American Badass...

 

On Friday, Randy pulled into work and was shocked to see a giant sign that read ‘American Badass Since 1962!’  Rut roh…

 Well, you don’t turn 60 every day!

Party planners and employees extraordinare, Dayna and Samantha, pulled out all the stops to honor the 'old dude!'  At lunch, the staff donned their Kid Rock finery and further surprised him with a redneck BBQ, cheap beer and a luscious cake.  The highlight of the party was a video slideshow titled '60 Reasons Why We Love Randy.'  Pictures of employees, friends and family with personal quotes had him totally overwhelmed.  It was an amazing, creative and very thoughtful party and Randy was (and is!) completely honored!  Thanks to all of our wonderful staff for their support, enthusiasm and love.  You are all the BEST and we appreciate all you do.

As an avowed cradle robber, I have been dying for him to join in my decade.  And he's finally arrived!

Happy Birthday, Randy and hang on for another beautiful lap around the sun!  XOXO

Changes in Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes…

 On our way home feeling grateful and blessed to have enjoyed our Keys getaway.  We entertained 16 guests and hosted 5+ dinner parties.  Hours were logged on the high seas on the Sex Sea Bitch exploring new waters.  Many fish and lobster were caught and eaten.  We celebrated Captain Luis’s big 5-Oh!  On a windy stretch of days we repainted the entire first floor giving the condo a much needed glow up.  Had a ball at the Sandbar-more than a few times!  Our traditional St. Paddy’s day was epic and ended with a sunset viewing.  

But back to reality, as I look forward to seeing family and friends.  Time for a bit more structure in my days.  I realize my fortune in living in places that I love so much and I take none of this happiness for granted.  

‘If it suddenly ended tomorrow, I could somehow adjust to the fall.

Good times and riches and son of a bitches,

I’ve seen more than I recall.’         

Jimmy Buffett

Mother…

 May 01, is my new Mother’s Day.  Profound sadness and grief are part of my everyday, but on today, I am reminded that I am not alone.  I have or need no other words-tears, memories, and heartache are enough and a very personal process for me.  

A favorite line of mine infers that grief is the price of love, but love is priceless and all the money in the world can’t change, or buy the very thing we need the most.

Love to all Mom’s and their angels. 💕

Bohemian Rhapsody …

After weeks of hosting ‘repeat guests,’. Randy and I had the pleasure of spending a week with our nephew Justin and Trish.  Trish was a Keys virgin and with 13 pairs of shoes and twice as many outfits-(for one week!) she was ready for anything!

What an absolute delight it was to experience our precious Keys thru fresh eyes.  Lest we ever forget the amazing water colors while driving over the bridges.  Shades of aqua, cobalt, and turquoise are absolutely stunning.  The seafood doesn’t get any fresher while Trish gamely tried all delights, usually with an exotic, tropical cocktail.  Later on the boat,  she squealed in delight as she spotted-and later petted a manatee, as well as sharks and various fish.  She landed enough snapper for our dinner. We experienced the zaniness of Key West where she was able to dance and sing back up for a beautiful drag Queen.  Mama Mia, mama Mia!  I’m not sure who had more fun-the Queen or Justin’s Princess!  

 

The week flew by and I don’t think they missed a trick.  It was our pleasure having them and I hope they come back down-either with or without us.  

Thanks to Justin and Trish for spending time with us oldies, while making us feel even more grateful for our blessings.  

We love you both.  XOXO

Were You There?…

 Happy Easter everybody.  Easter season is always a time of deep reflection for me.  Holy Week and all it represents fills me with hope as well as floods me with memories.  Going to my Grandparents in Detroit and watching with awe as they and my Mom, reverently observed the holy rituals.  Easter dresses and patent leather shoes that could hopefully be worn without a winter jacket and mittens.  Chocolate bunnies, sidewalk chalk and ham dinners. Trying to understand the mystery and true meaning of Easter.

As an adult, my celebration is different, but my feelings are the same.  I am renewed by the very love and sacrifice by our Savior and filled by a strength and hope to ‘do better.’  As an avowed cloud dreamer, I prayed and meditated while searching the formations of a cobalt sky filled with white cottony clouds.  I saw a cross, a lamb, praying hands as well as Angel wings and a heart.  I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, connection and blessings that was soothing to my soul.

I hope your day was filled with joy. (And maybe tomorrow I’ll grab up some pastel M&M’s at 75% off! 

Ocean Eyes…

When the Islamorada sandbar calls, you grab some pals, pack up 

and head out to where the aqua water is 80+ degrees and the party is bangin’!  Bridal shower chickies, doggo’s of all breeds, plus many ‘boat dancers’ bring this event to life.  Flags are flying and stereos blasting and if you get hungry there’s the Pincho Barge serving burgers and wings.  

Can’t think of a better way to spend the day-it’s the sandbar for me!

Heat Waves…

He has joined us here for over 20 years.  Upon his recent retirement, his time here has been able to stretch.  My brother loves the Keys life as much as we do.  He soaks up the sun like the native iguanas and crocodiles.  He’s up for any adventure-on land or sea and is an excellent fisherman.  He can party like a pirate and has been known to enjoy a few rum cocktails.  He is stellar at garbage hauling and icing down the boat any other task that helps him ‘earn his keep.’

It’s been a blast and I will miss his help with all tasks and will now have to chop onions and do ‘boat things’ myself.  Safe travels today back to Michigan.  And till next year, remember ‘Life is good-Keys life is better!’  🐠☀️😎🧜🏻‍♀️