Rural Mail

This row of boxes reminded me our postal system is struggling with a deficit that means service will be cut whether we like it or not. Banks must endure but the post, well, that's another matter.


Seeing those little boxes lined up is a reminder of the reach of civilization in the furthest corners of the Homeland, so zealously guarded and so insouciantly allowed to decay.


The mails are out there in the open, untouchable by convention except by their owners, who live secreted away behind fearsome signs.


I shall miss the postal service if it should die off completely before I fall off my perch. But I do hope the afterlife will spare me the sight of any more grumpy No Trespassing commands.


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Two Views At Dusk

I saw these pelicans roosting on the wires and I liked their silhouette.


Later I was trundling the car down a dirt road in the Big Pine wilderness.


Looking at the pictures later I noticed the juxtaposition of nature and human interference. It struck me the birds were on wires not branches, while I was wrecking the all natural sunset by driving my car through the bush. It was a conundrum that momentarily fuddled my brain. Without human interference none of it would be seen, which means...whatever. I got too deep in my own head and decided to stop thinking and just enjoy the pretty colors instead.




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Winter Joy

I have been reintroducing my dog to the backwoods of the Lower Keys where I live. It's a seasonal thing in a place where seasons are suggestions vaguely indicated by increased humidity and mosquitoes or cooler temperatures and less rain.


Cheyenne rejected all attempts at exploring Old State Road 939 on Sugarloaf Key during the summer. Frankly this suited me just fine as mosquitoes out jeer blanket every living moving breathing thing, including me. But now at last my furry dog can breathe and winter's modest chill excites her desire to explore.


Just looking at the pictures it's hard to discern the temperature but it was shirtsleeve weather when we were there.


As Key West fills with people as winter deepens I like to retreat to these trails away from the crowds of downtown visitors. And as naturally as they come the crowds thin and Cheyenne prefers her walks in town where, with less effort she gets to sniff more in summer. Back and forth goes the cycle.

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Key Deer Stag

When on No Name Key I almost always see the diminutive white tailed deer wandering the edges of Watson Boulevard.


This young stud did me the rare favor of stopping, standing and posing. I never expected such cooperation.


Perhaps he has a hankering to go into pictures.


This would make a nice Facebook portrait if I could locate him again. If you visit the Keys and want to show a visitor a Key Deer, No Name's main drag is the spot. Then there's the No Name Pub on neighboring Big Pine Key for fish and chips and Yuengling.



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A Rainy Interruption

I was hanging out with Chuck of Old Town Blog fame, at his house when our outdoor ruminations were...rudely interrupted, by the weather.


The downpour was sudden and powerful.


It transformed a cloudy afternoon into a summer tempest.


Everything got a thorough drenching, including Chuck's new/old Volkswagen Bug, under refurbishment for Pauline's driving pleasure.


Chuck the engineer does like his projects and the 650 BSA, waiting for a bearing, got a nice washing.


Cheyenne is not fond of rain and she let me know.


Chuck's retreat suddenly seemed snug and cozy and wintery.


Visitors don't let a little rain, or even a lot, get them down.








A damp shiny clean street.


Rain free at last. It went as suddenly as it had come, in a span of twenty wet minutes.

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Seen At Ibis Bay

I have no idea what the story is, but a friend of mine did ask me if I was interested in pink sneakers. I stick to Crocs, I said. This message is apparently part of a campaign to remind absent minded men and women that they are liable to get breast cancer. According to the press release below that I discovered online.



Real men may still not eat quiche, but this holiday season, from December 26-31, 2011, Key West men—and women—will definitely be wearing plenty of pink sneakers as part of the "Real Men Wear Pink Sneakers Week" breast cancer fundraising and awareness initiative announced today by Key West Mayor Craig Cates and IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort Owner Chris Holland.


The city and resort have teamed up to create a week-long public awareness program for which Converse® has donated 500 pairs of pink Chuck Taylor® Hi-Top sneakers to the Florida Keys Unit of the American Cancer Society. The sneakers can be purchased by the public for $50 per pair either by contacting the IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort Fun Desk by phone (305.296.0616) or in person.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to the Florida Keys Unit of the American Cancer Society to benefit several breast cancer patient support programs including:
Reach To Recovery, a one-on-one support program in which a breast cancer survivor counsels and provides emotional support for a newly diagnosed patient at their home, over the phone, or in the hospital.
Road To Recovery, a program that provides transport for patients to and from treatment appointments and doctor visits.
Triple Touch, an educational program that teaches women how to do self-examinations and encourages all women over 40 years to schedule a doctor’s examination every year.
Look Good, Feel Better, a program that provides makeovers and fine makeup for patients who have undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
According to Mayor Cates, he, along with Key West’s city managers and district commissioners, will wear the pink sneakers all week long.

According to Carrie Helliesen, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Unit of The American Cancer Society, “The ‘Real Men Wear Pink Sneakers Week” is an amazing fundraising and awareness initiative for the Florida Keys Unit of The American Cancer Society. The Mayor’s proclamation encouraging men to ensure the women in their lives receive annual mammograms exemplifies the truth that women don’t have to do it alone. Key West has a vast support community to help with everything from transportation to the doctor to educational programs for women young and old, and it means a lot that the city and Chris Holland have taken the lead in the fight against breast cancer.”

The weeklong fundraising program will culminate with a Pink Converse New Year’s Eve Party at IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort, Key West’s most original waterfront destination. All those who purchase a pair of the pink Converse sneakers are invited to wear them out and celebrate the New Year Key West style! The party will start at 8 p.m. on December 31 and will feature great live music performed by Key West’s own MuseGurus. There will be free Pink Key West shrimp, a cash bar, prizes for pink outfits and a special ‘pink’ movie that will be shown on the resort’s new 20-foot poolside movie screen.

“New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, and this year we are using that joyful spirit for a good cause by raising money for the Florida Keys Unit of the American Cancer Society,” said Chris Holland, owner of IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort and one of the fundraiser’s main organizers. “As a cancer survivor myself and board member of the Florida Keys Unit of The American Cancer Society, this cause is near and dear to my heart. Mayor Cates and the city of Key West, along with Converse and all those who purchase a pair of sneakers and participate are helping in the fight against breast cancer with their involvement in ‘Real Men Wear Pink Sneakers Week’.”

To order your pink sneakers and show your support for the Florida Keys Unit of The American Cancer Society, please call IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort at 305-296-0616, or stop by in person and visit the resort’s Fun Desk to purchase your sneakers. The resort is located at 3101 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West.

The IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort embodies the very best of Key West and offers guests a vacation experience like no other. With a full deck of options for active adventure-seekers, Hemingway buffs, or travelers who want to fit in with the locals, there is something special for every guest. Featuring classic Key West architecture and design, 600 feet of beautiful private beach, a 20-foot poolside movie screen for outdoor movie nights and the Lighthouse Restaurant, IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort is more than a resort—it’s a destination.

About the American Cancer Society:
Together with our millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society (ACS) saves lives and creates a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has 12 chartered Divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide, and a presence in more than 5,100 communities. To learn more, visit www.cancer.org


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