Key West, FL - July 2007

A few summers ago I borrowed my sister’s silver Acura while my own car was in a state of disrepair. Driving a new car is always exciting and as I looked about I couldn't help but notice her copy of Kenny Chesney’s When the Sun Goes Down. I don’t listen to country but for whatever reason decided my hearing needed testing. I turned on the CD, put on my shades, and began cruising to the sound. I found my mood improving within seconds. Also, I made the shocking discovery: each song told a story! Most of the stories had some kind of moral lesson in mind. Like, don’t walk out on your wife and kids. Or, another important lesson: some people change. I developed a soft spot for Kenny Chesney. How could I not? There is a particular song I like titled, Outta Here. These lyrics came to mind on my recent trip to Florida. The song goes a little like this:


There ain't no time like the present they say
Lets cruise all the way down A1A
Put the top down and catch a few rays
Baby we'll be outta here

Later in the closing lyrics:

Come on baby lets get outta here
Cruise down A1A
Go hang out in Key West for awhile

You see, on my trip we cruised all the way down the A1A. We also hung out in Key West for awhile. Just like the lyrics in the song! I was very excited to be living a Kenny Chesney song. I realize the “we” and “baby” in the song is referring to a romantic partner, which my trip did not involve (I was on a semi-family vacation, after all) but I’m willing to accept other interpretations. I’ve been known to call my sisters “baby.” At least, in the context: “Stop being a big baby.”

Once we reached Key West the scenery changed dramatically.


A mean city street.


Hemingway’s crib.


An annoying rooster that begged for his photo to be taken. I didn’t have the heart to say, “No.”

And, a tiny piece of heaven:


Ahhh… isn’t Key West grand? I’ll post more photos in the future.

Remembering previous family vacations

I’ll be in Florida next week. Unless, of course, I change my mind once I start imagining Florida weather in July. Or, if I start to contemplate what traveling with family will result in. Chaos? Hostility? Arguments over if we should stop at Starbucks for iced lattes or keep going? In my mind we have been traveling for hours, yet due to the constant heat it feels more like days… when suddenly a familiar mermaid logo looms ahead…

“Pull over!” I shout, overjoyed. “I need an iced latte!”

“No, we need to keep on going. We don’t have time for iced lattes. Save your money for souvenirs at Everglades National Park.”

“No, I need an iced latte…”

At this point the argument grows in intensity. I end up telling one of my sisters, “I can’t stand you!” My Mom steps in, trying to remedy the situation before it gets out of hand. In time everyone is shouting, “I hate you!” to the other. Perhaps hair is pulled? Perhaps someone storms out of the rental car and takes off for the ocean? Perhaps I storm out of the rental car and instead of heading for the ocean, seek out the nearest Starbucks?

I know this argument is entirely hypothetical but I don’t believe it is too extreme. I realize I should just keep calm, relax and push all worries aside. I can survive a few days with family in another state, even if the notion scares me more than the thought of falling into alligator infested waters.

I’m trying to plan out what I will need and what spots should be a “must visit.” We will be flying into Fort Lauderdale. I know Everglades National Park is already on the itinerary… right next to Starbucks.

Back on Michigan soil

I've returned from my Florida excursion. The trip was wonderful. I'm quite tired at the moment and so will write more when rested. The photo above is an image of me (well, my feet, at least) at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.