Hanging in the Keys

After a couple of days just hanging in the keys I cannot tell you how relaxed I am. Its amazing how you can be so busy doing nothing, or at least doing the things that you love. I have resisted the temptation to spend hours on the computer, blackberry and I phone, and instead have spent most of the time on the water, in the pool, eating, reading and resting. The weather has been somewhat stormy, but even that has been enjoyable, as long as I am not out in the ocean in the storms!

Things look pretty good at the house. The yard and pool area have now recovered to where they were before the last hurricane. Thank goodness I have Stan to water and lovingly care for the plants. My place is greener and more lush than just about anywhere nearby. Its no wonder that those that rent this little house, cheesily called Valhalla by the rental agency, rave about it and many return year after year. A number of years ago I put a book out for the guests to write their comments and observations and suggestions. I am now on the second guest book and it is about half full. I am just amazed how many people come here repeatedly to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, marriages and other special times with family and friends. It makes me so happy that this little "conch house" has meant so much to so many, just as it has to me. Although I like the income that it produces, it is really the entries in these guest books that I rush to read everytime that I return. In fact one recurring renter actually has a piano delivered here to compose music, and more than one celebrated author has come here to write books. And to think this was probably the most spontaneous and irresponsible purchase I ever made....I recall how mad my accountant was at me when I withdrew some 401k money to make the down payment. Ha...that will show her! View pictures of the house on Historichideaways.com , look under two bedroom rentals and click on "Valhalla".

On another subject my dear friend Eugenia has decided to leave the Conch Republic. She is moving back to Chile, and will split her time between Santiago, Ibiza, and her kids' houses in Miami and LA. A bunch of us went to lunch with Eugenia today, and heard the hilarious stories of her years at the University of Utah with her sister. Her mother sent them there from Chile thinking that they would be safe among all of those Mormons. Instead it sounds like the Mormon boys were more than happy to stray pretty far from their vows to stay liquor and smoke free, among other vices. She told us that when the boys went up to the mountains to be isolated before venturing forth on their missions, the girls would drive up there, flash their lights, and then they would go party into the wee hours. I can just imagine the sisters getting all decked out, driving up in their car and flashing their lights as a beacon of frivolity and fun, with the young men more than willing to venture out and take a bite at the apple.

Aah the freedom of thought and experiences that Key West brings! Buena Suerte Eugenia!