To market, to market

There were two flea makets in Big Pine Key, a nautical one, and the regular
Saturday one...so much to see (and buy).  We actually made a good dent
in both our needs and wish lists.  We got new docklines (Karyn's wish),
fishing gear for the ditch bag (a need) a new scraper (a need), some
brushes to wash the car and boat, and other assorted stainless and such.
These are some sponges from Key West...at one time that was big
business in Key West, harvesting sponges.

I love visiting the produce vendors...the colors,

and quality are excellent. I always fill my bag

with fresh fruits and vegetables.

We stopped at a Cuban Cantina that we've been wanting to try. It's here in
Marathon, in front of 'little Havana', a neighborhood of Cuban-Americans.
The food was beyond delicious, and genuine Cuban cuisine.  We had pork,
black beans and rice, and yuca (which tastes like a potato), and of course,
Cuban bread :)  The owner was so kind- we made a friend today.  It
hardened our resolve to experience it all 'for real' someday.  He brought us
oxtail to try (also delicious, tasted like a spicy roast) and Cuban expresso
for dessert- mine was doctored with sugar and warm milk- man was it good!
It was one of those Celestine Prophecy moments today...

 

After we got back, I gave the Jeep a much needed bath, while Donnie and Matt
 gathered their dive gear.  They made plans to go lobstering.  Look at the gorgeous
blue sky...80 today, and everyday this coming week.  I am so blessed.

They got a lead on a new spot for lobstering...it's like giving away
your favorite spot to hunt mushrooms back home :P

Look how flat calm the Gulf is; it's been that way for days now.

While the boys were out hunting and gathering (we hope!) I took a walk
about the marina.  I saw this pretty morning glory in the mangroves.

It was so calm out, lots of folks had their dinks out for a boat ride.  These
are our friends from Ohio, Max and Mandy. They bought our 2.5 hp motor
for their porta-bote. It's one of those 45 lb fold up boats.

This is the view from the other side of the marina, Biddi in the Beast
in front of us, and then Marquesa.  I love her....and this place.

The boys got three good sized lobsters.  Two for Matt and Karie for their
dinner, and one for us- I had marinated some porkchops, just in case :)

Dinner was delicious, too- we've eaten really well today!

Cap'n got one of his projects done before dinner- to
mount 'fins' on the motor.  Maybe it might help us to plane?!
One can only hope...

While Donnie was out, I went around the marina to meet some
new people- this is George and Desiree.  He is in the USAF,
stationed in GA.  They are on a 19' Oday, living aboard, sailing
 and diving for two weeks...I say, good for them for following their dreams.
Unfortunately, Desiree dropped something overboard, so Donnie loaned
George his dive light to jump in and get it...brrrrrr!

Fortunately, George got it on the first pass :)

The rest of the evening, we enjoyed the quiet on the boat.  Karie texted a bit later, and she and Matt came over for a visit.  The plan is for all four of us to go diving for lobster tomorrow.  We'll tow our dinghy and all four ride in Matt's, to carry the hookah and all of our gear.  Sounds like a plan to me!  Later in the afternoon, we're all due at Dan and Biddi's boat for chili and the play offs...All of that and another 80 degree sunny day, sounds like living in paradise to me :) G'nite all.