Why didn't we hit the road earlier!

Well we've been in Key West for a week now and wow what a fabulous place to be this time of year. The crowds are moderate and no long lines for dining or other activities. It's a little chillier (60's & 70's) as the cold snap is everywhere across the U.S. I still can't believe how different life seems being retired. Weird to do nothing if that's what you desire. Connie says I am getting better at it day by day.

My military retirement benefits are paying off now. A trip this week to the "Southern Most Point" and an evening at Mallory Square was very relaxing. Yesterday we went to a Cuban restaurant for dinner and took in a movie afterwards, Gran Torino w/ Clint Eastwood, it was very good.

The street performers on Mallory Square are very rude and funny, that's just their way. As they say everybody needs a gimmick. Sometimes, as the crowd goes crazy watching the sun go down I think the entertainers want equal credit! Don't they wish!!

Arrived in Key West

We arrived in Key West on Saturday, 10 January 2009. The trip has been fun and the weather is great. Adjustment to retirement is strange but a wonderful experience. Connie is my best helper for me making the change. We're thoroughly enjoying each others company, what a blessing this venture is to both of us. Watching the sunset over the ocean the first night here sent a new meaning to togetherness through me.

We've been awakened by the Key West roosters each morning around 4:30 am, but who cares, we just laugh, roll over and go back to sleep. Getting up with nothing on my plate is strange but I'm getting accustomed to it and think it will be a style I'll cherish.

Yesterday was a trip up the keys to "Big Pine Key" and we stopped at "No Name Pub". Fresh grouper for lunch with my sweetie, a warm drive up the keys in shorts and t-shirt, 89 degrees the 12th of January - nothing's wrong with this picture! I feel like a kid in a candy store! This life gives new meaning to being in love forever.