God, Family, Country...

Happy Birthday to my younger sister, Lisa!

 In a conversation this morning, I remarked how very unlucky it was to have a birthday fall on a Monday AND in quarantine-it doesn't get much worse than that!

However, I'll tell you what IS lucky.... Me.  I'm lucky.  Lucky to have a sister that is also a friend.  I can call her anytime for anything-and she is there.  Always a supportive sister, friend and also the best Aunt Dane could ever have.  Her and I also travel very well together, having lots of laughs and adventures.  While riding camels in the desert or sharing a dessert, we are the ones having the most fun.   An expert chef and horticulturist, Lisa is currently growing me some cool plants for the beach house.  She loves to make fun of my driving (in)ability as well as other dumb things I do.  But it's okay, cuz it comes from a place of love.

Hope your day turns out to be a special one-you deserve it.  Looking forward to more good times.
We love you, Girl!   XOXO

Sunday Drive...

 

Quads are sexxy and I don't mean that area on the front of my legs!  On Sunday I was one lucky girl that had the pleasure of crewing on a boat that was on a sailfish hunt.  We saw two sea turtles mating, and then separating when they saw us.  A case of 'tortoise interruptus' on the high seas!  After spotting two sails, we hooked the third and landed the beauty.  After pics and admiration, we safely released the fish.  We also were treated to a pod of dolphins next to the boat and then playing in the prop wash.  Ahhhhhhhmazing!

Kicking in the four big boys, we zoomed to the sandbar where the regular  Sandbar Sunday festivities (with some distancing!) was carrying on as usual.  With water temps hovering around 85 degrees, swimming felt like bathing!  Shortly the gorgeous Keys sunset filled the sky with pastel beauty.

What a special day and it does not escape me how very fortunate I am to be here.  With the world experiencing this horrible crisis, it's nice to hold onto the things that are the same.  Sun, water, nature and sunsets.

I hope you can find pleasure and beauty and hang in there until 'normalcy' returns.  Prays and hope for all that are not as lucky as myself.  Stay safe and sane.  XO

Drink a Beer....

Kwaranteen Kwizz!

WHAT DO YOU DO TO ESCAPE THE NEGATIVITY?  Well, I am fortunate enough to be able to boat and fish and enjoy a beer while watching a seaside sunset.  (say that three times, fast!)

READ ANY GOOD BOOKS LATELY?  Averaging one every three days.  My Dark Vanessa was fascinating.

NEWS SOURCE? Tucker Carlson-of course.  I live in the logical world.

GUILTY PLEASURE?  Cat videos and I'm not the least bit guilty. (Shannon, did you see the one where the kitty.....blah, blah blah.....

IRREGULAR BEHAVIOR?  Watching Netflix with popcorn and wine at three in the afternoon!

NETFLIX SERIES?  Discovered what binge watching is with season 3 of Ozark.

BEST QUARANTINE MEMORY?  Landing a permit.  It's a fish-pic to follow soon!

BIGGEST HASSLE?  Cooking.  Why does he (Randy) always have to eat?!

WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST?  Dining out! See above question!

BIGGEST MENTAL DRAIN?  The lack of freedom and spontaneity.

DREAM QUARANTINE PARTNER(s)?  The Rock with a side of Jason Mamoa!  Hopefully they will not notice my 'quarantine beauty'-roots, uni-brow, 10 extra pounds, ratched pedicure.....

That's it.  BUT with all due respect to those that are truly suffering, dying, scared and lonely-I am truly sorry and hope this is behind us soon.  The seriousness of the  situation does not escape me and I do not wish to offend anyone. I bow to health care workers, doctors, nurses and all essential workers.  I realize that I am currently beyond privileged in my confinement.

 But you have to laugh a little, right?  These are some pretty surreal times and the Rock and Jason may be here any minute.  Hey, a girl can dream.....

Return to Zero...

In an effort to counteract my quarantine cravings, I decided to run to the post office, a mere mile away.  I'm not a very proficient runner but it seriously feels like the score is CARBS 10, JODI 0!   You may picture me striding gazelle-like, with the ocean on my left and the Keys breeze in my hair.  Graceful and athletic, ponytail bouncing, gliding effortlessly while the carbs (wines a carb, right?) just fall away.  Bemused smile on my face as I match the musical beat in my airpods, smugly wondering what all the unmotivated are doing today..

Let me tell you how it REALLY was.  Picture the Little Engine that Could.  I think I can, I think I can.  I plod along with no real technique under the blazing 87 degree sun without a hint of a breeze.  My sea hag hair, sweaty and stringy is falling out of it's ponytail and my face is the color of a strawberry.  I'm panting like a dog and possibly smell similarly.  I finally build up a head of steam (approx. 2 mph!) and even cheerily wave at some passing cars.  Look at me-I'm an athlete!  Suddenly, I find myself on the concrete, flat on my belly.  I totally bit it and my knees are bleeding.  I hop? up quickly and try to play it off as, say, a random coconut causing me to trip.  My chin hurts and both of my palms are bleeding like some weird Lenten stigmata.  I decide to walk the rest of the way.  Like a gazelle taken down by a zebra, I limp home to lick my wounds. 

Final score: RUNNING 0,  WINE 10!

Stay safe my friends. XOXO

Believe It...

Happy Birthday to my brother celebrating like the rockstar that his is recently at the Sandbar-while grabbing some action before social distancing!  60 looks fabulous on you, Bro!

I am proud to be able to share that the R.S. Dale Company is supplying an automotive plant in Indiana with parts to build ventilators.  The plant is retooling and should be in operation by Friday.  In this time where the feelings of utter helplessness prevail, this is an amazing thing.  Kudo's to all of our employees responsible in making this reality.  Your contribution to relieving the pandemic and saving lives is something to be proud of.  We love you all.

Stay safe, eat your vegetables and remain positive.  These practices will help to keep your immune system strong.  Better days are coming.   Love to all. XOXO

P.S. a close friend that has struggled with Lyme disease for years recently remarked that she prays she doesn't get Corona with Lyme!  Love you, Sharon! xo

Still Flexin, Still Steppin...

Two crazy lassies,
 looking for some fun;
threw on their kilts and
 vowed to git 'er done.

Key West was on lockdown,
so what could they do?
Head up the Florida Boy,
for a green beer-or two.

There were revelers and pirates,
and doggies galore.
Irish music and shenanigans-
who could even want more?

We drank Irish Car Bombs
and played party games.
But we dropped the 'hot cabbage',
We were so lame-no shame!

The fun is over (for now!)
and we are sticking close to home.
I thank you all for reading
my corny St. Paddy's poem!

Stay safe and well and optimistic my friends-this too shall pass.  XO

Galway Girl...

Happy Saint Paddy's Day!  Galpal Shannon and I enjoyed the usual Sandbar Sunday 'Shannonigan's!' and are gearing up this morning for our annual SPD frolick. The final game plan is yet to be determined, but will definitely include reubens and kilts!

The state of the world, our hometown, our business, and local concerns have cast a pall over all activities as we are not oblivious to the dangers and risks of the pandemic.  Randy has been feverishly on the phone and computer handling business and employee issues.  It is totally uncharted territory but we are doing what we can.  Otherwise, here in the Keys, it's pretty much business as usual.  The bright sunny days and crystal turquoise waters do a great job of distorting reality.

Which is where I tend to live.  Anyone who knows me that my reality is firmly embedded in a sparkly bubble filled with kitties, puppies, books, and dreams of Dane.  I care-I really do, but I learned awhile ago to not worry about things I cannot change.

So, I'll pray, stay in contact with my family and friends, and wash my hands.  It's really all I can do.  That and handle the hard decisions like bikini or one piece?  SPF number?  Vodka or wine?

Stay healthy my friends.  Peace and white light.   XOXO