On the Road to Key West

 As many of you already know the hubby and I have just returned from a wonderful vacation to The Keys!!
Key West is defined as an island in the Straits of Florida at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys.  Key West is home to the southernmost point in the Continental United States and about 90 miles from Cuba.
Actually standing here you are closer to Cuba than you are to Miami!!

While there we heard the locals referred to as Conchs.  Of course this made me wonder why?  Soooooo with the help of Wikipedia I have found an answer!!
"Many residents of Key West were immigrants from the Bahamas.  And many are the descendants of Loyalists that fled from the nearest Crown Colonies during the American Revolution. The term is now generally referred to all residents of Key West. Freshwater Conch is the named given to those not born there but have lived in the area at least seven years. True Conchs applies only to those of European ancestry who immigrated from the Bahamas."

Okay, enough history lesson for today!!

Traveling down Highway 1 was an experience...bridges, water, fishing...

(I think this is part of the old bridge system to Key West!)

One of the local favorites as well as for the tourist crowd is No Name Key.  Before the highway was completed the ferry loaded and unloaded at this small, out of the way key! And of course an eating and drinking establishment was needed!  Thus NO NAME PUB!!

The inside was quite fascinating...covered in dollar bills!!

Great insulation, huh??  Estimated 130,000 to 150,000 and still counting!!
No Name Key is also a great place to see the Key Deer! Small (about 24 inches in height), endangered species...unfortunately we were not able to see any...but next time...

Arriving in Key West there is soooo much to do and see!! You can ride the trams, bike, or walk. The area has a carnival atmosphere! Music, music, people, people!!  No wonder Hemingway found it a great place to write! And President Truman loved visiting so much he deemed a home The Little White House!

A rich history...

Gardens...

(I can see this light on my lake! I bet you can find a place for one too!!)


And I can't forget to mention the chickens!  Roosters, hens, chicks...everywhere, in trees, streets, patios, gardens, alleyways...

Can you say CHICKEN WARS??  There are many articles written about the chickens of Key West! If interested...

Of course one of the absolutely best, fantastic, most endearing, dare I say romantic, the sunsets...

I hope you've enjoyed a small part of my trip to The Keys! I've really enjoyed sharing it with y'all!!


Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!

Jan

Inviting you to party with me and the friends over at...






http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

A Farmer's Market

Growing up in the south I've always, ALWAYS, gone to farmers' markets! Locally, Saturday mornings were the time when the farmers brought their wares to town to sell.  What items we did not have in our garden we bought at this market! My grandmother lived some 80 miles from her asthma specialist in Birmingham. Every trip to the doctor included a stop at the BIG farmers' market located off Finley Avenue! As a small child I can remember running up and down the aisles between rows and rows of fruits and vegetables! 

Today, we are lucky to have THE farmers' market to beat all farmers' markets within close driving distance!

(Anyone traveling I65 between Birmingham and Montgomery you need to stop! It's a wonderful space to rest, to eat and to shop!!)

Recently the junkin' road took my friend and me to Durbin Farms and all the wonderful sights and smells! YummmmmY!!

I will let you (yep, southern slang, let you!!lol) wander the aisles and enjoy...

Now how cool is this...pea--nuts, get ya pea--nuts!!

Great fun at the Durbin's Market !

Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!

Jan

Partying with:

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Our Water World

As many of you already know the hubby and I have a little spot on the lake.  We feel fortunate that we are able to walk right out, get on the boat, do a little fishing, and enjoy all the lake has to offer! I must tell you there is nothing quite so calming as drinking that first cup of coffee, sitting on your porch, and watching the sun rise!  Ahhh, our little piece of heaven!!

And today the junkin' road ended at our boat dock!!  I want to share with y'all our water world...

Our lake has hosted bassmasters' tournaments...

And our feathered friends...always a treat to see their actions!

I never get tired of this view...

And after the storms...

"All is well..." 




I hope you've enjoyed the tour of our water world!  Maybe I've brought a little peace and calm to your busy, hectic life. 

Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!

Jan

Partying with...
http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/



Don't forget your flops and catch the water taxi...