CHANGE, NOT FOND OF IT

For the past year, at least, I have been complaining about my phone and needing a newer model. I know my friends were tired of hearing my complaints.

Four years ago, I moved to Verizon and with this new service, I got a free iPhone 4s. I know... it was free because it was already outdated. But, I was happy with it because it did everything I needed it to do. Time went on, newer, bigger data eating phones and apps came out. One by one, my apps quit working because I needed to update the app... but my phone's operating system could not support the newer version. I couldn't update the operating system because I did not have enough memory. Month by month my phone became a little dumber. Now, she is utterly stupid!

When Messenger quit working, that was the last straw. I went to Verizon and talked to the guys there. (Yes, they laughed at my phone too.) In order to have a newer phone, I have to get a better plan, one with more data because the newer phones have to have it. My concern has always been the monthly charge. A bigger bill every month is not in my budget. Good news is, I got an iPhone 6 and an upgraded plan for the same amount each month. Don't laugh... a 6 is better than a 4!

I admit that 4 years of service from a phone is unheard of for most people. I like to think of myself as thrifty, and I don't like change.

Well, I just picked up my new iPhone 6s. They had to order one, and did make a little joke about it was probably waaaaay back in the warehouse, covered in dust. Hopefully this 6s is a lot smarter than his stupid little brother, my 4s.

PADDLING ROUTE 8

Well, that was a workout!!  

This route is called Five-Mile Creek. You paddle about .6 nautical mile in open water to the main entrance to the creek. The Paddling Guide stated that the currents can get strong at full moons. He was not joking! We were going in on a flood tide and the wind behind us. It was great, very relaxing, with very little paddling, just basically keeping the nose pointed in the right direction. 

And then we turned around to start back. HOLY CRAP! It was hard work and very slow going. Sheri and I had to stop a couple times to rest and catch our breath. Sheri's boyfriend went with us this time, and he stayed at the entrance and fished while we paddled on. 

As we were coming back to the entrance, I heard yelling... like happy yelling. I looked up and saw two skydivers. The Sugarloaf airport is just a quarter mile from the entrance. The wind was whipping them around pretty good. Looked a little scary to me. That is an adventure I don't think I could do. I have a problem with heights. However, when I did the Zipline in Costa Rica, I thought that was fun.

Route #8, check. 
This is one route that is best done with little wind and at slack tide. 

HALLOWEEN 2018

When I moved into this neighborhood, I was told of the Halloween tradition. The streets are blocked off and hundreds of children flock to our streets. Yes, I said hundreds. Residents will set a table in front of their decorated home with candy and treats.

Kids and adults both crowded the streets in full costume. It is a huge events.

FANTASY FEST 2018

For those of you who do not know what Fantasy Fest is, here is a history lesson:

"Fantasy Fest is an annual 10-day party in paradise for grown-ups. Started in 1979 by a small group of Key West locals, the party was created to bring visitors to the island in what was a typically quiet, but beautiful season. It worked. Fantasy Fest has grown every year since its inception and is now the wildest extravaganza around! Fun-loving revelers from around the globe bring their creativity and imaginations as they descend upon Key West each year in October for 10 days filled with costuming, parades, libations, and excitement! " (https://www.fantasyfest.com/)

It was estimated that roughly 60,000 visitors gathered Saturday night for the flamboyant parade. I believe it!

Fantasy Fest is different for everybody. For me, I don't really want to see painted... or unpainted, boobs walking down the street. And truthfully, I don't understand why a woman would want everyone staring and taking pictures of her naked body... in public... by strangers. But, to each his own. 

We had some really cool floats this year. The theme was "OH...THE GAMES WE PLAY". The floats were very good this year. My favorite was the big dragon above the Ice Wall, complete with skeletons climbing the wall. Game of Thrones theme. And the makeup was awesome. I have never had luck with pictures coming out, so I didn't even try this year.

Photo credit to @mrossi3672

Pic: Carol Tedesco

I'm ready for our little island to go back to normal. Oh, wait... it's almost "SEASON", which means the Snowbirds flock to our islands to winter in our warm climate. (sigh) That's what happens when you live in a place called PARADISE!

ROUTE #12

The wind forcaster lied! 10 mph... Pfft, I saw whitecaps! And there was foam on the ramp.

The plan was to leave the boat ramp on Blimp road and head NW hugging the shoreline. The Paddling Guide said to make a left after the last WARNING sign. Well, I think the landscape has changed slightly between the time this book was written and now.... and I think Irma could have helped with sign removal too. I knew that the map in the book, and Google had discrepancies. So, I thought I would be smart and make a rough map from Google, and trace the route on it. HAHAHAHAHA. It was a good plan, but things look so much differently when you are actually THERE on the water. Sheri and I decided to just go where we wanted to.

We had to stop and take a water break.

The road leading to the boat ramp is called Blimp Road, because that is where FAT ALBERT lives. The blimp, known as FAT ALBERT, is a Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) in military parlance, is part of an Air Force program. Albert keeps an eagle eye on air and sea traffic from the Caribbean Sea to Tampa Bay.

Fat Albert in the background.

If the wind gets too strong, they bring him down. That should have been our first clue that the wind was stronger than forecasted. But, we wandered around the mangroves for awhile. Didn't see many fish. Scared up a couple stingrays, and saw one small nurse shark. 

A few years ago I had picked out a handheld GPS that I was going to buy. Life got in the way and I did not get it. Until today, I didn't think I really needed one. But again, I will start shopping for something so  I can chart routes. 

PADDLING NEW ROUTES

A friend recommended this paddling guide. There is a list of launch sites and routes. Each route gives you details, such as the length of the route and what you might see.

My goal is to paddle every route. This weekend, my friend Sheri and I paddled ROUTE #14. The water was like glass and it was a very easy and relaxing 3 mile paddle. The hardest part of this route was the launch. I'm not as agile as I once was, so boarding the kayak is not graceful. I knew the day would come when I turned over my kayak, and this was that day. 

This route is in very shallow water, and we did not expect to see all the fish that we did. We scared many nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, stingrays, a few barracuda and saw a couple tarpon in the deeper section of the route. 

This guy never moved, just posed for his picture, and let Sheri pass right next to him.

It was a beautiful morning. Route #14... check.

HURRICANE LESLIE....

or is it just a Tropical Storm now? Nope, she decided to ramp up the winds again.

Leslie can't decide about anything. Which way to go? I think I might just make a U-turn.  She is wandering aimlessly in the Atlantic, no particular direction.

This is Leslie's past track... she seems to just be wandering.

I have had several people remind me that "Leslie" is in the Atlantic. I feel that Storm and I have more in common than just the name. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. Leslie is staying out on the water and not causing anyone harm, just staying to herself.

We missed Michael, but now we are going to watch Nadine. They are saying that she is poorly organized and starting to weaken. Stay tuned.

HURRICANE MICHAEL

Michael... a name that used to make me cringe... but that's a different story. Today, I will update everyone on the weather situation here in Key West, Florida. 

Hurricane Michael is well to the west of us, but we are seeing the effects at the fringe of the storm. Wind, rain, and an angry sea. A little flooding here and there, but that's nothing new to Key West, and it drains off quickly.

There is, however a storm in the Atlantic, Leslie. Looks like she might go toward Spain.... I want to go to Spain!

LAKE MCKILLIP

  

At the end of my block, there is a small salt pond connected to the Salt Run Channel. Occasionally, I will haul the kayak down and paddle the channel if it is too windy for open water. This summer, the pond was properly named. It was named after the man living across the street. For 60 years he kept the area clean and launched the skiffs that he and his son built over the years.

This week a sign was posted. I then noticed pipe a few feet from the edge of the lake... almost in a straight line. This morning I walked down to get a closer look, and saw a notice posted on the pole. About four months ago I heard a rumor that a gazebo type structure was to be built on the lake, and I thought the city was building it. It seems, by the notice, that someone didn't get a permit. Oops, someone messed up!

Pistol Pete

If you follow college football, Pistol Pete is a familiar name. But, do you know the whole story?

Pistol Pete is the mascot for Oklahoma State University.  Pistol Pete is more than a legend, he was a living breathing man and served as the inspiration for the mascot for Oklahoma State University. And, he is a relative of mine. 

Pistol Pete was born Frank Eaton, Jr in 1860, and at the age of 8, he watched six men gun his father down. He vowed to avenge his father's death, and hunt down the six men that killed him.

With the help of his father's friend and neighbor, and daily practice, Frank learned to shoot fast and straight. Colonel Copinger at Fort Gibson gave him the nickname Pistol Pete. At the age of fifteen he outshot everyone at the fort.

 In his last years, Pistol Pete could draw his forty-five Colt as fast as he did in the days of his youth when he earned the eleven notches on his gun - five for the murderers of his father and six in the line of duty as U. S. Marshal for Judge Parker, the "hanging judge." At the time of his death, he still carried his gun loaded because, as he said, "I'd rather have a pocket full of rocks than an empty gun."

Pistol Pete was adopted by a man named Jasper Exendine when he was about seventeen. Jasper is a cousin to my Great-grandfather on my father's side. Ok, we are not blood kin, but legally we are. Pistol Pete wrote a book of his adventures, and it is so interesting to see how he lived in the Old West.

Pistol Pete at about age 26.

Pistol Pete, 1948 on his horse, Black Dog.

Frank (Pistol Pete) Eaton, died at the age of 98. At the time of his death, he earned his living as a blacksmith and deputy sheriff.

ISAAC

Since I have lived near the coast, I have endured two hurricanes; Ike (2008) and Irma (2017). I now see that there is a storm named Isaac in the Atlantic. 

The prediction for Isaac is that it will continue it's westward track. My concern is that Isaac reaches the Yucatan Peninsula and turns northeast, and heads for Key West, FL. That is exactly what Hurricane Wilma did in 2005.

I am seeing a pattern here.... the two hurricanes I have met both started with the letter "I". And now Isaac is out there. Hummm....

ONE YEAR AGO

It was one year ago today that Hurricane Irma devastated The Keys. We are still cleaning and fixing up in some areas.

Gordon was our first named storm of this season. However, he was east of Key West and we didn't get a drop. A breeze is all he sent us.

Florence is looking like it will miss Florida, but hit the Carolinas. 

There are two more storms in the Atlantic that have gained strength and became hurricanes... Isaac and Helene. We will keep an eye on them.

I can remember back when a hurricane was the furthest thing from my mind. That was something that other people experienced. In the past ten years, I've lived through two. I would prefer to not make it "three".

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN....

HURRICANE SEASON 2018

Looks like Florence is up and running in the Atlantic. Too far away to know where she's heading or if she turns into anything, but we will be watching. It's almost been a year since Irma, and still fresh in our minds. Some people have not finished fixing their home from Irma damage.

My hurricane plans are the same as last year. My "hurricane buddy" and I will ride it out the same as last time. That was a good plan, so why change. I live in a different place this season, but it did well through Irma, so I'm not concerned. 

This weekend I will stock up on batteries, drinking water, canned foods.... and rum. All the essentials for weathering out a storm. Check back often and we will navigate the hurricane season together.

LEFT EAR vs. RIGHT EAR

I wear a radio with an earpiece at my work. I answer the phone and sometimes I just can't understand the caller. I have blamed the phone (because it does have a buzz, or sometimes I hear myself about a 1/2 second after I speak), but I wondered if maybe my hearing is the problem. So, today I thought I would move the earpiece from my right ear to my left ear, so I can use my right ear for the phone.

The next time someone spoke on the radio, it was the strangest thing. It sounded the same... but different. That got me to wondering if both ears hear the same. I did what I always do, go to Google. Here is what I learned:

The left hemisphere of the brain dominates over the right in processing different sounds. Specifically, the left hemisphere dominates in processing rapidly changing sounds such as in speech, and the right hemisphere dominates in processing prolonged tones such as in music.

I just couldn't get used to the change, so I went back to my earpiece in the right ear. But, I learned something today! 

SMALL POND

KEY WEST.... vacation destination... paradise. However, if you are a single white female local... it's a small pond, with not many desirable single white males. Years ago, a close friend told me, "the only good ones are either married or gay". I think she was right.

As some of you know, I am one of those single white females. And I admit, that I have succumbed to the allure of the dating sites. Their promise of finding me my perfect match and soulmate, have failed me in Key West, FL. I have met a handful of guys. After a first glance, I have wanted to turn tail and run... but they saw me first, so I felt I couldn't. 

There was "no teeth" guy, "crazy hair" guy, "very large nose" guy, "passing through town" guy, "ex-wife obsession" guy, and finally... the supposedly straight guy that knew intimate details about past and present Key West events about gay bars, hotels and people.  I should have run on that one... I did see him first, but thought... he can't be that bad. I should have listen to my gaydar. It's usually right.

So, here I am, another weekend without company. I'm not sad or lonely, but occasionally I would enjoy the company of someone of the male species.... have a balanced life. I'm a little off balance.

Okay, my glass is empty and I'm tired of thinking. Let's see what's on Netflix. Ahhh, how 'bout another episode of Dexter.... press play!

DOOR KEEP

I want to introduce you to George. He greets me at the door everyday when I come home to my new apartment. How do I know he is a boy? I saw him with his lady friend.

My new place is great. The only drawback, it is furnished. I had to sell or giveaway all my furniture. The three things I did sell, I got pennies on the dollar, but my new place was worth giving up things. The table I was so proud of, was donated to a new pastor who arrived in Key West with nothing. I was glad to give it to someone that was in need.

LittleFreeLibrary.com

Today, as I was riding to work, I noticed a little box in front of a house, just full of books. This is so awesome. I haven't done much reading lately, but I think that that is about to change.

Well, I'm going to curl up with my new adventure....Private: #1 Suspect.

13 REASONS WHY

With social media, we have all become stalkers. It's true. But, we don't usually let the stalker see the whole picture, we just let them see what we want them to see. We post selfies of us laughing and having fun. We edit our life. We want everyone to see only the up-side, how we are happy and doing well, not the dark sad side of our life.

Truth is, we never really know what is going on in someone's life. We have become so self absorbed, that we don't really see others, just ourself. When you have a conversation with someone, what is the subject? I find that most people just want to talk about themselves. I'm a good listener, so I've been told.

We all need human interaction. Today, I took the kayak out for a couple hours. As I was coming back to shore, there was a woman and her dog waiting for me at the bank. We talked for a few minutes about kayaking and how much fun it is to get out on the water. She will never know what those few minutes of conversation meant to me.

My point is, you never know what someone is going through. Take the time to listen to your friends. Be a friend to them. It could save their life.

PROFILE ADVICE

Over the last many years, I have been on several dating websites. When you sign up, you have to fill out a questionnaire. One of the questions is about your body type. Your choices are: 

~Prefer Not To Say
~Thin
~Athletic
~Average
~A Few Extra Pounds
~Big and Tall/BBW

Apparently, guys define "Athletic" differently than I. So, I did research to get the true definition of an athletic body. This is what I found.

An athletic build is defined as "toned", "fit", "not beefy", "not overly muscular", "not bulky" and so on. A man with an athletic build still has a considerable muscle mass but his muscles are not noticeable unless he takes his shirt off.

Okay guys, "athletic" does not mean you are strong, or that you can put in a 15 hour work day. It is all about looks. Maybe it's that these guys are looking through rose-colored glasses when they look in the mirror?!

For all you single guys on dating sites, if you want your first meeting to go well, think before you click "Athletic". Just a little friendly advice.

FINDING THINGS

The other day I ventured out to Geiger Key Beach. The road ends at the east end of the beach, but you can walk on down the beach. If you go past the pole with the word "NUDE" written with a sharpie, don't be surprised if you see a lot of skin and not much clothing. On this particular afternoon, I came across several Queen Conchs. They were all about the same size, and beached on the rocks with the out going tide. This was the first time I had seen shells with critters still living in them.

Today, I took the kayak out. There were horseshoe crabs everywhere. Most were committing fornication... it's that time again.

When going through the mangroves, you never know what you will find. 

Like this, for example.

It has obviously been here for a long time. It sits in the middle of a little clearing.

The water is so much fun. A new adventure every time I go out. Life is good.

THE APARTMENT HUNT

Once again, I must relocate. Rental property under $2000 a month is hard to find in Key West.  I had three demands in my search: Must have closet, an indoor shower and a kitchen sink.

I've never thought much about closet space, until I didn't have one. That's where you hide all your crap!

Before I moved to Key West, I thought ALL showers were indoors. Not so. In more tropical settings, they are frequently outside.

It is not easy washing a ten inch skillet in a bathroom sink. I find that I would cook more if the clean up was easier.

The properties I looked at, were either too small, not fit to live in, or I was too late. But, I did find the perfect place for a good price. And the best part.... I can park my boat there!

My new place has THREE CLOSETS, a full kitchen, and an indoor shower. It doesn't get any better than that!

All of you with a truck... I'll let you know when to mark your calendar for the moving party.   :-)

MY FIRST PINEAPPLE

2/18/18

About 4 years ago, I decided I wanted to try and grow a pineapple plant. I was told they grow well here in Key West. I bought a pineapple at the store, cut the top off, prepared it and stuck in some water. Roots formed after a few weeks and I stuck it in dirt. That one was growing so well, I planted another one. When I moved to Texas, I left them both with my daughter. They were set next to the fence, and they fended for themselves. When I returned to Key West this past summer, they had grown a lot and looked very healthy. 

I had read, and heard from people that had pineapple plants, don't expect fruit for about 5 or 6 years. Last weekend, when I was watering them, I saw that one is bearing fruit this year. It is growing very fast.






UPDATE..... JULY 9,2018

My first little pineapple is ready to harvest. And it was delicious! Oh so sweet. Nothing like ones you get in the grocery store that have been picked green.

 

LIVING SINGLE IN PARADISE

Living in a place that is considered PARADISE, comes with a price tag. If you have two incomes to combine, you can make it in Key West. But, what if it's just YOU? There are sacrifices that have to be made in order to fund the paradise life. For instance, housing costs are ridiculous. Like my mother always said, “If you want to dance, you have to pay the fiddler.” 

What sacrifises, you ask? Well, the residence you can afford, might not have a kitchen, or an indoor shower. 

I don’t need no stinking’ kitchen…. I have a hot plate, microwave and mini fridge. 

Shower? I get to enjoy watching the clouds roll past, or the moon shine down while bathing. Actually, it is really cool with a full moon! Just don't step on the worms!

Locals here, use every available space to create income. That means, many homes have at least one apartment on the property, or they rent out a bedroom. The average rent for a bedroom will run $1200 a month. A studio apartment will cost between $1300 and $1700. Gulp! Why do we pay it? Have you ever been to Key West? 

Tonight I was talking with friends, and they too feel the same as I do about Key West.... it feels like home, when no other place does. I will live here as long as I am able to...because it's HOME!

MY NEW TOY

When I was in grade school, I took piano lessons for a short time. I piddled around with the guitar and violin. Never really learned to play them. I had a yearning to learn an instrument and make music. I needed something portable, and easy to learn. 

Last weekend, I walked past Bone Island Music. The door was propped open and all those instruments pulled me in. Today, I returned and am the proud owner of a Luna Mahogany Concert Ukulele... and sore fingers.

A few days ago, I saw my neighbor in the store and he told me how he used to have to call the cops nearly every night. The previous tenant where we now live, were very loud. Hope he likes the ukulele!

TOO MUCH FREE TIME

(BIG SIGH)
Too cold and windy to take the bike for a stroll. Internet not working. Not in the mood to read or paint. So what do you do? You lay there and stare into the darkness... and think. Your mind wanders. Thinking of all the "what ifs", regrets and mistakes that brought you to where you are now.

Think back, are there things you should have done different? How far back would you need to "start over" to make a better life? Remember GROUNDHOG DAY? How many "do overs" would you need to get it right?

My biggest mistakes were made out of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of being bold, fear of failure. Fear is my biggest downfall. I'm better, but sometimes it's a road block.

What about you? What holds you back?

RANDOM THOUGHTS.....

For the last week, it's been cold here in Key West. Space heaters were our number one seller! Our winter here usually consists of a couple weeks of temperatures below 70. This week our temps plummeted to 54. Laugh all you want. That's cold when you are used to 72 as a low. Instead of buying a heater, I saved my $34.99, and just pulled out another blanket.

Speaking of blankets, I have a quilt I will never part with. This quilt was with me on s/v Kairos when we crossed the Gulf in January 2013. This is the closest thing I have ever had to a security blanket.

I was listening to the radio this morning. You know those old "woe is me" country songs. There was a line in one song, "The only thing I can count on now, is my fingers." I love those old classics. Fun lyrics and good to dance to. I miss that... dancing.

When I was living in Texas last year, I thought I would go dancing a lot. I had no one to go with, so I went by myself. It's just not as much fun to go alone. You feel like a sitting duck. It's a catch 22... if you turn down a dance invitation, other singles see that and do not ask you to dance. If you accept a dance invitation, he can monopolize your evening and no one else will ask you to dance. That is good if you like this person, but that was not my experience. Long story short, I only went about three times because it was not enjoyable to go alone. Again... I miss it!