Seeing the Keys with Family

Key Largo on the way down.

I suppose the time comes in ones life when they host family at their place. The opportunity to deal with the stress and planning that goes into the process. It adds a whole new appreciation to the effort our parents have put in for years. Even with all that said, it was a wonderful week. I was able to show them my new place, the local area, beaches and a beautiful trip to the keys. It was also nice to have my interior designer available to decorate the house, and of course they had to check on the dog.

It is safe to say that my house needed a women’s touch. The only other living thing in my life here is Hobie, and he really does not care what house looks like. Only that he has a yard, food and a toy being thrown for him. I was lacking some furniture that really tied the house together, like a dresser for clothes. I got some Christmas decorations as well. It feels a little more like a home.

 As for the local area, I showed my folks around the downtown, the beach, dog park, and dog beach. As always the diversity of the downtown is wonderful. We had a very nice dinner and I finally was able to treat them to dinner after three years of having a good job. Hollywood beach was enjoyed on bikes, as we were able to ride the entire boardwalk. Not too much of a workout, but a very comfortable way to take in the sights and sounds. The beach here, like much of florida is unbroken running down the coast. I am not one that really lounges on the beach, but I do enjoy my runs down there. Dinner around sunset is nothing short of spectacular, but the most memorable part is probably the “Cacoon” band. If you have ever seen the movie, you would see why the elderly having a good time to a live band fits the description. I found it just as amusing that my dad was trying to leave, while my mom just wanted to watch. She did not understand the signal that he wanted to go.

Hobie and Party Girl at the dog beach.

 After our night out with friends and the dogs, I had the opportunity to show my parents Hobie’s new lake, which just happens to be the ocean. Party Girl and Lee joined us there, and both dogs had a ball, or should I say “Kong”? Hobie enjoyed retrieving the kong from the waves as he always does. My folk enjoyed a walk on the beach and observing the other dogs. Party Girl chased Hobie around like he was the ball. Either way, they both got a good run. After a wonderful dinner that night with some old friends my parents had not seen in at least seven years, we were going to make out to the Keys.

The sun setting to the west.

Key Largo

Neither myself or my folks had ever seen the keys. A friend was kind enough to lend his house for our short excursion. We had heard from songs, and people that had visited that they were gorgeous. I have to agree that they are gorgeous, but different than I expected them to be. It is an area forged from rock and coral. Canals cut into both to provide waterways. Many places the water is no deeper than six feet, oftentimes just a foot to two deep. The water moves rapidly with the tide. I saw a small shark swimming against the current in a foot of water. The ground is like a fossil field of shells and coral. With the gradual slopes going into the natural areas, upside Down Jellyfish are seen basking in the shallow water. The Infinitely expansive landscape of water and tangled mangroves can be seen for as far as the eye can see.

The Pelicans of the Keys.

 

The Giant Lobser.

 The trip down is spotted with small seafood restaurants, dive shops, fishing charters and tourist traps. I have to admit we fell into a few, but they were highly recommended. How can you resist a giant lobster? What about feeding the tarpin and have them nearly swallow your entire arm for a fish? Don’t forget the bird’s, they know when food is coming. There is a beauty to it, as many areas have. Similar elements combined in a unique way to create something spectacular and reverent. The pictures always show the beach with a sunset. The Keys are a perfect place to have a few drinks, fish and relax in the sun. You may not be on a beach, but you will be in the sun.

Hobie Jumping in to the Canal!

The canal to the reef and ocean.

Our humble abode for the stay.

 Key West is what many people know of the Keys. Here is where you find those famous beaches and the lowest tip of the Continental United States. From here, Cuba is only 90 miles away. You also find the famous party scene, several famous bars and a very interesting history if you care to take a tour or just walk around. I suppose you could say there was some interesting artwork as well. There is a beautiful butterfly exhibit that leaves you with a profound sense of awe, a multitude of historical buildings and the location of a republic that went to war with the US throwing bread at the Navy ships off the coast. They then applied for foreign aid when they unexpectedly lost the battle in ten minutes. It is a unique place to say the least. Well worth visiting if you ever have the chance.

The Sun setting off Key West.

In all honesty, the trip was memorable because family was here. Whether we were exploring the keys, setting ups a Christmas Tree, getting some furniture for the house or just walking around Hollywood. I look forward to the next time, until then enjoy every moment.

They called this "Rooster in Drag"

In Remembrance of Home

The onset of the holidays always beckons the heart home. It will always be the place where the family is and the place in which many fond memories have occurred. As the dawn of Thanksgiving arrives, I find myself wanting to sit at my aunt’s table, surrounded by the family and friends I have known my entire life. Laugh at the many conversations that are unexpected and oftentimes very difficult to forget. The stuffing cooking in the turkey, pumpkin pies tempting us knowing we have to wait until after the meal. But the most important thing is that we are among those that have supported us, respected us and accepted us for who we truly are. Even when those people were not family, they have always been treated as if they were. I write this for family and there are not words to express the gratitude I hold. But I am sure they know what I mean to say.

Sadly, I will not be able to make it this year, but my heart will be there none the less. I have been in Florida for three months now and have spent that time making it home. Just my dog Hobie and I, the small piece of home I have brought with me. He is someone to come home to and reason to enjoy every day. Work is going well, and I work with a good crew. Hobie has a nice yard to spend his days in when I am not around and impresses people everywhere he goes with how well behaved he is. I cannot deny that it makes me very proud of the “Little Prince.” He is a good way to meet new people. There is a wonderful dog beach in which he has been introduced to the ocean, and dog parks when he just needs a place to stretch his legs. He is getting along with other dogs well and it making some friends. His ball is still his best friend, but I don’t expect that to change.

So my Thanksgiving shall be spent with a family that I just met, ironically through the dog. I can only hope they are as inviting as my family has always been. Being in the Coast Guard does not always allow me to be home, or even where I want to be. But like I have said before, I chose this adventure. I have seen some amazing things. I am grateful to have my one piece of home here, a roof over my head, and a job I enjoy doing. To my Family and Friends, wherever you may be; I wish you a wonderful, memorable and safe Thanksgiving.

Adjusting to Florida

 This adventure called life has sent me many places. Countless experiences have shaped who I am today. Looking back on the last 28 years of my life, I am grateful for everything along the way. Even for the very difficult things I had to face.  Somehow, I always grew from the experience. I can say that I have not forgotten, and that I have not let go of the things that are most dear. In all my days, both good and bad, I have found a way to maintain my inner strength. I can only hope that the people that have been a part of my life, know what they mean to me and the important role they have played in my adventure. But now to what you really want to hear about. I assume, how I am enjoying Florida.

Demonstrating a Smoke Signal.

Flight Crew doing the swim in full gear.

 Today I got to see the perplexing look of an aircraft just hovering over the water again. The Air Station did Wet Drills today and it was a morale day for everybody if they chose to attend. I was the duty HS, so I had to be there, but there are much worse things I could be doing. Later in the day, one of the helos came out to give us the experience of being raised in the basket up to the helo. I was about to get into the basket when the helo had to go back due to fuel. Still, just being under the helo was a humbling experience. There is a lot of force holding that helo in the air. I can see why the swimmers wear goggles, otherwise you can’t see from the movement of the water. Either way, it turned out to be a good day.

The Rescue Swimmer jumps into the water from the Helo.

So what can I say about living in South Florida? It is hot and humid, but I suppose you already knew that. It is just another chapter of the adventure. All things considered, I have no complaints. I have a roof over my head, a job, a comfortable bed and opportunities to pursue. My house is starting to feel like home now that I have hung my picture of the places I have been. Every time I walk by, at least one memory comes to mind. It will truly feel like home once Hobie makes his way out here. Then I can say that I truly have something to look forward to at home. I will admit I need to work on my cooking skills, now that my kitchen is functional. As reluctant as I am, I may have to venture beyond the BBQ and plan more balanced meals. All that will happen in time, for now the house is good. I have been running to the beach and back a few times per week. It is about a six-mile loop and is absolutely stunning if I am running the boardwalk as the sun is setting. As for the things I want to do while I am in Florida, there is too much to really mention. Swim with the dolphins, see the everglades, Universal Studios, Disneyworld and of course the keys. I hope to do more than just that, but those are a few.

Now to the more comical aspects, otherwise known as the lighter side of life, at least if you can relax and laugh about it. The drivers and diverse population, I suppose I mean to say that people are funny in general. It seems that you see it no matter where you go. People are willing to work so hard to gain one car length on you that does not matter once you merge on to the freeway. Refusing to let the right lane merge because they may have to let someone in. I wonder if people understand that an onramp is like a fire drill. It flows smoothly when people are not panicking. Everyone gets out safely and quickly. Then they surprise me one more time, and only drive forty miles an hour. I have had a few run-ins with a particular crazy guy that acts like he is homeless, yet he seems to live in a hotel. He is from somewhere in Africa as he claims and always seems to find a way to see something wrong with the world. Usually that means insulting me then telling me he does not want to talk to me in a very condescending voice. Now this usually does not bother me, but when I am trying to help an older man that got clocked in the head and is having some sort of seizure, I take issue with his lewd comments. Fortunately, the police were there to escort him away. On my way home he was arguing with the bus driver at the bus stop. As you can imagine he is an excellent example of character. Other than the one I just spoke of, most people are very nice. Hollywood is a very mixed area. People are as diverse as they are unique. It should be an interesting several years. I hope that all is going well for my friends, wherever you may be.

My backyard, hopefully Hobie will like it.

 PS: I forgot to put a photo of the backyard, so I made up for it this time.

A New Home and Horizons

I have arrived to a new home and new opportunities before me. I have reported to Air Station Miami and started a life here. I have found a nice house, met some great people and work with a commendable group of shipmates. I have to admit it was a first for me to be homeless, however temporary it was. I shall explain from the beginning.

All the units I have been to before, I have been in government housing or had a place to stay before I even got there. I was always taken care of the moment I arrived and did not have to worry about finding a home or even a place to settle down. In this case I arrived at the airport without a ride, a hotel reservation and no idea where to go at 2200 hours. By the time I acquired a rental car, it was about 0000 and the hotel was a half hour away. It took me an hour because I got lost a few times. So after I navigated through this little adventure, I found the beach and some rest. The feeling did not hit me till the next day after I had reported to the Air station. I was juggling the idea of where to live, where to stay in the meantime and how to find a place in my ten-day window. The only conclusion I came to was that I needed a beer first.

So I am sitting there enjoying a cold beer thinking where I want to live and all the things that needed to be done. I had already spoken with several people and narrowed by area down to a few places that most all had recommended. I called a couple realtors, drove around, talked to locals, the police and scoped out prospects for my local bar and bakery. A critical part of where to live depends on these to factors. A man needs a place to hang out and relax, but also a place to get fresh bread for a Sunday morning. I could settle for some scrumptious pasties, but bread would be preferred. Fortunately, Downtown Hollywood has many bars of all different types so the hang out spot is covered. There is a bakery that does not sell bread, but does have good breakfast for a cheap price, so that works. I am sure there is a fresh bakery somewhere around here.

I was able to get a list of properties for rent from a few realtors and took the drive to check them out. I decided to stay in the downtown area to make my search easier and to be close to where all the action is. For the most part, the properties were not what I was looking for. I wanted a one or two bedroom with a yard for the dog. In a nice neighborhood, close to the downtown and easy access so the freeway so my commute was not to bad. That is what I get for growing up with two parents involved with real estate. Well I got lucky, I found a place that is around a fifteen minute walk from the downtown and two miles from the beach. It has a very good size yard for the dog and reasonable rent. It is a two bedroom, so I have room for guest when they visit me (Wink Wink). It is even in a very nice little neighborhood. I was a little comprehensive to make an offer after only three days here, but realized that the house would not be on the market long.

As enjoyable as it is to make it home, I understand why my mother spent so long decorating our house in Danville. There is a lot that goes into the theme for the rooms, type of furniture, size and getting the right feel. Some of these furniture manufacturers are proud of their stuff. You ask for simple and they show you a granite counter top coffee table that just happens to cost 3000 dollars. So I played the part. I let them show me anything they wanted. I got some good ideas and eventually found some furniture that was reasonable. The only thing I am certain of is that it will be a work of progress for a while. Now that the my stuff from both California and Puerto Rico has arrived, all there is to do is organize and find a place for it all.

As for work, it is going well. There seems to be a very good set of leaders that are focused on both individual and team development. That is the best I could ask for. I will keep everyone updated and promise to take more pictures of the area when I am settled. Until then, enjoy every moment.

The Places that Don't Change ...

A Beautiful Day on the Lake.

  There are those places that don’t seem to change. Home tends to change over the years as the place we grew up evolves and our friend’s change with the opportunities that life throws at them. In the many blessing of life, we have those few things that don’t change no matter how long we are away from them.

A Late Winter Hike.

Looking at Mount Diablo from Dodge Ridge.

Pinecrest seems to be that place that does not change. The trees still tower above the forest floor and the lake still echoes the sound of the families that pay homage to this small paradise. The stars seem to shine as they did hundreds of years ago before man created cities of light and steel. I have been coming here since I was five years old, and my family long before that. The marina looks as it did forty years ago and the restaurant, general store and sport shop are supported by the beams that once supported the railroad track in the area. Our funky cabin lies at the top of a small hill, surrounded by the majesty of the wildlife, evergreens, and verdant granite passes that encompass the lake. Before the cabin, we camped at the lake, oftentimes seeing the same families year after year. Memorable days of sailing, kick the can and king of the rock. I would gladly recall the memories I have of this place, but that would take a book, and my cousin has that covered in the book he intends to write about our family.

The calm waters of the morning.

The Inlet.

 

Looking down from Cleo's Bath.

Flying the Hull on the Hobie Cat.

 Pinecrest has always been about the family, as it has been the annual rendezvous. Patiently watching as our family has evolved from a group of renegade children being chased by exhausted parents to a well-rounded group of educated individuals. The many stories and discussions around the campfire influenced the choices made and ill fated conversations eroded by too much wine. The sound of “Elmer” shouted at the top of our lungs and heard throughout the forest, or the annual Conner Roast that would often times recount an embarrassing moment for many of us that year.

Winter Sledding at the Marina.

Enjoying some shade on the river.

The lake drained during the winter.

I had the opportunity to live up here and it was the reason I joined the Coast Guard. Amidst the beauty of this place, I did a fair amount of soul searching. I had some jobs that were enjoyable, met some amazing people and forged some friendships that will last a lifetime. At some point I realized that I needed some change in my life. That there were things I wanted to do that could not be done in this absolutely beautiful place, that does not seem to change. Since then, my life has been a grand adventure.

Dardanelles from Above.

Now standing here after being away, I am reminded of the joy this place has brought me. I can come here to clear my head and get away from everything. No matter where I am, I know that the lake, the stars and the trees are patiently waiting.