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January 31, 2009
The Past Week
Time flies when you're having fun, and this past week went by at Super Speed! Here is a summary in photos:
Driving across Alligator Alley at sunset last Sunday.
We arrived at the campsite on Monday;
Fully loaded with a packed cooler and a Mini Keg of Heineken.
We visited with George's parents and Aunt Gail and Uncle Jim.
We had some fun with the wildlife... though you could hardly call them "wild". They really liked Cheetoes too...
Aunt Gail, George and Heather
Cooking potatoes and steaks on the grill, mmmm!
Spanish moss in the morning
We went to Nokomis Beach and did some fishing and sunning. The sunning was more successful than the fishing. The water temp was a chilly 58 degrees!
Scott and his girlfriend Erica flew in for a week and picked us up in their convertible; what fun!
Heather and Erica in the back seat
We went to Venice Beach,
where George and Scott took a long walk to catch up and reminisce.
Erica and Heather standing in the waves
Shadowy Friends, from left to right: Scott, George, Heather and Erica
Today is Saturday and we are meeting Scott and Erica at Siesta Key Beach, which is the one with powdery white sand that never gets hot in the sun. It always makes the "Best Beaches" show on the Travel Channel. Today we have a chilly high of 62 degrees, with the wind it feels more like the low 50's. Hopefully it will warm up, but at least it is sunny, and oh yeah, it's not snowing like it is for the rest of you.
Posted by Heather at 10:10 AM | Comments (0)
January 25, 2009
Farewell Key West! You win Mom!
We spent our last day in Key West visiting with Mike and Becky and Mike's sister at the luxurious Casa Marina Hotel. We enjoyed tropical cocktails on the house, which was a nice treat, while playing backgammon by the pool.
And now we're off! On the road! Heading north! So you win the bet Mom, we're on our way. But keep in mind this old bus travels very slowly and has the tendency to break down right near sunny, sandy beaches, so it may take us another month to arrive home in CT! But we'll keep you posted on our adventures! Next stop is Oscar Sherer State Park in Sarasota!
Posted by Heather at 01:47 PM | Comments (1)
January 22, 2009
George's Sunset Wednesday Night
A dophin!
I've got a front row seat! Too cold outside for me!
Posted by Heather at 03:55 PM | Comments (0)
Return to The No Name Pub
Two years ago when Julie and Alison came to visit, we went to the No Name Pub on No Name Key for lunch. This is one of those places with the tradition of customers stapling a dollar bill on the wall or ceiling. They estimate there is 65,000 to 75,000 bills covering the interior. Fire hazard maybe? So of course we wanted to leave one, and Julie pulled out her set of colored pencils that she carries with her, and we got started decorating.
We went back a few days ago with Jeff and I wanted to find our dollar. I was shocked to see that there were layers upon layers of new bills posted, and ones from just a few months ago were 2 or 3 layers down. George also had a different idea of where he thought we put it up, so I thought I'd never find it. I thought I remembered exactly where it was, somewhere in this area:
But after three sessions of looking for a few minutes I couldn't see it.
And then on my way out, I wanted to take one last look... and there it was peeking out at me!!
Hooray! Like finding treasure!
Posted by Heather at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)
January 21, 2009
Jeff's Photos Round Two
We had a great time with our friend Jeff, and packed as much as we could into his short stay. We wish he could have stayed longer; it's always so much fun to share this place and all its adventures with our friends from home. We usually stay in Key West for most of January, so start planning for next year if you'd like to experience Life in Paradise with Heather and George. I can guarantee you ultimate satisfaction, but not a tan.
Here are some of Jeff's photos that he took with his Nikon D80; what a great camera.
Where will this flipping man land? You will have to wait for the video to upload to find out...
We went to Boca Chica, which is just a short drive from Key West, and where the Navy has their Top Gun training. We were in the right spot to watch about 6 pairs of fighter jets take off. A video may be up soon.
Some beachcombing discoveries included:
a lobster,
a sea slug,
a tower of rocks,
a castle, (more photos on this later)
and a large hole. George was distracted by some old glass he found, and my attempts to bury him were thwarted by Jeff's camera. Can't have any witnesses...
We drove up to Bahia Honda where you can walk up on the old train (and later highway) bridge. It was very windy up there...
I'm a plane!
My attempts to take off were almost successful.
Can you imagine two lanes of traffic on this narrow road?
Bottom view of the old bridge.
We also toured Ft. Zach; Watch out for that ghost!
And got some close ups of our iguana friends. They haven't moved in a few days; too chilly for them.
Posted by Heather at 05:27 PM | Comments (0)
Response to Mom's Blog: www.kathymccurdy.com
Dear Mom,
Hmmm... I can't say that that white and grey landscape looks very inviting... Maybe if you set up your light up palm tree and scatter some flamingos around the yard, it would be more enticing. What would really convince me is if you put your bathing suit on and paddle the kayak around the pond. Oh, wait, I forgot- it's frozen. So, instead, have Dad pull you around in it like a sled and then I'll know you guys are having fun, and I'll come home.
So, thanks Mom, for the welcoming invitation to come home to chilly CT. But the only way I'd like to experience the cold is by eating this delicious ice cream; I'll have to hurry because it melts fast down here in this tropical climate!
Posted by Heather at 04:52 PM | Comments (2)
Congratulations FJ and Diyari!!!!
Congratulations to my cousin FJ and his new fiancee Diyari!!! I can't wait to celebrate with everyone soon!
Posted by Heather at 02:48 PM | Comments (0)
January 20, 2009
Jeff's Visit
Our good buddy Jeff came down for a visit! He has a few days off before having to be in Sebring for work, and what better place to be than Key West! Today we are headed to Bahia Honda for some exploring, and we'll have those photos up later. Here are the photos from our night out last night on a little tour of downtown.
Photographer Jeff
Jeff's Sunset
Mallory Square
Local Color
George and Heather
Ducal Street
Sloppy Joes
More local color; we told them they'd be on the front page of the local paper.
Wrecker's Memorial
George and Heather
Posted by Heather at 10:30 AM | Comments (1)
January 19, 2009
Sunrise, Sunset
Sunday Sunset
Heather at Sunset
George's Sunrise, Monday
Heather at Sunrise
Posted by Heather at 01:59 PM | Comments (0)
January 18, 2009
Saturday Photos
How many iguanas can you find?
Salboats practicing for the races this week. I inverted the colors and think it looks pretty neat this way.
This is how it looks without the colors inverted.
Great sunset last night.
Can you see all the iguanas now?
Posted by Heather at 01:32 PM | Comments (0)
January 17, 2009
Another day...
Mother Hen with her babies
Trying to fit in with the locals.
Just after sunset on the pier.
Posted by Heather at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)
January 16, 2009
I gave blood today!
I gave blood today in a neat Blood Donation Bus that travels around the lower keys! It was very easy to do and I got a free Coke and some cookies, and a sticker. I would have walked right by without thinking about it, but the lady was outside and she asked if I would, and that was all it took: someone to ask. So, now it's my turn to ask: Will you please give blood?
The donation lady said that no matter how many people donate their blood, they are always in need of more. And it doesn't go bad, so it won't go to waste. It is a way to directly help someone in need. The man that was in charge of prepping people was in a motorcycle accident a few years ago and needed 4 pints of blood, and from then on he switched careers and began working for the blood donation bank. He is a perfect example of someone who survived because a stranger gave their blood. So before you need to receive it, please take the time to give it!
My sticker on the blue arm band keeping pressure on the needle entry spot. The arm bands come in lots of colors and they can coordinate to your outfit!
Posted by Heather at 06:49 PM | Comments (0)
January 15, 2009
From the past week or so...
Not much going on over the last few days. It's been very windy and cool, so we've been laying low. The sailors and racing boats are starting to flood the town, popped collar allert! Race Week starts on Monday. It is just starting to rain and is supposed to last all night, with a low of 60, brrrrrr! The locals are walking around in wool hats and scarves, and the cruise ship-ies are all rushing to the cheap clothing store for bargain sweatshirts. Here are some photos from the past week or so:
Blue water on the beach
This is Mike and Becky's 2 year old Emma. We think she looks like Drew Barrymore in ET:
Here is my sea glass collection, except the pieces I am having made into jewelry.
Nice Sunset
Posted by Heather at 05:52 PM | Comments (0)
January 12, 2009
Sunday Fishing with Mike
Mike invited us on a trip out to the reef for some fishing. The reef is about 7 miles off shore, and it only takes a short ride out to get there. Here is Mike getting the boat ready.
Fisherman George is ready to go!
We first stopped to fish for pinfish and ballyhoo to use as bait when we got out there. I saw a starfish and jumped in the water to get a closer look.
Once at the reef we couldn't resist some snorkeling. The water was so warm and filled with colorful fish, coral shelves, sea urchins and fans waving at us when we swam by. I gulped down a large mouthful of salt water that quickly turned my belly upside down, resulting in my puking over the side of the boat. But it was worth it!
Mike caught this bar jack right away, and when we got home he cooked it up and we ate it for dinner. That is the freshest fish I have ever eaten and the flavor was amazing! I think it was only 3 hours between swimming in the ocean and swimming in our bellies.
Georgie caught a porgy.
And I caught a grunt! They call it that because it grunts at you when it is out of water, like a little piggy!
George has something that is putting up a fight...
A nice lemon shark!
Mike also has a fighter...
A STRONG fighter. This battle went on for a few minutes and we were all wondering what it could be... and then we saw a big shadow getting closer to the surface.
A 7 foot nurse shark! I couldn't believe that Mike had been able to reel this monster in so close to the boat! Here is a video:
Cloudy sunset on the water.
Posted by Heather at 12:54 PM | Comments (1)
January 10, 2009
Great Song and Cute Video with Curious George
Posted by Heather at 04:23 PM | Comments (0)
Saturday
What a good looking bus!
This is a kestrel that visits frequently. He hunts for lizards and grasshoppers and things that bounce around in the grass next to where we park.
Posted by Heather at 03:45 PM | Comments (1)
Something New Every Day...
Here is George on his way to the beach.
HA Ha, just kidding!
Yes, that is an old man... with a very tan butt. Gotta love Key West.
Posted by Heather at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2009
Blue Water for Mom
Posted by Heather at 04:04 PM | Comments (0)
Wednesday Sunset
Best seat in the house
Another day in paradise passes... Until tomorrow.
Posted by Heather at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)
January 08, 2009
A Walk Around Town
I spent the morning walking around town. Here are some things I saw:
The Key Lime Emergency Response Unit, outside of Kermit's where you can get the BEST Key Lime Pie on the island. His patio is also a letterboxing site, but it was too busy for me to investigate.
I found this snakeskin in the cemetery, where I also found two new letterboxing stamps for my collection.
My favorite little jewelry shops near the conch bar; this is where the lady is making my sea glass necklace.
Turtle Kraals
The famous Southernmost Point
A storm came in yesterday around 5:30 and gave the island a bath. It only lasted about 20 minutes.
Posted by Heather at 01:59 PM | Comments (1)
January 07, 2009
Tuesday 6th Sunset
Sunset is at 5:53...
This log has ants and bugs on it, but I will sit still for George who is playing with the camera.
Bye Sunset! See you tomorrow!
Oyster Time! YUM!
Posted by Heather at 01:38 PM | Comments (2)
January 06, 2009
Tuesday, January 6
We walked into town to the Hog's Breath for the best fish sandwiches in town. Just look how happy and cute George looks mid-way through his sandwich!
Stopped at a fountain in the Truman Annex, which was very nice...
especially with the breeze helping to cool me off!
Posted by Heather at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
Monday Night
We went to the Raw Bar for oysters and peel and eat shrimp, YUM! Oysters are 50 cents each (not $3.00 each like in Old Saybrook) and the shrimp are not farm raised so they are more delicious too!
This entire mountain of oysters only cost $20!! Ha ha, just kidding. We only ate a dozen.
Expert Oyster Shucker; He must have shucked over 100 oysters just while we were there (40 minutes).
During our evening stroll, we found this cross dressing rooster for Mom! Would you like this on your wall?
Posed with a fisherman...
And Geroge had his face painted...accidentally.
An ice cream night cap is always a good way to end the night. I think I picked that up from Dad.
Now we are off for lunch at the Hog's Breath, for Fish Sandwiches!! It's all about food for us.
Posted by Heather at 11:33 AM | Comments (1)
January 05, 2009
Back from swimming
Nothing better than a sun shower after swimming in the lovely ocean. Hooray for hot weather!!
Posted by Heather at 03:14 PM | Comments (1)
New Arrival
We get cruise ships that pass by daily. An important part of my day is waving to the passengers. I consider myself to be an Un-Official Greeter to Key West; I'm much better at it than those irritating guys that accost them about renting mini cars as soon as they get off the boat. This is my good deed of the day, and since there are probably a few hundred passengers, I'm just racking up the good karma!
Posted by Heather at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)
Monday the 5th
Today we got to the beach early and had it pretty much to ourselves.
We took a walk to look for more sea glass and found about a dozen good specimens.
Bunny ears on the beach
Walking in the water is one of the best feelings; the perfect way to feel relaxed.
After the walk I decided to do this again...
And later we'll go see this again; this is the sunset from my first day here.
Posted by Heather at 11:15 AM | Comments (0)
January 04, 2009
Sea Glass Hunting
George and I have been looking for sea glass, which always reminds me of Alison, who took me to an awesome beach in Rhode Island with the most blue sea glass I've ever seen in one spot. Yesterday George found a large black chunk that looked like a rock, but looking closely at the sides you could see that it was glass. We took it to a lady who makes jewelry, where I've purchased some nice pieces before, and she told us that it was a great piece and at least 100-150 years old. We left it with her to make it into a necklace. Here are some pieces that we found today.
These chunks are similar to the one George found, but a little smaller. You can see how they might be mistaken for rocks, but expert George knows better.
Big green piece.
To check to make sure it's glass you just need to hold it up to the light. The piece above looks dark on the left and hard to see it's glass, but holding it in front of a flashlight (or you can use the sun) you can see the color shine through.
Here is our stash for the day. Excited to see what we find tomorrow!
Posted by Heather at 03:20 PM | Comments (1)
George and a Palm Tree
Hi from George!
Posted by Heather at 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
New Use for Maker's Mark
There are a lot of no-see-ums down here this year, and instead of using horrible smelling and toxic bug spray, we discovered that Maker's Mark does the job, and it smells better too!
Posted by Heather at 12:38 PM | Comments (0)
January 03, 2009
I'm BACK!
It is nice to be back in Key West! I am spending the morning reading the Ventriloquism book that I got from Dad for Christmas and watching the boats go by. Just the best way to spend a morning.
Posted by Heather at 11:06 AM | Comments (2)