Only in America...

Happy Memorial Day!  Allow me the honor of thanking the brave veteran's for all service yesterday, today and in the future.  Your bravery has allowed me the freedom to live the life I choose.  You have my respect and gratitude.  XO

4 Broken Hearts....

Saltwater Thrills magazine-here I come!  Check out the permit I landed while out on the high seas  with Captain Doug.  It was a thrilling fight that taxed my flabby biceps to the max.

Anyone who knows me, is familiar with my usual boat participation.  I am a very weak first mate to the captain and truly are just along for the ride.  The moment I get sunscreened, a towel under me, an icy drink in the cupholder and my nose in my book I hear,  'Can you get me a beer?  And a coozy.  Can you get up and watch for the pinfish trap?  Hand me the gaff.  Press the GPS twice, will ya?'  Grrrrrr....rrrr leave me to my relaxin'-I'm at a really good part of the story.

 I came to chill, eat some snacks and spot porpoises and turtles, get a tan and read.  But when we got into a mess of permit and I was the only one that hadn't landed one, (or even assisted in landing one) it was my turn to make the day a perfect permit 4 for 4.  This little beauty put up a gallant effort and ran on me four or five times.  With burning biceps, I finally landed her, posed for the pick and resumed my position.  I admit it was fun, but I do not consider me a passionate fisherwoman.

Now a stop at the Lorelie for happy (3) hours, or a sunset viewing or even a day the sandbar-I can totally be counted on for full participation.

Hey, ya can't be good at everything, right?  A girl's got to know her limitations!

Have a great week and cross your fingers that Michigan opens soon! xo

P.S. Thank you Captain Doug and First Mate Monica for all the amazing fishing and fun we had on your beautiful boat.  Luv u!

Riders on the Storm....

Talk about the ultimate 'Conch Cruiser'!  As a Freshwater Conch, I took the opportunity to try out a true conch ride.  The Keys are rife with vehicles of the very colorful variety that look like they couldn't make it over the first bridge.  Cars with no doors, 25 year old baby yellow Caddies loaded with colorful stickers,  hand done paint jobs, 'custom convertibles' and tricked out bikes of every variety.  Conchs are very proud of their creativity and originality as well as the practicality of sporting a vehicle that will be salt eaten in no time.  I love the lack of pretentiousness! 

And speaking of rides.....Randy's big white truck has piloted Hazel and I to North Carolina where we will be crashing at our friends till Thursday before finally make our way home.  I am excited as usual to get back to a 'normal' routine-whatever that is these days.

Talk to you next week from MICHIGAN-where I hope four wheel drive will not be necessary!  XO

Six Feet Apart...

Anyone else feelin' a little crabby? 

Last week for the first time in 7 weeks, I masked up and went to Walgreens.  Randy has made all the Publix runs keeping my asthma afflicted lungs safe while supplying me enough Pinot to weather this nuttiness!   I was out of extra strength pit juice and deodorant is very essential in 90 degree temps- even if you are 6 feet away from me.   You would not believe (as I didn't!) my crazy reaction to be able to 'shop!'

Total sensory overload with a side of mania.  ALL the 'overs' flooded my system and woke up the dormant shopper in me.  I MUST PURCHASE THINGS!!!  Easter candy still left and at 70% off?  I'm in and I don't even like those bird egg things.  Wow, shark hand puppets.  I tried it on and did the Jaw's theme for a bit, causing a few knit eyebrows over their masks.  'Get out of my aisle you big old fun sponge'!  Hey, Walgreen clothes are kinda cute!  I should have purchased that floral muu muu.  With a belt, a hem job and a deeper cut neckline, it could have been a look.  If there would have been a matching turban, I would have been all in for a little Mrs. Roper quarantine style!  Mercy me, Cheetos now makes popcorn?  Another perfect accessory for my muu muu-and the loud print will even hide my cheese dust! 

I finally made my way to the checkout counter where a very blase' cashier rang up my purchases.  She thanked me and told me to stay safe.  Safe from myself?  I was a total menace as I reveled in the feeling of normalcy-well, sort of normal.  But these are not normal times and desperate measures were called for! 

Later at home while 'whining' and eating crab claws, I once again reflected on how blessed I am to be healthy.  I hope you all are finding something to giggle about-it helps to ease the stress.  See you next week in Michigan.  Hopefully NOT 6 feet apart!  XOXO
P.S.  Thank you Luis for the crab claw hook up.  They were ahhhhhhmazing! xo
P.P.S.S.  I'm going back to Walgreens for that muu muu........

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.....