I went out to the orchid house to check on "Phil" the philodendron
that the Chinchars left behind and had asked me to watch over and
give a haircut now and then during the summer. What a surprise when I
saw this beautiful orchid growing out of the conch shell that was
hanging from the planter! I had totally forgotten about Phil until
now, but I'm giving him a haircut right after this photo. His new
roots had him practically stuck down to the bench in the orchid house.
Poor Phil!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
Arriving Early for the Fireworks
It was a beautiful night to sit on Sombrero Beach in Marathon and
watch the fireworks display. We took our neighbor Marie and her nephew
who is visiting from France. It was the first time he had seen the
fireworks in America, and the first time we had been to the fireworks
in Marathon. It was a wonderful display, and a very friendly group of
local people, many of whom had been there all day for the parade, the
picnics and barbeques, and partying on the beach. It was a great way
to celebrate the 4th.
watch the fireworks display. We took our neighbor Marie and her nephew
who is visiting from France. It was the first time he had seen the
fireworks in America, and the first time we had been to the fireworks
in Marathon. It was a wonderful display, and a very friendly group of
local people, many of whom had been there all day for the parade, the
picnics and barbeques, and partying on the beach. It was a great way
to celebrate the 4th.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Marathon Tropical Fruit Festival
There was every kind of fruit and nut imaginable this morning on
display at the Garden Club, and lots of trees for sale outside. I had
no idea that there were so many varieties of mangos. We had hoped to
bring over some of our Celeste Figs to enter into the competition but
we missed the 9:30 deadline for entries. Wouldn't you know, there were
no figs on display either.
display at the Garden Club, and lots of trees for sale outside. I had
no idea that there were so many varieties of mangos. We had hoped to
bring over some of our Celeste Figs to enter into the competition but
we missed the 9:30 deadline for entries. Wouldn't you know, there were
no figs on display either.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
FRUITS OF THE SEASON
There are just not enough people down here right now to enjoy all of the bananas on the trees, but there are many more still developing a ripening for the future. We reluctantly harvested our pineapple that we have been caring for on our porch for the last several months. We had hoped to wait until company came so we could share it with them, but when the color turned to golden, and you could smell that sweet pineapple aroma everytime you opened the door wall, we figured it had to be harvested. Now we will look for a special recipe for this baby. It took about 17 months for this one to appear and grow to maturity. We'll put the plant downstairs, keep it watered, and hope for more fruit to come. The mango wasn't exactly a home grown fruit. The mango tree down on 15th Circle is just about empty of those beautiful dark purple fruits that we so admired for the past few months. Shaw's Landscaping took all the ones that were within reach, now there are only a few left way up top. How do we know, maybe they are the landscapers and have a deal going, "We work for mangos". But now, the winds have been blowing out of the east, and last night on my bike ride, I picked up this beauty off the ground under the tree. It's huge, and ripe! This morning, there was another on the ground, not quite ready to eat, but close. Up in Michigan, I think we call this tree fall. Whatever, it's free fruit to us because it is on the outside of the fence. Anyone for a Mango Daiquiri?
Saturday, June 21, 2008
'Cuda Caught on Our Beach!
It was a lazy afternoon as we read our books on the beach and Jack's
grandson (at least we think it was Jack's grandson) went out
snorkeling. All of a sudden he came out of the water very quickly, and
told us a five foot barricuda swam under him. He did appear to be a
little shook up, who wouldn't? The next thing we knew, a man fishing
off of Sunset Beach pier was struggling with a pretty big fish, and
sure enough, it was the barricuda. He and his daughter fought it and
followed it all the way down the breakwater to our beach where they
landed it and posed for this photo. In my opinion, it would be
foolish to try to land a barricuda, but the sportsman in the family
tells me that's what it's all about, landing a big fish. I will say
that they both seemed to really know what they were doing, and caught
it without using a steel leader. Now that's something!
grandson (at least we think it was Jack's grandson) went out
snorkeling. All of a sudden he came out of the water very quickly, and
told us a five foot barricuda swam under him. He did appear to be a
little shook up, who wouldn't? The next thing we knew, a man fishing
off of Sunset Beach pier was struggling with a pretty big fish, and
sure enough, it was the barricuda. He and his daughter fought it and
followed it all the way down the breakwater to our beach where they
landed it and posed for this photo. In my opinion, it would be
foolish to try to land a barricuda, but the sportsman in the family
tells me that's what it's all about, landing a big fish. I will say
that they both seemed to really know what they were doing, and caught
it without using a steel leader. Now that's something!
The Landing
The father very carefully got him ashore and lifted him out with a
towel to pose for the photo. Let me tell you, it had a full set of
very large teeth!
towel to pose for the photo. Let me tell you, it had a full set of
very large teeth!
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
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