September Slow Down

Although I've been really busy this week, the rest of the island is entering the annual slow season. You can feel it with every trip to the grocery or meal in a restaurant....less people, more quiet. Last Saturday morning we went to Ft Zach and we were the ONLY people on the beach! The local newspaper is filled with ads for locals deals at restaurants and spas. You can eat at some lovely establishments for 50% off with a local ID and take at least 20% off your next massage or facial. Kinda nice! The high season here is January through April. That is when it is most crowded with snow birds and vacationers looking for warm temps. April through August is just regular, I would say....lots of people visit the island, lots of families and European travelers seem to love the heat and the water. But once school starts, it's pretty much just us locals. The last week of October is Fantasy Fest, the event that brings the most visitors to the island. November and December are just perfect in Key West, with awesome weather and holiday events. Definitely my two favorites. I read on Twitter that every hotel room on the island is booked for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. So it may be a little crowded for a few days...let's call it an island-wide good bye to summer. :)

In the Garden - Signs of fall

Here in Key West we don't do autumn leaves and early morning frosts. Our weather is generally hot and steamy through September. But if you look carefully, there are subtle signs that fall is on its way. Starting the week before my girls return to school, our front walk way is dotted with lovely rain lilies. We didn't plant them....a former tenant did or maybe they are one of those tropical plants that get sowed by the trade winds. They bloom in spring as well, but really put on a show now. Also, there is a subtle shift in the light. I noticed it yesterday when I was in the pool with the girls. The various shades of green surrounding our pool looked like they were getting the sun at a different angle. I look forward to watching for more changes in the coming weeks. I get my mornings back tomorrow, as the girls start second grade. I can take my coffee outside and enjoy the breeze.

New Year, New 'Tude

I am not one to say 'where did the summer go?' I can tell you exactly where it went. Our summer has gone by in a lovely blur of fish print and tie dye camp, swimming in our pool, tooling around the island, crafts, tutoring, some awesome traveling, seeing family and friends, making smoothies and fruit kebabs, playing tennis, snuggling, baking, playing computer games, making messes and cleaning them up, and much, much more. We've had busy days and lazy days. The girls probably watched too much television and didn't take enough baths. And I'm okay with that....to me, that is what summer break is for! School starts next Monday, and we are making the usual preparations. The school supplies are bagged and ready to go. They have new clothes and shoes and backpacks. We are going to bed earlier. Basically, tightening up the daily routine. My volunteer duties at the girls school started a few weeks ago - welcome back treats, lunch for the staff, lots of time at the keyboard updating information, sending emails, and outlining plans for the upcoming school year. I really enjoy doing it, and I am blessed to be able to devote so much time to helping out. I've learned a lot in the last few weeks and have had my feelings hurt in a major way. I think volunteering and giving brings out the best in people, but unfortunately it also seems to bring out the worst. So along with prepping my two daughters to start second grade next week, I am prepping myself. Finding a better balance. Maybe tightening up my boundaries. I love the excitement of a new school year....so much possibility! I look forward to having the time during the day to tackle projects and actually keep the house looking nice for more than an hour. I can't wait to drop them off and then park by Smathers Beach and take a brisk walk along the ocean. John and I can get back to our routine of having breakfast or lunch out at our favorite spots....Pepe's, Harpoon Harry's, Sarabeth's, and Square Grouper. And at 3 pm the day really begins when two little ladies have snacks and homework and reading and dinner and baths. Until then, it's probably all right that it's 10:42 am and they are still in pajamas.

Key West Pinks

That is what our locally harvested shrimp are called. They really are pink, even when raw. They are also sweet and tender when cooked well. Yesterday I stopped by Eaton Street Seafood on my way home from school (volunteer duties start early!) and bought two pounds. They have added some more gourmet and grocery items, and the owner told me they just acquired a license to sell beer and wine....heading towards one stop shopping. Along with the shrimp I got a lemon and a loaf of Rosemary-Olive Oil bread. With those extras I avoided a trip to Publix...nice! Once home I peeled and deveined, and put the shrimp to marinate with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Not long on the grill....perfection. Really yummy. For lunch today, I rough chopped the leftovers with two stalks of celery and mayo to bind. Seriously delicious on the toasted bread.