Reunion in the Keys

Even though we now live in the fairly temperate Charleston area, how could we say no to a weeks stay in Key Largo, FL? Through the grace of God and luck we managed to escape the horrible winter New England is experiencing, but that doesn't mean we still can't enjoy an even more tropical location! Clayton's family rented a lovely little beach bungalow with all the amenities and so a family reunion was in order. Clayton and I spent a good portion of our honeymoon in the keys 8 years ago so it brings back good memories.

The Keys are such a unique part of the U.S., everyone should put it on their travel list. Key Largo is one of the largest islands and closest to the main land so it's often a little more affordable than the more southerly keys. As you would expect of a beach community, life is pretty laid back. Activities range from fishing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and of course soaking in the sun.

While the Keys are a tropical experience, the Keys are not well known for their beaches. Most of them are small and man-made. Also because of all the reefs, there are almost no waves even on the ocean side and you can often walk out in the water for a mile or more. If you're dying for the sand though there are a couple good spots. Bahia Honda Key State Recreation Area takes the cake. Sandspur beach is the largest and also offers deep waters and all the amenities.
There are also hiking trails and
a 3.5 mile beach road for biking.

We didn't feel like driving that far so we just chilled locally at the Harry Harris Park Beach for a couple hours. It is very family friendly, with a playground for kids, a small beach area and a closed off lagoon area for swimming. There are also barbeques available and a boat ramp.

Most nights we cooked at the house, but we did go out the first night we arrived. We went to Hobo's Cafe which seemed to be a local favorite. Some great basics on the menu with several fun specials. I had stuffed shrimp with capers and rice. Portions were huge and prices affordable. No liquor here though just beer and wine. Couldn't have the Margarita I was craving, but that's alright I made up for it the rest of the week!

Oh just a warning though to any of you traveling to Florida soon...beware traveling on the Florida Turnpike. Apparently, FL recently passed a law that all those traveling on the Florida Turnpike must have a SunPass for the tolls – no cash accepted! They will take a picture of your license plate and send you a bill with lots of extra fees on it later. What a scam. So you have to find a CVS or Publix grocery store and purchase a pass, but you can't use it the day you buy it, it takes a day to activate!! As my mother in law would say, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!”

Don't let that inconvenience stop you though. Pack your bathing suit, a few tank tops and shorts and we'll see you in Margaritaville!

De-Crapifying

December was a blur of Christmas shopping and packing, again! We finally found a house we liked and closed on it the day before New Year's. Being in a cramped one bedroom apartment with a small fraction of our belongings had got old fast.

I have to say that I learned a great lesson from all this uprooting though. When we first learned that we were moving, I thought “oh Lord, help me pack”. Now understand we had a very modest two bedroom home. There wasn't room for huge collections of antiques or bobble head figures. Yet somehow we accumulated quite a lot of crap. I held two moving sales in the effort to declutter, and the leftovers went to GoodWill. I had also given away many bags of clothes and other household items. We had two big weaknesses, Halloween and books. We hosted major Halloween parties every year with a different theme each time and consequently I have about 10 extra large bins full of décor and costumes. We are also voracious readers and had bought probably a hundred books or more during our 7 years there. We sold all but our most favorites.

Towards the end of packing up the house in CT though, there was just no more time to make trips to Goodwill or have another sale. So what to do with a pair of decorative chopsticks hidden in the back of a drawer? Toss it in a box. Clayton's can of Romulan Ale soda souvenir from Las Vegas? Box!

When I got down here, 95% of it all went in storage. For six months we lived with the barest of essentials. It was the hardest part of the move. On the other hand, it really made you examine and realize what you really treasured. I found out that I missed my favorite books most, the ones I pick up when I can't find anything interesting at the library or bookstore. I also missed having a real kitchen, large enough to execute a decent meal and baked goods. Clayton missed his large office desk, our books and personal space in general. I can be the voice of Katey and say she missed having her own yard to chase squirrels.

How long could you go without? I think everyone should put away most of their “stuff” for a year and see what it is that really matters to them. I'm already planning another tag sale for the spring as I unpack and see what else I can live without. I want to enjoy the new space we have and not clutter it up. I spent good money on that Halloween stuff though....I'm betting the kids here will appreciate it come October.