Getting My Mind Right ... Since I wrote this on a napkin when a sunny warm day in Key West in January was stolen by a car wash-like rain, I better use it before it falls apart; and I need to do something before the Little Feat Concert to celebrate that little bar on 49th Street’s birthday. I’m sure Marty, Howard, Sandy, Joe and Nancy will be partying, too, in that place where we go when this earth is done with us.
     There’s something in the air. I like it, but it’s making me sneeze, one of those that would shatter a chandelier. I never suppress one, it’s to be enjoyed and released! But it’s the smell I like. I’m enjoying a scrumptious Rueben Sandwich,  here at Finnegan's Wake (320 Grinnell St., Key West), where there always seems to be a soccer game on the big screen. I guess that’s the way it is in Ireland. I was about to ask for mustard since it was not amongst the bar condiments, but decided to taste it first. No need. The dressing gave a tangy vinegary pungent accent not to be messed with and set the heap of corned beef & sauerkraut hunk of deliciousness off perfectly.  There’s also the UConn Bball game up on the corner TV. I understand that game much better. All I know about soccer is I used to run up and down the field, rarely ever kicking the ball, and there was almost no scoring. I think the score happens when one team has become exhausted from the marathon running and no longer has the energy to defend their goal.  The score of the soccer game is 4-2 and Bball game has much more scoring.   There’s also a tennis match on the other TV and I’m sure it’s love to something, whatever that means!  I’ve been waiting for a long time to see the score, but all I see are commercials. TV is ruining that game!  Stamina is not needed in Bball; there are almost as many TV time-outs as playing time.
    I’m half-way through this behemoth sandwich, that can only be conquered with a knife and fork. If I picked it up I’d loose too much. I don’t want to miss any and you know whatever goes on the bar is out of bounds. No two second rule about that. I have way more than I should eat, but sunset is an hour away, so why not enjoy.  Humans are the only animal that eats for enjoyment and that’s what I’m doing. The rest of zoology eat when it’s needed.  That’s why I never see an alligator eat, let alone move. They just bask in the sun.  Maybe we should take a lesson. There’d be no need for dieting and a whole lot less rotundness. I was looking forward to sunset but I heard people talking about a grey sky, wind, and an impending storm, so I guess sunset will be drowned. I was about to pay and head for the Sun Set Pier.  Woops, it’s pouring. May as well have another $2 pint of that brew named for the Narragansett River and talk to the couple next to me at the bar. Surprise, surprise they’re OCers Brandi & Thad Ulrich! Oh my, I just remembered my solar panel is outside. Did I leave it flat in the box?  If so, this rain will put it in a lake and the sparks will fry it. No, I remember I propped it up at an angle, so it would be more efficient at capturing Reddy Kilowatts. Glad I did that.  I just hope it can swim!
    Wow! This is the best place “to get my mind right“ to borrow a line from that guy that plays all that Beatles Music on Ocean 98.1 Radio on Sunday at 1pm, where I can be a nontourist and mistaken for a local for several weeks after I escape the wicked winter that seizes Ocean City. It’s certainly worth the lengthy drive I do to get here.
    Key West = Laid Back! and prepares me for the rest of Adventure 2011. I park my nest at the end of Southard St., the fuzznics don’t bother me, and everything is within walking distance or a short bike ride. I rarely go to the tourist places, if so, only to hear OC’s Kevin Poole or John LaMere.  There are so many local bars and eateries with delicious food & ACBs at reasonable prices and friendly locals I don’t need to be bothered with loud tourists.   There’s even a seafood festival the third weekend to enjoy local music, arts/crafts & eats. Smathers Beach is a world class beach. (Still baffled by Siesta Key’s Beach being named #1!?).
    Sunset Pier is my first destination of my morning walk (the 5-star hotel’s comfort stations work well for me). Maybe there’ll be a colorful sunrise making a spectacular cityscape up Duval Street. The light is great for seascapes over the Gulf of Mexico, too. I’ll be back at sunset for its spectacular show, that is nearly outdone by the street performers fire juggling & eating, tight rope walking, musicians, and much more. Between the sun’s performances there’s a great little beach at the end of Simonton St. where I launch my kayak. I can paddle around a cruise ship, bask in the sun, and go to Tank Island, which is less than a mile away, but a complete other world from the glitz of Key West, especially on the other side, where many locals live on their sail boats. It’s uninhabited except for a couple hermits that I allow to have their secluded space as I wander the beach and examine what’s been washed up and the collectable shells including King Conches. Next year I’m going to be snorkeling there after watching an incredible video of a gal who snorkels on the bayside and reefs and critters she sees and I hope to find a way into the big lagoon in the middle of the island near where Rt. 1 comes into town. I’m always looking for more, where I can see nature perform that most people never see in a life time. Life’s a fantasy - ENJOY!  (more photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/o.c.fotoguy2009 - all can be purchased).