Monk's Memoirs: The Contest Is Over....I Have The Most Beautiful Grandaughter

I know some of you may challenge my official ruling...but how can you say that this is not the most beautiful child you have ever seen....even though by the expression on her face with me is one of near panic wondering, "what's this guy going to do next to get me to laugh"....of course I may be a little predigest...but that's a grandfathers perogative....Travis, Shannon and Dakota are home on leave for a couple of weeks and I couldn't be more happy....It's been two years since I've seen them and this is the first time I've seen Dakota Lynn...The baby will be baptised on Saturday and I'm ordering a bright, warm day for the picnic following the ceremony...Besides my mug with the baby...the picture to be cherished is the one with her Great-Grandma....85 and going strong...

Book two is moving along nicely..I've got four of the ten stories written and proof read....of course every time I re-visit one of the stories I want to change something...I haven't heard anything about book sales but I'm not concerned...My purpose was to write it...not to sell a million copies....but I do thank all of you who have read my stories....I've gotten some great feedback and all of it is positive...that makes me feel like I've accomplished something....it's great to think that my stories have an effect on others...

Word from Dearborn Street is that the Coconut Grove has finally opened up its new inside bar and restaurant....pictured is the way it use to look...those were shops beyond the doors I'm standing next to...Now the entire inside is bar and seating as well as a small stage and dance floor...can't wait to get back and see for myself....Check it out for yourself if your in the neighborhood....

Something I forgot to include in my odds and end post is this Iguana...thanks to my friend Lisa of the Taki Tiki and Kayak Rentals.....he is alive and well.....she just had to stop the car and escort him away from certain death.....Now keep in mind that the city of Boca Grande is paying someone $20 apiece to capture and kill Iguanas that have invaded their Island Paradise...the very same paradise that charges each and every person $4 to cross the only bridge to the island....they say it's to pay for the bridge...but it's really just to keep out the riff-raff....I told Lisa that she should have taken the iguana over to Boca and released it....someone could have made an extra 20 bucks....but what's one more when there are already 20,000 on the island...that's right I said 20,000...maybe more...they are not quite sure...If this guy works quick he could have nearly a half-million dollars...or for job security he could work a little slower and at least have a guaranteed income for life...all he has to do is figure out how many are born each year and only kill that many....if that comes out to a tidy income he's got it made....

My friend Patty, of my favorite place to eat in Canandaigua...Patty's Place....just had a birthday...that's my brother Terry with her...pretty ugly looking dude huh.....he thinks he's a contractor...and does a fair job on siding, roofing and windows....he's my little brother by ten years and looks like my older brother by five.....Just kidding Terry...don't hurt me......

I want to end with something of beauty.....no offense Patty....you are one of the beautiful people...but the beauty of nature is what I want to end with...This magnificent butterfly was just lazing around this beautiful bush and couldn't get enough of the nectar that its flowers produced...so I got a chance to get a great picture...hope you enjoy it....