More from the Keys...

We drove to Key West for what most likely was our one and only trip there.  The folks in Marathon refer to it as "Key Waste".  We timed our visit to coincide with a craft show being held there and on a day when there was only one cruise ship in port.  After strolling around (and buying a few things), having a great lunch at a sidewalk cafe that you would most likely be afraid to go near in any other city, and taking a quick walk through Mallory Square and Duval Street, we returned to the peace and quiet of Marathon Key. 

While reading a book yesterday on our patio, our neighbor lowered his 28-foot ProKat boat in the water, backed up to our dock, and asked if we wanted to ride with him to fuel up.  Naturally, we jumped on it....literally.  He decided to give us a quick tour of Key Colony by water on the way.  I was surprised at how well the boat handled the waves of the Atlantic, until I remembered there were two 300 hp outboards pushing us along.  Sweet!

This morning, while Richard was out walking Lucy, another neighbor invited him to go fishing.  This has been the first day in awhile that the winds have been calm enough for fishing.  So, while I'm still drinking coffee, off they go.   Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and the fish will be biting!

If You're Going To Plan Life....Plan to Enjoy It!

I do believe we're adjusting....rather well.  We've met so many nice people (and pups) and have been included in a number of the neighborhood's activities.  From a round robin tennis gathering every Monday and Friday morning, golf in the afternoon, an afternoon party on 13th street, get togethers with our neighbors, and learning to play MahJong. 

The typical story we hear from the residents is that they came down for a week or two the first year, a month or two the second year, and bought a place the third year.  This is our second year....

Who's Who in Key Colony

After numerous visits to Sunset Park for "Yappy Hour" at sunset, I realized we had not seen the gentleman that rides the red scooter for the past few days.   He is a regular at the park, always wearing gently worn white loafers, and looking like happy hour might have started a few hours earlier in the day for him.  His faithful companion, a beautifully manicured white dog "Salty" (get it?....Salty Dog) proudly rides along with him everywhere he goes.

A couple of the regulars informed us that he'd gone out a couple of nights ago with an old friend that could apparently hold his liquor better than Steve, and that he was still "recovering".   They went on to tell us that Steve had quite an impressive background.  His name is Stephen Francis Patrick Aloysius Dunleavy.  We came home an googled him and found that he was a well known columnist for the New York Post. He was a lead reporter on the US tabloid TV program "A Current Affair" in the 1980s and 1990s.

Apparently he used to be quite a character.....and I can report that on his 75th birthday earlier this week, he got off of his scooter, threw off his white loafers, and kicked a soccer ball around with some neighborhood kids.   He may not be quite as steady as he used to be, but I can confirm that he's "Still Kicking"!

Turtle Hospital

On the recommendation of our friend Nola, a very bright young lady and animal enthusiast, we visited the turtle hospital in Marathon.  They house 28 sea turtles that have been rescued.  Some are there for rehabilitation, others have become permanent residents due to their inability to survive in the wild.  This adult female Kemp’s Ridley, a very rare white turtle, was hit by a boat and entangled in a lobster trap resulting in loss of left front flipper.   Weights have been attached to her back  to help her with buoyancy issues. 

The hospital is doing great work and relies heavily on visitors to support this endeavor.

Key Colony Beach

Watching winter advisory weather reports for north Alabama only makes us enjoy our little slice of paradise more!   That's our half on the right.  

We got this shot while out kayaking yesterday.   The wind was calm so we set out for a couple of hours of exploring by water.  Got to see a couple of dolphin and a huge iguana!   Did I mention its snowing at home?

Later that evening, we hosted a family dinner and enjoyed surf and turf!  Snapper caught yesterday, steaks, and homemade key lime pie.  We face-timed family back at home while sitting around under the tiki hut, enjoying good company and warm weather.  Life is good!

Now, The Adults Get Their Say

We are so enjoying our stay in Key Colony Beach!  Its 82 degrees every day and drops down to the mid-70s at night.  Tonight we actually went bar hopping in our neighborhood on bicycles!   After dinner, we rode to Breezes, a beach front outside bar and then went on to Sparkeys Landing.  Both are located less than 5 minutes by bike from our house.  We were home about an hour later....but we went!   Went to a local fish market and brought home red snapper for dinner....added some glazed brussel sprouts and a salad and dinner was served under the tiki hut on our patio.

We've been looking for a place to go to church tomorrow.  There is a Presbyterian church down the road, but it seemed a little too contemporary for our tastes.  The Methodist church traditional services begin at 8 a.m. and there's a Baptist and Church of Christ.  We'll get up tomorrow and see make a decision.  Our motto "why do today what you can put off until tomorrow"!

Oh, this picture isn't where we're staying, but it is at the end of our street.   Ours is slightly more modest!

More From Lucy

We've been in the Keys about four days now and are loving it.  I was surprised today when ol' pawpaw and Ms. Ann came by for a visit.  They were going to stay with me today while mom and dad went to Miami for the National Championship game, but they decided not to go and then Aunt Sharon and Uncle Ray came over to watch the big game.  I went to bed around halftime because Bama was kicking butt and the game was essentially over.  Turns out it IS better to be good than lucky!

Mom and dad have been shopping for a dinghy with motor to tool around in Key Colony and I was getting very excited.  But, it looks like they have decided on a couple of kayaks.  I am not getting in one of those!!  

I'm getting into a routine here.  My morning walk, naps, eating, and the high point of my day when I get to go to the park for "yappy hour" every afternoon!  

The Dog Finally Gets A Say - January 3, 2013

Well, here we go again.  I went outside this morning, visited my neighbors, and then came back home for my morning nap and the car was out of the garage, bags were being loaded, wait….my bed….that’s my bed.  Looks like my parents are taking me somewhere else.  So, with their help, I was lifted onto my bed in the backseat and off we go.  I rode, slept, woke up, was lifted out of the car at every gas station and rest stop and was watched in careful anticipation of what would otherwise be a very natural act.  But not knowing how long it would be until the next stop, I lifted my leg on every tree, leaf, and sometimes even a candy wrapper left on the ground.  An eternity later, we arrived at one of those places, where a card is inserted in the door and noises can be heard all night long under the door.  My parents left me there for a while, and when they returned, I could clearly smell steak as they said goodnight.  The next morning, upon returning from my morning walk, I could tell my mom really needed to drink that cup of “that stuff” that makes her begin to act normal again.  So upon her request…and because there was a big sign that read “animals not allowed in breakfast area”, I patiently sat on the tiled floor while my mom walked over to get a couple of cups of that stuff she drinks every morning.  Several people looked up from their cups and smiled at me (as if that was really something that I was sitting there….where was I suppose to go?  I am too short to push the elevator button)!

Soon everything was loaded back in the car and off we go again.  One observation I was able to make, it was getting warmer!  I found myself drinking more and more water at every stop.  Finally, we stopped and got out.  Wait….I believe I’ve been here before.  It’s my Aunt Susan’s house!  Only, she has a new puppy that just loves to put his nose in places that I’ve been taught are off limits for a “nice girl” like me.  I feel it’s my duty as the alpha…elder animal to teach her that southern hospitality stops with the tail wag.  I promise I didn't hurt him.  Our visit ended with us being better friends and hopefully I’ll see Maxx again soon for another lesson or two.

After a couple of nights at Aunt Susan’s house, we continued our adventure and the temperature continued to rise!  Finally, we arrived at our final destination.  I seem to remember being here before.  Nesting owls living in a PVC pipe, Sunset Park where all the dogs in the neighborhood bring their parents to watch that big ball fall out of the sky every afternoon, walks, naps, more walks, more naps…..I believe this is the Florida Keys….life is good...my tail is wagging!