Sunday, 12/12/10

Dock neighbor

Boca Chica Marina, Key West.  Becoming acquainted with other retired boaters in marina,  One evening we went over to “C” dock (we’re on “A” dock to witness the blowing of the conch shells to celebrate the setting of the sun.  All the sail and power boats are aglow with Christmas lighting.  It helps one get into the Christmas spirit.  On Sunday nights the marina inhabitants gather over a buffet dinner at the shelter adjacent to the beach.  Someone volunteers to grill any meat we bring to the dinner.  Then a boater with a LCD projector shows a movie on a bed sheet.  Tonite’s flick was the Grinch who stole Christmas.  Michelle prepared a sausage and multi-colored pepper casserole and chocolate chip/nut sheet cookies.  Delicious.  We rode our bikes into town which is several miles south of the marina along Rt. 1.  It’s scary for a couple of miles as the traffic speeding by are close to the bike lane, but then a separate bike path appears which separates us from traffic. 

Key West rooster family

We rode our bikes around and purchased lunch which we ate by the beautiful Gulf again.  Got some Christmas roards which we filled out over a couple of evenings.  We left our bikes chained to the bike rack at the Navy exchange on Sigsbee Island base and were going to walk a couple of miles to a bus stop to catch a bus back to Boca, but a fellow marina resident, Georgia, offered us a ride back and we accepted.  We’re still considering purchasing a car to get around and not depending on others and the transit system. One day we were walking back from the gym on base and a young man from the marina stopped and offered a ride which we accepted. He was on his way back to his 26′ sailboat to get a few things for his wife who he had just dropped off at the hospital after going into labor with their first child.  We later learned they had a baby girl.  Another lady, Maria, gave us a lift and we were invited to a wkly. Wednesday evening bible study which we did.  The pastor, Dr. Darryl Robinson, was the teacher and we will continue participating in that as we enjoyed it.  We were invited to their church Big Coppitt Key 1st Bapt. church and attended Sun. school and worship services and were made to feel very welcomed there.  Another couple, Jane & Peter, are in their church carpool.  Jane is in a wheelchair and are at the end of our dock.  Peter installed an elevator on the stern of their powerboat for Jane to get on/off the boat.  They own a marina in Minnesota.  Jane’s is an artist and craftsperson and has such a cheery disposition which blessed us.  We visited aboard their boat and saw all her artwork.  Michelle will participate in a wkly. Wed. a.m. bible study with her.  Jane has travelled thousands of miles in a wheelchair on a boat across the Gulf of Mexico.  We saw a school of 26 barracuda at the end of our dock this week and M. wants me to go in the water and check the bottom of our tug.  She must think I’m braver than I am although our friends say they won’t mess with you if you don’t wear shiny jewelry.  We miss Ct., family and friends, but staying connected to God and with loved ones via blog/email helps.  Love, m and l.

Can u see the iguana?