A Day in Key West

Less than a week to Christmas and a Balmy 83 Degrees outside

Whomever it was who coined the expressions "Mondays Suck" and "Everybody hates Monday's" clearly didn't live in Key West.  My day started with a beautiful 6:30 AM walk along the beach getting some much needed exercise watching the sun come up.  I say much needed exercise because as anyone who reads this bolg knows, I like to eat.  After my walk I had my coffee in the yard with my feet in the pool with temperatures in the mid 80's.  When you consider that is is mid December, does that sound like the start to a Monday's Suck kind of day?

 

After I finished my coffee in the yard I came in and got ready for work.  I started the work day with some website updates, searching for an investment condo for a client and getting ready to close out the year ans start a new one.  I know this sounds boring but we can't spend every day on a boat or at the beach.  Even people in Key West have to do that work thing once in a while.  After these tasks I went up to Sugarloaf Key to check on a house I sold a few years back.  The Buyer has since become a good friend and he asked me to go open the windows to air the house.  Nobody has been in it since June.  I'll stop there on my way to Mom and Dad's house Thursday to close the windows and turn the AC on.  The homeowner is coming down the day after Christmas.

By the time I was done in Sugarloaf it was just about noon which meant one thing, lunch.  I stopped at Hogfish Bar and Restaurant for lunch on the dock.  Hogfish is one of the very few places the tourists haven't discovered yet.  It is tough to find and appears to be in a rough neighborhood although it is not.  Having grown up in Boston and lived in New York City for a while I guess I view a "Rough Neighborhood" a little differently than others.  All kidding aside it is a tight knit neighborhood where multiple generations of families live.  Once you get to Hogfish you're in for a great meal watching the boats go in and out.  The original boat used by Mel Fisher, world famous salvage diver can be seen across the harbor from the dock.  People will bring their dogs and they are treated as well as any person who walks in.  Today I had Coconut Shrimp that were to die for.

 

After lunch I had to do what everyone tries to avoid doing the week before Christmas, going to the Post Office.  I had all my Christmas things shipped well before this week but I had to send a package to a client.  Unfortunately for me he just happened to need it this week.  After an hour in line listening to people complain about the length of the line I got my package mailed off and went about my day.  I survived the Post Office and went back to my Home Office, AKA my desk at the pool, and picked back up on my paperwork.  A couple more hours of it and I will be ready for 2017.

I made a quick trip downtown about 4:00 to do some research at the Property Appraiser's Office and the Registry of Deeds.  As tedious at that can be I have to give the people who work at the Courthouse a lot of credit.  They are very knowledgeable and always willing to help.  What would take me hours as well as raise my blood pressure they get done in a couple minutes and do so with a smile.  On my way home I saw something I had to take a picture of and send to a friend I went to College with.  He is a Letter Carrier in Boston.  I sent him a picture of one of our local Letter Carriers working today in his shorts and tee shirt.  Then of course just to rub it in more i took a picture of Flamingo Crossing, a local Ice Cream Store where all the products are made right there in the store.  I told him I was going to have a Smoothie on the patio.  I can't publish his response or my Key West Blog will have an X Rating.

 

Since my Boston Friend felt the need to respond to my pictures with his choice expletives I decided to take a picture of out Key West Christmas decorations and a couple of fictitious Key West Superheros, Cigar Man and Palm Lady.  They live on the sidewalk in front of the Cigar Store across Duval street from Flamingo Crossing.  They are photographed more than any Tourist Attraction in town.

 

After I was done harassing my friend who was freezing cold trying to do his job in the snow I came home.  I did something tonight I don't do often.  I cooked dinner at home.  I figured I have a beautiful kitchen at home.  I might as well use it.  I went with a Cuban theme and made Pork Loin marinated in garlic, lime juice, Mojo spice and a hint of hot sauce.  The whole dinner was pretty simple and very good.  I just added some yellow rice, black beans and it felt like I was sitting on the dock at Marina Hemingway in Havana.  Dinner was don and so was I.  Kitty and I spent the night watching TV in bed.  It is officially time to call it a day.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

Sunday wasn't a "Day of Rest" this weekend. I was busy all day long.

My Sunday started off at 7:00 AM and just kept going.  I was sleeping so well when Kitty decided she wanted breakfast.  She continues to headbutt me until I wake up.  Then when she sees I am alive she will walk across my body until I get out of bed.  Whomever it was that decided to call a Female Dog a "BITCH" never met this Cat.  I finally gave up and went to the kitchen to cook her breakfast.

After my Culinary Duties were done it was time to hit the shower so I could go up to Little Torch Key to show one of my houses.  The showing appointment was for 11:00 AM.  That took about 45 minutes which is long for a house showing but that is a good thing.  It is a sign that the Buyers liked it.  The house is very well kept and cute.  The yard is amazing with every type of fruit tree that can grow in The Keys climate.  It was nice to catch up with my Tenant too.  He's a Coast Guard man and a nice guy.  He is from Minnesota and this will be his first Christmas in the Florida Keys.  I remember my first Holiday Season here being very weird.  Things like going out on a Jet Ski in the morning then having Christmas Dinner outside felt very strange the first time.  I got used to it and love it now.  I'm sure Rick, my Tenant, will too.

 

After the house showing I decided to take a ride to Big Pine and check out my old neighborhood as well as my old restaurant, No Name Pub.  When I first moved to The Keys I lived on Big Pine Key about five blocks from the Pub.  It is a neat little restaurant.  It has become more of a tourist destination now.  When I lived there a little over 20 years ago it was a local Neighborhood Pub.  To use a big oxymoron it was a "Classy Dive".  Everyone who goes in writes their name and where they are from on a dollar bill and staples it to the wall or ceiling.  There must be half a million dollars hung throughout the place.  They are most well known for their pizza which is Florida Good but not Boston Good.  My Dad always liked No Name Pub so I bought him a sweatshirt to bring up when I go visit for Christmas.  The Pub was built and founded by Royal Newman who was a Barroom Celebrity in Big Pine Key.  Royal was the town drunk who had been barred from every watering hole on Big Pine Key so he opened his own bar.  He would sell the Pub to anyone who wanted to buy it.  He'd hold a private note and the first time they were a minute late on a payment he would take it back.  He did this about a dozen times before he sold it to Will Ard who was another town drunk but a wealthy town drunk who came in the following day with his Attorney and paid the note in full.  After that Royal needed a new place to drink so he built the Sandbar on Little Torch Key but that is another story for another day.  Royal has long since passed but his legend will live on Big Pine Key forever.

 

After lunch I drove out to see my old house on Big Pine then headed South, actually west, (US1 South goes West and US1 North goes East) to Key West.  That never made sense to me but then again West Summerland Key is about 12 miles East of Summerland Key and West Indies Drive on Ramrod Key is to the East of Indies Road.  It must be tough to be a new Taxi Driver or Pizza Delivery Driver in the Lower Keys.  I stopped on my way home to see a house a friend just built in Bay Point in Saddlebunch Key.  This was the first time I have seen it completed.  Quite the house I must say.

 Once back in Key West I stopped in at Pier One to take advantage of their sale on all Christmas items and buy a couple candles for my Mom and her next door neighbor who spends all holidays with my Parents since her husband died about 15 years ago.  Pier One is a great store although I am always shocked that nobody knocks entire displays over they are so close together.  They definitely cram 25,000 square feet worth of merchandise into a 10,000 square foot store.  I got out of there without breaking anything and thought I was done for the day but that turned out to be untrue.

 

I got home and one string of my Christmas Lights had burned out.  I tried every trick I could to get them to work but it just wasn't happening.  I had to go shopping again and buy some new lights.  As anyone who lives in Key West will tell you we avoid the local Kmart at all cost.  I hoped to run into Family Dollar and pick up a box of lights.  That is where I buy most of my Holiday items.  No such luck.  Their shelves were bare.  I had to go to the dreaded Kmart.  I got there and asked an employee who was stocking shelves where the Christmas Decorations were and he didn't know.  I asked three more employees but none of them spoke English.  Finally another customer heard me asking and she was kind enough to tell me where I could find my lights.  I got them and a few other items and it was time to check out.  They only had two registers open the weekend before Christmas at the biggest retail store in Key West.  Probably 12 people in each line.  Meanwhile there were three Managers behind the Customer service Counter which had no customers in line but not one of them would bother to open another register.  Roughly 45 minutes in line and I was finally able to pay for my items and get out alive.  The "Happy Ending" is I got out ot Kmart without strangling anyone and my Christmas Lights look great.

By this time I didn't feel like cooking but i didn't feel like going out to eat.  I felt like Breakfast for Dinner so I went to IHOP and had an Omelet and Pancakes.  Not glamorous, probably not nutritious but it hit the spot.  For now my bed is calling me.

Until tomorrow,

Gary

 

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

Morning 5K to Evening Christmas Lights to Pizza for dinner

Today was a fun and eventful day.  I started the day off at 5:30 AM which is NOT my normal time to wake.  Sir Churchill put it best when he said "A gentleman need not rise before none".  I was asked to photograph a 5K race for a local charity "A Positive Step" which raises a lot of money for local Monroe County underprivileged children.  All of the money stays right in Monroe County (All of the Florida Keys) and the larger portion stays in Key West.  I didn't mind getting up for that.  Plus I got to watch the sunrise over the beach.

The race went off at 8:00 AM sharp with the sound of the starting gun.  There was an enthusiastic crowd of runners and walkers form all walks of life; men, women, children, hard core runners, power walkers, people who didn't exercise at all but wanted to help raise money for the cause, local business people, local Police, Firefighters, you name it they were there.  We had several runners pushing baby carriages the entire way.  I had a great time helping a much needed charity and seeing some old friends.  We couldn't have asked fr better weather for a run.  It was in the mid 70's with a steady breeze keeping the runners and walkers cool.  My intention of this weblog is not to push people to donate to anything but if you would like to make a charitable donation that will stay right in The Florida Keys A Positive Step has helped a lot of local children stay on the right path.  Billy Davis, Director of A Positive Step, has seen to it a lot of local kids go to collage rather than drop out of high school for life on the streets.  Any time they need a photographer I always help out.  Of course there is a method to my madness.  By being the photographer I do the entire 5K in my car and to assure I am at the finish line before the leading runner I have a Police Escort getting me through the red lights.

 
   

The race finished with great success.  Everyone had fun, a lot of money was raised and it was time for me to do my favorite morning activity, eat breakfast.  It was about 10:00 AM so it was more a brunch than breakfast but I went to Goldman's Deli which is a local favorite of those of us who live in Key West.  Outstanding food, great service and very reasonable prices.  If Cheers served breakfast it would be Goldman's.  You walk in there and everybody knows your name.

I left Goldman's with a very full belly and I had to go do that work thing.  Even on a Saturday I didn't mind working though.  My first stop was up to an Estate Home on Sugarloaf Key where I worked touring a $5M + property surrounded by water on three sides.  My office of the day had a spectacular view.  The property owner is a neat older man who always offers the wisdom of a Grandfather while being as silly as a teen age kid.  My second stop was another house up on Summerland Key.  My commute to both job sights was islands, bridges and water.  Beats the Hell out of a Highway view.

I got home and hung out with Kitty for a little while then went out for a drive to look at Christmas Lights.  Key West has some very creative people decorating entire blocks every year.  The lights have actually become a Tourist Attraction.  The Conch Train has Christmas Lights Tours where four or more trains will follow each other around driving by the best decorated houses.  Historic Tours of America, the company that owns the Conch Train, offers heave cash prizes for the best three decorated houses.  The competition gets pretty intense but everyone has fun.  Who needs a White Christmas?  Give me 80 degree winters every time.

   

 By the time I saw all the Christmas lights it was getting late and once again I had food on my mind.  It had been a long day and I didn't feel like going out but I didn't feel like cooking either.  The happy compromise was Pizza.  I went to Big John's on my way home.  Ran into my next door neighbors there and saw their Grandson for the first time.  He's about 2 months old.  Ate my pizza and I was done for the day.  The thought of covering myself in a blanket for the night and watching TV with Kitty seemed pretty good and that is exactly what I am going to do.

Until tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

Friday is here. Let the weekend begin.

Today was a very good start to a weekend.  The weather couldn't have been better and I got a lot done.  It was sunny and about 80 degrees.  A slight breeze made it perfect shorts and sweatshirt weather.  I had a sight inspection for a rental house I am going t be managing this morning then took advantage of downtown being quiet and did some shopping.  I officially have the last of my Christmas shopping done.  Well, one more gift to go then done but I will get that tomorrow.  My Realtor up in Ocala is a Rum drinker.  I am going to go by the Key West Rum Distillery and get him a bottle of the only liquor that is actually produced in Key West.  "Conch Republic Rum" is distilled in St. Pete and Key West Sunset Ale is brewed in Cape Canaveral.  I do remember when it was brewed in Rockland Key, about 5 miles out of Key West and you could buy it right there for about $8 a case.  Key West Legal Rum is the last liquor that is rally a local Key West product.

Lunch was nothing fancy.  A quick burger t Five Guys.  I guess we can't all eat on the water seven days a week.  Actually I can, I live across the street from the Marina but sometimes we have fast food cravings, even in Key West.  I had to go to Verizon to see what I did to my phone this time and Five Guys is in the same Plaza.  Our local Verizon store is great.  At least twice a month I do something to my phone and they fix it with a smile.

After lunch I had to go to the Property Appraiser's Office to check on a house confirming the addition was done legally with a Building Permit.  Spent about an hour there going through back records and permits.  I did find it was legally permitted but also discovered anther Building Permit that was never closed.  That is a pretty easy fix but tedious and a lot of paperwork.  I know this doesn't sound like an exciting afternoon but I drove there with my sunroof open and windows down.  Did you do that today on your way to work?  By the time I finished there I was ready to call it a day.  I had dinner on my mind.

I didn't feel like cooking so I went with Old Faithful, El Siboney.  They have been a Key West favorite for over 30 years.  They actually changed the menu for the first time in probably 30 years too.  I guess they went with the "If it's not broken don't fix it" theory all these years.  Luckily they added a few items but kept everything from the original menu.  They have had the same chefs, servers, managers and host as long as I can remember.  Sometimes Change isn't a good thing.  You definitely get that Cheers feeling when you walk in, Everybody knows your name.

 

After a huge dinner and a great time I was full.  I tried the Cuban Teriyaki Steak Tips which is one of the new menu items.  Just like everything at El Siboney, they were excellent.  Huge portion too.  I have plenty left for lunch tomorrow or to put over a salad tomorrow night.  For now I'm tired and full.

Until tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

 

 

 

One more day until the Weekend

It was a very quiet week in Key West today but that will change in another week or so.  The Flood Gates open and the tourists pour in the day after Christmas and Key West will be busy right through April.  This is the tie of year the locals will "Play Tourist" and spend time on Duval Street.  There is something for everyone down on Duval.

I showed houses to a couple from Michigan most of the day today.  They were thrilled to death to be outside in shorts and tee shirts.  They just left single digit temperatures and that nasty SNOW stuff.  We spent the morning and part of the afternoon on Summerland and Cudjoe Keys.  I like it up there.  Only about 20-25 minutes from Key West but very quiet and you can have the boat in your back yard.  We had lunch at Square Grouper which is out of this world.  Just good home cooked food with great service.  During Season you are lucky if you only wait an hour for a table but it is well worth the wait.  Fortunately today is not "Season" and we got seated pretty quick.

           

After lunch we looked at a couple more houses and headed back towards Key West.  I dropped my Clients off at The Casa Marina which is where they are staying.  We went in and sat at the pool bar on the beach to discuss what we had seen today.  The Casa Marina has, in my opinion, the prettiest grounds of any hotel in Key West.  They have a beautiful pool that overlooks the beach with amazing ocean views.  There is an outdoor restaurant and and very nice pool bar that overlook both the pool and beach.  The tropical landscaping makes you feel like you have escaped reality.  They rent sailboats, kayaks and jet skis right off the beach.  It is truly a beautiful place.
   

We wrapped things up about 6:00 and I was ready to go home.  By the time I got home I didn't feel like cooking but didn't feel like going out for a fancy dinner so I went with an "Old Faithful" and had Pizza at Mr. Z's.  Growing up in Boston and having spent a lot of time in New Your City I am very picky about my Pizza and that is one place where Key West is lacking but Mr. Z's comes close.  However, if anyone wants to open up a Boston Style Pizzeria I also sell Commercial Real Estate.  Just Saying.....

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

 

 

 

Tonight was the Annual Lighted Boat Christmas Parade

Today started off strange but got better as the day went on.  I wasn't feeling well last night so I didn't set my alarm when I went to bed.  I usually set it for 6:30 but am up before 6:00 most mornings.  I woke up today, looked at the clock and was quite surprised to see I had slept until 10:15.  I got up, had my coffee (Baby's of course), got ready for work, read and returned some emails and got ready for the day ahead of me.  By this time I was ready for lunch.

I took advantage of Key West being very slow and went downtown to meet a friend for lunch at Hard Rock.  There was a loud delivery truck right in front delivering to Fat Tuesday's next door so we ate inside.  Today was "60's Music Day" at the bar.  I enjoyed a nice Hard Rock Burger listening to Janas Joplin, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix.  That alone made going downtown all worth the while.  It was a beautiful day so I drove home the long way riding along the water.

      

I worked a little while more at my home office by the pool.  Kitty sat outside with me in her favorite chair while I was doing computer work and setting up ads.  I called it a day about 5:30 and went inside to get ready for the Lighted Christmas Boat Parade.  For such a small Island Key West has some great Christmas Parties and Parades.

The Parade started at 8:00 so I decided to get something to eat beforehand.  I met my friends i was going to the Boat Parade with at El Siboney which is a place you will hear a lot about if you read this blog regularly.  I eat there so often they don't even bring me a menu when I am seated.  They are by far the best restaurant in Key West.  Outstanding homemade Cuban Food, huge portions, excellent service and priced about the same as Wendy's or Burger King.

After dinner we went to the Galleon Resort & Marina to watch the Boat Parade.  The Galleon has a very Local Friendly Tiki Bar right on Key West Harbor which is where the Parade takes place.  We couldn't have asked for better seats.  Some of these boats go all out.  There were some amazing decorations.  Very creative.  Even the Coast Guard joins in and decorates a few of their boats.  They drive right by all the hotels close to the shoreline so people get a front row view.  The Parade lasted just under two hours.  It was about 9:45 when the last boat made it's return pass heading back towards Schooner Wharf Bar which is where it starts.  Wanting to avoid the traffic and the drinkers on the road I left right away.  My hat is off to the people who volunteer their time decorating their boats for this great parade.  They really put on a nice show.  The people who organize the Parade do an amazing job and the Florida Marine Patrol did a great job helping out keeping everyone safe.  The Lighted Boat Parade is a good time for everyone from toddlers to Grandma and Grandpa.  It was really a nice show.

Today didn't start off the best day where I wasn't feeling my best but I soon got my second wind and it turned out to be another great Day in Key West.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

Quiet Day in Key West, The Island is going to be slow until Christmas.

Today was a pretty mellow slow day but we don't mind that.  "Season" starts the day after Christmas and we will be praying for a slow day.  Thanksgiving to Christmas is consistently the slowest time of year in Key West.  We all know it long beforehand but everyone acts surprised when it comes.  I took advantage of the slow day and did some shopping downtown.

I started my day with a ride up to Baby's Coffee for my caffeine jolt.  Starbucks can keep their overpriced under quality junk they sell.  Give me Baby's every time.  Today I had a "Death By Coffee" which is a light roast high caffeine delicious creation.  I usually go back and forth between that and the Hemingway's Hair of The Dog which is their highest caffeine content.

I took my coffee to go and I was a happy camper.  I stopped on Big Coppitt Key on my way back to Key West to look at a house for a client who is looking for a renovation project.  This one fit that description for sure.  I think a wrecking ball would do this house some good.  The lot of land would be worth about $350,000 if it was vacant.  This house being on the lot brought the value down about $100,000.  A little over an acre on the open ocean with sunrise views.  As long as I was down there I drove to the end of Boca Chica Road to the beach.  There is a big Bird Sanctuary down there and you will see all sorts of wild birds.  Today I saw a beautiful Blue Heron and then caught an Egret enjoying his breakfast.

 

I came home and ran some numbers for my client who wants to buy that monstrosity on Big Coppitt Key and I think I have convinced him not to move forward.  As much as I would like to sell him a house, after all, that is how I get paid, this house would not be a good investment.  It made me feel good telling a client not to move forward knowing I would make a lot of money if he did buy it.  By then it was about 12:30 and I was getting hungry.  Today was a beautiful day with temperatures in the low 80's.  I decided lunch at home sitting with my feet in the pool sounded good.  I made a big Cobb Salad and did just that.  Kitty and I sat in the yard enjoying the beautiful Key West weather while having lunch.  Kitty ate the Turkey off my Salad.  That Cat eats better than most people but she's a good girl and deserves to eat well.

After lunch I worked on an insurance policy for one of my Sellers who needs to lower their insurance to help sell their home.  The policy they have now is so high I thought Mr. Capone came back to life and started selling insurance in The Florida Keys.  I was able to cut their cost almost in half with a few phone calls and a couple hours work.  I know, bring work but I was sitting at my poolside desk in my outdoor office which made it a little more tolerable.  It makes me feel good knowing I was able to save some money for people who have been good to me.

By now it was 5:30 and my workday was done.  My mind was on dinner.  I decided to go downtown since the island is slow.  We locals can enjoy Duval Street and not fight the crowds of tourists this time of year.  I ended up going to Duffy's on Simonton Street.  I have always thought Duffy''s is the very best downtown as far as what you get for what you pay.  The only negative is parking is tough there but with the Island being so slow there were plenty of spots available on the street.  I had an excellent dinner with outstanding service as always.  I finished up, headed home and now am calling it a night.

There you have it, a typical Day in Key West.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

Just another Monday in Key West

Yesterday was a pretty normal Monday just like anywhere.  The day started off about 6:00 AM when Kitty decided she needed to wake me up so I could make her breakfast.  Whoever it was who named a female Dog a Bitch has never met this Cat.  After cooking for Her Highness I went for my morning walk along the water.  We had a beautiful sunrise as I was making my way home.  Great exercise, great view and a great way to start a day.

After my wake up walk I spent the morning in my Home Office also known as my "Pool Desk".  I took two old wooden Budweiser beer case boxes, cut the side off each putting them together as one and attached them to an outdoor table by the pool to make a desk.  My laptop fits in perfectly blocking the sun allowing me to see the screen.  Working is much more enjoyable when barefoot by the pool.  I did a couple CMA's (Comparable Market Analysis for those of you nit in the Real Estate Business), worker a little on my 2017 business plan and looked for fixer upper homes for a client.  By then it was lunch time and Goldman's Deli was calling my name.  Goldman's is one of the few places the tourists haven't found yet and it is excellent.

After lunch I went back to the pool office for a couple hours and then called it a day.  A work day that is, the night was young.  I went downtown for a delicious dinner at Alonzo's which is one of my favorite places to eat.  Great food right on the Marina watching the boats come and go.  For those who prefer to eat Happy Hour rather than drink it Alonzo's Happy Hour is the best in Key West.  The weather couldn't have been better for outdoor dining on the water.  It was still 80 degrees and sunny.  After dinner I went to Flamingo Crossing for ice cream which is made right there in the store.  I think I gain 10 pounds walking in the door but it is well worth it.  I ate my ice cream with Max, one of the "Local Characters", dressed in his custom Santa Attire.

 

I finished my Ice Cream and decided to call it a night.  I had a great dinner, great dessert and great company.  I would expect nothing less in Key West.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

It is so nice to be back home in Key West

If anyone ever hears me complain about Key West please remind me of this journey to Miami.  Now I remember why I like Island living.  I woke up early today and decided to take advantage of some Big City Shopping.  If you ever need to raise your blood pressure just go to the Dolphin Mall in Miami on a Sunday just before Christmas.  I did enjoy Bass Pro Shop then got some White Chocolate Peppermint Tea at Teavana which is quite delicious.  I'm enjoying a cup right now as I type this Blog.  I tried some amazing Gelatto made right there on sight while I was at the Mall.  Brought back memories of Italy.  I also got to see Santa Claus at Bass Pro Shop.  No matter how old I am Santa always makes me feel like a kid again.

       

   
I had never been in Ikea and there is one that shares a driveway with the Dolphin Mall.  First, last and only time I'll ever go there.  Good Heaven have mercy.  That place could give a bottle of Valium an anxiety attack.  Then you're stuck.  The place is a maze and you have to go through every single room before you can get to the exit.  If they ever have a fire 1,000 people will be dead.  Am I asking too much to have just one floor employee speak English?  I think the word "Exit" is pretty universal.  Finally I found the door and never moved so fast in my life to get to my car.  Please God get me back to Key West.

Finally I was done and it was time to head home.  Not soon enough for me.  Raced down the Turnpike to the end.  A couple lights in Florida City and I was on the 18 Mile Stretch.  It was a very soothing feeling knowing I was just a few minutes from The Keys.  Being Sunday afternoon there was very little traffic heading South.  I caught Sunset just as I was going over the Tea Table Bridge.  This was a nice welcome home sign after my Ikea incident.  Mother Nature must have known I needed it.  At that point I knew I was back home.

I made it home to Key West in one piece and happy to be there.  I unpacked the car, put my things away.  Played with Kitty for a while and it was time for dinner.  I totally blew my diet and went to Big Johns for Pizza.  With the day I had I deserved it and I don't feel the least bit guilty.  That's it for today.  My bed awaits me.

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com

 

As an added bonus here is Kitty hanging out by the pool while I put some of the things I bought in the pool shed.

 

                                                                                                        


 

Help, I'm stuck in Miami. Get me back to Key West.

Woke up early today to get on the road to Miami beating the traffic.  No such luck.  Got stuck behind a Bicycle Race, a few sightseeing tourists and a Winnebago.  All kidding aside the ride up and down The Florida Keys is beautiful.  Islands, ocean and bridges.  Mother Nature was feeling kind when she designed The Keys.  The Bahia Honda Bridge is pretty with the remnants of the Flagler Railroad alongside it.  Then the world famous Seven Mile Bridge is phenomenal.  Seven miles of water and other than the main hump the entire bridge is only about 10 feet off the water.  The Tea Table Bridge in Islamorada is nice as well.  That is the only Draw Bridge in The Keys.  The ride over the 18 Mile Stretch is nice too.  Salt Ponds and Everglades the entire way.  I made a stop to drop some house keys off to a Client and kept on trucking. 

   

My very favorite part of any drive up The Keys is my routine stop at Baby's Coffee.  The big cities can keep Starbucks and Barney's.  Leave Seattle's Best in Seattle.  There is no coffee like Baby's and it is only available in The Florida Keys.  They have Brews with names like Hemingway's Hair of The Dog and Baby's Private Buzz for those who like high caffeine.  One of their best sellers is a Dark Roast called Sexpresso.  I go with Old Faithful Baby's Breakfast Blend.  Every Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday where the employees will dress in outlandish costumes.  If you care to challenge them with a costume and yours is better than theirs your coffee is free.  Baby's is just good coffee, friendly folks and a lot of fun.  It is a Must Try if you visit The Keys.

 Once the drive up The Keys ended so did the fun.  Going to Miami for business once in a while is a necessary evil but get me back to Key West. 

Until Tomorrow,

Gary

Gary McAdams, P.A.

The Key West Life

Barbara Anderson Realty

305-731-0501

[email protected]

www.realtorgary.com