Outta Here to Key West

Ahhh…Key West! Where the green of the Gulf meets the blue of the sea! “Cayo Hueso”, the “Southernmost City”, the “Conch Republic”, although Key West has been called many things, let me set the record straight. Key West isn’t “south Florida”, Key West is “south of normal”. Why is Key West considered a different place than the rest of Florida by locals and tourists alike? Because what you haven’t seen here, you may very well see and/or experience there. After visiting Key West since the mid 1960’s and living there for 9 plus years one thing that Key West still has is the magic! Key West, the last island in a chain of islands, a.k.a. the Florida Keys, is located approximately 195 miles or 3 and ½ hours south of Ft. Lauderdale and just 90 miles from Cuba. At a mere 2x4 miles the island has much to offer for all walks of life.

Accomodations
When visiting Key West it’s always good to know someone who lives on island (or within close proximity). That way you can couch surf for free and save your money for the fun stuff. However, if you don’t know anyone locally then I recommend the following accommodations.

Guest houses are the way to go as they are usually very comparable and less in price as well as more secluded than local hotels. The best way to find a guest house is to contact the Key West Innkeepers. They have access to a number of guest houses and availability. If you’re the type to want something a little more accommodating and have children, the larger hotels would be a better choice. From my experience as an island concierge the Hyatt has the most to offer for families of the larger hotels. Other larger hotels include the Hilton, Pier House, Ocean Key House and on the other side of the island, the Wyndham Casa Marina. Finally, if you are the 4 diamond luxury resort type of person and want a truly special treat, then there is no other place like The Marquesa Hotel. Located on the corner of Simonton and Fleming Streets, The Marquesa is a small luxury hotel which has 27 rooms with two pools. Also the hotel has the Zagat top rated Café Marquesa. If you go, the lower rates apply May through the end of October. In addition I recommend the Poolside Standards or the posh Jr. Suites complete with king bed, sitting areas with private terraces in and around the pool and garden area. For more information visit them online.

Where to Eat
First things first and that would be breakfast. I recommend Ricky’s Blue Heaven at 615 Petronia Street. Just a note, get there early for breakfast as you will wait. I recommend the lobster Benedict (when in season) or pecan pancakes. Camille’s, a local’s favorite is another great place. Originally located on Duval they now own their own location on upper Simonton Street. Just look for the pink building across from First State Bank. Known for their “fun” food and exotic menus, Camille’s offers a wide variety. Both of these restaurants are a great choice for lunch and dinner as well.

For lunch and some of the freshest seafood to be found I suggest the ½ Shell Raw Bar located at the foot of Margaret Street on the historic seaport. This is the only place I eat fresh seafood in Key West. Their Grouper Po Boy’s are great! Also, I personally believe the ½ shell has the best key lime pie on island. And if you love seafood but your spouse can’t stand it, they also have one of the best burgers on the island. If seafood isn’t your dish but barbeque is, then The Meteor Smokehouse located on Southard Street has some of the best Memphis barbeque that I’ve found. I recommend the Memphis baby back ribs and a ½ order of their “island sized” onion rings. Yum! If you want something healthier, then their pulled pork Caesar salad will do just fine. If “people watching” is your thing then Fogarty’s on Duval Street is the place to do it. Located directly across from The Bull, on the corner of Caroline and Duval, Fogarty’s offers and extensive menu at reasonable prices. All of the above I would recommend for lunch and/or dinner as well.

Now it’s on to dinner. One of the best kept secrets is located on Southard just off of Duval Street called “The Café, A Mostly Vegetarian Place”. Offering a mostly vegetarian menu one my favorites is their homemade veggie burger with sweet potato fries and key lime curry sauce, something to experience first hand even if you are a meat lover. Other favorite places to wine and dine in Key West include the aforementioned Café Marquesa, located on the corner of Fleming and Simonton Streets (part of The Marquesa Hotel).This bistro style restaurant is oh so good and comes highly recommended. For seafood fine dining style with a great view of the historic seaport, I recommend A&B Lobster House. A&B has the best Oysters Roc to be found anywhere. An order of those with their Caesar salad served in an Assuage cheese shell makes for a perfectly lite dinner. On the other side of the island you will find Louie’s Backyard. Louie’s features terraced seating overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The atmosphere at Louie’s makes this one of the most sought after dining experiences on island. In addition some other favorites are 915, Alice’s, Michaels, Cafe Med and Antonia’s. Although all of these are great placed to dine, you can only eat so much in a few days.

What to Do
Booking a snorkel trip out to the reef or the back country is highly recommended. If you can do without the frills of the larger catamarans, I suggest Captains Corner dive shop. Thier dive boat “Sea Eagle” get’s you out to the reef and visits two locations to snorkel. Captains Corner also offers the most affordable “resort course” on the island. For $100 you can learn the basics of diving and be out to the reef before noon. If sailing to the reef with music and ice cold libations beer (afterwards) is your thing, then the “Floridays” is the way to go, . This 60ft. sailing vessel is the perfect boat to get away from it all on. With a capacity of approximately 22 people, enjoy a leisurely sail out to the reef and back. Although a bit more costly than other means of transportation out to the reef, it’s much better than being on a catamaran with 100 other people that you hardly know.

Another great way to get out on the water is with Danger Charters. Danger offers a combination snorkel/kayak trip to the Florida Keys National Wildlife Sanctuary, aka the “back country”. Out of all the trips that I have been on this is one of my favorites. With one of the most attentive crews Danger at 60’ LOA and Dangers’ Prize at 65’ LOA offer either a ½ day or full day trip. In addition, their Wind and Wine Sunset sail is the best evening trip on island…or in this case, off island.

Finally, the one “off island” trip I would recommend is to the Dry Tortugas and Ft. Jefferson National Park. Located 70 miles west of Key West there are two ways to get there. By boat I recommend the Yankee Freedom. A large catamaran with air conditioning which offers breakfast, lunch and snorkel gear all included in the price of your ticket. Although the boat cost less, Seaplanes of Key West are not that much more and you’re there in 45 minutes instead of 2 hours and 45 minutes. Also the trip via seaplane affords the opportunity to spend the rest of your day in Key West and not on your way back. Regardless of how you arrive, Ft. Jefferson is truly a site to see. Bring your snorkeling gear or use gear provided. First snorkel the mote wall surrounding Ft. Jefferson and be sure to check out the pilings on either side. Rarely explored by visitors, I’ve seen green sea turtles in and around the pilings. After spending time in the water enjoy your lunch and then relax on the beach. Before leaving be sure explore the historic civil war fort. Either way, this trip is well worth the expense and if you have the time, take it.

A Day at the Beach
If you’re not out on the water or in a bar then a day at the beach may be just the thing. Although Key West is not known for it’s beaches, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park has the best swimming beach on the island (when the wind is out of the north) Be sure to bring your snorkel gear. Just 40 minutes north of Key West is Bahia Honda State Park. Bahia Honda’s Sandspur beach was rated the best beach in the Continental US by Conde Nast Traveler. For more info visit their website.

Exploring Key West
If the beach isn’t for you then are plenty of other sites to keep you occupied such as the the Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum, The Key West Butterfly Conservatorium, The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, The Southernmost Point in the United States, The Harry S Truman Little White House and the Key West Lighthouse. In addition, the best way to get a quick overview of the island is the Conch Tour Train or the Old Town Trolley. Last but not least, the must see and do is Mallory Square for one of Key West’s world famous sunsets. If the crowd at Mallory Square is not your thing you can always catch a peaceful sunset at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park or at The Top located at the Crown Plaza La Concha while listening to acoustic music.

Night Life
Lower Duval Street is the Mecca for door to door entertainment in Key West. Bar’s like the Hogs’ Breath Saloon, Capt. Tony’s Saloon, Sloppy Joe’s, The Bull & Whistle Complex, and Irish Kevin’s just to name a few, can keep the party going for hours on end. However, it’s not the only place to find great live music while visiting. The Schooner Wharf on the historic seaport offers live entertainment in the afternoon and evenings. Vergilio’s on Applerouth Lane offers a variety of music throughout the week including jazz. And last but not least and voted one of the best bars in America as well as the most eclectic places to visit on island is the Green Parrot. This open air bar features some of the best acts touring throughout the south.

So, now that you have the info on where to stay, what to eat and what to do, put in your leave slip and take three to four days to do it all in. Not only does this afford one the opportunity to become part of the magic known as Key West, it all can’t possibly be done in one weekend.

Working On My Weight

Back when I was 40 years old I weighed about 235 lbs. Not good for my height or age. I had always carried extra weight and had made attempts to lose the extra pounds here and there. After a job lay-off in Key West I ended up with about a month off. My sister had been on the Atkins diet for about a month, convinced me to go give it a shot and, to start walking with her. Within 8 months I was down to 185 lbs. and feeling G R E A T! I stayed at 185 – 190 lbs. for 3 years…that is until I moved up to Fort Lauderdale and went to work at my current job. After that things declined…or should I say increased?

It’s true, when I came to be in my current position, I weighed a stealth 190 lbs. Today I weigh in just over 210 lbs. How can one put on over 20 lbs. after being fit for so long? Because when one goes to work and the office next door is the kitchen, it happens!

One would think that in this day and age things like break rooms and kitchens would be away from the “office” part of ones work area. Well, for me it didn’t happen that way and I ended up getting the office next to the our kitchen and usually, at least 2 - 3 days during any given week there is something, some “object of desire” sitting there on the table. It’s there either when I come to work or seems to magically appear sometime during the day. Some things are good for you such as fruit and yogurt. But in my case, it's usually either bagels, cookies, muffins, cookies or cake.

Sure, I still run 3 times a week and try not to eat those larger portions that I have in the past but those little day time delicacies are a constant pull on me. Yeah, you can say “use your will power”, and “just say no”, but when my carb craving voice screams out, then you can bet I'm headed next door. At least I don’t have to walk far.

Afterwards I usually feel guilty about eating that extra cookie or having that extra ½ bagel with cream cheese smothered on top or, worse yet, taking just the muffin tops off the muffins (I was just going to have one top…I promise). So after my carb-out I tell myself, “that’s gotta change”, and I know it will. Once we move into our new building or when I move out of town.

Until then, if you see muffin’s lying around without the tops attached, I’ve most likely visited your kitchen too!

Make'n Music for Money

Sure, I stole that byline from an old Jimmy Buffett song that Alex Harvey wrote but I thought it was apropos for this little stint I’m about to lay on you.

You can go on Craigslist Fort Lauderdale and look under “musicians” and somewhere within the week you’ll read posts from people that basically say stop worrying about how much you’re going to make and get out there and play for the love of it and, that there are plenty of open mic nights so go support your fellow musicians as well as the clubs that host the jams.

I ask, for what?!?! To travel across the county, buy some food, a few drinks and hang out for a few hours only to be called up at 10:30 or later (on a work night) to play 3 measly songs with musicians that walk all over each other? With guys like that, you’re lucky if you even get a lick in edge wise? Hello…do you think I’m stooopid? Oh no, that would be the guys that don’t have paying gigs (or are part of the host band who get paid) that show up. Or, it’s for the ones that gig full time and do nothing but play for cash and show up to local jams to hang out with their buds.

Come on, for the commoner like myself, I don’t have the gas, the time, nor the patience and I’m sure as hell not going to another open mic just to hang out for several hours to play 3 songs!

Don’t get me wrong, I wish all those guys and girls that go to those things the best. Their great places to meet other people, practice your stage presence and perhaps meet other musicians that are interested in doing a project. But for me, I’m now make’n music for money. I don’t play that often, maybe 3 times a month. Sure I’d like it to be more, but it’s Broward County (see blog “Looking for a Music Scene and Finding One”). I don’t expect to get rich off of the gigs I play, but I do expect to get paid.

So if you ever want me to come out and “sit in” with you for an evening or join you at your open mic, return the courtesy and have me up early and for more than just 3 songs. In other words, make it worth my while and I'll come and support you and the club.

And yes, I play for the love of it, but money talks and suckers…well, they go to open mics and spend $30+ on food and alcohol just get their 3 songs of fame!

You Want Me To Drive Where?

One must understand that before moving to Broward County in 2005, I lived in Key West for 9 ½ years. Key West is a 2x4 miles island and although I had a car while on island, my main mode of transportation was my 49cc Yamaha Zuma Scooter. I was able to drive from one side of the island to the other in no more than 10 minutes.

Coming from such a place as Key West to the bustling urban sprawl that Broward County is, I immediately started looking for work within a 5 mile radius of where I lived. I felt that a commute more than 15 minutes in any direction from where I lived was just way too much. Besides, I had brought my scooter with me and wanted to continue to use it as much as possible.

It took me only 2 months, 100 resumes and a 3 day stint at an architectural firm to land the job that I have now, which at that time WAS 11 miles away and driving on I-95 at 8:00 in morning (or anytime) is nothing I would wish on anyone.

Back in February of 2006 and, after getting use to the commute, my wife and I were asked to move out of the condo we were renting as it had gone up for sale. When we started looking it was my intent to move closer to our jobs which worked out well as I’m now 2.5 miles from my front door to work and my wife is 4.5 miles from her job.

So the point of this story is that on occasion my wife will say that she needs to run somewhere, but somewhere is usually not the closest place to find said product. She likes to go “over there” or to “that one”. So when she say’s this to me I usually respond with something like, “do we have to go to that one? I mean it’s on the other side of town.” She lovingly looks at me like I’m crazy and says something like, “oh, it’s nine miles away, do you think you’ll get too tired driving there?” or “do you think your car will make it?” All the while I’m thinking is “you want me to drive where?”

I don’t think she understand my dilemma at times. Coming from a place like Seattle, she’s accustomed to driving to reach her destination. I on the other hand still haven’t quite adapted to it all. I miss my short commutes. Never that long to get anywhere, always a parking place up front (for scooters), easy in/easy out.

I suppose my days of short commutes have ended and I’ll just keep driving until I drive my life away...yeah, sorta like that song. On and on and on...

A Demonstration in Procrastination

It’s 10:30 p.m. on April 15th and my wife and I are on the way to the Post Office to drop off her taxes. She was on the phone with her sister and while looking at me, asked her, “doesn’t everyone drive to the Post Office right before the deadline to drop their taxes off? They did in Seattle.” I respond loudly enough for her sister to hear me, “Only those who procrastinate.”

On our way to the Post Office the conversation continues on the topic and my wife tells me she does not procrastinate. I laugh. She says that maybe she’s in denial. I tell her that I’m going to take her to a PA “Procrastinators Anonymous” meeting. She laughs.

But seriously folks, it’s just not my wife. I love her very much and accept the fact that she…let’s say, “takes her time” at doing certain things.

I see the "P" word in my professional life as well. Whether it's actually beating a deadline before the actual deadline or, getting folks to use their shared calendar instead of a paper planner. Nothing frustrates me more than planning a multi-staff meeting only to change it later because some people refuse to use their shared calendar. I worked for a place in Key West and the Executive Director there was always 2-3 weeks ahead of the game; which I eventually embraced as part of my professional life. However, it’s difficult to get ahead when everyone else is “taking their time”.

Personally, my taxes were in the mail last Friday; with a check! Does that make me perfect? No, but you won’t see me “dilly dallying” around. I’m the type of guy who likes to get up early on the weekends and get the day started. I can have my errands done and be back lounging by the pool by noon. Love that! Nothing like relaxing by the pool, soaking up rays and listening to NPR. But I digress; as I tend to separate errands from chores. When it comes to doing such things as cleaning the house and doing laundry, I just “take my time” in getting to it. Perhaps I can change that? I’ll have to think about that one.

My Theory on Money

Have I told you about my theory on money? Although my wife dislikes my spending habits, my sister and I have the same philosophy. That would be buy what you want when you want, because when it comes to money…you can always get more!

Do you see my reasoning? Come on, you can’t take it with you when you go so you might as well have the things in life that you want. And, if you’re working, making money and your bills are paid…then you can always get more!

Being a musician, I recently had this idea that if I had a PA system, I/we could sound really good. Not that the band I’m in now doesn’t have a PA. It’s just not to my liking. So I found this great Mackie powered board on craigslist for a very reasonable price. I immediately went to the bank, withdrew the cash (I can get more), and drove all the way down to Hollywood (in rush hour traffic) to a pawn shop on State Road 7. I gave it a look over, plugged in each channel to make sure it worked, paid the man the cash, and drove back home.

At the price I got it for, this was a steal as they retail out for $799 new and about $600 used on Ebay. I took this baby home, gave it another good look and thought to myself, this is nice! I immediately went on line and purchased a soft cover for it and two 25’ speaker cables (to plug into the yet to be purchased speaker cabinets).

So now I have this Mackie powered mixer (in it’s soft cover) sitting on the floor in the back room, not being used. Why you ask? Well, it turns out that 3 of our gigs got cancelled (refer to my post below) and I can’t afford the $200 - $400 for speaker cabinets.

So now I have this super cool mixer on craigslist again, for sale with the soft cover and cables for just a wee bit more than the original price that I paid for the mixer.

With any luck I’ll sell it, put the money back in my bank account (then I’ll have more) and use that money for something like our vacation to Seattle later this year.

So I say to those out there who want something, never deny yourself the things that you want. Just make sure you’re going to use it before you buy it. And if you’re not using what you’ve purchased, then sell it on craigslist or Ebay. Better yet, drop me a line, maybe I can use it?

Ok...I did something crazy, but cool!

So I had this crazy idea a few years back when I went to visit my father in Colorado Springs, Co. I thought to my self...self, why not do something adventurous...like ride a bicycle down Pikes Peak?

So sure enough, I booked my escapade with an outfit that took me right to the top. I was well prepared with riding shorts, tights, short sleeve top, long sleeve top, ear warmers, my own helmet (smart move), gloves and a Marmot wind shell. Of course when I got to the top I had no idea that there would be snow on the ground. Keep in mind, this was August! This is where hiring on an outfitter comes in handy. For one, they take you to the top, you don't have to pedal your way up. They supply you with a half decent bike, a water bottle, and even fit you with a very warm jacket and cold weather pants and gloves...yeah, the kind with fingers on them. Bonus!

I really don't think I would have made it down from the top if I didn't have the extra clothing. Ok, I would not have EVEN made it out of their van!.

The ride down was pretty hairy at the top. We started out on a frozen dirt rode...YAY! This picture doesn't give it much justice but just know, it was frozen.

After conquering the frozen part of it, it was all down hill. Although it was kind of treacherous (as we were still on dirt), the surrounding view was breathtaking.

Pike's Peak is pretty much the highest peak in Colorado Springs so your view is unobstructed from up there. You can see the road below on the next image. Yes, it was a looong way down to the bottom. The entire trip took about 4 hours. Some of that was going up in the van (you don't think I rode up?) but most of it was coming down. By this time it was warming up...and quick. So it was time to shed some clothes...finally. I believe the temperature change from top to bottom was 40 degrees that day. Hence the need for multiple layers.

When we finally hit the pavement it was time to fly. Too bad the bikes weren't a bit better because what I like to do best is to ride fast and take chances. Although there was some grueling uphill portions, most of the ride was downhill. Of course at the time I was in really good shape so it wasn't that hard for me to keep up with the guide.

All in all this was a really great experience. Would I do it again? Not at $100 bucks, but hey, if they invited me back I'd do it.

There's something said about doing crazy things...or things one would think are crazy. It's putting yourself to the test of both ones mental and physical capabilities and when it's all said and done, you come out alive and, with out any broken bones. Also doing something like this you get the pleasure of saying, "I did it". See...I did it!
So yeah, I did it! However, if you find yourself out in Colorado Springs then I'd suggest trying the Greenland Open Space outside of Monument. It's a great ride and in getting there you have to take a dirt trail which you can opt to stay on if you want and forgo the "Open Space" part. The bike rental was a whopping $15 from the local bike shop and, no need to dress in layers.


If you were to go "off trail" I would suggest that your bring enough water, and be in decent shape because some the climbs can be a bit daunting. Also you have critters like black bears running around. On the day that I did my ride on the Greenland Open Space. I happened to pass two riders coming the other way who had just seen a black bear. Me, I didn't see it, but I did see a lot of cool stuff and I had a great time doing it.

So next time I find myself in Colorado Springs, I'll be headed for the local bike shop in Monument and then it's off to the Greenland Open Space for me. Sure, do Pikes Peak if you wanna spend the cash and the say so effect. Hey, I did it and it was pretty damn cool and yes, pretty damn crazy.

Looking for a music scene...and finding one.

So this is basically about the music scene here in Broward County, Florida. Why the music scene? I guess I wanted to write about the non-existence or the so called music scene here. I also believe that this is happening everywhere and just not here.

I moved up here from Key West, aka Cayo Hueso, in 2005, thinking that things would be going good here. As a harmonica player it's hard to find a paying gig to begin with...even in Key West. Sure, I sat in plenty down there with different folks and always had a good time. When I finally moved up here I found some folks I could sit in with. First was the band led by Jimi Rucollo that plays on Hollywood Beach at O'Mally's. These guys are great! Jimi is a fantastic guitar player and I know his brother Marty well through my job. However, after a few times I was not invited back again. I think it's because I showed up one night (in my early stages of trying out effects) with a Behringer VAmp2 which went over like a fart in a closet (now I have some nice effects on a pedal board which kick butt!). Hey, if you read this Jimi...PLEASE give me a call back?

Then there was the stint with the guys at the Coconut Creek Tap House Thursday night Jam. I guess I was part of the host band (as I refuse to go to jams) but that was a non-paying gig as well...which there are plenty of those around town. However, that "great idea" went away as well and like I said, I don't go to the local jams because to set up your rig only to play for 3 songs is not something that I enjoy doing. I did it for years and got tired of showing up at 9:00, only to play 3 songs at 1:00 a.m. Hey, what's wrong with that picture?

A while back I met this guy (I'll just call him Space Hippie) who eventually met this other guy (Kevin) and after jamming with them (for no money) here and there, and then refusing to play for no money they eventually landed a paying gig and wanted to add "more" to their act. So now here we are, a very good 3 piece trio (sometimes a 4 piece)called The Po Boys. We play mostly folk/rock and American roots with some southern rock and blues thrown in and like I said, we're good at it. We all sing and harmonize well together. Hey, something you'd want for your party or at your establishment! However, the problem is...no gigs! No one is hiring or willing to pay in this damn town and it really sucks. And the guys that are making it doing what we're doing have backing tracks. Sure they sound good but...

So after it's all done and said, we have one (1), yes 1 place to play. They love us, and we love it there. but we would still like to play more and I've called "all those places where we would do so well at" but I've heard nothing back. Go figure. So sure, there is a "music scene" here, there just aren't that many paying gigs. It's south Florida and blah blah, blah, blah blah! I could go on but you get the point.

Guess I need to make some phone calls...again!