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 …
Prominent people who came into the world on the anniversary of the birth our nation include:Meyer LanskyMitch Miller"Dear Abby"Leona HelmsleyEva Marie Saint (101 today!)Gina LollibrigidaNeil SimonAl DavisBill WithersFloyd LittleMichael MilkenHowever, in my opinion, the most prominent person born on this day is "The Boss", George Steinbrenner, the d …
When I was young I did not drink coffee. As the years passed, I slowly developed an affinity for a cup of black coffee, which I nursed through the day at my desk .What's more, I loaded up on cups of black coffee (containing caffeine, a legal performance enhancing drug) before my marathons for an extra beneficial boost. Then there's espresso, usua …
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 …
In our family 13 is a lucky number, as it is the date upon which my wife Joanne was born. Throughout our relationship, everyone has always reinforced this reality by telling me how "lucky" I have been to be with her and, more than anyone else, I readily agree!In addition, for many years my law firm thrived on the 13th floor, I came of age at 13 an …
Last Sunday was absolutely thrilling, as I bore witness (and recorded) my Grandson Shawn Atom sing and perform with my son Alex's, Bodega Tallboys, band at the Sunset Club on Tappen Beach, Long Island. It evoked so much emotion, even tears, as they sang and played Dylan's "Rock Me (Like a Wagon Wheel)"! On the video, one can hear me exclaiming "My …
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 …
We picked up a new car on Tuesday and, in a few words, it's really a mobile computer. Why else would the dealership assign someone whose title is Genius to explain the myriad bells and whistles packed into our SAV. All of this was very daunting for someone who used to get 4 gallons of gas for a dollar, used hand signals, rolled up windows and wel …
One of the most frustrating and torturous 21st Century experiences is telephoning a service provider to request a repair. It is maddening and drives me crazy!Initially, you have to run the gauntlet of their automated, first wave, telephone response which requires you to give your phone or account number, your home address and somehow shoe horn you …
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 …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend