Days in Paradise

Time flies by when you are having so much fun. I can't believe that our month here is almost over. We have been exploring both north and south of Marathon. Hwy 1 is a beautiful drive with so many bridges and gorgeous water. Here I am on a part of the old bridge built by Flagler for his railroad and later made into a highway from the mainland to Key West.


Cocoa Plum Beach--dogs okay here off the leash---Tex had so much fun with the other dogs.

I collected shells and walked the beach.

While in Big Pine Key Saturday, we saw some endangered Key deer and this iguana crossed the road in front of us and climbed this fence to get into someone's pool. Glad we don't have these at home!!

Lazy days by the pool, happy hours at some of the local bars with local musicians playing tropical music, going to the beach, water aerobics, Fred going on fishing trips, playing Bingo, watching sunsets by the marina-----this is what retirement is all about!!!

The Farewell Party

Two weeks went by so fast. All the ones from up north are heading home. We enjoyed the last day at the beachhouse by the pool and then went to dinner at Sparky's Landing. Had great drinks, food, and a great band.



Tex enjoys his last day at the beach house.

St. Patrick's Day

This holiday is a big event in The Keys. Everyone dresses up, hits the bars, and drinks lots of green beer with corned beef and cabbage.
Most of the group went fishing in the AM and then we all had beer at Rum Bums, the marina bar. Fred and I stayed for a late lunch and to listen to the bands.

Tex loves this bar as he is allowed to stay--he really enjoyed his cheeseburger bites. Notice the decorated people in the background. One man even had his beard and hair green!

For dinner, we all met up at Sparky's Landing on another marina. We enjoyed green beer before dinner and Megan and Brandon had jello shots.

The whole gang--Brandon, Megan, Lisa, Janice, Fred with Sam standing in the back.

33rd Annual Marathon Seafood Festival

Fred and I went to the festival today especially to see Mile Marker 24 Band, a local tropical rock and roll band who play in Key West. They really had great songs.


Before they sing, "Blame It On the Margaritas", they make margaritas in their own special machine.

They even served them in tiny cups.

The festival is all about seafood, pirates, and music. The pirates shot a cannon and toasted at sunset.

End of the first week

Farewell dinner for John and Laura at Annette's. Had the fish that Brad and Fred caught prepared three ways---Horseradish Encrusted, Macadamia Nut Encrusted, and Fried with salad bar and baked potatoes. Delicious!!

Back: Sam, Fred, Laura, John Front: Brad, Janice, Lisa,

My brother Sam

Sam and I always enjoy getting together.

THEN Indianapolis 1992


NOW Marathon 2009

Gosh, we still look good 17 years later!!!

Deep Sea Fishing with Native Sun

Fred and Brad went fishing today. Brad caught this grouper. It is everyone's favorite to eat.


Brad caught this 42 lb dolphin fish (mahi mahi). Fred caught one that weighed 21 lbs. They both got them at the same time and fought for about 20 minutes to get them in the boat.



Some of the catch--mahi mahi, yellowtail snapper, and some blue runners.

Friday night---fresh fish at Annette's. Wish you all could join us.

Waiting on the Fishermen

John, Sam, and I went to the marina a little early to hang out at the bar while we waited on the fishermen (Brad and Fred).


Beautiful view of the boats and lots of birds. It is a dog friendly bar--they even brought Tex a bowl of ice water.

Tex loves his Uncle Sam.

Another day in Paradise!!!

My aerobics class, the Water Lilies--we joke about putting on a show for the park! I am the one in the front with the lime green noodle. (you can only see my back)


A great shot I took while Fred was cleaning fish and throwing remains to the pelicans.

Today, Fred, Sam, John, and Laura went fishing with Captain Pete on the Native Sun. They caught 31 yellowtail snapper--a great day of fishing!! We are taking it to Castaway's tonight to have it cooked. I can't wait for that blackened snapper--it is the best. We are really getting into this "snowbird" lifestyle here. I don't think a month is going to be enough.

Tex's Day at the Beach House

Tex's favorite thing is fishing with Fred on the pier and barking at the pelicans while the fish are being cleaned.

Then he takes a swim in the pool.

Next he dries off in the sun--what a lucky, spoiled dog he is!

Later, he digs in the sand on the beach.

What a tired pup at the end of the day--he gobbles his food and goes straight to bed.

John and Laura Kayak

John and Laura are the first to use the kayaks this year to paddle the canal. It takes several to get it all organized and get them in the water.


Off they go with Sam's push.

What fun they are having!!

Sam forgot his beer--wouldn't this make a good ad for Miller Lite--just like those Corona ads. (Yes, this year they have BIG beer cans.)

Advertisement for Sunshine Key RV Resort

We are staying at this place in The Keys for a month. This is our 6th trip to The Keys and the 4th time to stay here. Here is a view from the bridge by our park.


At the pool--new furniture and new tiki umbrellas. I am taking water aerobics here in the AM.

The marina

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