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A few photos from my bucket list trip to Key West.
It started out as many winter trips from Boston to Florida do:
But things quickly got better
We have an amazing balcony here.
I’m settling into the vibe here. I know I was worried about getting bored on such a small island for a whole week, but Key West is actually a very lively town with many good restaurants and lots of live music. There’s definitely a lot of Yacht Rock here (I’ve heard multiple renditions of Steve Miller Band’s The Joker), but there’s also a lot of real talent playing in the bars.
The town feels safe, but colorful. There are some beautiful buildings and lots of cute houses, but none of the highrise condo buildings that are in virtually every other city in Florida.
The roosters are real and they are everywhere. Apparently they were originally brought here by Cubans for cockfighting, but then cockfighting got banned, so the Cubans retaliated by letting the birds go free. They are now a protected species here.
Despite my understanding that recreational weed wasn’t going to be available here, a very close hemp substitute is sold everywhere. This enhances the vibes, especially for those of us who aren’t big drinkers.
The food has been really good.
And the legendary sunsets are truly spectacular.
To enhance the vibes, I’m reading Florida, short stories by Lauren Groff. They’re fantastic so far. She’s an amazing writer.
Before I left, I read The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton, historical fiction set in The Florida Keys in 1935, when the “Labor Day Hurricane” demolished Flagler’s wondrous railroad.
See? I got to the end of this post and haven’t mentioned Jimmy Buffett once.
🦜
50 Happens 
Great pics, Mary! Looks like the old New England weather is fixing to be in full effect his coming week! lol
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Oh no! 🙉
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Snow storm forecast every other day with the lowest one being 3 – 5″ atm.
Of course, being NE, that can change on a dime as we well know 😄
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Good thing I like the vibe. Sounds like my flight home might get canceled.
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Right now, around here at least, the forecast calls for 5 -7″ Sunday, 3-5″ on Tuesday, and 5-8″ on Thursday.
Will it happen? Who can say? 😄
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Lovely photos. I love that sunset with the boats photo.
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Thank you Liz!
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Beautiful Post, Mary. I enjoyed taking this trip with you!
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Thank you Dwight!
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Great photos! The colors of the rooster was pretty amazing. Such an interesting story behind them. That blackened mahi mahi…. Wow. Looks delish! Glad you are enjoying the sites, the weather and the vibe!
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Thank you!
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Stunning sunset photo especially, but all of it well captures the vibe of a much needed laid back vacation!
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Thanks Stephanie!
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The rooster story made me smile. Thank you:)
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😀
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What a beautiful place! No wonder people flock to the Keys. That sunset was breathtaking. And that water! How clear it is. Liked the music, too.
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Thanks for commenting Laurie!
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