Fun in Key West

Fair warning, this will be a long post, at least in the photo category. We had so much fun in Key West,saw great friends from Maryland, and managed to behave ourselves, mostly. Lots of winter escapees enjoying life.

We saw long time friends Wade and Pam on the way down to Key West in Marathon. Never broke stride and picked up right where we left off. Friends forever.

Shopping

Our friends Tom and Marci rented a house in the middle of town and everything is within walking distance. What an eclectic mix of fun is to be had in this place known as Key West. Thanks so much for having us!

Lots of evening fun to be had. We had to try the crazy dessert restaurant, but just kidding on the live cabaret at La te Da. Only walked by. It's a drag show, quite the thing here. Another time maybe...

Enjoy the show, it's the butterfly garden in Key West. We loved it, could have spent a lot more time there. There were hundreds of butterflies flying everywhere but in flight were hard to capture on camera. In addition there were a pair of flamingos in the center, and it's mating season. Loud honking, flapping of wings in the middle of the conservatory.

Ahhh, true love.

Nell and Einstein

Nell joined Marci and me for the fun day of butterflies, lunch, and Hemingway House. She has acquired a new puppy, Einstein, who travels in a purse. He enjoyed the day as well and was a show stopper everywhere we went. The guys went out fishing but alas, did not have luck. A story of, "you should'a been there yesterday."

Hemingway House was interesting with all the famous writer's artifacts and all his six toed cats and descendants live on, on the property. Everywhere- We weren't allowed to touch the furniture but they could sleep on it. Hmmm.

I leave you with a small eclectic mix at the end. The Key West verson of the women's march. a service board from a "gentleman's house" on our morning walk, and our Sunday mimosa start to breakfast. Gotta love it - KEY WEST 🌴

A sampling of Florida fun: beach, golf, and balmy weather

A miniscule bit of this and that. While the worst winter storm in 30 years was happening at Star Mt. stranding people for days, we played. A little beach, a little golf, and a restaurant visit here and there. Back in the kitchen I've been experimenting with my new spiralizer (Xmas gift from Heather- thank you!) and loving the zucchini meals so far - chicken pad thai and lemon roasted artichoke. I know I'm a bit late to this party but am a fervent convert now.

After dive bombing the water - bulging cheeks full of fish

Serious metal/treasure hunter.  Someone stopped to ask what he'd found that morning and he waved a finger with a topaz ring. Sad for someone else but good for him I guess. The beach is a fun place for all kinds of people watching that's for sure.

Our first dinner visit at a new Korean barbecue place. Quite the show but we thought pretty tasteless sadly. Second visit was at lunch for their 17hr broth ramen. This was great,rich broth and chock full of seafood. Clearly a different category than the ramen noodles in the grocery store. Zen Asian BBQ - we'll be back.

And this my friends, is a Bob Kramer knife. Not, I quickly add, a handmade original. Those are $6,000 and up, and right now you're in a multi year lottery to get one. This is part of Kramer's commercial partnership with Henckel and made in Japan. These are still crazy expensive knives only for the true knife lover, who is Mark as it happens, and a Christmas present from moi. This is a Damascus patterned blade made from 100 layers of nickel and stainless steel. It takes 45 artisans and 100 distinct steps using a process similar to how Samurai swords were made. Treated well, it should last a lifetime. It's with us in Florida now but will eventually land in Star Mt. carried gently in cotton I suppose.

Rosy spoonbill unusual to see away from the mangrove marshes

We have joined a golf club in Naples again. Mark's work gig continues on so we figured plans for some weekend fun were in order, especially for Mark when I'm back at Star Mt. for the summer. This one is in our community so the convenience is lovely. Oh that little white ball (actually mine are pink - ha).

It's amazing how quiet it is early in the morning when I walk as we're in full season mode. People just don't get up early here, although I think it's most places actually. It's a peaceful start to a day that gets increasingly loud and hectic.

Mystical full moon - so far away to create such changes on earth

We have a fun short trip planned for the weekend - visiting friends down in the Keys- Marathon and Key West. Most of these friends are escapees from the winter cold in Maryland. Let's see what trouble we can get into.

Football, the beach, and the new year

Happy New Year everyone! I don't make resolutions as a general rule, but I will continue to work on listening to my inner voice and try to let go. This control thing is a tough one for me, and all illusion of course. Who has control over anything?  Bring it on 2017!

Orange Bowl in Miami. Great game and lots of fun. Thanks Brett and Maria! We had a lot of FSU alumni in our group so that's who we were routing for, and they dramatically won by a point. Of course we stayed until the end making the trek out of the stadium a nightmare. Back at the condo by 2:30am. Argh.

My clip -on umbrella - it works!

Back in Naples this week with Mark away at CES in Las Vegas. I was longing for the beach so out I went on a picture perfect day. Looks very quiet, which it was to start as I go early, but the masses were coming in as I was packing up. German, Italian, French, Dutch words wafting in the air. It's season ya know.

As I write this Crested Butte has had almost 4 feet of snow with another 3 feet predicted next week. I heard from neighbors at Star Mt. that it was truly a sight to behold. Our snow plow man had his hands full but it's what the area lives for... We'll be up in March for a couple weeks - can't miss the whole winter! Hope the great snow continues...

Christmas Magic

Yes, fun was had and it all went by in a blur. Lovely Christmas and while it wasn't a white one, it still had all the special magic the holiday brings.

Gingerbread cookie time

You know raw dough is the best. I know, I know not recommended.

Serious creation happening

Gingerbread cookies. A long time family tradition that my mother started when we kids were small. A lot of decorating goes into these with every conceivable sprinkle. When our girls were small they too had a blast with the cookies, too much on one occasion, we used silver balls to decorate. Big mistake. They went everywhere except on the cookies. Do they even make those anymore?

S'more's in the fireplace - of course

Jules loves her Aunt Heather

 twirling - just because

another budding photographer in the family

As Christmas Eve day waned the energy levels increased to epic proportions

Christmas Eve was great. Hours of wrapping, gingerbread cookies, acrobatics with Aunt Heather, and general shenanigans.

Sprinkling reindeer food on the lawn for Santa's reindeer. A modern addition to Christmas Eve traditions.

A Nana & Granddaddy gift - musical piano pad - perhaps the parents are not as thrilled as the girls

The post gift opening explosion

Tenderloin Christmas dinner  

You'll notice Jules is missing for our Christmas dinner. The morning's excitement wore her out. Truth be told we all got a bit sleepy especially after all the food. Happy New Year to all and here's wishing for a splendid one.