John took one for the team yesterday...

My darling boyfriend was coming to Paradise for 6 wonderful days - make that 5 wonderful days. He called me from the airport in DC yesterday and wanted to let me know that he could get 2 (TWO) international roundtrip tickets for giving up his seat to Key West. So, that's what he did. Not only did he get us the tickets (Dominica Republic anyone?) but they upgraded him today to business class, gave him a hotel room and a voucher for lunch. Not too bad. He's here in 3 hours and I have a lot to do so this post will be quick.

Yesterday marked the 5 year mark from when Dad left this earth; that doesn't mean, though, that he's not still present. He's with me every single day but more so yesterday when I donned his blue hat to wear at the pool but it sure looks better on John and Dad. It certainly doesn't look as dapper on me as it did on him but it shaded me from the sun's hot rays and I knew he would have approved at my afternoon agenda - riding the bike to get shrimp, sitting by the pool, chatting with new friends, and taking Killian to a training class with Key West locals. I had his favorite breakfast - toast, cheese and pickles as documented here:

Off now to get cleaned up, get over to the jet ski and grab some items so we can pack for the sand bar tomorrow, grocery store, and then off to the airport to get John. Can't wait. We have 5 days in Paradise coming up. Stay tuned to see what we get into.

Behind a smart dog is a desperate owner

The house I'm in has 5 entrances; the front door, the side door (to the laundry) and 3 sets of french doors leading to the backyard. Now, there are locked fences on both sides of the backyard - deadbolt locks so there's no way to get out of the backyard unless it's through the door. Problem #1. Proble #2 is that, for some reason, the only key given is to the front door. Doesn't help much is the renter gets locked in the backyard. You see where I'm going with this?

I got locked in the backyard yesterday with no one around - the dogs weren't even with me, having laid down on the bed and being sound asleep after their walk. No maids next door, no neighbors to yell for, no one. It wasn't like I was going to die out there or anything, having a hot tub and plenty of shade but, dammit, I wanted inside my house! So, as I ruminated on this decision, Killian came to the door to see where I was (thank you Lord). As he looked at me quizzically, I jiggled the door knob which drew his attention. "AHA" said I! We can work with this.

So, I thought back to all of the commands he knows - those he learned in 4 years of doggie canine dancing, those he knew from basic obedience, and those he knew from agility. I selected a command he knows where I signal him to jump up and lean against my arm to give me a hug. So, I signalled him, he jumped up inside the house and...yes! He opened the door! It sprang right open. That dog had never ever seen treats and accolades like he got yesterday. The movie here is a recreation this morning - works like a charm.

The sand bar actually is about 1/4 mile long.
Here it is before I even got there

Now, to catch up. I see I've been "busy" for a few days and haven't documented my travels. That's because there haven't been a whole lot of them! Well, that's not exactly true. I few days ago, I did venture over to the jet ski and took it out myself to the Boca Chica sandbar where John and I were a few weeks ago. I got to the sand bar with my chair in tow, set up my little camp and enjoyed the morning all by myself out there. Not a soul showed up except the occasional jet ski tour which stops there on their trip around the island. But, other than that, I was alone and loving life with my Kindle, suntan lotion, and water bottle. It finally got a bit busier a few hours later so I decided to jet back to the marina and call it a day. But, what a marvelous time it was! Can't wait to take Holly (who comes in next week) and Bobbi (the week after) out there. They'll be amazed.

Other than that, days have been spent lying around the pool and talking to the other guests. A very entertaining group came in from Oregon and we must have laughed about 4 hours or so as we languished in the Key West perfect weather. I have been taking long walks and will admit to spending an afternoon at my favorite rum bar with the dogs. The patrons love them - Bobo frequently is out of sight until I call her and her head pops up from some strangers lap.

Yesterday found me on a paddleboard with a private lesson. It's an interesting concept and I only fell off once - I considered this a huge triumph as it's not as easy as it may seem. A ramble on the board through some tight mangrove trails and I was ready to hit it on my own - not really. Tara at Lucky Dog watersports was a great teacher and had a wonderful sense of humor which helped.

Our walk last night was back to the Atlantic pier where I love to be around sunset as there's hardly any one there, everyone having rushed down to The Sunset Festival. But, this time, I was in luck and here's what I saw! I love this guy's freedom and confidence. He's out and about frequently in the streets which is why I've always said that, if you're not opened minded, find another vacation spot. I sat and chatted with him for about 15 minutes; he's a very intelligent and very interesting man. But, after awhile, I bid adieu and walked the dogs back to their dinner bowls. They were very grateful.

A whole lot of nuthin' goin' on

Yesterday was a "catch up" day - spent a lot of time updating my Squidoo articles since I've been woefully lacking in this area. Woke up to 12 sales this morning so something is working. I sold a $3500 camera body off of my Senior Citizen Gift Ideas article the other day - that's a cool $140 in commission or so. The internet is just full of free money, and I'm trying to explore other ways to grab some.

So, I spent yesterday taking 3 nice walks with the dogs. The morning walk was though Bahama Village, one of the original areas of Key West. I actually think Bahama Village has gotten a bum rap as being a tougher neighborhood. I walk through very confidently with Killian by my side and stop to talk to everyone who beckons me. People on that side of the tracks are very nice and real. It's more of the locals who live in Bahama Village, many in the original conch houses that were built elsewhere and shipped to and assembled on a foundation here in Key West.

Two tired dogs

The structure in the picture is an old church in Bahama Village, right across the street from The Hemingway House. I thought it was beautiful.

The pool was next up for an hour or so. I'm trying to lay low with the tanning thing but it's difficult not to get tan in Key West. I am covering up every inch of my body with strong SPF so hopefully that will protect me enough.

Walk #2 included Killian walking to get some fresh seafood. Snagged a pound of the best grouper I've ever had and a pound of large pink shrimp which I wrapped in bacon (heads and all) and cooked up for dinner on the grill. Delicious.

Wasn't planning on walk #3 but, at 10:30 pm, wasn't quite tired yet so took the dogs just around a few blocks. They gain many accolades from the folks on the street, making it sort of difficult to get up a decent speed on a walk. But, it's fun to stop and talk to everyone.

Not sure what today will bring but I'm feeling the beach. I might take the jet ski out to the sand bar and just hang around out there today. We shall see. Stay tuned.

On the grill

And, on my plate!

Doggone tired!

It's not only the drunks on Duval Street who come home and pass out - it's the dogs too! I took the dogs for a long walk last night and came home to find them both passed out in about 5 minutes. Killian was reluctant to even wake up to come to bed 4 hours later. Nice to see him so pooped. He's doing well here - training is going pretty well, considering I still haven't managed to hook up with a professional dog trainer. Turns out I know a thing or two about training myself and actually have been implementing what I have learned over the years. He's still dog aggressive but that too will end. Next Wednesday, we plan on attending a dog class over at the soccer field. There's 5 other dogs who form a cohesive group so he'll be odd man out which is just what he needs.

Smathers Beach in panorama view from my Sony camera

Yesterday was my first official day in Key West all on my own. A very strange feeling considering I haven't been alone for a week in, oh, about 20 years. I was a bit out of sorts for the first part of the day and did a lot of thinking while sitting on the beach. Spent a lot of time snapping pics with my Sony underwater camera which I love. Here's an article I wrote on Squidoo about the camera (will be updating it later today with more pictures): My personal review of the Sony DSC-TX10 Underwater Camera. Mostly thinking about a job! I need to update my resume, which, of course, I don't have with me at the moment and get it circulating. Not sure yet what I want to be when I grow up but, for starters, I suppose I'll head back to Clinical Trials as I've always enjoyed the work. I love working with clinical trial data - making it stronger and cleaner so trials pass the FDA. We shall see. Perhaps I'll become a professional dog trainer instead!

After the beach, I stopped at the Key West grocery only to find that I'd left my credit cards at home and had limited cash. I'm used to just charging everything so it was a very interesting experience to have to watch prices. Boy, do I have sticker shock down here in Key West! First off, things are at least 30% more expensive than in DC and, second off, the selection leaves something to be desired. I'm actually ordering quite a few supplies off Amazon as I have Amazon Prime (free shipping) so it makes sense.

After shopping a bit and picking up some fresh veggies, I came home and hit the pool for just a quick float and some reading on the Kindle. Not sure I'm 100% sold on the Kindle Touch although I do like it. Somehow though, I keep forwarding past where I'd been reading just by picking the thing up and then I can't quite figure out how to get back! Eh, I suppose a quick looksie on the computer will give me the answer.

Dinner was prepared on the grill and I had two very willing dining companions - the dogs roused themselves for a few hand outs.

I've been back to writing a few articles while here. I had slowed up considerably in the months before Mom died as I just didn't have the interest, time or energy. Some of that is coming back, thankfully. Here they are:

Sport fishing on a charter boat - 5 things to remember

Key West Cars - this one is fun

Using the Instant Fisherman Fishing Pole - here fishy, fishy, fishy!

Not sure what today will bring. Stay tuned tomorrow to see what I manage to get into!

You call THAT a car?!

Decided to surprise Sharyn yesterday and rented a little electric car for us to use to buzz around the island. Yes, I have the truck with me but it sure is easier to get around in a teeny weeny car. Much easier to park too. And, yes, before any of you readers is a smart ass, we fit...

So, we headed out to see Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden which is an acre chocked full of forest type foliage and 32 parrots, all rescues. We spent about an hour talking to the parrots - some of whom were quite entertaining. Here's a few pics:

As you can see, Lucy was trying to get at me. I stayed just out of reach though. I'm smarter than the average bird...



I also took some videos, the most fun of which was Sharyn talking to the birds. She was singing and the birds were looking at her like she was nuts. Pretty funny, all in all. Video will follow.

The garden was beautiful though the front part is an environmental easement and there is talk that part of the acreage will be taken for development. Not exactly sure how that works as doesn't make much sense to me. Regardless, if you're in Key West, Nancy Forrester's Hidden Garden is a pretty cool place to spend an hour or so. The birds really are fascinating. As are some of the tourists...who shall remain nameless (Sharyn....).

After our trek through the wilderness, we were hungry so we headed over to Higgs Beach to Salute on the Beach for some of the best mussels and shrimp salad in town. Salute is, not surprisingly, right on the beach. There's a beautiful dog park right across the street which has 2 sections - one for Killian sized dogs and one for Gizmo sized dogs.

Next stop was White Tarpon for martinis. Met a really nice retired vet who has 8 animal hospitals in Tampa area. He has a home down here that is vacant part of the year. Tried to get him to adopt me to no avail...

Next up was the manager of the new Tiki Bar at White Tarpon. I got his name and number as he's going to be pretty helpful in future months. He kindly offered to go look at any place I ask hin to, either for rental or buy. Nice to have good friends.

Nightfall found us turning our little electric buggy, albeit a bit sadly. We relaxed at the house for a bit before hitting the streets and ending up at Pete's Piano Bar for a while. Always a fun show.

Came back and took Killian out for a walk back Duval to get a sausage and peppers. He did very well, weaving around the Spring breakers.

More Key West Fodder

Going under A1A to the Gulf 

Spent Sunday back on the jet ski for just a bit. I was piloting and, of course, John fell off - well, so did I but I ditched intentionally so we didn't capsize the ski. John used the occasion to remind me that, when I pilot, we always end up in the water. I think he was just a poor sport....

Jetted off to the gulf side which is so shallow it was a bit scary. There's places where the water goes from 8' to 1' with no warning whatsoever. So, we turned around and headed for the blue Atlantic which doesn't have that problem. Rode back out to the sandbar again and flopped around for a while before heading back - we'd gotten too much sun on Saturday so it was the prudent thing to do. Besides, we didn't have a beer opener with us (a guffaw that won't happen again)....

Decided to come home and get cleaned up. After a short walk with the dogs, we headed down to the White Tarpon for just "one" cocktail. Well, two cocktails later we were weaving our way up Duval. Note to self: those martinis are strong! Met up with Sharyn and decided to try Martinis, a newer bar on Duval. Very nice. It has the sofa seating like John and I like and good quality cocktails. After that, I think we waddled down to the Bull and Whistle but may have to consult my cohorts for more info.

I do know, though, that we spent the majority of the our eveing at Pete's piano bar. If you're ever in Key West, it's a must go-to place. There's two facing pianos and the guys who play are like a comedy team but they really do play the piano, and well. They're really a lot of fun. It's spring break down here so the younger college kids were a lot of fun to watch bop around as we elders sipped our 2-minimum cocktails. A great time was had by all. One of the teeny boppers came over and told me what a fine man I had by my side. I know!

The next day found us packing John up for the rather sad trip home. I was really saddened to see him go as I've discovered that home is where John is. The house just isn't the same without him. But, ah, the sadness didn't stop Sharyn and me from buzzing up the keys in the car to find a beach upon which to perch for a few hours. We ended up at Bahia Honda Park at mile marker 37 which, you think would take about 40 minutes to get to but not on Rt. 1. An hour later, we pulled into paradise as can be evidenced by these pictures:

Just a stunning place to set for a spell

The beach stretches on for miles north and south

After snorkeling around and seeing just a few fish, Mangrove Groupers, we sat and read Kindles until our skin started to sizzle.

Coming back to Key West, I decided to try out my new little fishing pole that John gave me. It's the best thing EVER! It's folds to just around 8" long but expands to a full sized rod. I pulled it out and a man and woman watching asked "Are you really going to catch fish on that thing?" I said "Just watch me." Threw on a hook, a few split shot, a piece of squid and the very first cast brought up this thing in the first pic which I think might be a grouper (albeit, one who might be yellin' for mama....

Sharyn even got in the act although she's not as adept at casting as I am. In fact, good thing we both had sunglasses on! But, we sat and fished for 40 minutes or so and have a blast. Here's a few more of my trophies:

Came home and made a delicious dinner of fresh scallops and snapper that I'd talked a boat captain into throwing my way. All in all, a great day!

And, love these pics:

It takes a big man to walk a small dog -
especially in Key West!

She likes it up there - honest

Got caught up in relaxation...

...and had a temporary blog-pause. Been having a wondrous time. John came into town on Friday so we've been moving and shaking around here. We spent Friday night and, after a few sangrias and some pizza, it was off to an early bedtime. Ah, but that meant that we got up yesterday at 5 am so we could see the sunrise.

 Yesterday was magnificent. We started off walking around the Key West cemetery on the cemetery tour - very interesting. Here's my favorite grave - it's a mother and child. They went to New York on a trip when the child was only 3 years old and she fell out of a hotel window. The mother died 2 years later and they're buried in this grave. The most wondrous thing is, that when I was looking at these pictures, my camera captured a light beam coming right through the wreath that the mother is holding - the wreath symbolized eternity. I think this picture is proof that a mother's love is undying.

After the cemetery tour, John and I took the jet ski over to the Atlantic side of the island for a ride. Blue water abounded and the ride was great. We had to go past mangroves (which held no manatees that I could see) but, after that, we opened her up and flew across the ocean. What fun! We ended up at a sandbar only to remember that we had no anchor, having lost it last year. So, when a MacGregor sailboat appeared, we asked if we could hook to them. And a friendship was formed! The couple, John and Jeanette, live down here in the Keys and couldn't have been any nicer. They brought their 11 year old boxer, Minnie, along so we had much fun watching her cavort on the sandbar.

When we got there, the sandbar was about 2 feet under water but, after hours of laughing, chatting, and general merriment, the sandbar was just about 8" deep. Ah, but we had to move on. So, we exchanged info and hope to see John and Jeanette in two weeks when John's in town again and we hit "the bar."

Came home, showered and got cleaned up for a rambled down Duval Street to the La Concha hotel for the most beautiful view of the sunset on the island. People think Mallory Square has the view but they've seen nothing yet. Here's some pics - 360 view of the island from the top of La Concha: