Farewell Party

Yes, it's that time of year when the last of our friends head North, or East, or West, and it's also time for them to clean out the fridge and share some of the best recipes with friends on the deck. These are the kind of people who can take off their sandals in a second to head to the sand for a photo op by the water. These are the people who show up in whatever they are wearing, be it bathing suit, holey shorts, or bathrobe, to spend time together. We are sad because some of them are leaving, but there will still be a few hearty souls here through the month of May, and maybe beyond. Good bye to Carl and Dana, Carlo and Sharon, Dee and Verne, Sophia and Bill (yes, they made it in one piece to Columbus once again). Hello to summer, absolutely no goosebumps when you enter the ocean, more dolphins and manatees to swim with, and still some parties on the deck...they may be smaller, but they will be just as lively, and guaranteed there will be more fish to fry. Save that jug of Carlo Rossi, Warren. We will get to it sooner or later.

Marooned in Marathon...if you haven't gone North yet, you must stop in and see this very Keysee store, and if you are there on Wednesday, this very Keysee lady, Arlene. They have every chatski, googa, item that you could possibly think of, including cigars (Tom, don't you dare get one and smoke it on your porch!). We especially like the redneck horn, but all of the new sandals and purses are also very tempting. A rainy day, a sunny day, you don't have to be marooned to stop by and spend some time shopping and chatting.

HARDTOP MOPED Seen yesterday in Key West. With gas prices up to $3.02 a gallon, this doesn't look so silly to me anymore. Would you consider it? What if gas prices were $5.oo a gallon, then could you give it a try? I couldn't tell if it had windshield wipers or not, but that would be a must. I'd definitely give it a go on Key Colony Beach, but no way up on the turnpike. Guess I better keep my Element for a while.

The ODD COUPLE of The Cay.
They call themselves "The Odd Couple", if you know them you won't be wondering why. Felix and Oscar, you know who's who. One of them takes pleasure in straightening up the lounge chairs every day. The other one wouldn't be concerned if there were no lounge chairs. One of them will order a cuba libre with a twist of lime at cocktail hour, while the other goes for a Jack Daniels on the rocks. On of them can be spotted wearing an argyle sweater and docksiders on his way to the evening social hour. The other will don his "U Da Man" hat as his going out attire. While Felix loves to light the tiki torches for an event on the deck, Oscar loves to light up a cigar to smoke on his porch. One of them cleans out the fridge daily, the other still has Easter eggs left over from last year. The ying and yang, the woof and warp, the surf and turf, they compliment each other, they are best buds, and when one or both are gone, it seems like things are just a little off center here at The Cay. They will be missed when they leave for the season, but they'll be back next year to keep things on an even keel again.

Mmmm-Mmmm-Mmmm-Mmm-Mmm. It's a sign that the Easter bunny is on his way. Kids are at the pool, parents are on the beach, and Sophia is in her kitchen baking up her pecan rolls! If you haven't had one, let me tell you, you can't resist a taste. I had to lock Bill out of the condo so I could grab a photo before he got into them. I can't reveal her secret recipe, but I know that the butter, honey and cinnamon definitely add to the flavor! Bon apetite!

St. Patrick's Day at The Cay, and everyone had a great time! Drinks were served by Roger and Bill, the bartenders of the evening. Everyone wore green (because we were told to). The appetizers were wonderful, and we had a chance to catch up with everyone, and discuss basketball, the parade, and the cancelled flights that grounded a few people and extended their vacation for a few more days. We missed Jack, who would have been singing "When Irish Eyes are Smiling". Who is that short man in the furry St. Pat's hat? Here's a hint: His 86th birthday was celebrated yesterday with family and friends. Cheers to all, and here's celebrating another happy season we have spent with our friends here at 601 West Ocean Dr.

Carl's 80th, and we celebrated with an informal gathering of close friends and anyone else who was wandering by at the time. Yes, it was his birthday, but more than that, we were celebrating his return to us after unexpectantly being away for 2 weeks. It just wasn't the same without hearing his voice as he greets everyone on his way down to the beach for his daily swim, seeing him and Dana ride their bikes at 7:30 every morning, and enjoying the sunset on the deck in the evening. Our internal time clocks were just all screwed up while he was gone. And now, we are so thankful, blessed, and just plain lucky that we have him back at The Cay. So welcome back, Carl, and please don't leave us again in the middle of the season unless you have a very good reason. We can't live without you!

LOOK OUT! Portuguese-Man-of - War on the beach! The wind switched around last night, and now it's out of the south. That means lots of seaweed on the beach and also Portuguese Man-of-War. I took this photo this morning about a half hour after they raked the beach. They look innocent, but their 30 foot tentacles can give a nasty sting. I see not even Carl swimming in the ocean today. Smart!
The south wind also brings in Cuban rafters. Last week the new commander of the Navy in Key West stepped out his front door to find 18 of them sitting peacefully in his front yard waiting for someone to process them. Wet foot/ Dry foot law. If you make it to shore, you are free to stay. They came over in an old boat. What happens more often, is that wealthy Cubans pay, what I hear to be between 10 and 20 thousand dollars each for a go-fast boat to bring them over. This of course is illegal, but quite a money-making venture if you have a fast boat, and want to take the risk of getting caught. Last week two groups of 20-30 Cubans were dropped off close to shore in the early morning hours. One group came in on Sombrero Beach, and the other at Coco Plum. Maybe one morning it won't be just the Portuguese Man-of -War greeting me on the beach. "Habla Espanol?" Does all of this have anything to do with the uncertainty of the political situation in Cuba right now?
The talk in Little Havana is all about celebrations that are planned for the impending death of Castro. There are plans for a big blow out at the Orange Bowl, with dancing and partying. The city of Miami is trying to keep out of it, but says they will provide security if there is an event. Is the death of a much hated person a cause for celebration? I don't know.
Wet foot/ Dry foot, Marange or Mourn? All I know is I'm glad I speak a little Spanish. I may be in the minority down here sooner than I thought.

Field Trip!

Last week we went to Homestead to KB Orchids, the orchid farm! We picked up a dendrobium, two phalaenopsis, and a bromiliad that looks like a big orange and yellow flag just waiting for an iguana to take a bite! We keep them indoors. They don't like the direct sun, don't like the varying temperatures outdoors, and don't like air-conditioning...picky, picky, picky. But they sure are beautiful. It's a long ride, but worth it to see all the choices, and then struggle to pick out only a few. Hopefully these will last us for the season. If you've got the time, it's a great trip. Steve or Bill can give you directions on how to get there.

Now THIS one is getting just too bold!
We watch the iguanas walk around on the beach as if they own the place, and we know they enjoy spending their early afternoon in the sun and then marching past us to get to their favorite palm for a late afternoon nap, and that's OK with us. We can tolerate them on the beach, but our porch? Our porch on the second floor? Right next to our sliding glass door and our living room? Now that is an invasion. We draw the line at the bottom of the stairs, and when they cross it, we feel that we have a right to claim our territory and call it trespassing. This is a warning to all iguanas big and small, "If you come up on our porch again, it will be an ice water cocktail for you! We will have no mercy, even if it forces you to bail out from the porch to the ground, we will not be responsible for broken legs or necks, you have been forwarned."

Yes, this is Key Colony Beach, and not Athens. It seems that there are almost no vacant lots left on the island, so...time to start taking down old homes and building new, bigger ones. This house was on 1st street. Someone has plans for a big- foot palace with a view of Bonefish Towers across they way. We live on an island, but we can't seem to escape "progress".

Happy New Year from The Cay!

It's almost Christmas Eve here at The Cay, and the halls and courtyard are decked. There was no official balcony decorating contest, but if there were, a most probable winner would be the Enger/Collins corner with a very complimentary upper and lower level light display. Yes, some people went all out...but who knows, everyone isn't here yet, and sometimes the across the courtyard competition can get fierce. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted as the spirit of Christmas continues to grow here at The Cay.

Snowbirds are flocking to The Cay, and just in time for the holiday season! The new sod is down, the Christmas lights are lit. As soon as the sun pops out, they'll be heading down to the beach to catch the rays, and dry their feathers.

They have faithfully guarded, day and night.

Watching for ships or a seagull in flight.

Quiet and pensive are these three.

Weathered by storms, sand and sea.

But, now they are gone! We don't know where.

Perhaps they've retired to be without a care.

Maybe they are on an extended leave.

And will return some day to watch the dolphins at play.

Or be here for the egg toss on Easter Day.

Manatee Show on KCB A family swam up to the dock at Sunset Beach Condos next door, and once Doris called everyone over here, we all went over to see the show. So cute! Such entertainers! They played in the hose spray, floated on their backs, and the baby tried to eat from the chum bag. So very, very cute! There were three in the family, baby swam close to mom, and the third member may have been a teenager. He/she seemed smaller that the mom. They seemed to be so happy to be around, they stayed over there for most of the day. Just one more family having a great time at Key Colony Beach.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !



Where ever you are, whoever you're with...we all have one thing in common, we are thankful for family and friends.

GO OHIO STATE !

Those Buckeyes sure know how to throw a tailgate party! The deck was the place to be if you wanted to do a little partying before the big game today. Shrimp, dogs, dips, adult beverages and buckeye cookies, who would want anything more? We had a few cheers, and an Ohio State song or two. We had a baby Buckeye, mama and papa Buckeye and lots of grandma and grandpa Buckeyes, and there were a few Wolverines in attendance, just to round it out. The bets have been made, everyone is back in their condo watching the game, can OSU hold on to that lead? We'll see. May the best team win, and hopefully they will be wearing maize and blue.

She's back, and she brought her man with her! She brought hugs for everyone and loving tales of little Naomi and the Jersey grand girls. She's all unpacked and ready to catch a yellowtail or two, party on the deck, pizza on Friday night, and get a visit now and then from her kids and grandkids.