Stock Island ~ Week Four ~

Saturday, 2/23/19 ~ House cleaning and laundry chores done. I even had some time to rest and elevate my foot.

     I am glad I did! Pete and I decided to head over to Mallory Square to see the sunset.  We got lucky and found a parking garage right by Margaritaville Marina.  As we walked up along the waterway, we passed the cruise line docks.  Currently, two ships were getting ready to cast off.  As we passed the Disney’s MAGIC, she blew her horn for departure.  Instead of the single horn blast to indicate its departure, we heard the notes of “When you Wish upon a Star” as sounded on the ship’s horns!  Definitely COOL! Once they departed the sea birds came to the pilings to also watch the sunset.  We decided to grab a bench at Margaritaville to watch the sunset, due to the smaller crowds, plus, less time on my sore ankle.  I did move into a different position as the sun set.  No green flash tonight but still a beautiful site.  Stopped for ice cream to top off the evening.  Great way to celebrate another great day with my special guy!

Sights from our downtown sunset ~
          

          

          

  

Local hangout gone to the birds!

Sunday, 2/24/19 ~ The breezes are light today, but it is hot and humid. We drove to Old Town Key West. The streets were crowded with tourists from all 3 cruise ships.  We decided to skip our walk and just drive around.  We stopped along A1A just to watch the water, clear skies and boats out on the water.

Monday, 2/25/19 ~ Babied my ankle for most of the day.  No exercise, but worked on trying to finish processing the of Deb’s photos.  My confidence with Elements is increasing.

     I was surprised when I received a reminder phone call for my appointment with my cardiologist.  I thought it was for next month. It is really for tomorrow in Miami. Guess how we will be spending tomorrow!

Thursday, 2/26/19 ~  We were up and out by 6:30 am.  It was a 3 ½ hour drive each way to Miami. Had the appointment been next month, we would have been much closer to Miami. I know, the big question is why am I seeing a cardiologist in Miami? Well, 3 years ago while here in Key West, I had a serious heart attack.  I was air lifted to Miami and he was assigned to me.  This doctor is very respected by fellow doctors and staff, he has great bedside manners, listens to his patients, and is comfortable sharing his knowledge with his patients. Pete and I have a better understanding of medical issues than many others.  This doctor respects that and answers our questions. We will continue to drive down from the Chesapeake twice each year for my appointments and make arrangements to make the other two while we are cruising. 

      We stopped for lunch at our favorite BBQ place by the hospital, Shorty’s BBQ. Then it was back on the road to head back to Key West.  Bailey was sure happy to see us when we got back around 5.

     Wednesday, 2/27/19 ~ Pete and I needed to stop by the Social Security office in Key West.  After we were done there, we headed to Duncan Donuts for a treat. We then ran a few more errands and stopped at a few more stores, before heading back to the marina.

     I checked with Deb and Judith to see if they needed a grocery run.  Since we plan to leave on Friday, I have to provision a bunch of food supplies.  Between the 3 of us, there was very little free space in the car once I scientifically packed our bags.

     Pete took advantage of the free time to wash Bailey, and do some of the last minute checks.

     Deb, Hugh, Pete and I left around 6 to head into Key West.  We have reservations for Santiago’s Bodega for 7:15. That gave us time to check out Mallory Square.  The clouds were pretty remarkable and I was able to get a few good photos.  There was a golden retriever who took tips and deposited them into the tips bucket.  He also walked the tight rope, then curled up to catch a few Z’s on the platform.
         

   

. . .and the rain's a'comming

     As we watched the approaching sunset, the clouds thickened, and rain was on the horizon.  We decided to head out ahead of the crowds.  We were about a half hour early for our reservation, but they were ready for us.  Deb & Hugh had recommended it and we are so glad that they did!  Each of the tapas dishes were delicious.  Each time we completed a dish, a server would ask if we would like to order another. Even dessert was remarkable. We now know how such a small establishment could have a 4.5-star review from over 5000 customers!

          

        

     Thursday, 2/28/19 ~  We picked up the rental car by 9 so that we could drop the Acura off in Marathon.  Once back, I did 3 loads of laundry (and used up all the money on my coin card for the machines). Pete did the final checks on the boat, so we are all set to leave tomorrow after picking up fuel.

     We spoke with the kids.  Chris said that they had a great time at Wolf Lodge.  The girls didn’t want to get out of the water.  When they did, they went to sleep with little effort. As of tonight, the girls have no school tomorrow due to the 6+” of snow that is expected. We also called Heather to wish her a happy birthday.  She had a celebration at work and will be going out with friends this weekend.

     Our time in Key West is coming to an end. At 5, we once again gathered with our friends on the dock for drinks and hors d’oeuvres.  This time it is to wish us a safe, return cruise home. Many hugs for many friends.  We will keep in touch and hopefully, we will cross paths again!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Stock Island ~ Week Three ~

Bailey supervising repairs

Saturday, 2/16/19 ~ I did some house cleaning while Pete changed the fuel and oil filter as well as the oil. Since the engine needs to be warmed up prior to the oil change, Pete found the oil pressure alarm sounding off again.  Pete opened up the engine and worked on the connections.  The alarm appears to be fixed. Keeping fingers crossed.

      After lunch we headed over to the pool with high expectations.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t a chair to be had. So, we headed back to the boat, hung a sheet for shade, enjoyed the breezes, relaxed and read.

    

North end of West Summerland Key

Tree partially stripped by
hurricane, but starting
to fill in.

Sunday, 2/17/18 ~ We headed up West Summerland Key so Pete could work with his drone.  There are very few areas here in the Keys where the FAA permits drone flights.  Even with winds about 15-18 mph Pete was able to get her airborne and steady!  While it was flying, Bailey and I stayed in the car.  I had to laugh when a family walked by, saw the drone and waved! It was a great day to sit and watch the water.  I am looking forward to see what Pete filmed during the flight.

     Once back, we again enjoyed our “porch” and read.

 Monday, 2/18/19 ~  After exercising, I returned to the boat to do laundry.  Apparently, the charter boats also like to do laundry on Monday.  I had to wait for the washers, and then wait for the driers. That meant I had to put the wet wash in a basket and make sure I returned before the driers were finished and others claimed them.  3 of the 4 driers were set for 90 minutes.  That makes quite a wait after the 32-minute washer cycle.  I did manage to wash the rugs after my 1^st wash load was done and dried them over the safety line on board.

Tuesday, 2/19/19 ~  As the family & friends in the mid-Atlantic region prepare for another winter storm (I think this is the 8^th  or 9^th since December!), I promise not to complain about the warm, humid and windy weather predicted for the rest of the week. 

    I spent the afternoon working on Deb’s photos and feel more comfortable with the process. I have found I can make notes as to the number that corresponds with a desired color.  It is better than trying to fill in all the number fields or worse trying to find the color in the color grid.

   

Wednesday, 2/20/19 ~ Exercising is a bit challenging when the room gets warm and humid.  The room isn’t large, but those who use it really use all the equipment.  Since most days there are between 6 and 10 people in the 20’x 20’ room and they really work up a sweat.  Even doing Yoga, we we also work up a sweat.  . . but at least we are exercising daily.

          I managed to get more pictures of Deb processed.  I have started to use Photoshop again.  It isn’t reliable and difficult to work with.   Since I got the new machine with Windows 10, it has modified the Photoshop screens.   All the print has shrunk to 3-4 point font with the corresponding boxes adjusted to the smaller size. Even when I put in on my large monitor, the fonts are barely readable.  Also, after 90 minutes or so, the program does not recognize many of the tools. (brushes, stamp, lassos, etc.)  I have Elements, but Lightroom won’t transfer over to it; only to Photoshop.  Now I remember why I stopped using it. I do most of my adjustments in Lightroom, so I was able to avoid Photoshop. Now with the project for Debbie, I really need it. I find it hard to justify buying the subscription, since I don’t use it very often and the stand alone is no longer supported.  Hummm . . . .

     We made sure we called Hadi to wish her a happy birthday. She was very disappointed that they could not have her party or go out to McDonalds for dinner.  Everything had closed due to the snow/ice storm. Chris and Kel said the kids were bouncing off the walls and they had hoped to get them out of the house for a short while.  The party was to be very small so that they could celebrate it as a family up at Wolf Lodge and its water park in two weeks.

     Thursday, 2/21/19 ~ It was Judith and I heading to the gym this morning.  We had a good workout and were talking as we left the hotel.  Unfortunately, I did not see a small rock on the sidewalk, turned my ankle and went down. Only the ankle is sore.  We will have to see if I can exercise tomorrow.

     Made quite a dent on Deb’s photos, but they need to re reworked slightly now that I have gotten more comfortable and competent. I have even learned to draw in eyelashes using my mouse! A few more days and I should have a good selection for Deb to choose from.

     Friday, 2/22/19 ~ My ankle is slightly swollen and definitely sore, so I passed on exercising this morning. However, when I saw Deb, she asked if I could give her a lift to the “Doc in the Box (Urgent Care).”  There was a 90-minute wait, so I decided to head back to the boat to get a few things done. Then returned to pick her up.  The diagnosis, ear and sinus infection, so we made an additional stop for the prescriptions.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P

    

Stock Island ~ Week Two ~

Saturday, 2/9/19 ~ Pete was picked up around 9 by Enterprise for our car rental for today.  Once back, we headed up to Riviera Beach Marina to retrieve out car. 

     On our trip north, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the cleanup from last year’s hurricane is now complete and some of the greenery has returned to the Keys that were decimated.  Unfortunately, not all the trees survived.  There are large areas and islands where there is no green, only tree skeletons.

     Something we have not been able to find out is how the Key Deer made out. Before the hurricane, they not only were considered endangered, but there was an infestation of screw worms that was infecting and killing the deer.  With all the damage to the Big Pine Key, how did some deer survive the storm and how many were lost?

     We hit heavy, stop and go traffic north of Miami, so we didn’t get to Riviera until 3-ish.  I was able to make a stop at Walmart in Lake Worth to stock up on my dry goods.  Pete stayed by the cars with Bailey. I am sure she enjoyed the freedom and outdoors. Then we started back.  We did pretty good until the bottom of the Florida Turnpike.  There, traffic came to a complete stop.  A large tow truck blew its horn nonstop, trying to clear a path down the breakdown lane.  When traffic began moving again in about a half hour, we were detoured off of the turnpike and never saw the accident.  At the bottom of the exit ramp, we saw that the on ramp was blocked also.  I never did find out what had happened, just hope everyone was OK.

     We finally made it back to the marina by 11:30 pm. Of course there were no parking spaced to be had, so we had to find parking back out at the street.  The groceries, since there are only dry goods, can wait until the morning. 

Sunday, 2/10/19 ~  We returned the car first thing this morning. 

     Since we were almost in downtown Key West, we continued on to check out the sites.  Downtown was already crowded since there were 2 cruise ships that docked this morning.  All the sight-seeing trams were full and plenty of people were on bikes (and not paying attention to traffic!) We headed over to the water and got away from some of the crowds.  As we approached Higgs Beach, the crowds increased.  There was a Farmer’s Market/ Craft Fair in the park.  The gods were kind…a parking space was vacated just as we approached, so we were able to park right across the street and check it out.  There was great jewelry, interesting leather, tasty jams and a large fresh produce section.  We will have to come back a it is held every Sunday morning!

     As we returned to the car, we noticed a building that was in ruins.  It peaked our interest.  It is West Fort Martello Tower.  Bricks from here have been used to repair/restore the East Fort Martello Tower Museum as well as the home improvement projects of quite a few residents.  These two forts, along with Fort Zachary were built by the Union forces during the Civil War. In the 1940’s, the city wanted to level this structure, but one councilman wanted to preserve it. It has been put on the Historic Register and turned over to the Garden Club, who have created some wonderful gardens among the ruins. There is no admission fee, but donations are gladly accepted.  As we strolled the paths. I wished I had my camera.  I even left my cell phone on the boat by accident!  Needless to say, I was frustrated not being able to capture all the colors and textures, but I will be back!

      We unloaded the car and put away all the groceries.  I then worked on the blog, while Pete enjoyed sitting in the cockpit and tried to read. Since we are backed into the slip, from the cockpit we can watch all the activity and chat with everyone as they walk by.

Monday, 2/11/19 ~ After exercising and showering, Judith and I headed to Higgs Beach.  I had told her about our adventures yesterday and she loves gardens.  This time I had my good camera.  We both enjoyed investigating the gardens as well as talking to staff and visitors.  We didn’t realize we had been there over 3 hours.  As we left, we asked the front desk volunteer for a suggestion for eating.  There was a great restaurant about 1000 feet down the beach!
From the gardens of West Fort Martello ~

               

          

          

               

                

               

          

          

          

         

               

           

     Salute! On the Beach is very popular and for very good reasons. Not only is it convenient, it has a great water view, interesting menu items, a good selection and simply yummy food! I had a Shrimp salad served on fresh greens, basil, red pepper, onion, capers, topped with a very mild citrus dressing and garnished with sliced cucumber and tomato. Judith had a green salad with Gorgonzola, walnuts, apple, vinaigrette and fresh Snapper.

On our way back to the car, we spotted these "Key West Eagles" ~
          

    I had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, Pete’s day wasn’t as good.  He tried to trace the wires for the lights in the bathroom that are not functioning.  When he checked the bilge, he found it full of water – for the second time in 5 days!  Last time he found it, he though it was because the bilge pump was turned off.    After emptying the back cabin again, further investigation revealed that the PSS bearing was leaking.  Everything was put back and he researched possible causes. When I came back, he once again unpacked the cabin and I helped him replace the PSS bearing, clean out the fittings and everything else he knew to do. The leak has lessened, but water is still titrating in. He wanted to see what happened when the engine was running. I went to start the engine, but the alarm continued once the engine was running. I immediately shut it down and had Pete come up and check.  The alarm was for the oil pressure.  He checked the engine and topped off the oil.  He planned to do an oil change later this week. We put everything back and he continued his research. 

Tuesday, 2/12/19 ~  Pete was up and out by 7:30 this morning.  He woke earlier and checked his emails, the news, Facebook and then the weather.  That’s when he saw that the predicted storms will be here shortly.  He and Bailey almost made it back before they came.

     With lightning and thunder, neither Debbie, Judith or I wanted to walk over the gym. After exercising on board, I worked on some photos.

      Our plans for dinner at Hogfish with Deb and Hugh for tomorrow night has blossomed.  There are now 14 of us who head over. Deb and Hugh, SV SIMPLICITY, Judith, SV SERENITY, George, on an MCat, Kate and Bill, MY STEADFAST, Mike and Becky, SV NAUTILUS, Bob and Mary SV WINSOME, as well as Tom and Sara, SV DELLA TERESE and of course us.  It should be fun.

     Once Pete wrapped up work for the day, he did more research on the oil pressure, but no resolution.  So, he requested a mechanic recommendation on Facebook. Hugh responded with Chris Bates, who did work for him last year and lives here at the marina.  Pete will call him tomorrow.

Wednesday, 2/13/19 ~ The rains continued on and off all day. Pete called the mechanic. He was able to come over this afternoon.  He diagnosed the problem as a corroded connection, which he was able to replace within an hour.  It was really nice dealing with him and Pete shared his experience.  We also got the name of a rigger, who Pete also called.  Our main is still jammed in the mast due to a metal ring that has come undone.  It is beyond our ability to repair. He will be by next week.

     Since we have a car and so does Tom, we will be shuttling people over to HogFish. I tried to make a reservation, but they do not take them, So I went over early to make sure we could be seated.  They were able to seat 9 of us at the big table, but 4 needed to sit separately.  The food was great, the conversations lively and a good time was had.

      Once dinner was done, most of the couples decided to walk back to the marina. It would have been a perfect night – comfortable temps and great breezes - until the heavens opened up.   Being Florida, the rains passed quickly and then then skies cleared. As we got on board, the heavens opened up again!  Our friends got a quite wet.

Thursday, 2/14/19 ~ We went over to exercise, but there is no way to get to the marina gym.  The facility is undergoing a massive remodeling.  They have already torn up the sidewalk & access from the docks over to the gym.  The pea hens have been relocated to a coop behind the gym. The community gardens have been torn up.  The plans are for stores and eateries, another pool, enlarging the marina, and another hotel.  It sounds wonderful, but how much will the marina fees increase?!!

    On our way back to the docks, we ran into one of the dock hands. He told us that we should check in with the hotel.  He believes that we should be able to use that facility.  Sure enough, we sign in at the front desk and receive a key card which we return when we are done.  Though the facility was pretty crowded at 9, we managed to use the floor for our yoga.  Deb was able, with the help Travis (one of the great workers at the hotel) to get the computer to hook up to the TV.

Outside Rustica's

      Once back, I was able to post to the blog.  I am caught up to when we arrived here (February 1^st.)  Now I just need to process more photos and transcribe my daily notes.  I do this mostly for me, but to our family and friends, who also like to follow us, so I apologize for not posting more frequently.

    Pete and I exchanged our Valentines this morning. Since we both are craving pizza, we headed over to Rustica’s for really good pizza, before we to toured around Old Town.  This guy has been my Valentine for almost 50 years! . . .and I would trade him for million-billion dollars!

Friday, 2/15/19 ~ After exercising and showering, Kate, of MV STEADFAST and I went food shopping at Publix. Yea, I know I went last Saturday, but I still needed meats, fruits, veggies and perishables.

     We had a dock party tonight. Just had to bring dish to share and drinks. 5 Boats were able to attend. It was a perfect night between the breezes and pleasant temperatures, good food and new friends.
          

Great sunset on a wonderful evening with friends!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P