Bill caught this beautiful 30 pound black grouper yesterday on the Lobster Boat while fishing with Jack, Dennis, and Pat. That's Kevin, the mate, helping to hoist the thing up for a photo. This grouper was then released because there is currently a ban on grouper catches until May 1. We had snapper for dinner and pretended it was grouper. Maybe when he hooks into this fish again in May, it will be up to 35 pounds.

This spotted eagle ray jumped into Two Chick's Charters in Islamorada while a family of 5 was fishing. It knocked the mother down and she was slimy, but unhurt. Even the eagle ray was released and fine. No wonder the captain here looks a little confused. The photo is taken from the front page of the Keysnet news.

It was a beautiful day for a sail on the Wind Charm with Bo and Brindy. We cruised along the gulf side, had a gourmet lunch, and enjoyed a perfect afternoon with good friends.

Some orchids are pink

Some orchids are blue

If you saw our Vanda

You'd fall in love too

Our big Desire is in bloom and hanging right by our front door in the signature tree. Stop by and take a look, and get a picture. It is a sight to behold.

BELATED TOAST TO A GREAT LADY

We got together at Banana Bay to have a little belated birthday for Mrs. Gradick who turned 93 back in January. We had planned to celebrate right after her birthday, but she had an unexpected trip to the hospital and rehab after falling and breaking her hip while going for a second piece of birthday cake on her birthday. It wasn't much of a problem for her, though, she was up and at 'em again in a little over a month, and ready for a night out with some of her old teacher friends. Mrs. Gradick was principal of Marathon High for many years before retiring. She knows just about everyone in town, and can she tell the stories about what they were like when they were in High School! We had a great time together, and can't wait to be there for her 94th. She didn't let a broken hip get her down, and is an inspiration to us all.

FAMOUS ASTRONOMERS GATHER AT THE CAY

While they were gathered for the Super Moon event, the following comments were heard:

"Which way do we look, east or west?"

"Did the table cloth lady at the flea market have any jackets today?"

"Is anyone going upstairs for a wine refill?"

"Anyone want to go to sunset park for a better view?"

"There it is!"

"Where?"

"Up in the sky over Sunset Beach Condos."

"It's humungous!"

"When you are standing on the sea wall, one foot higher, the moon looks even bigger."

"Let's see if it's even bigger from the upper deck!"

It was great meeting at night on the beach for a beautiful view of the moon and some laughter with our friends, and guess what? I think it will be there again tonight for all of us to enjoy once more.

SAVE OLD SEVEN

Funding for the ferry runs out in 2012. At present, this is the only access to Pigeon Key since the old Seven Mile Bridge has been closed down due to much needed repairs.

It would be a shame to watch the bridge continue to wear away, and to have no means of public access to this historic site. You can sign the petition to "Save Old Seven" by going to the link at the right side of this blog.

After 14 months of babying, our Desiree is finally ready to bloom! Yes, we are very excited. Now the question is, what color will the flowers be? With a name like Ascocenda Tubtim Velvet, who knows??? No wonder we just call her Desiree. If you want to take a peek, just walk in the orchid house and look up, you can't miss her huge buds.

There were so many winners from our condo at the Sombrero 5 K run/walk today that they are thinking of having "Team Cay" next year. The only one I saw with a bright gold trophy was our own Nancy Thorell who took first place in her age category. There was a very brisk wind, but she didn't let that slow her down. Heck, after the race, she got home, fixed breakfast for her husband, and then came on down to the beach and just about has Marilyn Richmond signed up to get on her team next year! Way to go, Nancy. We are all very proud of you, and you would make a great team captain.

What the??? Oh! Tamarind Juice!

Yes, they look totally disgusting while soaking, but trust me, they make the very best tasting juice. Here's my recipe: Soak 10 tamarinds over night. Strain, add some honey, juice from one key lime and a little chopped fresh ginger, then serve over ice. Delicioso! Thanks Stolz family for the leftover tamarinds, and now, my jug is almost empty and I'm looking for a tamarind tree. There must be one around here some where.

It's time for the wind to shift and for these guys to move on off of our beach.