Key West

It was the first time to the Keys for all of us, and we should have come sooner, we had a great time.  Key West is the western/southern most Key about 250 miles from Miami.  We will be going back,



The hotel we stayed at was on the harbor.  We arrived when it was dark, looked out from the balcony Monday morning and here's the first thing I saw.




We ate breakfast at this hotel restaurant each morning.  Staff was very friendly and gave us lots of tourist tips.





From our suite balcony.




From our balcony without the cruise ship.




View of our hotel from the Coast Guard station.





Every night crowds gather to watch the sunset...and drink.



The gardens at Ernest Hemingway's home.



Hemingway's bed.  Noteworthy because of the cat.  He loved them, and his cats have a genetic uniqueness...six toes.  Hemingway is long gone, but the cats remain at his Key West home.




Hemingway's desk.




Wednesday began the international boat races.  Some boats with as much as 2,000 horsepower and capable of 180 miles per hour.  We were able to watch from our suite balconey.





Next stop Key Largo



Braumeister

Scott's taken up home beer brewing quite seriously and while we were visiting he started a new batch.  "Sampled" four of his other batches and they were all excellent...and potent.



Here's all his equipment.  Patio furniture is still in the hurricaine readiness state.




Propane powered, first step is to bring 5 gallons of water to a boil





In goes the hops, barley, etc.




Water hose attaches to the coil, very rapid cool down.




Transfer to the brew bottle, straining out the crud.




Let the yeast do it's thing!  Off to the basement.



Visit with Scott and Renee

Visits to see Lucas, Renee, and Scott include as a special bonus Scott's cullinary skills.  This trip we had venison, a "cowboy" rib roast, and General Tso's chicken on consecutive nights.

Venison



The Cowboy Rib Roast





Always tough to leave.



Grandkids!

The first legs of our just completed vacation trip were visits to see all the kids, first several days with Delaney and Beckett here in Wisconsin, and then off to Virginia to see Lucas. (and Heather, Frank, Renee, and Scott)




Delaney has become quite "aware" and loves watching Beckett play.




Bath time




We were visiting on Halloween, Beckett was a T-Rex.




Macy made Beckett a "Treats" bag.



We hadn't seen Lucas since early August.  He's got a quick smile and loves to flirt



Even helps set the table.




Grandma made some doggy pillows.  Lucas is well aware what dogs are.



Baily Expands His Domain

Baily continues to expand his "realm".  He's actually been quite good, no "in house" accidents in over a week and he's starting to learn a few commands.(along as there is a treat involved)  He'll be staying with the breeder for almost 2 weeks as we head out to visit Lucas and family, and then hook up with Karyl and Doug in south Florida.  We'll certainly miss him.

He loves the sand pile down by the lake.

Pine Siskens

Pine Siskens are not long term residents here.  Based on observation to date they pass through; staying about two weeks in Spring and Fall.  They're here in big numbers now, primarily feeding on Niger seed.  No doubt the Redpolls will be here soon...winter.  Also saw three Evening Grossbeaks at the feeder, first I have seen here in over 20 years (Jane got photos of some this summer).  Highly eruptive, an amazing bird.  Unfortunately when I got my camera they were scared away by of all things a Pileated Woodpecker.  Birding life is good!

Visit with Beckett and Delaney

Spent a couple of days visiting with Beckett and Delaney.  Here's some pics.

Beckett tried on his Halloween costume...T-Rex.  He's totally into T-Rex.

Delaney has become quite aware...6 weeks

Beckett wasn't quite sure what to think about the pumpkin carving

And Delaney could care less.

Makes it all special