A Day in Key West

The Cold Front has hit Key West. Broke out my Winter Parker.

I woke up this morning and was hoping it was a bad dream.  My thermometer said 68 degrees.  I ran to the dresser and pulled out a pair of socks fast.  Winter is really here.  Poor Kitty was hungry and I didn't want to get out of bed to cook for her.  I finally got the energy to go outside and light the grill to make her some shrimp.  Both of us stood very close to the grill to get the heat from the fire.  Mother Nature must be upset with us about something.

Breakfast was done and I was dreading getting in the shower because that required taking off my sweat pants and sweatshirt.  I had my Red Sox stocking hat on too but that dirty "Work" word was calling my name.  I went downtown to get the things that required me being there done before the traffic of the weekend hit.  This is our busiest week of the year tourist-wise, plus it is Friday plus tomorrow is New Years Eve.  I didn't want to be anywhere near Duval Street after noon hit.  Got in, got the work done and got out.  Spent the rest of the day working from home.  Considering the weather I am going to go out n a limb here and assume you figured I didn't work outside with my feet in the pool today.  That is usually the best part of working from home but today the best part was heat and my electric blanket.  I got a ton of paperwork/computer work done and am almost ready to face 2017.  Bring it on.

For the last 20 or more years I have not gone out on New Years Eve so I went to dinner tonight.  Tonight's choice was Tavern-N-Town which is located in the Marriott Beachside.  "T-N-T", as the locals call it, is in my opinion the best fine dining we have in Key West.  Has a Country Club atmosphere with a Key West Casual feel.  The food is out of this world, the service can't be beat and it is very reasonably priced for fine dining and they also give a nice local discount.  If you are into fine wines their Wine List is fantastic.  Of course I never drank a bottle of wine I didn't unscrew the cap from unless of course it came in a box and I think the last time I had a glass of wine was before I was old enough to legally drink.  However Wine Snobs all across Key West rave about T-N-T's wine selection.

I waddled out of the restaurant so stuffed with deliciousness I could barely walk to the car.  OK, I lied, I walked to the door of the restaurant and ran like Hell to the car to avoid the cold.  Got home and ran again not looking back until I was inside.  Now I am at home covered in blankets with a full belly and a cold everything.

Although I don't plan on going out tomorrow there are plenty of fun New Years Eve events going on.  Here are a few ideas if you decide you want to go out and join the Crazies.

The 12th Annual Dachshund Walk, we unite to proclaim our rightful representation in Key West as the Chihuahua Conch Republic Call to arms is at 11:45am at the Courthouse Steps - 500 Whitehead Street. Look for the Chihuahua Conch Republic Banner and please bring a bag of cat/dog food for donation.

Howard Livingston and James Slater will be playing at Smokin Tuna.  Doors open at 7:00, show starts at 7:30.

Island House exclusive all male Gay Resort will be holding their Annual Underwear Party starting at 10:00 going until the 4:00 AM last call.

 

The Florida Keys Audubon Society will hold it’s Christmas Bird Count from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM.  The Christmas Bird Count is an annual event in which groups around the country spend a day surveying birds in their region, thus creating a snapshot of the health of bird populations. It is also a great way to learn about Keys birds and the environment.

 

Bourbon Street Pub will hold the Annual New Years Eve party with Key West's own Sushi dropping down on Duval Street in her famous Glass Shoe.  VIP Grand Balcony Seats are available but get them quick.  Only 150 are being offered and they are going fast.  Sushi is a Key West Icon who has raised more money for local Monroe County Charities than anyone I know and is also a good friend of mine.  Very well worth going to see.

 

 

Mangoes Restaurant is offering a fixed menu New Years Eve special with a Champagne Toast at Midnight.

 

801 Bourbon Bar is hosting their annual New Years Eve Cocktail Party with drink specials all night and a great view of Sushi coming down down in her Red Shoe.

 

Pier House Resort and Spa is hosting a Five Course New Years Eve Dinner with Champagne for everyone.

 

As you can see there is plenty to do tomorrow night in Key West if you want to brave Duval Street.  Who needs Times Square when you have Key West.  There will be hundreds of events going on with tens of thousands of people drinking 2016 away.  I however will be in bed by 10:00 PM like I am every year.  Have fun and be safe.

 

Until Tomorrow,

 

Gary

 

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

The cold weather started coming in tonight. Low 70's expected tomorrow.

I woke myself up with Cuban Cafe Con Leche and breakfast from Deluna's Cafe on Stock Island today.  I have heard many people speak highly about it but had never been myself.  I met a client there this morning to eat and go over a list of houses she wants to see.  Deluna's is nothing fancy.  It is more like a small grocery store and a food counter serving Cuban Coffee, breakfast and lunch.  You order and pick up your food at the same register/counter you pay for your groceries.  Most people take their food to go but they do have three picnic tables in front of the store which is where I ate.  The food was very good.  The coffee was perfect and both of us had breakfast with Cafe Con Leche for $11 including tip.  I'll be back there for sure.

After breakfast I went over to Solana Village to look at a Townhouse that I sold to a friend a few years back.  He wanted me to take a look at the renovations he has done and give him an idea of what it is worth now.  While I was over there I ran into a woman who I always knew as a cashier at Albertson's (Now Publix).  She was always very friendly and nice to everyone.  Just a working single Mom.  I haven't seen her in about 10 years.  She put herself through Nursing School and went on to become a Nurse Practitioner.  She is working in the Physical Therapy Rehab at the Convalescent Home.  I am very proud of her.  She went from being a single Mom raising two young children working at a grocery store to running a department in the Medical Field and is a licensed Nurse Practitioner.  I like seeing hard working people bettering themselves.  I can picture her being very good with the elderly and handicapped people there.  She is one I would imagine to have excellent bed side manner.  Seeing her and hearing what she has become made me smile for the rest of the day.  She is just a sincere good person.

I came back home to do a few hours of my least favorite task of the day.  Paperwork, computer work and book work.  It is nasty task but if it has to be done I might as well make the best of it and do it sitting in the yard in the sun.  I put my headphones on and listened to Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and finished it off with Janas Joplin.  Before I knew it 5:00 was here and I had gotten a lot done.  After my big breakfast at Deluna's I skipped lunch and by now I was hungry.

Since it was still early I went downtown to Alonzo's.  They have the best Happy Hour in Key West in my opinion.  All appetizers are half price and are big enough to be a full dinner.  All drinks, well swill as well as Top Shelf, are buy one get one free and the food is great.  Can't beat the location.  You sit right on the dock of A&B Marina watching everything from Jon Boats to Commercial Fishing Boats to Mega Yachts coming and going as you eat.  Fine dining food for about the same price as Five Guys.

 

I finished my dinner and got out of downtown before the Crazies made their way out and the cold weather came in.  This week is out busiest Tourist week of the year.  We are expecting a cold front tomorrow and it was getting cool on the water.  I made it home and spent the rest of the night watching TV with Kitty in my sweat pants and hoodie.  I fought lighting the fireplace tonight but I'm sure it will get used tomorrow.  The temperature is supposed to be a low of 72 in the morning.  For now my bed is calling me.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com

It's the last week of December and we wore shorts and flip flops. Key West Living truly is Paradise

I started today off doing what tourists pay millions of dollars to do every year in Key West.  I walked cross the street and sat on the dock of Coconut Mallory Resort and Marina watching the sun come up drinking my Cuban Coffee, Cafe Con Leche to be exact.  It is usually very quiet on the dock at Coconut Mallory and I literally only have to walk across the street and I'm sitting on the Ocean.  As you can see, my view is pretty nice.

As much as it killed my to leave my morning serenity on the water it was time to go home and get ready for that dirty four letter word "WORK".  The work day started updating the new properties to hit the market in Key West and the Lower Keys into my Market Activity Bolg, Key West Investing.  Computer work is never exciting but doing it sitting outside in the sun makes it a little more tolerable.  I finished that up and made a few work calls.  I even fit n a call to an old High School friend who still lives in Boston.  He suddenly had to go when I mentioned it was 82 degrees in Key West.  I told him I would be happy to sell him a house in Key West if he wanted to put an end to his Boston winters.  It wasn't me who chose to stay living in the old neighborhood. 

I had to run downtown to do go to the bank to get an Escrow Check out for an Investment/Rental house I am buying up in Ocala.  I went under contract while I was up visiting Mom and Dad for Christmas.  "Merry Christmas to Me".  By the time I finished at the bank it was my favorite time of day, yes, you guessed it, lunch time.  I decided to try a new place located in with the shops on Lazy Way called Fisherman's Cafe.  It was my first time there and I was impressed.  It is located right on the Historic Seaport tucked in on a very small street with mostly foot traffic and maybe a car or two every few hours.  The food was superb, the service was great, the restaurant was clean the prices were low and the order came out quickly which makes it perfect for a work lunch spot.  It was my first time there but definitely will not be my last.  

 

After lunch I walked up to the Rum Distillery to get a couple bottles to mail to a friend who lives in Wisconsin.  She sends me local Wisconsin Cheese and I send her local Key West Rum.  "Key West Legal Rum Distillery" is the only alcohol that is actually made in Key West.  Key West Sunset Ale is brewed in Cape Canaveral and Conch Republic Rum is distilled in St. Pete.  Go Figure.  The Rum Distillery gives tours and samples on sight.  You can watch the rum you're buying being produced right there in the same building you buy it in.  It is a neat local gift and a fun place to visit.

 

I finished my shopping and was on my way.  I wanted to get home before the rush hour traffic.  Te week between Christmas and New Years Day is always the heaviest tourist traffic week.  Add Locals trying to get home from work with lost tourists trying to video their drive while reading a map and listening to a GPS and it equals Road Rage waiting to happen.  I made it home without raising my blood pressure too much and sat myself at my outside desk by the pool to finish up some paper work I started before going downtown.  Kitty came out and sat in the sun with me as I worked.  After I finished my work for the day I went inside to watch the News and decide what I wanted to do for dinner.  I didn't feel like going out so I grilled some Pork Chops and made a salad.  It was still 78 degrees outside so I had dinner in the back yard then came ind did a whole lot of nothing for the night.  There you have it, another Day in Key West.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com

 

More people in town this week than I remember from past years

For decades the week between Christmas and New Year's Day is always the busiest week of the year in Key West but this year seems to be busier than most years.  It took me over 30 minutes dodging bicycles and Conch Trains to drive downtown this morning.  It usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes depending on how I do with Red Lights.  Once I made it to my destination I met with a Homeowner and finalized the contract to manage his Rental House half a block off Duval Street.  Anyone looking for a Luxury Rental with everything you could want I'll have one available April 01 that satisfy the pickiest of Tenants.

After finishing up my morning appointments I had to go to Verizon to get my phone fixed.  I am sure it was Operator Error on my behalf but I can't say enough about how helpful they were.  Anyone looking for a Cell Phone Carrier in Key West check out Verizon Wireless Zone at Overseas Market Plaza (Winn-Dixi).  I have been with them about 10 years now and every time I go in there, usually to fix something I broke, they make it right.  Today she (I wish I could remember her name) probably spent three hours working on my phone and wouldn't take a penny.  Verizon's brand name is what made me first walk in their door.  The outstanding Customer Service I get every time is what keeps me coming back to this particular Verizon Store.

  

Since Verizon needed my phone for a few hours I decided to go do my favorite activity of the work day, eat lunch.  One of my Old Faithful's, Goldman's Deli is also in the Overseas Market Plaza so I went there.  Goldman's as an old fashion family run Deli.  Nothing fancy but amazing food with great service and very fair prices.  I would guess 95% or more of the patrons are locals on our lunch hour.  Today I had a Chicken Salad sandwich that was excellent.  They also have a great Matzo Ball Soup that has gotten me through many flu's throughout the years.  As an extra special weekend perk they have Sunday with The Beatles where nothing but Beatles is played all day long.  Good food, good service and good music make for a great breakfast.

 

Lunch was done and i did a few work errands.  I had to mail a contract to a Mortgage Broker who insists on a hard copy.  He is older and doesn't feel emailed signatures are as good as a true pen ink signed copy.  He is up in Michigan and is the only Lender this particular buyer trusts.  He does a great job and is a nice guy.  I can handle standing in line at the Post Office to keep everyone happy and making money.  Also, the Post Office also has a branch right in Overseas Market Plaza and I still had to go back to Verizon to get my phone.  I made it there and my phone was done and now working perfectly.  I had to catch some fun poked at me for having over 200,000 text messages saved on my phone, the reason it took several hours to back up, but my phone is fixed and I'm back in business.  I know I already said what great Customer Service I receive at our local Verizon Store but I want to say it again.  These people go way above and beyond the call of duty.

I went back to my office to do that thing I do NOT do well, paperwork.  I'm working on improving that but it is a work of progress not perfection.  I got parts of my website redone, updated my contact database getting ready to take on 2017, edited a home listing and returned a bunch of emails.  I know this sounds boring but I did it sitting outside with my laptop and my feet in the pool.  Many people were navigating their way through snow and ice today.  Suddenly my afternoon doesn't seem too painful.  Kitty even sat out getting some sun beside me.  She likes to tan by the pool.

I called it a day, work day that is, about 6:00 and had dinner on my mind.  I had to warn the Fire Department that I decided to light the grill and cook at home.  A friend from Wisconsin sent me some local Cheese from Carr Valley which is superb so i decided to make it a Wisconsin dinner and I grilled Bratwursts and made some Blue Cheese Potato Salad.  Although I did make the Potato Salad myself I have to credit Faustos Grocery Store, a local Key West store, for the recipe.  Dinner was delicious and today was another great Day in Key West.  Island living is a lot of fun.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com

Today was the first true day of "Season" and the Tourists were out in Full Force

For the past 25 years or more December 26th has always been the day "Tourist Season" starts in Key West.  Every year I ask myself "If it is Tourist Season" can I shoot them?  All kidding aside we couldn't say Tourism is the main business in Key West because Tourism is the ONLY business in Key West.  Not to mention, they keep us entertained.  We get asked things like "How many sunsets are there going to be today?".  Very often I will get asked if people actually live in Key West.  My favorite one had to be "What do you use for anchors to keep the Island from floating away?".  The scary part is these people are serious.  I was downtown about an hour today and I think I fit in the entire season of crazies in one day.

The day started off with a great breakfast at Harpoon Harry's  AKA "Breakfast at Tiffany's".  It became Tiffany's 20ish years ago.  I can't recall why off hand but I am sure a few of their life changing Bloody Mary's played a role it the name.  Have you ever had a Bloody so strong you can see through it?  Harpoon Harry's is one of the very few places in Key West we don't tell the tourists about.  On any given day the servers and cooks can call everyone in the place by first name and already know what they want as well as where they like to sit before they get through the door.  They don't even bring me a Menu when I come in.

After breakfast I had to run up to Shark Key to photograph a house for an out of town client.  Shark Key is one of the more expensive areas in the Florida Keys and I can't for the life of me understand why.  It is a man made of fill.  The Military Jets fly over so close a glass of water will fall off the table.  There is no boating and the mosquitoes are unbearable.  Yet the average house there sells from $3M to $5M and a few of them over $10 Million Dollars.

I spent a few hours on Shark Key then came back to work from my Home Office better described as sitting with my feet in the pool while working on my laptop.  Yes, I know, uncivilized working conditions but that is the sacrifices we have to make living in Key West.  It was a beautiful day outside so Kitty came out to join me by the pool.  I prepared some paperwork for an appointment I have tomorrow.  I made more progress on my 2017 Marketing Plan but mostly just enjoyed a beautiful day sitting outside.  Today was a Pseudo Holiday causing banks and Government Offices to be closed.  Not much went on in the Real Estate World which allowed me to catch up on things I have been putting off.

I went downtown to Duval Street about 4:00 PM and the Freak Show was on.  In less than two hours I saw a car attempting a U Turn hit a scooter that was parked, a guy on a skateboard crash into a moving motorcycle and a woman on a bicycle come to a dead stop and just fall over as if she was dead.  The scary part is none of these people appeared to have been drinking.  Then came the rain and did it ever rain hard.  Rain just causes people to do dumb things in Key West.  One woman decided she wanted to lay down in the street so she could feel the rain hit her body.  I can understand that but did she have to choose the middle of Duval Street to lay down in?  I had had enough and got the Hell home.  Now I remember why I don't cross White Street after 5:00 PM during Season.  For those not familiar with Key West White Street pretty well cuts the Island in half separating the residential section from the tourist section.

I got back to the normal side of the Island, well as normal as Key West gets.  Then again, what exactly is "Normal"?  Either way I was away from the craziness of Duval Street.  The week from the day after Christmas to January 02 is always the busiest time of year in Key West.  Since I had a huge breakfast at Harpoon Harry's I didn't have lunch and was very ready fr dinner.  I went to Roostica on Stock Island which is another mostly Locals place with excellent food, great service and very reasonable prices.  I needed to unwind after my Duval Street experience.  Had a nice dinner and now I'm home and ready for bed.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com

Merry Christmas from Key West the Florida Keys

I'm being spoiled and getting fat.  Mom made a breakfast fit for a King today.  Fresh squeezed orange juice, egg and sausage casserole, bacon and English muffins.  As anyone who reads this Blog knows, I like t eat.

After breakfast we went for a drive to nowhere just looking around.  My Parents won't drive much further than the grocery store anymore so we went to Ocala to show Mom the rental house I bought.  It was a beautiful day so we just kept driving.  We ended up driving around Lake Weir and ended stopped at the beach on the lake.  They have some beautiful homes on the water for about the same prices we sell Mobile Homes in The Keys.

After the Lake we came back to the house to get ready for dinner.  We had a simple dinner at the next door neighbor's house.  After we ate Dad got the best Christmas gift he could ask for.  We took him out to Chili's to sit at the bar and watch football having his "Christmas Eve Beer".  I was the Chauffeur for the day and he was the official beer drinker.

 


OK, enough about my visit with Mom and Dad.  This is supposed to be about a typical Day in Key West.  Let's cover Christmas Day on the Island.  I won't be there myself but there are a lot of things going on tomorrow for Christmas.  Then "Season" officially kicks in Monday.  The Snowbirds will soon be here in full force.

 

Doubletree Grand Key Resort – 3990 S Roosevelt Blvd – 305-293-1818 – on Christmas day the restaurant will have a holiday buffet open from 1:00pm until 8:00pm. The cost is $39.95 per person and reservations are required.

 

Grand Cafe – 314 Duval St – 305-292-4740 – will be open starting at noon on Christmas Day with a special holiday menu.

 

Hot Tin Roof – 0 Duval St – 305-296-7701 – at the Ocean Key Resort is offering a special Christmas dinner for $69 per person.

 

One Duval – 1 Duval St – 305-296-4600 – at the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa is offering residents and guests a special menu available Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring dishes such as pan seared black grouper and Key West pink shrimp, and herb crusted rack of lamb.

 

Rooftop Cafe – 308 Front St – 305-294-2042 – Our full dinner menu with holiday specials will be available. Reservations highly recommended.

 

SHOR – 601 Front St – 305-809-4025 – at the Hyatt Resort will be open on Christmas Day from 7:30am until 11:30am for breakfast serving from their regular menu and from noon until 10:00pm for dinner offering a “build your own plate” for $50 per person.

 

Bourbon Street Pub will host Jessica Grabbit's Holiday Show at 8:00 PM offering special Christmas Drinks including a $4 Candy Cane Shots, $4 Fireball Shots and $4 Peppermint Schnaaps Shots.

 

Fury Water Adventures will be offering a special "Christmas Ultimate Adventure" on Christmas Day.  Snorkeling, Waterside, Water Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Kayaking, Waverunners and Parasailing all in one trip.  Breakfast and lunch are included and once you're done with the Waverunners the there is an Open Bar with beer, wine and Margaritas.  Boat leaves the dock at 10:00 AM.

 

There is plenty to do on the Island for the Holidays.  Merry Christmas to all.  Enjoy Key West.

 

 

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com

I'm up in Central Florida for Christmas and FREEZING. Get me back to Key West fast.

How spoiled we get by the Key West Weather.  I'm up in The Villages spending Christmas with Mom and Dad and about died when I woke up,  It was 42 Degrees.  This is uncivilized.  I love it here but can't take the cold.  The area is beautiful and the houses are great.  The home below on the right is Mom and Dad's and the one on the left is the one I would want if I was 55 years old.  The Villages is a 55 and over Home Owner's Association.

Mom made breakfast this morning which is always good.  Then I went out and got to experience what I put my clients through on a daily basis.  I went looking at Real Estate up here and ended up buying an investment/rental house.  I close in early February.  It is a New Construction House still only about halfway built but I like it.  Then went to Logan's Roadhouse for lunch to celebrate.

 

Since this is a Blog about living in Key West I won't bore you with the details of my visit with Mom and Dad.  With me not being in Key West at the moment I can't tell you about my Day in Key West so i will just mention some of the things going on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Key West and you can go check them out for yourself.  If you're not in Key West but like what you see give me a call at 305-731-0501 and we can talk about ways to make you a Resident by next Christmas.

Starting off all the Key West parking meters are free today, Friday, through midnight Sunday, Christmas Day.

MCC, Metropolitan Community Church and Reverend Steve Torrence are hosting a Christmas Eve Service with Readings and Christmas Carols.  Everyone is welcome.

The 8th Annual "Santa Fun Run" Pub Stroll will start at 7:00 in front of Island Dogs Bar on 505 Front Street.  There will be 7 or 8 stops.  Dress as Santa, Mrs. Claus, an Elf or your favorite Christmas outfit.

Bourbon Street Pub will host Jessica Grabbit's Holiday Show at 8:00 PM offering special Christmas Drinks including a $4 Candy Cane Shots, $4 Fireball Shots and $4 Peppermint Schnaaps Shots.

Unity Church will hold Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 PM.  Everyone is welcome.

Fury Water Adventures will be offering a special "Christmas Ultimate Adventure" on Christmas Day.  Snorkeling, Waterside, Water Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Kayaking, Waverunners and Parasailing all in one trip.  Breakfast and lunch are included and once you're done with the Waverunners the there is an Open Bar with beer, wine and Margaritas.  Boat leaves the dock at 10:00 AM.

Doubletree Grand Key Resort is hosting a Christmas Bruffet form 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM for $39.95 and Locals get 15% off with ID.

Island House (All Male Gay Guest House) is having Christmas Dinner by the Pool for $39.95 with 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM seatings.  Space is limited and reservations are required.

Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa is having a fixed menu Christmas Dinner all day.  Reservations required.

 

It is Christmas no matter where you are but wouldn't you prefer to celebrate in shorts and a tee shirt over shoveling snow and driving in ice?  My first year living in the Florida Keys it felt weird having Christmas Dinner outside but that weird feeling only lasted about five minutes and I loved it.  The only frost I saw was on a beer mug, we salted Margaritas not roads and ice was in cocktails not on sidewalks.  No matter how you choose to spend your Holiday be safe, be happy and enjoy.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com

Woke up in Key West, going to bed in The Villages

Most of today was spent traveling.  I drove up to Mom and Dad's house in The Villages for Christmas.  It is normally about 8 hours if I drive straight through.  I made several stops today which made it just short of 10 hours.

I started the day off doing office work with my feet in the pool.  Had some paperwork to do.  Researched a few potential investment/rental properties for a friend, checked in, via email, with my tenants to let them know I am going to be out of town for a few days and looked at the new properties to come available.  I know, not too exciting but life can't be beaches and sailboats 23/7 even though I live in Key West.

Got on the road about 10:00 AM and my first stop was baby's Coffee.  I couldn't imagine any Road Trip without stopping there.  They had a Christmas Blend Limited Edition available and it was delicious.  I also got a homemade chocolate cookie and bought a couple pounds of coffee to take to Mom.  My Parents lived on Big Pine Key for about 12 years and Mom loved Baby's as much as I do.  It was actually her who took me there for the first time.

I got back on the road and finished my coffee before I hit the Seven Mile Bridge.  Stopped in Marathon to buy my Lottery Tickets at Doin's because I won $2,500 on a scratch ticket I bought there about 10 years ago.  If course I've probably spent triple that there trying to do it again.  Oh well, the Florida Lottery proceeds go to fund out School System and I enjoy playing.

I did great getting out of The Keys hitting very little traffic.  Made it over the 18 Mile Stretch and my good luck with traffic soon ended.  I got on the Turnpike and it took me over an hour to get to Fort Lauderdale which is usually just over 30 minutes.  I think I jinxed myself when I called a friend who lives in Coral Springs.  I made plans to stop and see him on my way up.  I told him I'd be there in half hour and within seconds the Miami Traffic was horrendous.  

I visited with my friend, got gas and that was my last stop until dinner time in Clermont.  I spend a lot of time in Wisconsin and have taken a liking to Culver's.  Anyone who has never been to a Culver's picture Five Guys and Dairy Queen combined and add Cheese Curds.  Delicious is an under statement.

Finished my dinner and got back on the road.  At this point I had been on the road over nine hours and I was tired.  I made it to The Villages and am sitting in my Dad's Office AKA "The Patriots Shrine".  Mom has the house decorated looking like Christmas at a Macy's.  I feel like a kid home for the Holidays. 

I know today's post wasn't the most exciting but I can only make a 450 mile drive sound so interesting without fabricating an Alligator attack or a UFO sighting.

Until tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com

Spent the dat tying up loose ends before going to see Mom and Dad for Christmas

Started my day off at 6:30 AM with my walk along the water.  Great way to begin a day and get some exercise.  It was a little cooler than normal but it felt good while walking and sweating away.  Most mornings I watch the sun come up over the water.  There wasn't much of a sunrise to watch today but it was still a nice morning.

 

After my walk I came home to prepare my day.  It started with a delicious Smoothie I made in my Vitamix which was he best investment in my kitchen.  Mango season has been over for months but I still have a bunch of them peeled and frozen in Smoothie size servings.  Today's creation was Almond Milk, Yogurt, Mango, Banana and a few healthy powders and seeds.  My plan was to drink it sitting with my feet in the pool.  Mother Nature had other plans and I enjoyed my Smoothie sitting inside in my sweatpants and shirt.

Once breakfast was done I spent the morning doing paperwork.  I had to get my properties set up and ready for me to go away for Christmas.  This wasn't difficult work, just time consuming and tedious.  I got everything taken care of and it was now lunch time.  Charlie Mac's for "Wing Wednesday.

Every time I go to Charlie Mac's I always say I need to eat there more often.  They have great food, indoor or outdoor seating, very good menu, reasonable prices, fast service and are very "Local Friendly" offering those of us who live in Key West a discount.  Be sure to ask for Tim as your server.  He is the best.  Tells it like it is, very attentive, friendly and welcoming.  Today all wings were half price for Wing Wednesday.  One order is enough to be a meal.  Of course I had to have the Fried Pickles and my friend I ate with had the Jalapeno Mac & Cheese bights.  They were great.  Enough of a kick that you know there are Jalapenos in them but not overpowering.

 


Next time I go to Charlie Mac's I need to remember one appetizer is enough for a meal.  I didn't need two but both were delicious.  We finished our food and waddled out of there.  We went into the Green Parrot Gift Shop to look around.  I still have to buy a Christmas gift for my Realtor up in Ocala and he loves Key West so I figured a shirt from Green Parrot would be nice as it gets down into the low 50's up there all winter.  Charlie Mac's and Green Parrot are in the same building.  I was walking to my car and saw the house that wins the award for the "Most Gaudy Christmas Decorations".  As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

 

 

I went back to my home office with a full belly and continued more paperwork.  I had to work inside the house today.  It was too cold outside to work by the pool.  Most of the afternoon was spent putting a photo presentation together for a house I have listed up on Little Torch.  I also spent some time with a client getting them a lower Homeowner's Insurance Rate.  Time to give myself a pat on the back.  I saved them $5,000 a year with one 10 minute phone call.

The work day was done and I went downtown to look at some Christmas Lights one last time as I am heading to Central Florida tomorrow to see Mom and dad.  Key West really does go all out when decoration for Christmas.  Of course with the cold temperatures I had my Rad Sox hoodie on.  I know those of you up North don't understand when i say 73 degrees is freezing when the wind is coming off the water.  I saw a Key West Icon on his "Christmas Bicycle".  I see him most every night riding around town with a smile and something nice to say about everyone.  He very graciously stops for anyone to take a picture.  We really have some great people in Key West. 

 

I'm sue nobody will be surprised to learn that after my walk I decided to go to dinner.  I was going to go down to Alonzo's but it was just too cold to be on the water.  I went to Cafe Sole which is always great.  Any first timers have to try their Hogfish.  It will change your life.  Dinner was quick and I didn't feel like doing anything after so I came home and here I sit.  That was another "Day in Key West.

Until tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com

Started today with "Breakfast at Tiffany's" AKA Harpoon Harry's and continued from there

Today started as a typical Tuesday and continued to be a great day.  I have a standing breakfast appointment with a friend every Tuesday at Harpoon Harry's which another friend and I named "Breakfast at Tiffany's about 20 years ago.  I don't recall where the name came from but I will assume their life changing Bloody Mary's had something to do with it.  We met at Harry's at 8:30 as usual and had an excellent breakfast.  We sit at the same table with the same waitress and order the same thing every time.  They don't even bring us a Menu anymore.  After breakfast I needed my second dose of caffeine so I went across the parking lot to Cuban Coffee Queen for a Cafe Con Leche.  They have excellent coffee at a low price and are right on the Marina.  I walk out to the docks and enjoy my coffee watching the boats come and go.  Doing anything in shorts, a tee shirt and flip flops in mid December is a good thing.  Even better when you're doing it on the water in Key West.

 

I think I am a glutton for punishment.  After my walk on the Marina I went to the Post Office two days in a row on Christmas week.  Much to my surprise there were only 3 people in line.  I think I got there after the people going on their way to work and before the people who closed the barroom last night and slept in.  The crazy part is neither of my Post Office trips this week had anything to do with Christmas.  They both just coincidentally happened this week when i usually go to the Post Office maybe three times a year.  Today I had to return a package that had to be post marked by December 31st and I am going out of town for Christmas leaving Thursday afternoon.  I got my morning smile when I saw a Grandpa pull up on a bike with a baby behind him on the seat and another in tow on a Bicycle Baby Carriage.  We actually see those around the island quite a bit.

I mailed my package and went over to Truman Annex to take some photos of houses for sale as well as the common areas and grounds.  I have been working with a couple who have been looking at buying in there.  Truman Annex is a very nice area with beautiful homes but a little too busy for me.  They are one of a very few areas in Key West that allow weekly rentals causing it to be very transient.  A great place to vacation but not where I would want to live.  I am very content living in New Town.  I've been in the same house over 20 years and am happy here.

After my visit to Truman Annex it was my favorite time of the work day; lunch time.  If you read this blog regularly you have probably realized by now I'm a little obsessed with food.  I guess there are worse things I could obsess over.  Since it was a beautiful day and I was downtown I decided to go to B.O.'s Fish Wagon and eat outside.  I like B.O.'s a lot.  It is literally an old fashion fish wagon just as the name says.  It is in the parking lot of the Key West Bight.  To use a big Oxymoron, it is a "Classy Dive".  Great food, good service at a very fair price.

I left B.O.'s very full and came back to my home office to work by the pool putting an information email and photos together for the couple looking at Truman annex.  I won't bore you by going into detail about estimated P&L's for rental figures for 2015 and 2016 YTD.  I could mention how good I am at putting photo presentations together with Photoshop but that would be a lie and I want my readers to like me so I won't do that either.  Boring work, yes, but I did it sitting outside with my feet in the pool while most of America had their feet in winter boots and snow.

Dinner was quiet and simple tonight.  Burgers on the grill and Pasta Salad.  Wolfgang Puck doesn't have to worry about me putting him out of business today but it hit the spot and was easy to make.  Didn't do much after dinner.  Ran to Publix to get Almond Milk.  Exciting, I know.  That was another Day in Key West.

Until tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

garymcadams@realtorgary.com

www.realtorgary.com