Finding a Haven at Blue Heaven

If you go to one place in Key West, this has to be it.  

When we were recommended this place by a local bartender at the Key West Pub, we were also warned there would be a long wait, especially for brunch.  If we know that going in -- and they have cocktails -- I can prepare my husband.  (Restaurant waits are one of the only times he is impatient.)  Our friendly bartender used to host here, so we got to hear stories about Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown visiting their favorite Key West place. 

As soon as we approached the restaurant, I knew we'd be fine to wait.  Just off of Duval Street, Blue Heaven is tucked behind gates that lead into an island paradise.  Trees and plants create a canopy over the patio, bar, and outdoor stage.  Even though it was ninety plus degrees and humid, this cover provided some need relief from the unforgiving sun.  Since it was a Sunday morning, we were entertained by a local artist on the stage.  

We ordered cocktails and found a seat at the bar.  Casey got the "Goose Driver" - the best screwdriver he has every had with Grey Goose Vodka and fresh squeezed orange juice.  I chose a Bellini.  Half way through the first round, Casey didn't ever want to leave.  He was plotting and planning to eat at least one meal at Blue Heaven for the rest of our trip.  And this was even before we ordered food.

As we waited, friendly chickens and roosters waddled around patrolling the restaurant.  Seemingly unbothered by the customers, they roamed around, engaging with each other in chatter and babble.

Then, there is the food.  The waiter greeted us and explained the specials.  As soon as Casey heard Lobster Eggs Benedict with Bacon, he was sold.  I ordered my avocado omelette.  The blueberry pancakes sounded too good to pass up, so we opted to split it.  It dawned on Casey as the waiter walked away that he probably just ordered a twenty-five dollar breakfast.  It was worth every penny.  

We couldn't leave without one last drink at the bar.  Our brunch just turned into a two and a half hour ordeal.  Casey truly enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere where his fave artists as played, while soaking up some vodka, too.

Key West Escape (aka Casey's Homage to Jimmy Buffett)

I don't want to be an on the bus tourist, I want to be an in the bar tourist, says my husband as we sit at the Green Parrot for the third time and watch a trolley full of tourists go by.  Every time we saw one he made a point to observe how bored the passengers looked, hence his traveling philosophy.

After he said this, I realized a couple things to be true about this vacation: One, each bar we went to was a museum to him, full of history and stories he has heard in his songs for more than thirty years.  Two, this could quite possibly be the last trip we can run around like drunk twenty-somethings and sleep until noon.  On that note, here are the ones worth mentioning.  

Tour of Bars: The Smittys' Review

The Original Margaritaville

While it has become more commercialized than a lot of the other dives we visited, we most definitely could not go to Key West without at least a drink here.  Had to have this shot when we heard the name: Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw. (For all of you non-Parrotheads, look up the song.)

Green Parrot

One of our faves. And a fave for the locals, too.  We'd fit right in down here listening to live music with a cocktail in hand.  

Blue Heaven 

Probably some of the best drinks we had all trip.  Casey said his Goose Driver made with fresh orange juice and Grey Goose vodka was the best thing he ever had.  He was feeling pretty good as he started the second one.  My Bellini went down pretty easily, too.  We will definitely be returning here next time.  More on this place later.  

Captain Tony's Saloon

The oldest bar in Key West.  As all Parrotheads know, this is the same Captain Tony who was elected Mayor.  Again, look up the song.  This place was a true museum with so much history of Captain Tony, Jimmy Buffett, and all of their friends on the walls.  Photos, newspaper articles, autographs, and bras kept my husband busy.  

Willie T's on Mojito Monday

Best mojitos on the island!  And I'm pretty picky  I had the Parrot Bay Mango and Casey the Cruzan Banana.  This place also had thousands of dollars stapled to the walls.  We had to leave our mark, too.

The last day of our week long trip, we looked at each other and decided we were tired of drinking, tired of eating, tired of sweating, and tired of spending money.  A successful trip.  

Summer is for Teachers

You would think the school calendar allows for a two month break for the students benefit.  As I finished my sixth year of teaching, I can't tell you how wrong that assumption is.  Summer is not for kids, camps, amusement parks.  These are just the convenient side effects needed behind the real purpose of summer. 

Summer is for teachers.  If there wasn't a summer to rejuvenate, reenergize, and refresh, I wouldn't go back in the fall.  

These are the women who help me get through each day, week, and month of teaching.  When I need an idea on how to reteach something, I turn to them.  When I need the tact to reply to a parent email, I turn to them.  When I am emotionally drained and frustrated, I turn to them.  It was my pleasure to host a night where we could gather, giggle, and chat about things other than school.  

My amazing grill master at work.

Coco confused by all the people.  She was wore out the next day and let us sleep in.

Sweet Start of Summer

One week in and I have impressed myself at making some pretty good headway on my "This Summer I Will" list.  Full of all the things that make me smile, I've had a great start.

The week was full of celebrations....

.... our friend, Leah, was married this weekend.  A reflective moment with the night full of wine and cocktails for a couple who is approaching a one year anniversary.  Happy memories from our own special night flooded in as we danced the night away.

... and continued with more celebrations.  Sunday, we celebrated more new beginnings with our extended family, the Knapps.  Bailey has officially graduated from college, and Bradie and Nate welcomed Jaden to the world.  We grilled, chatted, and snuggled the baby until the rain moved in.

 .... and the week had many moments of this with a few breaks for yoga and running.  Coco is thrown by this new schedule we have.  Not quite sure what to think as I stay home.  This week in books includes If I Stay, Gone Girl, and Bossypants. 

.... and, as the week wrapped up, we raised a glass of wine to one of my favorite girls.  I know how special it is to not only have a sister I love and respect, but also one I enjoy (and want) to be around.  I'm so lucky to have her as a sister.  I was even more proud of Mom for suggesting a picture, though she tried to get out of being in it.  It turned out perfect.

.... it all wraps up into a simple start to a sweet summer.

This Summer I Will.... (2014)

Even though it was the longest winter in recent memory, summer snuck in.  One day, it is a brisk 30 degrees with a roaring wind; the next, it is raining and dreary all day; then, out of nowhere, it is sunny and humid.  Oh, how quickly Iowans forget about the humidity when the wind chills are at record lows.  

Not only the weather, but also the events of this past season made it feel longer than most.  As good friends of our said, "you are becoming pros at grief."  Not something I ever aspired to do. 

But, summer is like the start of a new year.  Renewed energy to get things accomplished that have been put off since last summer.  Fresh start with fresh air and opportunities.  Blank slate for stories to be made and experienced. 

This summer I will...
Discover the joys of being a homeowner

~ create an office oasis: Right now, it's a disastrous catchall.  There are piles of papers, mounds of books, and random decor waiting for attention.  I want it to be a productive and creative workspace.  It has long way to go.

~ organize a laundry room: This isn't a priority in Casey's book, but he doesn't spend as much time there as I do.  Mom has offered Doug's services to help put cupboards and hanging bars to make doing laundry as fun as it can possible be.

~ plant flowers: I really just want someone to do this for me.  I do not have any sort of green thumb or even have any idea where to start.

~ splash color on the walls: A few weeks ago, Casey said we need some paint on the walls downstairs.  A casual statement implying little to no effort.  Our downstairs is more or less one room.  You paint one, you are painting everything including the hallway upstairs.  I think I will be showing Casey how much an accent wall can add.

~ order wedding photos: I once read you can't hang a memory disk on a wall.  So true. Our amazing photographer, D&orfs Photography, has overwhelmed us with memories from one of my favorite days.  I will relive this day through these photographs and try to select some of the nearly 2,000 photos to print.

Encourage my literary mind

~ fly through some of the latest young adults hits
~ write about all the blessings
~ attend my first "EngCamp" in Cedar Falls
~ take a class, or two, or three
~ read some things that let me escape this reality
~ reinvent the look of my blog to reflect me
~ host another book exchange to learn new titles and find great reads
~ finish writing about the hard things from the first half of the year
~ find inspiring works to read and challenge me
~ share more, post more, photograph more

Learn how to relax

~ sit on our patio and sip sangria
~ bask in the sun and work on my tan
~ listen to music with my feet in Casey's lap
~ sip and dip with family in Okoboji with a "final, final"
~ binge watch an new show on Netflix
~ get addicted to running again
~ spoil myself with manicures and pedicures
~ savor long lunches with good friends
~ patio hop downtown one afternoon
~ become a yogi at StudioB
~ enjoy pool dates with my favorite ladies
~ jam out at outdoor concerts
~ go to Key West!

Why I Know How to be a Great Mom

When it comes to motherhood, I'm not worried.  Nervous, maybe.  Worried, not even a little bit.  That is the part I am looking forward to the most right now.  I have the best example to follow.  She showed me how to love, to nurture, and to comfort.  She taught me this and so much more.

I know never to make a promise unless you can keep it.  They are sacred.
I know to nurture the moments a child is ready to talk, even if it is bedtime.
I know how to foster independence and uniqueness in a child.
I know the comfort and ease only a mother can provide.
I know how to support and encourage someone so much she feels like she can take on the world.
I know when times get rough how to show up and listen.
I know how to give the best hugs, and there is no such thing as too many.
I know what the unconditional love and acceptance of a mother feels like.

I can't wait to make her proud by being a mom like her.  When I get the chance, she will be the most amazing grandma, just like mine.  

Thanks

To say we've been through a lot this year is the understatement of the century.  We sat down at dinner last week.  Worn out.  Beat up.  At our max.  We reflected on the last six months.

 And we're grateful.

~ for the wine I can now drink -- and need
~ for the chocolate
~ for the beautiful flowers to brighten our day
~ for the cards and messages offering condolences 
~ for the thoughts, prayers of encouragement
~ for the texts and calls
~ for the promise of a night out
~ for the delicious cupcakes
~ for the Easter dinner neither one of us had the motivation to cook
~ for the patience and understanding 
~ for the figurine that reminds us of our strength
~ for the sharing of stories giving hope for the future 
~ for the peace
~ for the hugs, near and far
~ for thinking and caring for us