THE BUILDING BUG

The bait boat, with Jeannie II in the background.

When I sold TARDIS, I told myself I would never build another boat, I was done. Seven months have past, and I have not started another build. However, I have started to grieve the loss of TARDIS. Oh, I know it's best she is with another, but when I read about other Paradox builds, I feel a little sad and feel the need to create something. I was asked, "If you had it to do over again, what would you do different?" I suppose, it would be, build TARDIS faster, so I could have at least sailed her once before I sold her. But I lost my focus, and my heart wasn't in it anymore.

My friend Chuck, started building a small bait boat with a holding tank. He has bait traps he puts out, but the more these little fish are handled, the greater the possibility of their demise. Chuck envisioned a boat that could be pulled up to the bait holding pen, open a valve and the fish would drain from the holding tank, through PVC pipe to the bait pen behind his house. This way, the only time the fish would be handled, is when they are moved from the trap to the tank on the boat.

This unfinished bait boat sits on a trailer in front of Chuck's house. Every time I walk past this boat, it screams out to me, "FINISH ME." In due time. Right now, m/v Jeannie II is receiving all the attention. Jeannie II is Chuck's 29' Mirage fishing boat. A tuna tower, A/C unit, inverter, a new cabin door and several repairs have been made, and she is almost ready to be put back into the water for hours and hours of fun. A future post with details will soon follow. When she is in the water, the bait boat is next on the list.

But I still have that desire to sail a small vessel created by my own hands. In my weak moments, I flip through the plans on Duckworks. If I did build something, it would have to be a stable, open boat design, no more than 14 feet, shallow draft, easy to board from the water. She would have to be an easy build, and not too expensive. If my boat building friends have any suggestions, please send them my way. I feel certain that there is the smell of lumber and sawdust in my future.

Scoot-Scoot at the Pump

A few days ago, I pulled into the gas station on Scoot-Scoot. The needle on the gauge was at about 1/4 tank, so I thought it best I go ahead and fill up. Not knowing exactly how big the tank is, I fill slowly. Thinking I had put quite a bit in, I looked at the pump, it said .28 gallons. Finally, it was full, and I had only pumped .75 gallons for $3.10. It costs quite a bit less to fill Scoot-Scoot than it did my Jeep Charokee, and lasts about as many days. I'm liking this.

When I first got Scoot-Scoot, I had never ridden a moped. She has a few quirks, but I learned them quickly and she is fun to ride. The most trouble I had, was getting her on the center stand. I knew there had to be trick to it, so like everything else, I asked Google. I found a couple of videos on YouTube and read a little on a couple of forums. I was not the only one that had this issue. After practicing a few times armed with this new knowledge, I can get her parked on the first try.

I rarely see anyone here in Key West wearing a helmet, whether they are straddling a scooter or a Harley. I, on the other hand, wear my new purchase; a white open faced helmet. No, it's not as comfortable as it would be without one, but if someone runs over me, hopefully, my head won't get crushed. And, I won't have to listen to my friend and family lecture me about the need to wear one.

There are literally thousands of mopeds in Key West. I didn't pay much attention to them before, but now I find myself eyeing the shiny new ones. I'm like that person going to the car dealership and imagining himself behind the wheel of the Mercedes or Porsche. I can dream, can't I?

SCOOT-SCOOT

Is it sad that I could, without even thinking, name, in descending order, my three most valuable possessions? One night last week, my third most prized possession was stolen while I worked. I clocked out, left the store at midnight, took the short stroll less than half a block to the bike rack where I always parked my bike. When I got to the rack, there were three bikes there, and none of them were mine. I stood there like a cow looking at a new gate. The spot I left my bike 7 hours earlier, was empty. My heart sank, that bike was my only mode of transportation, my freedom... now what? Oh, how do I get home tonight? It's late, I can't bother anyone this late. I walked, thinking, "I will just walk home. How long will it take me? But, there are some dark place on the trail home, I can't walk, it wouldn't be safe. Everyone would yell at me when they found out." By this time I had walked eight blocks. With a big sigh and tears of defeat welling up, I pulled out my phone and called a cab. It cost me $15 for a 15 minute ride home. That is a rip off, but I felt I had no other choice, I paid it.

My bike was not of great monetary value, but it was MINE. It was my sorce of freedom, I didn't have to rely on anyone to drive me around. That was taken away from me, and this made me very sad. I have fond memories of that bike.

Like nearly everything that goes on in my life, my Facebook friends read about the theft, so my daughter contacted me. When I was at their home a few days earlier, they showed me the moped they bought from a friend. They didn't tell me they planned to fix it up and give it to me. Amy and Bill thought they better tell me of their intensions, in case I get a wild hair and go out and buy me a moped, because I have been wanting one.

My bike did not have a name, but this moped does; Scoot-Scoot. Amy sanded and painted it, a couple broken parts will be replaced, and she runs good. I just needed to learn how to ride her.

I went to Amy's house, and between Amy, Google and I, we figured out how to start the thing. I took it around the block to get used to it, and it is fun! Chuck has already lectured me on the proper riding attire (most importantly....helmet), so my mother and brother won't have to.

A moped does not have to be insured, and you do not need a motorcycle license. They get good gas mileage, and you don't have to pay for parking, there is usually designated parking space in front of every business, or within a short walk of where you want to be. No longer will I have to wipe the sweat off when I arrive at work... this is going to be great. God truly does watch out for me, and I have a wonderful daughter and son-in-law, and I love them very much. Thank you guys!

From now on, every bike I see with a collapsible basket mounted on the side, I will make sure it is not mine. If I ever see my bike again, which I probably won't, but if I do, I am going to beat the crap out of who claims it to be theirs.

BIRTHDAY CAKE

Who doesn't like birthday cake! It not only tastes good, but when your name is scrawled across the top, it makes you feel very special. They symbolize a celebration of YOU.

A few weeks ago, my roommate bought a birthday cake for her friend. The cake never made it to him due to misfortune, so we ate it. I made a comment to Chuck about this, and he jokingly reminded me that he never got his birthday cake. I felt horrible, how could I let this happen? The next day I was at the bakery and ordered a cake. The following day, I picked up the cake before I was to see Chuck. When I arrived at the store, I was not sure how I would get this 1/4 sheet cake home on my bike, but I knew I would figure it out. I was determined to get him a birthday cake, even though it would be three weeks late. What's that saying, "Better late than never."


Thinking of this later, I can't remember getting a store bought birthday cake since I was about 6 years old. And I don't really remember that one, I just remember seeing the picture of me sitting at the kitchen table with the cake in front of me. The picture to the left is not real clear... the cake is the dress for the doll.

When my brother and I were young, on our birthday, my mother would ask what dessert we wanted, and she would bake it for us. My brother always requested a cherry cheesecake, while my favorite dessert was chocolate cake or apple pie.

My birthday falls right after Christmas, everyone is 'partyed-out' by the time my big day rolls around. I don't harbor ill feelings toward anyone, I totally understand. If you know anyone born around Christmas, do something extra special for that person on their birthday, it will mean a lot to them.

Oh, and Chuck's cake... he was very grateful, really appreciated the gesture and I got to eat birthday cake!

No-See Ums

Sunday, I helped Chuck work on his boat, m/v Jeannie II. He installed an A/C unit and inverter in the cabin. This, and a couple other projects required a second pair of hands on the other side of a bulkhead. I was glad to help. It was the usual hot and sunny day, the Florida Keys are known for. This area is also known for something else, No-See Ums. These are the smallest blood-sucking insects on earth. At least you can see a mosquito and occasionally ward off their attack. No-See Ums are tiny, and like their name, they are so small, they are not visible... but the bumps they leave behind are! All afternoon, I thought the itching, was from a few bites. It turns out that my discomfort was from multiple bites. I counted my bumps this morning and came up with a grand total of 163. You are wondering why I didn't wear bug spray. Actually, I did. Obviously it didn't work on this little hungry bug.

On my way home today, I decided to travel a different route. I passed this sign and just had to share it.

I was on my way to work, and found this little fellow scurrying along the sidewalk at the condo. This is also the only place I have ever come across iguana road kill. In fact, I almost ran over one the other night driving to a friend's house. "Missed him by that much."

You won't see much carpet in Key West. Tile is the way to go. It is easier to sweep the ever so prevalent sand, than vacuum it from carpet.

How is that for a doorbell?

This work table was discovered at SafeHarbor Marina. Scrap metal parts put together to make something useful. I like it!!! It will never blow over, or be moved. Hope it's where they want it.

I'm taking off this next weekend for another fishing trip aboard Yankee Capts. I can't think of another place I'd want to live... I may never leave!

LOBSTER MINI-SEASON IN KEY WEST

The last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July are two days looked forward to in the Keys of Florida. This is what is called Lobster Mini-Season. These two days are for individuals to get lobster legally before the commercial fisherman set their traps on August 1. I got to go out with Chuck this year, my first of many to come.

The plan was to leave the dock behind Chuck's house at seven o'clock sharp, and five other people were to go with us. One after another called and cancelled for one reason or another. By seven o'clock, it was just Chuck and I. With the boat loaded with all the equipment, snacks and drinks... off we went. 

Chuck lives right on the Atlantic, so we didn't have to go far to find the coral heads that the lobster call home. I snorkel out with the marker, scout the area to find the big coral heads. I mark the area and Chuck comes over with his light, net and tickle stick to see what he can find hiding under the coral. The tickle stick is just that, a stick to tap the lobster and make him move in the direction you want him to go. You are required to measure the lobster before you bring him up, it is illegal to remove one from the water if he is not legal size.

The water was about 10-12 feet deep, and most of the people out lobstering in that area, did not have dive tanks, they were just using a snorkel. We had the advantage of an air tank, so Chuck could stay down and get the smarter lobster that took a little more work to get out. 

Speaking of scuba diving, I have never learned. Living in the deserts of West Texas, and then the murky waters of Galveston Bay, I never felt the need to spend my hard earned money on something that I would have to travel a long distance to enjoy. But now, living here in Key West, I do want to learn. In fact, I want to do everything the waters here have to offer. Two of which are scuba dive and spear fish. I was introduced to scuba diving yesterday. I donned the gear, stepped into the water and got used to breathing. This is something that may take me a little while to get comfortable with. I was not wearing enough weight for me to get to the bottom, but I got a feel for the whole scuba diving thing, and I can tell I will love it. I decided to just snorkel and follow Chuck around, so he didn't have to babysit me. 

Later in the day, I tried using the hookah system; tank stays in the boat with a 50 foot hose. I started out with about 10 pounds on the weight belt, having to add more weight a couple times. I know y'all have seen the movies where someone is being pulled under the water to their death, with that panicked look on their face. For a few seconds, that was the feeling that flooded my mind as I strapped on the weight belt while bobbing in the water. Slowly, I was pulled down, down, down to the bottom... but Mom, don't worry, I was holding on to a rope with Chuck on the other end to pull me up if I had a problem. After I was close to the bottom, my attention went from "I don't feel like I'm getting enough air", to "how cool is this, I can swim around and get closer to everything"... so I let go of the safety rope, and imagined a big 'she did it' smile on Chuck's face. I wasn't down for long, just enough time to know that this being able to stay underwater for a long time is really cool, and I want to learn to do it.

We got back to the house and I learned how to get the lobster ready to cook. It is very quick and simple. We had 'Surf and Turf' for lunch.

I thank the Lord everyday for getting me here, to the place I now call home. It was a bumpy road, but totally worth it! More adventures are right around the corner, just waiting for me to jump in and enjoy!

SNORKELING

When I saw the clear waters of the Florida Keys, I was excited about snorkeling here. I jumped online and ordered snorkel gear. Then, I realized I had no way to get out to the reef, or any area that would be enjoyable to see. So, my nifty little bag holding my fins and mask lived in the back of my closet... until this past weekend.

Every year, mini lobster season is held the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. This gives the local population a chance to catch lobster before the commercial boats set their traps. Chuck wanted to scout out some areas and find the best spot before next Wednesday. Sunday afternoon, Chuck and I went out with Chuck's cousin, Stan and his family. I have only been snorkeling a couple times, and never with my own gear. I was a little nervous, not wanting to fail, or do something stupid. Chuck checked my mask to make sure it fit properly, and it did. Next were the fins, and I was told it was a good fit. Now, it's time to go over the side, and without hesitation, I'm in. It took me a few seconds to get comfortable, but it all came back to me. Chuck took my hand and off we went. Oh, did I mention he brought his spear guns? Yes, we were looking for dinner, but found only small fish. And yes, I want to learn to spear fish too. But I digress ... we saw no lobster.

This grapnel anchor is good for coral, or where the flukes can grip something. They are not good for sand or mud. A breakaway system is necessary, if you want your anchor back. The end of the anchor chain is attached at the crown, brought down the shank, and attached to the eye of the shank with a cable tie. The grapnel anchor is not good for sand or mud, and coming from the Galveston area, where all we have is mud bottoms, I had not seen a system like this before.

I had a great time, and I finally got to use my fins. There were lots of little fish darting under the coral as I swam by, and I saw several barracuda. Here are a few photos of my afternoon of snorkeling.

This looks like a postcard!

Chuck