Key West Vacation Gypsy

Vanity Not Tyranny? What Does That Mean?

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:44:00 +0000

Signs Disappearance Still Mysterious

In a comment today (Nov. 30, 2011) in the Key West Citizen's "Voice" column, there was a partial answer to my post a few days ago asking What Happened to Rick Worth's Signs?

"Occupy Wall Street is a noble cause. The ignorance and evil it unveils should be alarming to any American. I have lost my signs, but not the symptoms. Vanity, not tyranny, brought my humble protest down on Angela Street, only to be scattered about town. Get informed. Get involved. Rick Worth."

What does that mean: vanity brought down his protest? And where around town are these signs now? I haven't seen any yet, and I *am* looking.

And why hasn't the Citizen done more of a follow up? They printed a photo a few weeks back of Rick painting the sign, but now that the signs are down, why not a follow up? Is Occupy Key West too liberal a cause for our local paper?

They can't claim ignorance; I sent an email on Thanksgiving with a photo of the denuded yard.

And I have stopped by the house a few times and knocked, but never found the artist at home.

Rick, tell us more, please.

What Happened to Rick Worth's Freedom of Speech?

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Just a day or two ago, the side yard of this house was full of signs urging Americans to wakep, that our constitutions needs us - and other sentiments that felt in the same vein as the Occupy Movement. Suddenly the only signs on this corner say Do NOT Enter and One Way.
I noticed their absence today as I triked back from the Community Thanksgiving at Help Yourself. I was shocked! I know they were there Tuesday, night before last, for sure.

I rang the bell and yoo-hoo'ed and called to Rick Worth, the resident artist and sign maker. I hoped to find out why they were taken down. But despite the door being ajar, no one answered my halloooos.

Anyone know what happened?

Two days ago the house appeared more like this:

2011 Fantasy Fest Photos Reveal The Usual

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:33:00 +0000

The usual being a sense of humor and a fair amount of skin - in this case, the pink skin of Moby and the Dykes under a rainbow. Moby was the entry by Island Alien -- I was thrilled to be one of the sailors. It was my first time in a parade.

The float won 3rd place ...

Man with a sense of humor ... and too much hair:

Indeed, there are always wild things to be seen along a Duval Crawl, but never wilder than during Fantasy Fest.

My wildest (most revealing) Fantasy Fest 2011 photos and pictures are on Facebook ... and I am happy to add you so you can see my “friends only” photos …

Key West moaners complain that there are too many women of a certain age exposing too much of themselves, but while I personally have no inclination to bare much, I think it's wonderful to see women feel free enough to do so.

I have to say, I really don't understand complaining about FF ... if you don't like nudity go somewhere else; if the "Southernmost breasts" offend you, there are always plenty of perkier pointers ... check out my Facebook Fantasy Fest 2011 album for more revelations and for some backstage shots in the parade staging area - sunsets, sharks and rainbows:

More from the staging of Moby and the Dykes for the Fantasy Fest Parade.

Pictures from last year: Fantasy Fest 2010 photos.

Waves in the Sunset at Key West's Fort Zach

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 02:33:00 +0000

The ocean is warm enough for this Florida girl to swim again. The seas this afternoon were fairly rough and I swallowed my share of brine. Thank goodness for goggles.

I swim at Fort Zach, a state park at the southwest tip of the island of Key West. It’s our best beach, as it slopes immediately to a depth perfect for swimming. When the water is clear – most of the time – the snorkeling around the rocks is great. And it’s a perfect place to watch the sunset. I stay for sunset most afternoons now.

I was so entranced by the waves on this, the last day of March that I turned on my video. Here’s a taste of sunset and waves from Fort Zach … the video clips are not exactly pro, (they are much clearer on my computer than on blogger) but I just wanted to share the experience.

Check out the Navy Seals on a mission ...

The Colors of Spring Flora in Key West

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:26:00 +0000

As I pedaled around town this week on errands, I was glad I had thrown my little Canon Powershot into the trike basket. I am continually impressed by what great shots this little camera captures – and I am happily in awe of Spring colors of Key West.

Above: the first frangipani (Plumeria) blooms I’ve seen this year took me back to my childhood in Fort Lauderdale. My grandmother's prized frangipani grown from a cutting just outside the screened porch. I learned later that these are the most common flowers used in Hawaiian leis.

The African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) has always been a huge favorite of mine for its spectacular flame colors and the unusual presentation and shape of its blooms. Children love it for its ability to squirt water and gardeners love it because the hummingbirds do, too.

The bud of the African Tulip.

This large “throwback” leaves of this copperleaf (Acalypha godseffiana) caught my attention. Note the “frame” of silver buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus). I love all the variations of copper leaf or Jacob’s Coat shrubs. The one on the corner of Von Phister and White Street is home to a hen and her spring chicks:

Sharing the stage with the whimsical showiness
of a chenille plant (Acalypha hispida) on Elgin Lane:

Chenille Plant

Bougainvillea and Buoys

Key West is a riot of colorful bougainvillea -- and this common but uncommonly beautiful vine probably deserves a post of its own -- but can any one tell me: what color is the flower of the bougainvillea?

I love the matching rocker!

Perhaps the showiest of all the street corners

in Key West – Washington and Reynolds.

Oleander (Nerium oleander) - Beautiful,
hardy near salt water, and poisonous. Beware.

Yellow Tababouie

Coleus

Aloe, but is it Aloe vera? And how
spectacular is the black trunk of the palm behind it!?

These are common, but I can't identify this small tree. Anyone?

Cactus blooms, but what variety?

Lots more photos from this series on this public Facebook album .

Inside and Out: A Key West Dream Home

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Key West is known for its gingerbread -- fanciful decorative scrollwork adorns many of the historic homes in Key West’s Old Town. In the late 19^th Century when many of these homes were built, each home had its own distinctive pattern. It was considered poor form to copy anyone else’s.

I viewed one home recently – well outside my price range, though, but a listing of a client's – that had brought their gingerbread into the house to decorate the archways. What a novel idea, I thought!

In the photo above and below, the pillars and scroll work frame, a comfortable sitting room and a cheery reading room.

The C scroll adorns the “dogear” arch from the hall to the great room show below. Beyond a glimpse of the patio and pool area.

Looking into the hall from the great room (above).

More elegant whimsy: a mural of poppies blooms brightly on a guest room wall.

The owners have also brought the outside into their home through French doors and covered patio space that truly create an indoor/outdoor living space – the sought after Key West lifestyle.

Patio, pool and guest cottage.

Note the outdoor covered dining area above left.

From the covered patio dining room looking toward Nassau Lane. The side yard walk is shaded with an arbor of bougainvillea.

Nassau Lane is one of Key West's hidden avenues, tucked away off Fleming Street in the "Millionaires' Row" of the Historic District.

More photos on this property can be found on this Facebook album and more photo and price details are here: 6 Nassau Lane.

Morning Garden Party of One

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:56:00 +0000

Chalice Vine (Solandra maxima)

The chalice vine, or cup of gold, grows around the back of the compound of my Key West cottage rental.

I am quite entranced by the bud; it reminds me of a child’s cheeks full of water, ready to burst:

More Chalice Vine photos.

Courtesy of a (planned) power outage this morning, I found myself in the garden rather than at the keyboard. I have a few tomato plants, some herbs and some Ming Aralia cuttings I rooted that are doing well.

One is wired, and I plan to ‘bonsai’ it in the conch shell. The other is straight, but still wonderfully “oriental” in its look. I will probably have to carry them back to Asheville so that I can keep them watered over the summer. I’m leaving the tomato plants behind, though. ;)

Karma and the Ming Aralia

Mermaid In The Garden

Key West's Earliest Settlers Saw Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:22:00 +0000

Key West's earliest settlers didn’t come for the weather. They came for opportunity.

In 1821 Florida had just become United States Territory and Key West’s deep water harbour was perched along a major shipping route. Along the Gulf Stream from Mexico and Cuba came molasses, sugar, coffee; from Spain flowed fine wines, lace and silver. Ships plied the Gulf Stream along a treacherous stretch of barrier reef whose tentacles brought an average of one ship a week ashore!

When a ship foundered in the reef, wreckers sailed with dispatch to the rescue, vying to be the first on the scene, as the wrecking master and his crew would take the largest share of the salvage. The wreckers would labor quickly to “lighten the ship” of its cargo so that it could float off on the next high tide. Once removed cargo became ‘salvage’ and was liquidated to compensate the wrecking captain and his crew.

These were the days before the permanent lights that now line Florida’s barrier reef and the frequent wrecks would make Key West into the largest city in Florida and reputedly the most prosperous US city per capita of the mid 19^th Century.

As the first settlers moved in, the last of the pirates were quickly run out of the Florida Straits by a naval detachment, the Mosquito Fleet, under the command of Commodore David Porter, Many thought the wreckers little better than privateers. Yet, the wreckers risked their vessels, their equipment and often their lives to rescue the vessels and cargo that ran afoul of the reef. Divers frequently worked in waters polluted with dye or guano to recover goods from the bottom of the hold of a sinking ship or the ocean bottom. Without their skill and heroics, all would have been lost. But, before a US Territorial Court was established in 1828 and a Judge James Webb was installed, the wreckers often negotiated as much as 95% of the salvage value.

When Spain held the peninsula prior to the 1820s, wreckers from Nassau and Cuba salvaged any wrecks that foundered along the coast of Florida. In 1825, the US passed a law requiring any salvage salvaged from a wreck in Florida waters had to be brought to a US port of entry. Key West soon became that port. At the same time, the law required wreckers to be licensed; they had to prove to have seaworthy vessels, the proper equipment and an honest character. Salvage portions feel to 25-35%, and still Key Westers grew rich. In 1824, the value of the salvage sold was $293,353,00! Using the consumer price index that’s the equivalent of $5-6 billion, depending on which inflation calculator one uses. It was a lot of money.

Wrecking’s "Golden Years" years would last until the mid to late 1800s when the lighthouses that warn ships of the dangerous shoals to this day, were built along the Florida Keys.

The Tropical American Frontier Circa 1830: Food And Water In Pioneer Key West

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:55:00 +0000

A visit to Key West's Oldest House offers you a glimpse into the life of an early 19^th Century American Pioneer. Think Wild West in the tropics – but without fresh water. Life on an island closer to Cuba than the mainland United States. Water collected in a cistern for drinking and cooking.

There’s a backyard Cook House (above), a small outbuilding with a beehive chimney and a large hearth, to keep the fire safely away from the house. Servants awaken early to stoke the fire; it takes 8 hours to get hot enough to bake bread.

The family of nine, a ship’s captain, his wife and seven daughters, awake to the smell of eggs with corn cakes or grits. If a ship has been in port, the cakes are slathered with molasses.

Fresh snapper, grouper or turtle steaks on the dinner table. Turtle eggs, a great delicacy dug from the sandy nests on the beach are an occasional treat.

The soil, a scant six or 12 inches of sandy dirt on limestone supports little but some fruit trees; sea grapes are abundant, the settlers plan Spanish limes and exotic fruits.

Ships do call, and with rice, coffee, cornmeal, apples and root vegetables could be ordered, but their delivery is uncertain. Sugar and molasses comes from New Orleans or the Caribbean and spices and coffee arrive from Mexico.

Occasionally there’s a shipment of beef from Abilene, Texas or Jacksonville, Florida. Key West’s salt ponds provided plenty of salt to preserve the meat, but food often spoils, and stomach complaints are common.

I learned what Key West's early residents ate for today's V7N Challenge: Learn Something New Every Day!

Key West's Oldest House is open 10-4 except Wednesday and Sunday.
Oldest House Website
322 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040-6510
(305) 294-9501
Join the Oldest House on Facebook

I Double Dog Dare You ...

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:11:00 +0000

... To Learn Something New Every Day!

A V7N Forum 30 Day Challenge

If we’re lucky, we learn something new every day, right? I suspect most of the time, we hear something new every day, but we don’t always learn it. I know I don’t.

So, I've joined the 30 day challenge posed by V7N’s Cricket Walker to pick up a new trick every day. Cricket, in case you don't know, is the admin of a very friendly webmaster/marketing forum. (By the way, if you have a business website and you would like to learn more about promoting it, forums are a terrific place to learn something new about SEO or social media networking every day!)

I have been studying Key West history casually for a few months now. I volunteer as a docent at the Oldest House in Key West on Thursday and Sunday afternoons, and I try to add a new fact or anecdote to my repertoire every week. So, I just have to acquire six more facts a week.

This is a perfect time for me; I’m just between novels, and instead of picking up a new book, I will stick to the non-fiction I have in the house. I have several back issues of National Geographic, I’m reading a couple of books about pirate history, and more on early Key West.

I don’t promise to post here about it every day, but I will share in the V7N forum thread: Learn Something New Every Day Challenge.

If you’re interested in joining the challenge, check out Cricket’s post on it. It’s starts Feb 8^th, but you can jump in any time. I promise you'll love the community you find at V7N – it’s the friendliest webmaster forum online! And think of the interesting people you will meet, and the new things you will learn reading what others share. Of course, you don’t have to join the challenge to follow what the participants share every day.

But I double dog dare you to join the challenge!

Key West's Oldest House Open To Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 21:01:00 +0000

Oldest House In Key West
From the rear garden, the cook house in the foreground

Visitors and history buffs get a glimpse of the island's earliest settlement at the Oldest House in Key West. Built circa 1829, it's also the oldest wooden house in the state of Florida. There are older buildings in St. Augustine (the oldest city in the US) of course, but not entirely of wood.

The Oldest House opens its gardens and doors free of charge to visitors. Docents are on hand to give tours and answer questions every day from 10-4 except Wednesdays and Sundays.

Captain Francis Watlington and his wife Emeline didn’t build the house, but lived there from the early 1830s until their death. They raised 7 daughters in the house. Descendants lived in the house until 1969 when it was sold and donated to the State of Florida.

The cook house from the back porch

The home, operated by the non-profit Old Island Restoration Foundation, reflects the lifestyle of the early settlers. Visitors to Key West can tour many elegant Victorian mansions of successful early residents; the Oldest House highlights the more common experience of ordinary pioneers.

The Cook House was separate from the main house, to keep fire and heat away from the main structure. The “beehive” chimney is one of two in Florida, the other is in St. Augustine.

Interior of the cook house

The cook had to feed the first for seven hours before it was hot enough to bake bread.

The home is filled with period pieces, many of which belonged to the Watlington Family. Emeline kept her most valuable commodities - spices and sugar - locked in the top drawer of the sideboard.

Note the pocket door between the parlor and the dining room

This bed, on permanent loan from the Watlington family, is only 5’2”. I know what you’re thinking. People were shorter “back then.” Well, they were a little bit shorter, but not that much. They slept sitting up, propped by bolsters, much as people do today for acid reflux or sleep apnea. In the early 1800s Americans worried about consumption and pneumonia. Even healthy people feared that if they slept lying flat their lungs would fill with fluid in the night and they wouldn’t wake up.

Captain Watlington's desk

The Oldest House Museum
10 - 4 Except on Wednesday and Sunday
322 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33041
Tel: 305.294.9501

The Ruins of Fort Zachary Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:48:00 +0000

I love Fort Zach, but until this week, my love was for its beach – Key West’s hands down best swimming beach.

Now, I have met the ruin of Fort Zachary Taylor - and the reason Key Westers and visitors have access to the gorgeous southwest point of the island. The ruins boast the largest cache of Civil War era seacoast cannon – most of which is yet to be unexcavated. The discovery of this large cache of armament led to the declaration of FZ as a national treasure. Shortly thereafter, the Navy gave the area to Florida for a state park.

Construction on the brick fort started in 1845 and completed in 1866 – supply problems and the toll of yellow fever on workers – soldiers and slaves leased from local citizens to the government – led to building in the winter when there was no fever.

Fort Zachary was held by the Union through the Civil War, as was Fort Jefferson, some 70 miles to the west at the Dry Tortugas. They proved pivotal in blocking shipping to the Confederate States through the Gulf of Mexico. Holding the forts didn’t win the war, it is said, but certainly shortened it.

The fort, which also saw service in both world wars, was originally built some 1200 feet off the waterfront of Key West. During the 1940s the Navy dredged the channels into Key West and filled in an area of several square city blocks. It was used as a scrap metal yard and allowed to fall into ruin.

Circa mid 1880s from the Monroe County Library Collection

Navy Fleet in Key West Harbor in 1873,
taken from the walls of Fort Zach.
From Harper's Weekly of April 11, 1874.
Monroe County Library Collection

View to the west today:

Fort Zach is also an excellent place to watch the nightly sunset show in Key West.

Looking north toward Sunset Key and Wisteria Islands. Sunset Key, originally filled for the Navy's fuel depot, was called Tank Island until it was developed into Key West's most upscale neighborhood in the 1990s. To the right is another Navy dredge island - Wisteria or Christmas Tree Island. The private island hosts many homeless squatters - an ironic juxtaposition of some of our most disadvantaged residents to the wealthiest:

Thankful For My Attitude of Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:56:00 +0000

No doubt life is happier with an attitude of gratitude.

I know that the First Thanksgiving was tinged with a somewhat less noble color than time has painted on this American holiday, and that the Native Americans who gave earlier colonists a reason to be grateful had little to be grateful for as time unfolded.

But if there is a silver lining to that shameful story, it is that this otherwise rather greedy nation has a unique holiday that reminds us to count our blessings.

The blessings I count today are so numerous, it would take far too long to commit them to a blog post; my heart and cup overflows with friendship and a loving family – including my dog -- health, abundance and forgiveness.

I am, above all, grateful to know that there is immense power when my thoughts dwell on that which I appreciate. As long as I am paying attention to what I am grateful for, I am certain of creating a happy life, at least in that moment. When I do find myself unable to take my mind off something that bothers me, at least I know to look for the mirror, to see how I created the situation and to find what I can learn from it and so be thankful for the lesson.

Thank you for everything. Yes, I mean you! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gingerbread Scroll Stroll in Old Town Key West

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:45:00 +0000

There are many reasons why people love to visit and live in Key West – the perfect weather, the warm water, the laid back, quirky culture and artsy lifestyle are impossible to beat. But the distinctive historic architecture of Southernmost houses and buildings would be enough to keep Key West on the map alone.

A morning stroll around the island’s “Old Town” – the historic district – reveals some of the delights to be found on every street – shady lanes overhung with lush foliage, bright flowered vines paint white picket fences painted with flowering vines, fanciful scrollwork detailing distinctive, wood homes.

The use of “gingerbread” – a scrollwork of elaborate design on eaves and balustrades – is quite common in Key West. The style was popular in the late 1800s when so many of Key West’s most beautiful homes were built. Some home owners had the designs of the millwork match their occupations. Legend has it that families agreed not to copy one another.

At 1117 Duval, the second floor gallery is skirted by a balustrade of whiskey and wine bottle shapes, as well as heart and diamonds. Yes, you guessed it, the house was a speakeasy, and now houses The Speakeasy Inn.

There are countless other delightful examples of gingerbread – palm trees, pineapples, the very popular fleur de lis, and of course, the ship’s wheel.

The Island City House Hotel – built originally as a private home in the 1880s for a Charleston Family and converted to accommodations to take advantage of the railroad’s arrival in 1912 -- has some lovely scroll work.

This photo of the family’s Carriage House, now the hotel’s Eaton Street entrance, details some intricate mill work both as brackets and to frame the hotel’s signs.

On one home, there was clearly a sense of humor at work – the wrap around porch of the home at 1020 Southard Street is bedecked with gingerbread men!

Some Key West homes are distinctively not of the “Olde” Island style – or island style at all. 925 Southard Street, tucked away behind succulents and cacti, large terra cotta pots, and reached by Spanish tile steps, suggests more Southwest Adobe than Florida Keys.

And this former Art Deco styled gas station is now the Eaton Street Seafood market.

801 Eaton Street

More Key West photos.

Sunday in The Keys - Sugarloaf to Bahama Village

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 01:46:00 +0000

Just home from a lovely late afternoon concert at the Oldest House. The free event is an annual fundraiser for the Bahama Village Music Program, an amazing community organization that provides free musical instruction to kids in Key West from 6 – to 16 years old.

A great line up of local musicians donated their time and wonderful stage presence to fill the afternoon the gardens of the Key West's Oldest House with music.

The Oldest House Museum (322 Duval is one of Key West's best attractions ... it's open every day except Sunday and Wednesday free of charge. There are guided tours by docents or self guided tours.

Adrienne

Among the local musicians were Adrienne, Bubba Low Notes, Chief Billy, Gary Hempsey, The Muse Gurus (Larry Baeder and, Dora Gholson and Francois G). A silent auction and raffles raised funds for the program.

Gary Hempsey
The Muse Gurus

More Photos from the Bahama Village Fundraiser.

I drove up to Sugarloaf earlier to help out at the GLEE table for EcoWeek. I am helping get the word out about the new recycle bins for Monroe County Parks. GLEE has gotten permission to place recycle bins in all County parks. They’ve identified 250 spots for bins to be placed alongside regular trash cans.

To fund the cost of the bins, GLEE is seeking businesses to sponsor them. Each bin costs $200 and the business can put their logo on two sides. What a great way for local, green minded businesses to support a great cause and build their brand and image in the community.

I stopped off along the way and took some shots of the water around the Saddlebunch Keys … my favorite seascape along the Overseas Highway:

More Photos of the Saddlebunch Keys.

Sunrise Beach Walk - Key West, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 13:26:00 +0000

Okay, I didn't really walk the beach -- this is South Beach, Key West, and there is no where to walk, really. Visit Florida is staging a "Beach Walk" and asked for photo contributions. I'm sending these.

I thought I would find the sky overcast, but the clouds made a dramatic frame for the sun's debut.

This slice of beach is at the southern end of Duval Street. The Southernmost House -- which is now an elegant bed and breakfast -- is on one side and an open air restaurant is on the other. Southernmost House, a confection of Victorian and Queen Anne style architecture, was built in 1900. It was once an illicit gaming house.

South Beach Sunrise
The Southernmost House - 1400 Duval Street

Southernmost House From The Pier At The Top of Duval

South Beach From The Pier

Karma on The Pier at South Beach, Key West.

Favorite Fantasy Fest Photos - 2010 Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:42:00 +0000

The crazies didn't all follow the theme, Habitat For Insanity, for Fantasy Fest 2010 ... but this dancing clown captured during the Locals Parade on Friday afternoon looked pretty insane to me:

Of course, Fantasy Fest wouldn't be Fantasy Fest without nearly naked bodies. Nudity is prohibited, but somehow paint qualifies as clothing. The most clever half naked costume I saw:

There was even a real marching parade band -- the Police Pipe and Drum Corps of Florida:
I was very impressed by how the local cops handled the crowds - with a sense of humor. At one intersection a sargeant and his buddies mercilessly teased the pedestrians who tried to resume their promenade before given the sign; they played "Mother May I" with others ...

More Fantasy Fest photos:

Friday Night Locals Parade
Saturday Night Fantasy Fest Parade Pictures
Random Fantasy Fest Photos
Body Painted Fantasy Fest - You have to be my friend on FB - just need to know you are at least 18.

Witches and Wild Ones at the Pet Masquerade of Fantasy Fest 2010

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:08:00 +0000

It was a somewhat be-witching afternoon at the Pet Masquerade. The Wizard of Oz seemed to be the most popular theme, with many Wicked Witches of Key West, a few Dorothys, and more Totos than you could toss at a lion.

Glenda, the Good and Pretty Witch of Key West:

Dorothy?

As much of the country in recent times, Key West has its share of intolerant, misguided hate mongers confused on the usual concept of a loving God. But you can almost understand this Dog's point of view.

These next two are more typical of Fantasy Fest, without or without the pet dogs. Uh, I mean pet mermaids.

My personal favorite, Genevieve Beaudet, as a Ladybug:

There will be more animals out later … and the rest of the week; some domesticated, but more likely wilder. Feral.

Here are LOTS More Pet Masquerade Photos - including photos of Karma, who went as herself, and hew new friend, a giraffe.

It's Autumn in the Keys, Too!

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:55:00 +0000

A friend asked me to participate in a Facebook haiku status day – it was yesterday, but an early morning client conference tore my attention from frivolity. I returned this morning, and posted mine:

Bougainvilleas fade
Sea grapes turn scarlet and gold
Autumn island blues.

The changes are more subtle here, but there are seasonal changes … and yes, the sea grapes do their best to keep up with mountain maples.

For The Birds - Photos From the Big Sit

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:57:00 +0000

Just About To Catch The Fish

Sunday's "Big Sit" at the Blue Hole was a success - at least for me. I captured some decent shots of the wildlife, and even spotted a couple of bald eagles, though they were too high to snap. Carlene Edwards, a volunteer from the Key Deer Wildlife Refuge identified them with her binoculars.

The Big Sit is a bird watching event, but not all the animals were avian. Big Pine Key's Blue Hole -- an old rock quarry that has collected a fresh water lens on top of the salt and is now more green than blue -- is home to a 5 1/2 foot alligator, a host of iguanas, some red sliders, a puca, tarpon and some other fish that don't belong there. The tarpon and the 'gator are native.

While I was there on Sunday afternoon, we saw osprey, ablue grey gnatcatcher, an anhingha drying its wings, and more turkey vultures than we could count; though we tried.

On the way home, I saw a flock of ibis in the parking lot at the fish market. They didn't count for the "sit" but they counted for me.

More photos from the day below and even more on Facebook.

How Lucky Am I! A Sunset To Make Key West Famous

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 14:56:00 +0000

It was a sunset to make Key West famous , when the light and color show in the sky remind you why you came to Key West in the first place. At first, not a cloud as the sky yellows to the falling sun; then suddenly a puff-scape of clouds surprise you, a canvas of tropical tones; the entire sky turns, a dusky rose in the southwest that turns mauve and purple as the palette reaches east.

Did I wish I had my camera? No. There is always a more dramatic sunset to come; often the next day. And the moment is often the more intense when I observe it in the present.

I am enjoying Fort Zach every day. My friend, artist and Key West historian Sharon Wells, says it’s what she likes best about Key West. I have come to agree in these two weeks of swimming there almost daily. In all the years I frequented Key West (which is most of my life) and the 13 I lived in Big Pine, I never visited Fort Zach!

I was never much of a beach person, I just love to swim.

On the way to Fort Zach yesterday, I had to stop; it was the fourth day in a row I had seen the same artist and easel across from the Green Parrot (Key West's most famous "locals" bar); I wanted to see how it was coming. I'm no critic, and know what I like: if I wanted a painting of the Green Parrot, this would work just fine. Steve from the Joy Gallery invited me to be a member of the Key West Trike Club. “You're number 7, you just have to remember 7,” he said.

"Lucky 7," I said, "I can remember that." Steve said he has arrived in Key West 5 months ago and has churned out more than 100 paintings, He said. "I’ve been painting up a storm.”

It was a day for lucky numbers, I had read in the NY Times that 39,000 brides would be married on 10-10-10.

In China, the date is thought to be very “auspicious” numerically. The day is called "shi quan shi mei," which translates to "perfect in every way." The word "shi" also means "10.” More symmetry! In fact brides thought 07-07-07 was auspicious, and 08-08-08. In keeping with that theme, there is a Key West wedding contest for 11-11-11. If you know anyone who would love a destination wedding in Key West – soup to nuts – for 50 guests, send them here: http://wevegotthekeys.com/winawedding/index.html.

Karma is learning to run alongside the trike! It’s very cute, and it gets some extra exercise for her; she misses the slope of my front yard in Asheville, I think. We met her “doggleganger, ” Berkely; looks so exactly like Karma, but with longer hair. Almost freaky, as doubles often are. I should have some photos to put up soon; Berkley’ owner, Susan Landrith of Public Dog Parks couldn’t stop snapping! Susan's site lists off leash parks around the country. I promised her photos from Asheville next Spring. But you can send some now if you have them: http://www.publicdogparks.com/. She has some cute dog videos, too.

Karma is in for a day on her own, and I probably won’t make it to the beach – I am headed up to the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key for The Big Sit, "Bird Watching's Most Sedentary Event. The annual event aims to introduce the casual outdoor enthusiast to bird watching. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=147691888606154&index=1. I will have to stop in and see Marney (and the gang) at the Good Food Conspiracy on the way.

Delicious! Help Yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:55:00 +0000

I love the food at Help Yourself! If you care about eating organically and healthfully, you can’t do better in Key West than to Help Yourself! Much of what they serve is raw – imagine that, a raw foodie place in Key West, but they do have cooked and even non-veggie alternatives for people like me. Everything they make is from scratch without refined sugar or grains and with no unhealthy fats.

For lunch today I ate a yummy, wild caught salmon with a maple soy glaze served on a bed of leafy greens. It was so delicious I didn’t need the salad dressing. I brought home a lentil soup for supper.

The ‘farmer’s market’ has moved to Monday – and you can now buy everything in bulk from Help Yourself! every day – grains and nuts! Their raw nut prices beat the local health food store prices by half or better!

Owner Charlie (for Charlotte) Wilson said they may be expanding the market to Sundays. Last winter, the farmer’s market was held on Sundays when the Homestead Coop food is delivered. When the season ended, locals convinced Charlie to keep the market going, so she moved it to Monday when she gets her fresh food delivery. She may make it a two day market when season rolls around.

Help Yourself!
829 Fleming Street (corner of Margaret Street)
305.296.7766

Good Morning, Key West, So Glad To Be Home!

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:30:00 +0000

"What do you do all day?" a new friend asked me yesterday. "Aren't you bored?" Bored? With Key West, with life, with the glorious outdoors, the wonderful music, the street characters and wild life? Hardly. I shared a typical day with her.

I awaken to the sounds of Key West in the morning: the crows of the Gypsy Roosters. I am surprisingly pleased by cockadoodle doo of these colorful, feral fowl, feathers of ebony-teal and the orange of a tabby cat. Their noisy calls tell me it’s not to early to get up and brew a cup of Earl Grey.

While the Gypsy hens scratch I peck peck peck at the keyboard, indulging my addiction to SEO forums and maybe sketching an article to flesh out later.

Once it’s light, Karma (my new dog) and I head out for a walk, winding along shady lanes, white picket fences dripping with the shocking pink and purple of a thorny boungainvillea vine. Destination: perhaps dog beach, a narrow strip of sand and palm trees between Louie’s Backyard and the Coconut Beach Resort. (Waddell and Vernon Street.) Summer storms washed away much of the sand, revealing huge coral boulders, and significantly lowering the water level!

Eventually we find ourselves at the Coffee and Tea House on Duval at the corner of Louisa. I go for the espresso, the New York Times and the converaation. There is no wifi at Coffee & Tea and place attracts people who have something to say.

This morning, for example, I met Diane Nyad, a long distance swimmer in town preparing to (she hopes) swim the Florida Straits from Cuba to Key West. Nyad, who is 61 now, got back into long distance swimming when she turned 60. “I wanted to prove it is never too late,” she told me. Renowned as one of the greatest long distance swimmers in the 70s, she last attempted the swim between Cuba and the Southernmost City in 1978. After nearly 42 hours of high winds and seas, she threw in the towel. She’s ready to try again – has her visa and is in shape for the swim; now she just needs the wind to lay down and the water to stay at 82 degrees.

The middle of my day is spent back at the cottage, nose to the keyboard grind, writing and working on client sites … I do stop for an hour to do yoga – I recently joined an online yoga site and I am finally back in the habit of a daily practice. Nothing makes me happier.

At the end of the day I head to the beach at Fort Zach for an afternoon workout. I’m not going to give Diana Nyad any competition, but I am getting back into the swim of things, crawling from one end of the swim area to the next. Yesterday afternoon I went around 6, swam my course and then watched the sun go down. It’s quiet now, and I shared the beach with only a handful of other people.

That will change as the season unfolds and the tourists and snowbirds come down. And as the water cools, I am not sure how long I will keep to a daily swim. Here’s hoping the warm water lasts another month.

On the way home, I slide by The Green Parrot and listen to some blues ... hair still wet from the ocean, a sarong over my wet suit ... no one cares, this is laid back, you know anything goes Key West. Gee, it's great to be home.

Win A Dream Wedding In Key West

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Key West’s most popular upscale wedding planner, We've Got the Keys has teamed up the with the finest island wedding professionals to sponsor a free destination wedding weekend for one Lucky Bride & Groom and up to 50 guests! Enter today to win your free wedding in Key West.

Does an island wedding in the gardens of a historic, fairy tale castle home sound like your dream wedding? Here’s the line up of what you will win in this destination wedding contest!

Welcome To Key West! The Southernmost Scavenger Hunt will be your “welcome event!” Even those who have been to Key West before, will see Key West from a whole new perspective! Not only will the Hunt make your island wedding even more memorable, but it’s a perfect group event to bring everyone together before your big day.

For Your Rehearsal Event, set sail on the waters of Key West aboard the Fury Cat. This private two hour sunset sail for you and your guests includes beer, wine & Champagne!

Great Events Catering will provide a fabulous 4 hour wedding reception with a Caribbean theme cuisine featuring fresh local seafood.

The designers at Mama Flowers will lend their floral artistry designs to your wedding party, ceremony and reception.

Live Music from Mile Zero Entertainment for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

Photographer Alicia Earle Renner will capture every moment of your wedding day.

That’s not all – other free services for your free wedding of your dreams includes hair and nails, limousine service, and of course a cake!

Enter to today: http://wevegotthekeys.com/winawedding/win-dream-wedding-contest.html

Nancy's Secret Garden - Another Endangered Species

noreply@blogger.com (M.-J.) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:20:00 +0000

Before I entirely leave Key West for the Spring, I want to tell you about Nancy's Secret Garden. See it while you can and save it if you will! This incredible spot in Key West's Old Town is the last wooded acre on the island. It is how the buccaneers, pirates, wreckers and early settlers found it - lush, tropical and magical.

It's a little tough to find, at the end of a lane off Simonton that looks more like a driveway than a street - but if you don't look for it now, you may never find it. Key West's tropical, exotic botanical rainforest is in danger of being broken up. Author, artist and garden owner Nancy Forrester needs garden lovers to step in and donate money to pay off back taxes and the mortgage.

Visit the virtual garden for more information on how you can help save the garden.

I took the photos below just a few weeks ago. Bromeliads are a passion of mine. Did you know that they only bloom once? If you know the proper names of any of these, I would be grateful if you could let me know. I will add captions.

There are other plants -- and some very colorful and talkative residents, such as this gorgeous Macaw. These birds have a lot to say. Someone should teach them to say, "Save The Garden!" There is a Mana project set up to help raise funds.

This special spot also has a cottage rental - a studio with kitchen that is perfect for two people in a historic cottage. For travelers who are concerned about reducing their carbon footprint, your stay supports Nancy’s cause, the preservation of the last wooded acre of land in high density in “Old Town” Key West.

The spot is very popular for weddings. While many brides choose to get married on the beach, weddings in the lush tropical gardens of are also extremely popular for nuptials.

Cycads are another interest of mine, and this one (certozamia plumosa) has a most unusual twisted rachis at the tips of long, thin leaflets. Cycads have been around since the time of the Dinosaurs and have changed little in the last 100 million years! Often called 'living fossils' there are 70 living species.