Pictures from our 2011 Key West Winter Trip

Our campsite. That's me sitting with Jack on my lap.


Jack got a hair cut and is showing off!


The roses Gary got me for Valentine's Day and the silver ring with a gold conch shell that he also got me!



Last year I got a bike - single speed, back pedal to brake -- Just my speed. All white!

This year I decided to paint my bike - I want it to look "Keys-ie". It isn't done yet - may take the entire trip to get completed.

This lizard is part of my inspiration for the bike - but just loosely.

I am almost finished it - still have a few days left and a few things yet to paint!




Bob painted Marlene's bike - he had more of a plan and got it finished. I am sure I won't get done until the end of the trip!
Here is Marlene's bike in front of Bob and Chris's rig. That is Kara behind the bike, under the cab of the RV.


Details of the bike



Many evenings we get together around Ed and Marlene's campfire (propane) to talk -- this is the campground's version of the neighbor's front porch. As a treat one night, Fritz and Eva treated us to a demonstration of the type of dancing they do. And Fritz is 80, Eva 64!!!!! Amazing!



And here are are folks who were watching!



Debby and Anette


Brad and his wife, Ed and Marlenne, Gary (aka Santa Claus)

Gary (aka Santa Claus) with his puppy, Dali, John's father in law, Kathy (Gary's wife)

Debby with Jack, Fred, Anette, Marlene
Notice - no pictures of Gary. He was taking the pictures. Next time, we'll catch him!!!!!


February 18-20, 2011 - GardenFest 2011 at the Key West Botanical Gardens. They were celebrating their 75th birthday! It was a very good show for me and one I hope to do again next year! The setting was wonderful. Customers interesting. I had a good show!



Gary has gone "shrimping" a few times - with mixed success. But he has done pretty well the last couple nights. This evening (President's Day 2011) we had shrimp that Gary caught for dinner. Steamed in Old Bay! Yum!!!



On Friday, Feb 25, we had our annual 2nd Annual Pot Luck Dinner. Last year we had it at Marlene and Ed's site but this year we had it at our site - seems we have more room! We have to schedule after everyone in the "group" gets here and before anyone leaves. One couple left Sat, one is leaving Monday and another on Tuesday. But this is the core of our Key West Community.


Forgot to take the picture before dark!

Here are some of the folks:

Anette and her favorite best buddy - Jack (who was not feeling too perky)


Ed has been bothered by the rooster's crowing at about 4am - just had to give him something so he wouldn't forget!



We love our puppies!!!


Bob knew Willie and invited him - he lives here in Key West. Thanks, Bob!!!!


Gary and his co-pilot (when Gary let's him on his lap!!!! )


Kara came over to show Jack her new outfit - I'm not sure Jack was all that excited! But it really goes well with the pirate and parrot theme Bob has at his camp site! Bob says he won't walk down the street with her but Chris will - it is cute!


Lauren got a picture of the camp iguana - he's about 4 feet long. I haven't seen him yet this year but Gary has a couple times.


Bob got a cobia last night - not sure what that is but they say it is good to eat. And then the guys all had to go fishing!!!


This weekend I got a couple good days in on the torch - mostly making earrings beads as I had sold so many earrings at my first two shows. While I was doing that, Gary went up to Boca Chica and tooks ome pictures.


Beach Sculptures


The Stone House - changes every year - people add things and others take things.


One day an ospry came into the campground - looked like he was drying his wings. What a sight!


We have never been down here for St. Patrick's Day but apparently, it is a holiday to be celebrated. So our "crew" decided to go tot he VFW for dinner, then downtown to party.

Back row: Debby, Chris, Marlene (she is one step down) and Kathy
Front row: Gary, Bob, Ed, Gary

Ed & Marlene --- Bob & Chris --- Gary & Kathy


The van carries 5 legally but there were 8 of us -- so-o-o-o-o, the guys rode in the back!



Gary's band friend, Bob and his wife, Peggy, came to Key West for a visit last week - Peggy had family from here originally. The guys got together and played at the campground for our friends! We also ate at a lot of our favorite places! We had a delightful visit with them.





Marlene and Ed's friends came down to get married on Smather's Beach (Key West). The night before, we decorated their bikes. The next morning, they got married at 10 on the beach then rode their bikes to lunch. Very cool!