

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-79619959037634027192009-06-08T22:16:00.002-04:002009-06-08T22:26:39.855-04:00

"Workers from the shrimp trawlers, crawfish boats and others who make their livelihood from the sea are also in this area [Stock Island]. It is now a big community. It continues to grow as people are moving their commercial estabishments from Key West to that locality, small merchants who can't pay the high rents being charged here and are forced to move.Who know? Maybe, some day, the Stock

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-20483492904969000692009-06-06T14:03:00.003-04:002009-06-06T14:19:09.548-04:00

Lyrics | Beach Boys lyricsThinking about how to find my own private Kokomo. It's a time of change for us. Where will we wind up?Could the past ten years have been merely a Lunch Stop? (Look for the playable one in position 78.)

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-45290982318708458032009-05-27T16:38:00.002-04:002009-05-27T16:45:22.787-04:00

Video footage thanks to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-12634889070440423022009-05-11T22:27:00.004-04:002009-05-11T23:00:59.824-04:00

At 5 o'clock this afternoon I called Apple Support merely to inquire if I might be eligible for a replacement battery for my black MacBook. The battery began to lose capacity a few months ago. When I first got the computer in February 2007, I was able to use it for 4-5 hours on a fully-charged battery. Lately it's been lasting between an hour and 90 minutes.I take good care of this computer.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-72750001285794171832009-04-26T11:22:00.006-04:002009-04-26T12:09:33.204-04:00

It's back, after a fashion. There's a new restaurant in place at the location of the late, lamented Deli Restaurant at the corner of Truman Avenue and Simonton Street, right across the street from the plaza where CVS is located, downtown.It's now called Eat n' Grinn at the Deli, and it isn't the Deli we all remember. John and Barbara, co-owners and mates, opened the Eat 'n Grinn Barbecue store

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-6072399997190902542009-04-26T11:10:00.003-04:002009-04-26T11:58:11.452-04:00

A vacationer's eye view of a successful four-day visit to our island.There are, of course, other perspectives. This from a Twitterer:No one mentioned that Key West / Duval St is kinda dirty. It's TJ for 50 year oldes in straw cowboy hats.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-19564138428270808182009-03-27T23:36:00.005-04:002009-04-19T11:39:00.837-04:00

I was reading about the Conficker worm just now and this sentence jumped out at me:"He adds that Windows users who have made sure their systems have been scanned, and Mac users (who are unaffected), have nothing to worry about."It's about one of the most valuable reasons I own and use a MacBook. It isn't that Macs are impervious to malware, but they are affected much, much much less often by the

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-43008600160715321372009-03-13T11:19:00.002-04:002009-03-13T17:28:43.037-04:00

I've only seen this in an article in the Keynoter last weekend. The reporting says that two members of the Key West Planning Board resigned last week, unexpectedly and somewhat mysteriously, and that they were immediately replaced by two Key West lawyers with roots in the Conch community here.The appointments of Michael Browning by Commissioner Dan Kolhage and of Greg Oropeza by Mayor Morgan

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-65834550015148942862009-01-22T22:18:00.007-05:002009-01-22T22:38:34.272-05:00

The Key West City Commission took away the stick that was part of the recycling ordinance that was before them for second reading and approval on Wednesday evening, but they failed to offer a carrot in its stead. Rather, the Commissioners gutted the ordinance of its mandatory-ness and made it into a purely voluntary thing. If that's all that was required, then an ordinance wasn't necessary at

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-10177245027382932312009-01-19T20:52:00.003-05:002009-01-19T21:18:53.997-05:00

This may be only a rumor -- or not. A friend of mine, a videographer, called tonight to say that he'd have to postpone a meet-up we had planned because he's been invited to sail to Cuba on Wednesday by a boat captain who has it on "good authority" that the restrictions on travel there by Americans will be lifted on that day, and that docking facilities in Havana are being arranged for an

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-13210261620338900512009-01-18T20:32:00.002-05:002009-01-18T20:44:25.446-05:00

It took a while for the shoe to drop at Hyatt's time-share sales operation, but it finally happened.  I thought it was a fait accompli last September.There's a vehicle parked on Duval Street plastered with posters advertising Hyatt time share resales at 50% to 75% off.  Time shares have to go through a foreclosure process just like regular real estate, so these may be in that category.I'd guess

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-39897902946134397012009-01-18T14:15:00.001-05:002009-01-18T02:18:11.890-05:00

The impending inauguration of Barack Obama as the 45th President of the United States brings to mind January 20, 1977. It was a bitter cold day in Washington and we were there for the inauguration of James Earl (Jimmy) Carter as the 40th person to hold that office.We were staying at my uncle's home in suburban Maryland. He drove us -- Janet, our daughters Betty Anne and Susan, and me -- into

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-62954347811301847762009-01-15T22:01:00.005-05:002009-01-15T22:46:19.095-05:00

The Obama Transition Team shows its skill at using the internet to engage citizens in ways that spring forth from the effective ways that the Obama Campaign Team did the same thing. The OTT created a web site at Change.gov and then invited citizens at large to see what the team is doing, and to offer ideas and feedback to those who are setting out to implement the policies of the new president

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-72235947864044984672009-01-10T01:50:00.004-05:002009-01-10T02:15:51.846-05:00

Citizen's Voice of the Day (1/7/09)"I had the joy of taking a huge German shepherd for a walk every morning, but recently his caretakers moved to the other side of the Island. I am heartbroken; therefore I am going on a hunger strike ... right after lunch. Rommel, I miss you!"Chris is a long-term tenant at one of the properties we look after, and has been walking Rommel most mornings for the past

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-88990007407619729562009-01-08T10:52:00.003-05:002009-01-08T11:49:20.801-05:00

The 12th Key West Ambassador Academy class starts Jan. 15, according to the city. Saturday is the deadline to apply.Elected officials, department directors and other city staff host the free, 14-week course, held Thursdays from 1:15 to 4:30 p.m., which teaches citizens how the city operates. Each graduate receives a certificate of completion, a shirt and a pin. Participants also go on two-hour "

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-74554220141543340522009-01-02T07:51:00.003-05:002009-01-02T08:21:12.401-05:00

We're blessed this week by a visit from three of my four brothers and their wives for several days. It's always good to spend time with my family, and we've had a great time so far. I hope that my other brother and two sisters will be able to make it down sometime this year.We're in the midst of moving from our place on Ann St. to new digs on South St. (Oddly enough, we are just a block away

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-38185612661688237972009-01-02T07:49:00.001-05:002009-01-02T07:50:40.736-05:00

Citizen's Voice of the Day"As a bum, I was really offended. I went to the beach and there was nowhere to lay down; it was full of tourists. We need to ban tourists from the beach now."

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-39490768094628166442008-12-17T17:27:00.004-05:002008-12-17T21:47:34.155-05:00

I saw this car parked on Ann Street last week. I can't tell if it's a restoration or a replicar, but it sure is a beauty. The plates on it are New York, but I just saw it drive by again a few minutes ago. It's an eye-catcher, for sure.UPDATEFurther research strongly suggests that its a replica car. An original is worth anywhere north of a million dollars.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-74686429110605821952008-12-17T09:28:00.009-05:002008-12-17T17:26:10.434-05:00

In 1984 Janet and I traveled across the United States in a 23-foot motor home that we named Sweet Surrender, after the song by John Denver. The verses and refrain of that tune remain firmly in my memory despite the passage of time and what appears to me to be a loss of short-term memory brought on by advancing age.Lost and alone on some forgotten highway,Traveled by many, remembered by few,

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-37662918703738495802008-12-08T10:18:00.007-05:002008-12-15T09:13:57.425-05:00

We have a sentry on duty on the porch of our Real Key West Gallery on Caroline St. The figure of a ship's captain is about five and a half feet tall -- or six-three standing on his nine inch base. (Click on photo for larger size). The carving came originally from the Oak Beach Inn in Babylon, NY, then the Oak Beach Inn Key West that was here for about a year in the early 2000's. The Captain

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-82213844220309553322008-11-29T09:43:00.002-05:002008-11-29T11:29:20.193-05:00

Hemingway used this bit of descriptive prose in To Have and Have Not, set largely in Key West of the 1930s. Even today, its possible to imagine what streets he may have been writing about. It looks to me like he was filling the description with a variety of places, not some real walk on the Rocky Road, or Duval Street."He did not take the bicycle but walked down the street. The moon was up now

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-30944228767553027652008-11-17T07:14:00.002-05:002008-11-17T07:20:41.290-05:00

I stumbled across a blog this morning that has a thread of reminiscences of a visitor to Key West back when -- back when the sunset celebration wasn't an organized event, back before Captain Tony was Mayor. Here's an excerpt, written by the unknown author upon hearing of Tony's passing."I just found out Captain Tony died. My friend went to Key West this weekend and was part of the wake. Tony

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-74629739378006443632008-11-16T15:46:00.003-05:002008-11-17T07:21:24.192-05:00

Amidst all of the speculation over the economy, the war(s), the transition of power soon to come, there are many less urgent matters that are given less national coverage, but that are likely to have greater or lesser effects on those who live in particular parts of the country. For example, the troubles of clueless American automobile companies that now seek to be bailed out of their

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-83583924188398778752008-11-07T09:12:00.004-05:002008-11-07T09:36:47.048-05:00

Janet bought me Captain Tony's Life Lessons of a Legend on the day after he died, the day that the headline in the Key West Citizen announced his passing.There'll be a parade tomorrow morning from St. Mary's Church to the site of the bar that he once ran and that still carries his name. It's an impromptu festival event, like the funeral procession for another celebrated captain, Captain

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-1182032440648065622008-10-30T11:40:00.005-04:002008-10-30T16:55:25.457-04:00

I like this quote from Jo Stewart, an American ex-pat in Costa Rica, who writes a weekly column for A.M. Costa Rica.Those with more money than time spend their money saving time, and those with more time than money, spend their time saving money.She's talking about people who aren't working, either because they're retired or have lost their jobs.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-14388435523679923042008-10-19T08:14:00.001-04:002008-10-19T08:17:30.665-04:00

The Bahama Village Blog: What's Missing in Bahama Village?Tom Kemper lives on Thomas Street, along the former route of the Conch Train. He's enjoying the new-found quiet.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-88191999201147792962008-10-13T11:15:00.003-04:002008-10-13T22:58:46.883-04:00

The monthly Bahama Village Community meeting last Thursday night wasn't very well-attended, but the invited guest speaker, Chris Belland, chair of the Chamber Commerce's Clean & Green Committee, bravely soldiered on and delivered an informative presentation built around the web site and film that he helped to create, called Love Your Island. The website contains a lot of good information about

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-18179611570982122662008-10-08T13:22:00.003-04:002008-10-08T13:59:57.707-04:00

I'm pleased to discover that Rock Trueblood is blogging again. He sort of disappeared last March, but I now note that he posted six time in September and six times so far this month. Rock writes knowledgeably of housing and economics from his perch on the Motley Fool message boards. He has some knowledge of the Key West market.Glad you're back, Rock.p.s. Even if you don't read all of Rock's

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-68101376799067302162008-10-08T11:10:00.003-04:002008-10-08T13:15:49.589-04:00

The Key West City Commission last night approved a second one-year extension to the $40,000 a year contract held by a local consultant, but not without first putting Mayor Morgan McPherson through a grilling about exactly what it was citizens were getting for that $40,000 -- actually $80,000 now. McPherson delivered a perfectly Palinesque response to repeated questions from Commissioner Teri

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-46291243987025576782008-10-02T17:33:00.002-04:002008-10-02T17:39:45.343-04:00

CoCo Key Water Resort's decor and atmosphere reflect the tropical appeal of historic Key West.Maybe the Key West Water Park's decor and atmosphere will reflect the appeal of historic Waterbury, CT

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-82939341696692169932008-09-23T10:01:00.004-04:002008-09-23T13:40:10.909-04:00

I heard from an insider at Hyatt's timeshare sales operation here that the giant vacation rental company is closing down in Key West, moving staff to Las Vegas, and vacating the several sales booths they control on Duval Street. What is to become of the time-share buildings at the waterfront between the Westin Hotel and Truman Annex, and on South Roosevelt Boulevard along the Atlantic isn't

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-59571077463818684992008-09-20T17:19:00.005-04:002008-09-20T17:42:00.011-04:00

Although I can't seem to find the time to blog lately -- is that called blogger's block? -- I make time to read what others are saying. As usual, Conch Scooter is on top of the important stuff. Here's his take on the Poker Run crowd who are, I hope, making lots of business owners and service workers happy this weekend. It ought to help some of them make rent at the end of the month.Kat from

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-4364694331181841422008-09-07T17:52:00.005-04:002008-09-07T23:07:21.751-04:00

NOAA's National Weather Service in Key West and the NWS' Tropical Weather Page are the absolute best sources of objective information about Ike, and about hurricanes generally, insofar as Key West is concerned.Housed in a Cat 5 hardened building on White Street, the Key West forecasters and support personnel provide a steady stream of current information gathered from a variety of sources, giving

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-85367548817023795822008-09-04T03:02:00.003-04:002008-09-04T03:20:04.993-04:00

I heartily recommend to your attention this touching obituary for Red Rover by Katha Sheehan, Red's human, in Key West the Newspaper.Red Rover was the real-life model for Red Ranger in Katha's charming book, Tales of an Island Rooster.'' A sample is here.The real world Chicken Store is gone but it lives on in cyberspace.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-82028088565514026502008-08-21T22:08:00.002-04:002008-08-21T22:11:48.701-04:00

Some pictures of Captain Outrageous' trailer from the Greene St. trailer Park. And a short story.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-59777274637896179582008-08-19T12:27:00.000-04:002008-08-19T12:28:41.370-04:00

Correction: Credit and thanks to ConchScooter at Key West Diary for the shot of Steam Plant /Railroad Condos.For those interested in real estate trends in the Florida Keys, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate publishes a newsletter several times a year that includes an analysis of real estate trends. This is the Summer 2008 edition, comparing the first half of 2008 with the first half of 2007.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-3207453372786784712008-08-18T12:50:00.002-04:002008-08-18T14:23:03.609-04:00

We are at Condition of Readiness One here at The Real Key West Gallery. Everything that might blow around outside is safely stored. We have the gate between the Gallery building and our house open so that Rommel can take shelter inside the Gallery building's rear (former) kitchen, or on the covered porch where the washer & dryer are.Rick and Susan went out early and found the Kino store open.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-18949236887168617912008-08-17T22:03:00.000-04:002008-08-17T22:06:07.333-04:00

Here.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-10014304699097730392008-08-17T16:43:00.001-04:002008-08-17T16:45:26.692-04:00

For Immediate Release August 17, 2008NAS Key West sets COR II for Tropical Storm FAY and Orders Military Families at Sigsbee Park to Move to Shelters Monday MorningNAS Key West, Fla. – Naval Air Station Key West has set Condition of Readiness TWO (COR II) in preparation for the approaching Tropical Storm Fay.COR II is set when a storm

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-61293000438131736402008-08-17T15:58:00.002-04:002008-08-17T16:04:29.167-04:00

The local office of the National Weather Service is posting video updates -- more like a slide show -- by forecaster Matt Strahan.Next update due around 5 PM.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-51457093092033482132008-08-17T07:52:00.004-04:002008-08-17T14:09:14.335-04:00

Our intrepid mariners have been making good progress since our last report. They are currently in day 19 today, and are cruising the Intra-coastal Waterway from Brunswick, GA. Picking up from where we left off in the last post and trying to catch up:DAY 5 – August 3 2008 Milford City Docks certainly was beautiful, probably the nicest stop we’ve had yet. Walked into town and got my FIRST Dunkin

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-48750238897670989942008-08-16T23:10:00.003-04:002008-08-16T23:24:57.502-04:00

The official National Weather Service forecast now shows the storm track of tropical storm Fay moving a little more east, now crossing nearer to Islamorada and taking a near northerly path as it leaves the Cuba mainland. The forecast also shows it as a tropical storm (39-73 mph), not reaching hurricane strength (74 mph) until making landfall on the west coast of Florida.Nevertheless, the TV

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-71886564064931950362008-08-16T16:08:00.001-04:002008-08-16T16:08:38.197-04:00

August 16, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEIn preparation for Tropical Storm Fay, the City of Key West will open its Emergency Operations Center at a Level 2 activation status at 5 p.m. today. From that point on until the storm has passed or is no longer a threat to the area, the EOC will be manned with city personnel and the rumor control hotline will be open for receiving calls. The number in the Key

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-43054800509402281882008-08-16T16:06:00.001-04:002008-08-16T16:08:01.001-04:00

NAS Key West, Fla. – Naval Air Station Key West has set Condition of Readiness THREE (COR III) in preparation for the approaching Tropical Storm Fay.COR III is set when a storm has assumed a definite pattern and threatens the area with destructive winds expected within 48 hours.Visitors staying at NAS Key West Morale Welfare and Recreation RV Park have been notified to leave by 6 p.m. tonight.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-32436604551639576782008-08-16T14:37:00.004-04:002008-08-16T15:32:09.901-04:00

There are always rumors. Here are a couple that may or may not be correct, but are plausible.Harbor House, the condo development begun on the former location of an R/V court and campground behind Schooner Wharf, may be going under. I noticed Thursday night that all of the contractor signs that were on the wooden fence surrounding the property are gone. The gate to the mostly empty lot hang

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-31866021870003104322008-08-16T13:13:00.004-04:002008-08-16T14:20:42.548-04:00

Our little Susie is here and she's all over me about "you really ought to post something in your blog, Dad", so I guess I really ought to.Susan (we haven't ever called her Susie, only Susan or Sue or sometimes Sue-baru) and her husband Rick are visiting us from Austin, TX and we've been enjoying their visit. We went to Schooner Wharf with them on Thursday night, the day they arrived, and heard

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-2679943733432520542008-08-04T12:46:00.007-04:002008-08-17T08:08:08.451-04:00

Our son-in-law, Lee, is coming to Key West aboard a forty-something foot tug boat. He took a month off from his part-time job to crew for a friend of his, the owner of the boat, Jay, who is repositioning the tug in preparation for moving here to take a job as a civilian diver/welder for the Navy.They left Portsmouth, NH Naval Shipyard (which is located in Kittery, ME; don't ask unless you really

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-49534836334249268102008-07-30T11:08:00.004-04:002008-07-30T11:28:09.856-04:00

Nobody's called me on it -- yet. Before someone does, let me explain.A few weeks ago, I thought that I'd highlight some of the Keys blogs that I like and name a Key West Blog of the Week.I did one on June 20 and another on July 4. Hardly a sterling performance, Bob.So now, I'll simply and randomly highlight a blog or a web site that would/could/should be of interest to someone landing

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-48074123270085960062008-07-21T16:03:00.003-04:002008-07-21T17:58:02.029-04:00

Greg offers the following on my previous post about toilets:Bob. Seattle is getting rid of theirs:Seattle’s Automated Toilets Go Way of the Box and Chain But I still think that Key West needs more public toilets.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-75925720792283210042008-07-21T14:44:00.005-04:002008-07-21T15:58:12.989-04:00

I just discovered that I can watch people come and go at this site by activating this. I won't be doing it, it's a time-waster and I haven't got time to waste, but it's interesting to know that it can be done.I've always had a fascination with science and technology which is, perhaps, why I spent the majority of my career in that field, the technology part of it.At 68, my age now, I've lived

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-35312765071936293032008-07-21T10:35:00.006-04:002008-07-21T14:56:56.590-04:00

Ri and Sandy came to visit on Saturday and to show us their new car, a Zenn (Zero Emission No Noise) all-electric that they bought here in KW last week. It's the first one sold by Key West's Zenn dealership, ZENN Electric Cars of Monroe County, located at 1304 Duval Street. Clever people, those Canadians.It reminds me of a Morris Minor but with a more contemporary look, or of a Mini Cooper.

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-24736308252178659782008-07-16T14:48:00.002-04:002008-07-16T14:50:31.020-04:00

"J---- C-----, that gang of two."Thus spake Monroe County Mayor Mario DeGennaro at today's Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting in Key West. The subject was a decision on whether to authorize a development process for a new hotel at Key West Airport (and one at Marathon Airport, too). The blasphemy came forth just after the Commission voted 3-2 to suspend the County's own rules and

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-22359976701906164102008-07-14T11:44:00.007-04:002008-07-21T17:56:31.249-04:00

I'm at home today, waiting for the plumber to show up. This is a call-back. He came last Friday to fix a leak in our bathroom. He showed up, spent some time, then left without saying what he found, what he did, and whether he thought fixed it (he didn't because it's still leaking) He was due here at 10 A.M.; it's now 11:45 and all I know is that he's "running late". I have to find a reliable

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3479421.post-50215778228783620372008-07-10T23:54:00.003-04:002008-07-10T23:58:42.620-04:00

I stand corrected. I now have it on excellent authority that Walgreen's on Duval St does have a pharmacy after all.RevRandy said...Walgreens on Duval has a full service Pharmacy (M-F) at which I receive my monthly Rx needs from one of the most skilled and friendly pharamcists I have ever dealt with!

Robert Kellynoreply@blogger.com0