and let's hope he swam far, far away from our beach.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fishing on the Lobster Boat
We had a great time fishing on the Lobster Boat with Jan and Roger
Sables. Dan and his son, Kevin, took us right out to several spots
and we caught lots of dolphin and a huge barricuda. Yes, it was hot,
but lots of nice shade on the boat when we weren't catching fish.
Sables. Dan and his son, Kevin, took us right out to several spots
and we caught lots of dolphin and a huge barricuda. Yes, it was hot,
but lots of nice shade on the boat when we weren't catching fish.
Obstacle Course
We did have to maneuver around a few lobster traps. The season doesn't
start until August 6th.
start until August 6th.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The mayor's throne,
outside of city hall. He's not in it too often. He's more often out
in his golf cart Cadillac cruising the island and keeping up with
what's going on, which is not much these days.
in his golf cart Cadillac cruising the island and keeping up with
what's going on, which is not much these days.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Cape Air into Marathon?
We all know that Gator Air has been banned from the Marathon Airport
because it is being investigated by the FAA for code violations, but
the airport is now in negotiations with Cape Air and it is said that
they are very interested in serving the Marathon community. Currently
they fly from Key West to Ft. Myers, and we know that Northwest flies
out of Ft. Myers, so this could provide a nice Marathon to DTW route
for us, and plenty of other routes to the rest of the world. And how
do you like the paint job? I'd say it is pretty Keysey.
because it is being investigated by the FAA for code violations, but
the airport is now in negotiations with Cape Air and it is said that
they are very interested in serving the Marathon community. Currently
they fly from Key West to Ft. Myers, and we know that Northwest flies
out of Ft. Myers, so this could provide a nice Marathon to DTW route
for us, and plenty of other routes to the rest of the world. And how
do you like the paint job? I'd say it is pretty Keysey.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Last of the Mohegans Last Saturday we celebrated the Chinchar/Cherry fish catch of our trip on "The Best Bet" with a fish fry on the deck for the people who are still around. The menu was fried yellowtail, grilled mutton snapper on pineapple with a mango salsa topping, spinach salad, corn on the cob, and apple struedel for dessert. Yes, it was a feast. From all of the happy faces, it looks like we really partied it up, we did, but most of the laughing was because after 16 tries to get the timer on the camera to work, Dave finally raced and made it to get into this photo. Nice camera work, Dave, and nice running to get in the picture! The "Trail of Tears" started later when we said good bye to Dave and Doris and Lynn and Joe for the season. We will miss them, but there are still a few hearty souls around, and maybe even another fish fry, if we get lucky.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Potholder
I was probably 6 or 7. Had to beg "you know who" for the loom and the loops, and spent maybe half an hour working at it, but I gave my Mom a potholder. A potholder? She gave me life, put up with my crying and demanding feeding schedule, spent every day worrying about my safety, and I gave her a potholder? She skillfully sewed my clothes, saw to it that I got all the help I needed to learn how to read, and had lunch ready for me every day when I came home from elementary school, and I gave her a potholder? She took a part time job, and sacrificed things she may have liked to have had for herself so that I could go to college, and I gave her a potholder? Well, I may have suffered hangnails on two fingers getting those loops over the metal pegs, and I did choose her favorite colors, yes, they were so thin you really couldn't use them to pick up a hot pot, but she said it was lovely. Hundreds of meals she prepared for me, thousands of complaints she listened to, unconditional love and wisdom she offered when I did something stupid, and I gave her a potholder. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I miss you, and I know now that you were worth much more than a homemade potholder.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
What's for dinner? Mutton, honey!
The Chinchars and the Cherrys had a great time out on The Best Bet
today. The two biggest fish of the day were Dave and Bill's mutton
snappers. It was a job pulling them up, but worth the effort. We
also caught a bunch of yellowtail. It wasn't easy. There were lots of
sharks down there just waiting for us to catch one so they could grab
it off the hook, and dolphins circling the boat trying to get the
muttons. I tell ya, the competition was fierce out on the ocean
today! We came home with enough fish to have a grand end of the
season deck party on Saturday night.
today. The two biggest fish of the day were Dave and Bill's mutton
snappers. It was a job pulling them up, but worth the effort. We
also caught a bunch of yellowtail. It wasn't easy. There were lots of
sharks down there just waiting for us to catch one so they could grab
it off the hook, and dolphins circling the boat trying to get the
muttons. I tell ya, the competition was fierce out on the ocean
today! We came home with enough fish to have a grand end of the
season deck party on Saturday night.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
On Friday, we got a morning phone call from our son, Gabe, "Hey Mom,
guess where I am, South Beach!" His company mytery trip landed the
whole group in Miami and they are all staying at the Royal Palm, very
nice! Quite a switch from Detroit. Bill and I got "off of the rock"
and drove up to have lunch with him today. It was so nice to walk
around, have a leisurely lunch, and hear how he and his work buddies
spent the weekend, riding around the town on rented scooters
yesterday, big dinner at Yucca with the whole group in the evening,
and then, of course all the clubs lasts night until 3:30 AM. How much
fun! They go back to Detroit tomorrow night at 8 PM. Thanks Brogan &
Partners for bringing our son down so close that we could get together
for a visit.
guess where I am, South Beach!" His company mytery trip landed the
whole group in Miami and they are all staying at the Royal Palm, very
nice! Quite a switch from Detroit. Bill and I got "off of the rock"
and drove up to have lunch with him today. It was so nice to walk
around, have a leisurely lunch, and hear how he and his work buddies
spent the weekend, riding around the town on rented scooters
yesterday, big dinner at Yucca with the whole group in the evening,
and then, of course all the clubs lasts night until 3:30 AM. How much
fun! They go back to Detroit tomorrow night at 8 PM. Thanks Brogan &
Partners for bringing our son down so close that we could get together
for a visit.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Duduza Comfort Dolls - Reposted
When my friend Cindy comes down from Vermont in the winter, she is always working on a new knitting project on the beach and is eager to share a pattern with me. A few weeks ago she was making Duduza Comfort Dolls to be sent off to children in Africa affected with HIV/AIDS. She clued me in on the website with the directions. It was a perfect project for me because boy do I ever have a ton of yarn scraps! So I knit up a family and will be mailing them off to The Knitting Studio in Montpelier, VT to be sent on with the next shipment to Africa. Aren't they cute?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Juggling Kindergarteners!
Is it a mystery why I love going to Switlik this time of year to test
the ELL students? Look at them. They are all so darn cute! The
kindergarteners had their own private lesson with the juggling teacher
this morning. I couldn't pull them away to test them, so I waited and
took a few photos. Check out the one on the right, such
determination, and one green shoe and one pink shoe! So very cute!
They tackled their one-on-one speaking portion of the CELLA test with
almost as much enthusiasm. It's a great group of kids at this school,
and there is always something fun going on at the end of the school
year.
the ELL students? Look at them. They are all so darn cute! The
kindergarteners had their own private lesson with the juggling teacher
this morning. I couldn't pull them away to test them, so I waited and
took a few photos. Check out the one on the right, such
determination, and one green shoe and one pink shoe! So very cute!
They tackled their one-on-one speaking portion of the CELLA test with
almost as much enthusiasm. It's a great group of kids at this school,
and there is always something fun going on at the end of the school
year.
And Check Out Their Teacher!
Did you know that there is a calling for juggling teachers? This guy
was busy all day, kindergarten through 6th grade. Does he make much
money? Is he having a good time? You could tell he really loves his
job and had no problem keeping everyone actively engaged. Yes, he may
have lost a few more hairs on the top of his head, but I'm sure he
would tell you it's worth it to see so many happy, determined kids
pick up a new skill.
was busy all day, kindergarten through 6th grade. Does he make much
money? Is he having a good time? You could tell he really loves his
job and had no problem keeping everyone actively engaged. Yes, he may
have lost a few more hairs on the top of his head, but I'm sure he
would tell you it's worth it to see so many happy, determined kids
pick up a new skill.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Circular Rainbow
I was called down to the beach to photograph this beautiful rainbow
this afternoon. Huge! Beautiful! Worth the 5 minute sunburn I probably
got with no sunscreen on my face. I have seen these before while out
on a boat, but this is the first time I could photograph it. I could
almost capture the whole thing, trust me, I tried, lying down on the
sand to get as far away as I could. It seems that they always appear
around noon, this shot was taken at about 1:15, not a cloud in the
sky. I'm sure someone knows more than I about what creates these
beauties.
this afternoon. Huge! Beautiful! Worth the 5 minute sunburn I probably
got with no sunscreen on my face. I have seen these before while out
on a boat, but this is the first time I could photograph it. I could
almost capture the whole thing, trust me, I tried, lying down on the
sand to get as far away as I could. It seems that they always appear
around noon, this shot was taken at about 1:15, not a cloud in the
sky. I'm sure someone knows more than I about what creates these
beauties.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Orchid House
The parking lot is just about empty, but not the orchid house. This
time of year, it is filled with orphans dropped off by their owners as
they head up to wherever they spend the summer. Don't feel too sorry,
they seem to enjoy being neglected for the season, thriving in the
shade, and welcoming an occasional drink of water. Being that they
are so close to us, we can enjoy them from our kitchen window, and
walk across the parking lot to get a closer look whenever we want.
And, not to toot my own horn, but there peeking through the lattice
roof are the beautiful flowers of the sky vine, thunberria gloriosa,
that I planted next to the orchid house last summer. They are fast
growers, winding their way up the side and over the top in no time.
They seem to enjoy the opportunity to get out of the sun and compete
with the color offered by the orchids.
time of year, it is filled with orphans dropped off by their owners as
they head up to wherever they spend the summer. Don't feel too sorry,
they seem to enjoy being neglected for the season, thriving in the
shade, and welcoming an occasional drink of water. Being that they
are so close to us, we can enjoy them from our kitchen window, and
walk across the parking lot to get a closer look whenever we want.
And, not to toot my own horn, but there peeking through the lattice
roof are the beautiful flowers of the sky vine, thunberria gloriosa,
that I planted next to the orchid house last summer. They are fast
growers, winding their way up the side and over the top in no time.
They seem to enjoy the opportunity to get out of the sun and compete
with the color offered by the orchids.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I know what he's thinking...
..."Can't you read the sign? Leave me alone!" I have seen more
burrowing owls this year than ever before. They are the odd ducks of
the owl family. They can't see well at night so they hunt during the
day. I don't know why they pick the Keys for a burrowing spot, the
ground is total rock, but I guess there are some soft areas on the
golf course. Haven't seen any babies yet, but I'm sure they are on
the way.
burrowing owls this year than ever before. They are the odd ducks of
the owl family. They can't see well at night so they hunt during the
day. I don't know why they pick the Keys for a burrowing spot, the
ground is total rock, but I guess there are some soft areas on the
golf course. Haven't seen any babies yet, but I'm sure they are on
the way.
Friday, April 18, 2008
El Siboney
This is one of the best places for authentic Cuban food in Key West.
It used to be on Duval, but we finally found it on Catherine Street
today, and stopped in for a late lunch. We had Conch chowder and
split a Cuban mix, that's a pressed Cuban sandwich. Delicioso! The
sangria was also mighty tasty. And don't ya just love a restaurant
with those spinning grease fans on top and Christmas icicle light all
year round? I know the red brick doesn't really look too tropical,
but the food was great.
It is cool here still, probably a high of 82 today. It will be
perfect weather for the 7 Mile Bridge run tomorrow, which is why we
went to Key West today...the bridge is closed for the run from 6 AM to
9 AM tomorrow.
It used to be on Duval, but we finally found it on Catherine Street
today, and stopped in for a late lunch. We had Conch chowder and
split a Cuban mix, that's a pressed Cuban sandwich. Delicioso! The
sangria was also mighty tasty. And don't ya just love a restaurant
with those spinning grease fans on top and Christmas icicle light all
year round? I know the red brick doesn't really look too tropical,
but the food was great.
It is cool here still, probably a high of 82 today. It will be
perfect weather for the 7 Mile Bridge run tomorrow, which is why we
went to Key West today...the bridge is closed for the run from 6 AM to
9 AM tomorrow.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Blue Iguana
They are special, and endangered here on Grand Cayman. I guess they
are so special that they make statues of them. There are only 15 to 30
of them left on the island. If only we could be so lucky here at Key
Colony with our iguana population. Maybe a nice papier mache statue
would look nice on our beach.
are so special that they make statues of them. There are only 15 to 30
of them left on the island. If only we could be so lucky here at Key
Colony with our iguana population. Maybe a nice papier mache statue
would look nice on our beach.
The Dos XX was refreshing
This little truck made an emergency delivery while we were at Rudy's
bar. He really worked the tourists trying to get everyone to come in
for the $1 beer, even though it did end up to be $2 beer. If you
passed him up for someone else's restaurant he yelled, "Don't be a
Cheapo Felipo!" Quite the hustler.
bar. He really worked the tourists trying to get everyone to come in
for the $1 beer, even though it did end up to be $2 beer. If you
passed him up for someone else's restaurant he yelled, "Don't be a
Cheapo Felipo!" Quite the hustler.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Frosty's
Here's a glimpse of the new restaurant that has gone in where Cabot's
used to be. Frosty's named after the Frosts who bought it. The food
was good. The prices were reasonable, for down here. A hotdog, $5.95,
a hamburger, $7.95, a grouper sandwich, $9.95. Beer $3, Wine (cheap
wine) $5. And, they have ice cream stuff, like rootbeer floats! Now
the real bargain is still Sparkys for happy hour, 25 cent wings and
shrimp, and $1 drafts. We'll be back there next Friday night. By the
way, those are sun shades in the back area, and you really need them
when the sun starts going down. This would be a great place to see the
sunset, and it has been packed every night since it has opened.
used to be. Frosty's named after the Frosts who bought it. The food
was good. The prices were reasonable, for down here. A hotdog, $5.95,
a hamburger, $7.95, a grouper sandwich, $9.95. Beer $3, Wine (cheap
wine) $5. And, they have ice cream stuff, like rootbeer floats! Now
the real bargain is still Sparkys for happy hour, 25 cent wings and
shrimp, and $1 drafts. We'll be back there next Friday night. By the
way, those are sun shades in the back area, and you really need them
when the sun starts going down. This would be a great place to see the
sunset, and it has been packed every night since it has opened.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Early Morning Bird
First one on the beach gets the best lookout post. This heron has no
competition so far.
competition so far.
Burrowing Owl
Bill saw this little guy on his walk this morning. He was at his
little hole that says "Owl's Nest" but then a dog came by and he
walked away to create a diversion. Owl's probably thinking, "Why do I
need a sign? I know where my nest is!"
little hole that says "Owl's Nest" but then a dog came by and he
walked away to create a diversion. Owl's probably thinking, "Why do I
need a sign? I know where my nest is!"
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Noon Swim
Carl and Bill demonstrate the buddy system of swimming, especially
when the current is strong. They say, a swim a day keeps the doctor
away. But then, one of them is one, so I'm not sure that makes sense!
when the current is strong. They say, a swim a day keeps the doctor
away. But then, one of them is one, so I'm not sure that makes sense!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Eagle in Flight
The Eagle had landed, and then spotted something appetizing in the
surf. Like that, he was off and ready with tallons open for the catch
of the late afternoon.
surf. Like that, he was off and ready with tallons open for the catch
of the late afternoon.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Old Seven Mile Bridge Post Card
Tomorrow we head west to Key West over the 7 Mile Bridge to take Mom
and Niece Aimee to see what there is to see...always something crazy
going on down there!
and Niece Aimee to see what there is to see...always something crazy
going on down there!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Look, Mom, and Iguana Popsicle!
It was so cold around here last week that in some areas of the Keys, the iguanas were falling out of the trees! The bad news is they weren't dead; when the sun came out they warmed up and wandered off, good as new. The good news is that it shocked the little buggers and it would have been the perfect time to round them up and get rid of them in some humane way. Here at Key Colony the temperature only got down to 45 degrees, not quite cold enough for the iguanas to fall out of trees. We would love to have seen them go through a little suffering. We are sick of them thinking they own the beach at 4:00 when they pass by our lounge chair to get to their favorite tree for an afternoon nap. We are really sick of them in the summer when they walk up to the pool and have the nerve to take a dip now and then and leave a mess on the cement. We hear they are tasty cooked up with garlic and butter, but no thanks, we'd rather eat fried chicken or yellowtail.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
We were at Aviation Day at Marathon Airport on Saturday and saw a variety of very new and very old airplanes. The Fed Ex planes were there, along with the Mosquito Control helicopeters (VERY useful), and the rescue helicopter. There were also a few experimental home built pushers showing off in the air. This is a P51 Mustang from World War II called "Luscious Lisa". Bill says Chuck Yeager flew one during the war. I learned a little, and enjoyed getting some photos on a nice cool fall day.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
We can't believe it! The best two dancers on Dancing With the Stars, our Cheetah Girl, Sabrina and her partner Mark were voted off of the show last night. Now that was just WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! How could it be that Marie Osmund and Jayne Seymour got more votes? There couldn't possibly be that many Baby Boomers who would have figured out how to text in their votes. Marie was just terrible and Jayne wasn't much better. This was our favorite show to watch every Monday and Tuesday, and now we are talking about a total boycott of the show next week. After all, this is supposed to be a dance competition, and not just a popularity contest. What? There was a presidential debate the same night? If I had it to do over again...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Girls' Weekend in Daytona!
The ABCTE observers got their work done early, and spent the rest of the week at Arlene's Beach House in Ponce Inlet, just south of Daytona. The Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse was right nearby, so of course, after an hour and a half of Riet's Yoga Class, we had to climb the 203 steps to the top. The view was worth it! But as you see, we were holding on to each other for dear life because it was very windy that day. The rest of the vacation was spent walking that beautiful beach, shopping in Port Orange, breakfast on the deck, and dinner at Jerry's. We had so much fun together and even stopped off at the new IKEA in Sunrise on the way home. If you ever need directions, just ask us, we now know how to get there.
Friday, October 19, 2007
SNOWBIRDS! YES! They are flocking to The Cay again! We hear even more are due in next week if the tail winds are just right. We can't help notice that the oldest and the wisest seem to get back here first. Yes it's still hot, but the threat of hurricanes seems like a thing of the past at this stage in the season. The ocean is still nice and warm, and so is the pool. So don't dawdle! Shake a tail feather and get on down here! There's plenty of room left on the beach for everyone.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Familiar Faces, New Location!I spent a pleasant afternoon in Melissa Blanco's brand new "Salon Blanco" in downtown Marathon. Many of you know Melissa, Angelina and Robbin from Island Girl Salon, and now Melissa has her own salon. It is a gorgeous interior, very upscale inside and out with beautiful furnishings and lots of class. It is hard to believe that Melissa and her Dad did all of the work on the interior which had to be just about gutted, but it definitely looks like she has put her own ideas and decorating talents into creating a truly relaxing atmosphere for her clients. Very modern free standing stations allow for lots of area left for moving around. She has really thought of all of the details that make life easier for the customer. For instance, the wash bowls themselves go up and down so your chair doesn't need to be adjusted.
As I sat there enjoying my shampoo, and by the way, Melissa gives about the most relaxing shampoo massage that I have ever had, I was thinking, gosh, wonder how the prices are with all this new equipment to pay for? What a nice surprise, the prices are just about the same as they were at Island Girl.
Now I know you want to know where this is located because you will want to check it out yourselves when you get back from the frozen Up North. Salon Blanco is on the gulf side just past the Turtle Hospital, next to Cristiano's. It is great to see a young girl with a dream of owning her own salon put in the hard work necessary to get her business going and end up with a beautiful place that she can be proud of.
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