A Lazy Week in the Keys

This week has been a relaxing vacation week. I have spent most days at the pool and reading. Fred has been fishing almost everyday with his friend Bill. We did take one day to go to Islamorada to watch a wake board and kite surfing competition and to eat at Islamorada Fish Company. The huge lobster was on the way.



Fred caught this large grouper today. Had to release it because grouper is not in season until May.


We stopped at a marina in Islamorada and what a boat this is!!! Lots of laughs, I am sure, when this goes out in the water.


Groupies at the wake board competition. Even though this was held at Jimmy Johnson's favorite hangout---Whale Harbor---we did not see him. (And I was really looking!!!) We did drive through his neighborhood but didn't know which house was actually his. Beautiful area!!!

Sunset Pool Party

Sunday, we went to the sunset party at the newest restaurant in Marathon--the Sunset Grille and Raw Bar--(right at the end of 7 Mile Bridge) It is so unique in that it has a pool so you can spend the afternoon and swim while you are there. They have a sand bag throwing area over to the side and views overlooking the bridge and boat traffic. On Sunday, they grill out by the pool.
We got some margaritas and sat outside people watching. Lots of dancing and throwing people in the pool.


Great party---I hope to go again.


I needed my suit on.


This is a view of 7 mile bridge--our park is on the other side at the foot of the bridge. Guess how many times we have made this trek across the water in the two weeks we have been here??? (sometimes we make it back and forth 2-3 times a day)

Scenes from Paradise

Just walking Tex and everywhere I look I see blue water and people taking it easy. How great is retirement!!!!



Sam spent an extra few days here with us before heading back to Chicago. We enjoyed the pool--it is so much warmer now.


Out for happy hour with Sam on his last night here.


Sunset last night from our park.

Farewell Pictures

On the beach

Front row: Megan, Tex, and Janice
Back row: Fred, Sam, Brad, Lisa, and Brandon



By the pool


Lisa, Brad, Sam, and Fred


Fred and Janice on the pier.


Early tomorrow Brandon and Megan are off to Indiana. Lisa and Brad are off to Tampa to visit relatives. Sam is moving in with us at Sunshine Key.

What a Perfect Day at the Pool

Today was the most beautiful weather that we have had---blue skies, clear ocean water, little wind, lots of sunshine!!! We all enjoyed the pool and lots of drinks. This was also the last day for the whole group to be together.
Brandon getting his tan before he goes home to the cold.


Some enjoyed the pool--the water was so heavenly.


We watched the boats come in from the ocean.


Some enjoyed the shade of the umbrella.

What a great day to share with friends.

Big Fish Dinner at Annette's

Brad and Fred went sail fishing on Tuesday. No sails but they finished the day on the reef fishing. They caught yellowtail snapper so Thursday night we took it to Annette's. (our favorite place for fish)

Table 60 with Laurie serving us again. She always fixes us up. The lower dish is the horseradish encrusted in herb seasoning Very delicious!!!

The one in the back is the fried and macadamia nut encrusted. (that is 2 different kinds) We all had salad bar and loaded baked potatoes. Can you imagine how stuffed we were? We were groaning---this was at least 7 lbs of fish. Brandon carried the leftovers home for fish sandwiches the next day.

Party Time

Everyone at the bars really dress for the holiday.





This guy weaves objects for sale each year at the bar. The iguanas were new this year.


These late night partiers are going to hang at Sparky's after the rest of leave.
Megan, Lisa, Brandon, and Sam

St Patrick's Day

Tonight we went to Sparky's to celebrate St Patrick's. We all dressed in our green shirts and beads.

Brandon and Megan


Sam and Janice


Brad and Lisa


All of us---Brad, Lisa, Brandon, Megan, Fred, Janice, and Sam

Brad's Billfold

Every year, Brad's billfold is a topic of conversation. Tonight, we asked him some questions about it. He has had it 30+ years--longer than he has had his wife. His whole life is in that billfold--kind of like a woman's purse. He has loads of money, business cards, and credit cards and maybe some other things. It is held together by several heavy-duty rubber bands. (And I mean really heavy-duty!!!) He says that it is just too hard to break in a new one.



This metal rod is the hinge of the billfold.


Notice how it all operates---rubber bands off and then get what you need---then rubber bands back on to secure it all.


It has been cooler this week. Fred went fishing and Tex was lost. He paced around until he was soo tired. He found a perfect place for a nap---in the sun on top of the spa cover---so warm and comfy!!!

Shrimp Boil Night

Every year, we have a shrimp boil. I bought some new Cajun spice in Biloxi that turned out great---shrimp and corn were so good. Lisa made a potato dish with onions and freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a big green salad with fresh tomatoes from the flea market. We really pigged out.


Megan enjoys hers.


Brandon and Sam are seriously busy peeling. Fred is unique---he peels all of his before he ever eats a single one. He has a plate full of cleaned shrimp and another plate of his peelings. Then he eats his meal.


More low clouds made for a better sunset Sunday night.

Sushi and Dinner at Castaway's

Megan, John, and Sam enjoyed sushi Sunday night. (salmon rolls, tuna rolls, and California rolls)



John and Lisa

Sammy is practicing for retirement on this vacation. Naps in the afternoon!!! He bought 2 pairs of Reef flipflops this year--a casual and a dress pair. He will need more since he will be wearing them everyday.


The whole bunch---Janice, Brad, Sam, John, Lisa, Brandon, and Megan.