"Barefootin' the Keys"
Another CalypsoNuts Adventure
Meeting of The Minds 2007
...and another Parrot Head Cruise!
October 26, 2007 - November 12, 2007
......."And we'll kiss our furry children and head off for another
tropical adventure. This time, Meeting of the Minds is flanked by even
more engagements.
First, a stop in Neptune Beach for a show at Cliff's at the Beach, and
then on to" Barefootin' the Keys in Key West for Meeting of the Minds
2007. Scheduled next are shows aboard Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas
bound for The Bahamas. After disembarkation, we'll spend two nights playing
at Cheeseburger in Paradise in Beautiful Miami
Friday October 26, 2007
Ready,,,,GO!
Day 1
Saturday October 27, 2007 3:48am
Neptune Beach, FL
Today was as smooth as you can get on the road with the exception of crazy
rain until north Georgia. 620 miles started with a stop in Richmond to
pick up more Tees from Sun Graphics. After a quick visit with Pedro at
South Carolina's famous, and now kinda run down roadside tourist trap
South of the Border, we really put the hammer down to get here to Neptune
Beach before dawn.
Tomorrow night we play at Cliff's at the Beach for Beaches A1A Parrot
Head Club and their Pirate's Ball. This Days Inn is also the host hotel
for all the college folks attending the game tomorrow between the Florida
Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs. Let's just say that we were greeted at
the lobby door by two drunk girls running down the hall and a security
guard who looked real tired.
More tomorrow on what's already proving to be a good time.....
Day 2
Sunday October 28, 2007 5:35am
Neptune Beach, FL
Well, what a treat tonight was. Beaches A1A Parrot Head Club and Cliff's
did a great job setting the scene for The Pirate's Ball. EVERYBODY was
dressed in their finest pirate duds. There was some serious costuming
going on too. Long coats, wigs and swords for the gents; and pirate dresses,
fishnets and boots for the ladies. All the Cliff's staff were dressed
as well. Lots of Arrrrrs and Ayes and shiver me timbersessess tonight.
We set up before they opened at 3 and hit the stage promptly at 9.
Slowly the Florida / Georgia fans started to trickle in when they heard
the ruckus. (hahaha, I said ruckus) The Parrot Heads were partying like
the pros they are and the game fans were wasted. There was of course,
the token drunken college girl dancing in front of the band with the top
that didn't want to stay up. It did, but juuuuuuust barely. L and I had
bets going as to when the wardrobe malfunction would occur. Wow, I remember
my first beer.
I forgot to mention that the Captain Morgan girls were here with bottles
of Tattoo and in Florida, free shots are considered samples and are completely
legal. Try that in the Commonwealth of VA! One bartender, Angela, is from
Norfolk and tended bar at Greenie's in Ocean View. She and her boyfriend
Adam, who is in the Navy now both live here and work at Cliff's together.
A Parrot Head Couple were joined ceremoniously in marriage just before
we started. While one is in good health, the other is very ill with cancer.
Although it was not legal in the eyes of the great state of Florida, the
Buffett lyrics laden ceremony was quite enough to ensure that in our eyes
and theirs, they will be together for now and for ever.
We're so proud to be Parrot Heads, and although our home club is the Parrot
Head Club of Tidewater, clubs tend to encircle the two of us like members
and family. You don't get that with the Rotary or Kiwanis. Three cheers
to Timothy B. Schmidt for coining the phrase "Parrot Head" and
three more to Jimmy Buffett for embracing our madness.
Thanks to everyone for a wonderful night we won't soon forget.
Now, news for tomorrow. Late checkout has been ok'd and with that and
driving time, we should hit Key West by about 8. Just in time to check
in and kiss the pavement on Duval at Petronia! It's hard to believe we're
doing this again and we'd have it no other way. We're the luckiest people
in the world.
Más Mañana, Buenos Noche.....
Day 3
Sunday October 28, 2007 11:48pm.
Key West, FL
Well, after a late start today, we're finally in Key West. The road from
Neptune Beach to Florida City was pretty normal for a Sunday except for
what looked like an hour and a half back up on 95S near Miami. I say "looked
like", because Lynley used Gypsy (GPS) to re-route us and skirt the
whole mess. Driving US1 through the keys is prettiest during the day,
but the traffic tends to be slow going at times. Somes stretches of road
are still 2 lanes and you always end up getting behind a 95 year old woman
who can't quite see over the dash anymore. There's not much to see at
night, but it's really nice to be the only vehicle heading southbound.
We're here in the Holiday Inn until we check into the house at the southern
end tomorrow. The skies are a bit cloudy, but it's 80°. A definite
feeling of homecoming is in the air and we like that.
Closing the eyes early tonight. The fun starts tomorrow!
Day 4
Monday October 29, 2007 11:36pm
Key West, FL
Wow, why do we ever leave here? Old town Key West is just like we left
it last year. Today was the kind of day that all others should be like.
80° and sunny with a nice breeze was the perfect way to welcome the
first batch of friends and roommates. Amazing. If you can imagine the
nicest guest house in the tropics, then you can imagine what this house
is like. Big and airy with double showers and chandeliers. Plasma screen
tv's everywhere and the backyard is the pool. We never want to leave.
like, ever. No really, like ever. Somebody send us a lot of money and
we'll stay here and hold the fort down.
We spent some time at Hog's Breath tonight listening to Scott Kirby and
ran into Dennis and Randy (Tropical Soul). The two of them are as amazed
as the two of us when it comes to this whole extended Parrot Head family
reunion that happens every year here on the rock. We agreed that #1 it's
great fun, and #2 with all the tropical musicians and bands out there,
it's an honor to be asked back again and again. They're playing the day
shift at Hog's Breath the same time we're playing the day shift at Conch
Republic, so hearing each other may be tough this trip.
Conch Chowder and Grilled Grouper meant the best way home tonight was
by cab. 15 bucks for 6 of us from the head of Duval all the way to the
foot was a deal.
Now home, and after quality time in the pool, some have settled in, some
are on the front porch and I'm here blogging. Life is good. Crawdaddy
and Gretchen just pulled in and their arrival means that we are just a
Paul and a Kristie away from a houseful. A quick sidenote: Crawdaddy just
ran his first full marathon. Congratulations Mike!
The gigs start tomorrow. We never know what to expect, but magic happens
down here.
Day 5
Tuesday October 30, 2007 late night
Key West, FL
What's better than a day like today? Not much! Our first gig at Conch
Republic was incredible. Saying it was windy would be an understatement
though. Tropical Storm Noel was churning up Cuba, but his winds were screaming
across Key West. Wind, schmind, the party was ON. The place was pretty
much packed to the gills with Parrot Heads and Pirates from all over the
country and even a few from Toronto. Our favorite ladies in pink, The
Flamingo Queens, showed up and just took over tshirt sales. When all was
said and done, they'd sold 27 shirts for us in about 15 minutes. Tim and
Betsy popped in with Connor the chihuahua who was wearing a CalypsoNuts
Band Manager shirt. Kinda surreal and Alice in Wonderlandy for a while
today. Crowds like today make being an entertainer easy work.
We left CRSC to catch a little quiet at Jose's Cantina over by the Cemetery.
Jose's has been a stop of ours since 1998. Pollo Asada, Black beans, Yellow
rice, plantains and home made sangria. Yuuuuu---meeee! With bellies full,
we went to 801 Bourbon Bar for our favorite drag show in the world. Queen
Diva "Sushi" was in the house tonight and gave Jimbo a little
extra attention. The girls of 801 Bourbon put on two shows a night, EVERY
NIGHT. They work as hard as any musician I know and THEY do it in make
up and heels. GO GIRLS!!
From drag show to trop rock in 4 short blocks! We got to Margaritaville
in time to see the Boat Drunks from Champagne, IL. These guys are one
of the best Buffett cover acts in the country as far as I'm concerned.
I think you should be checking them out as soon as you can.
Back at the house and Paul and Kristie are finally here after a little
slow goin' through the keys. But, they're here and that's all that mattters.
Great day! Off to sleep
Day 6
Wednesday October 31, 2007 late night
Halloween in Key West, FL
It just get's better. Up early and off to the Conch Republic Seafood Co.
for the 1-5 slot again. I'm not going to try to list the friends we saw
today or the Parrot Head Clubs that were represented for huge fear of
leaving someone out. Lots of folks were there for today's show. Jimbo
joined us today on percussion and the crowd sucked him in like family.
He's so cool. Also joining us for a couple were Tall Paul and later Crawdaddy.
When you add Paul's voice to ours magic happens. When the crowd hears
it they know that "Every little thing is gonna be alright".
During Coast of Marseilles, I walked over to Crawddady and I just happened
to have a wireless mic in my pocket. I handed him the mic, told him we
were in G and TADA instant harp solo. cool. He also joined us for the
old Fingers Taylor classic "Some White People Can Dance". Is
this really happening, am I really here?
Tonight, Duval was covered with costumed Halloweeners and Lynley was one
of them. Lots of pirate wenches, but Lynley was the absolute hottest.
A stop in Fat Tuesday for frozen drinks showed us that Kristie gets Brain
freezes real bad. Now, after it's all said and done, it was very funny.
The day is done. Most everybody, except the musicians have gone to sleep.
Paul and Crawdaddy are running over a song by the pool for tomorrow, Lynley
is checking email and here I am again doing this. I always thought these
blogs were for you, but I've realized that they're really for me. Memories
are precious and this helps me catalog them for later smiles. Nite.
Day 7
Thursday November 1, 2007 late again
Key West, FL
There are reasons that most of these entries use the word "WOW"
a lot, and that as the days go by the wows show up more and more. Today
started with all the housemates sitting around discussing the day and
evening plans. The day was sunny, 90° and breezy down on the beach
stage at The Casa Marina. When we showed up at the beach stage, Jim Hoehn
was singing one of his story songs about Elvis and Jesus resurrected on
black velvet rugs. He's a funnnnnyy guy, twisted, but funny. The "lots
of gear" jokes started as soon as he saw us coming across the courtyard
with the first load.
As is customary, we asked Andy Harrell what song we should start with
and he hit a homerun with Party Time. The steel pans ringing aroung the
area created that island atmosphere and everything just fell into place.
ready? wow!
Paul and Crawdaddy stopped in after their listserve show at Rick's on
Duval Street. Paul came up for 3 little birds and Crawdaddy sang"
White Folks". Sandy Kaiser worked the tshirt bucket today and handed
out the new CALYPSO NUTS MOTEL keytags. The tags are numbered 1-1000 and
when they're gone, they're gone. When you get a tag you should to email
us with your name and tag# so we can put you in the bucket for prizes
every month.
Turtle Kraals for Ceviche, Conch chowder, Seafood Enchiladas and Herradura
Margaritas was a nice way to spend what energy was left in our tanks.
L spotted Tim and Besty at Fat Tuesday and stopped to say hello. They're
our favorite transplanted Gulf Coasters.
Back at home and contemplating the fact that we have to set up at 8am
for a 9am Club Leaders' Breakfast at Conch Republic Seafood Company. We'll
play until 11am, pack it up and move it across the room for another setup
and start at 3pm until 6pm. I asked Jim Morris today if he thought we
(He and us) were gonna slow down anytime soon and we kinda simultaniously
shook our heads and said, "naaah". Funny how we musicians love
what we do.
Here's some neat info: Ally from CRSC and her husband are expecting a
baby. Jacob is due in February and all is going along just fine. Congrats
to Mom and Dad to be.
Ok, sleep now, 7 am comes soon and we need to "Bring It" tomorrow
and make these Parrot Heads smile before noon.
L just said goodnight and I'm right behind her. Smile, laugh, love, and
know that we're thinking about you from Key West.
Day 8
Friday, November 2, 2007 late,,,very later.
Key West, FL
I guess starting at 9am is the same as starting at 9pm as long as the
crowd is ready to go huh? PHIP (Parrot Heads in Paradise) hosts a breakfast
meeting every year on the friday during MOTM. Two leaders from each club
meet at 9am at The Conch Republic Seafood Company for a buffett breakfast,
some chit chat, a business meeting, a little CalypsoNuts music, and a
video message from Jimmy Buffett.
A 9am start time means an 8am set up time and an 8am set up time means
a 7am wake up time.
We only play the first 2 hours of the party and then it's off to nap before
moving the gear across the restaurant for a 3-6pm show. The noon-3pm slot
at Conch was played by FINS from the St. Louis area. They sounded really
nice, doing a lot of older Buffett songs and a few of their own as well.
L and I took turns joining them on lead pan.
After huge applause for FINS, they cleared the stage and we got in there
for that 3pm start time. The place got busy and then it got busier and
then it was packed. We brought out the big party guns for today. Game
of Love, Mustang Sally, Hot Hot Hot, Pate Pate, and L sang RESPECT while
dancing on the bar. Rather than ask permission, we were prepared to beg
forgiveness, but Johnnie welcomed L onto the bar with open arms.
Applause is beautiful, but the whole energy level goes crazy when a crowd
that size screams! We felt the love today! Thank you for coming to the
show today and thank you for lettig us entertain you into that scream.
We love it!
Howard Livingston and MM24 band took the night out from the main stage
in the dock area. They're a well known band from the key and they can
sure deliver the party atmosphere. It was nice to finally meet Howard
and some of the guys in the band! Tired now, sleepy, Nite.
Day 9
Saturday, November 3, 2007 11pm
Key West, FL
The Second Annual Rum Barrel gig was the kind all others are compared
to. The rooftop bar has stage and a great, Key West view and it's the
perfect place to throw a Saturday afternoon party. The word got out about
how fun last year's Tall Daddy/CalypsoNuts show was and people came out
of the woodwork today. Sunny and bright with a nice breeze, the day couldn't
have been nicer weather-wize for what turned out to be a really good time.
Charlie De Cosa joined us on bass. Charlie has played with virtually everybody
on the sunburn circuit. He's not only a granite solid bass player, you'll
also never meet a nicer guy. Jimi Pappas brought his Toaster Oven (Electronic
drum pads). Jimi was with us last year and we're so glad he came back
to join us. He's a great player, is game to try anything and has the coolest
hats. T.C. Mitchell had some time and popped into the show with his tenor
sax. We've all heard him through the big speakers on Buffett's stage,
but hearing him close up and in person is even nicer.
Magic happened again today and it's hard to believe that we have just
one more show before we leave Key West for a while. It seems to go by
way too fast.
With the gear stowed, it was time to head to the south end of the island
to hear Jimmy and The Parrots at The Casa Marina. OH MY GOD! Paul had
told me that the energy level at a Jimmy and The Parrots show was through
the roof, but I had no idea. This guy is certifiable! Buffett tunes, island
classics, Motown, R&B, Bluegrass, Funk. You name it, they do it. They
jump and dance and run and spin and it's pretty incredible. When I grow
up I want to be Jimmy Mareventano. Paul and Crawdaddy joined them for
a few and of course the Lolas jumped up with red feather boas in hand.
After dinner, Lynley and Kristie grabbed Paul and I and their red boas
and hit the road toward Margaritaville to hear The Boat Drunks. When these
two girls show up, look out, there WILL be dancing and all eyes WILL be
on them! Boat Drunks? Nice guys, great players, great sound, and highly
resected by all the other MOTM bands. A must see on my list.
We got a chance to talk with the guys from Radio Jimmy Dreams for a while
outside on Duval and ran into T.C. Mitchell, and John Patti as well. John
flew in to play with Jimmy Mareventano before leaving aboard a Holland
America ship for 34 day cruises around Hawaii. The Boat Drunks all hit
Duval after they finished for a little bit of fresh air. It's nice to
have time to just hang with Howie and the guys and catch each other up
on the lastest news and gossip.
After the stroll back home, we sat around the table, quietly remembering
the day and the trip so far. We also talked about the upcoming Costa Rica
trip and about maybe finding a way to do some USO type shows for our deployed
troops. The house is quiet and asleep except for me and Paul, I'm blogging
and Paul is wandering the street with his digital SLR. oooops, wait, The
Rob Taylor is wandering the streets too, but it's because he's been drinking
and he's lost again.
A great day. Fabulous! I can't believe I get paid to have this much fun
with all these incredible people. I never use this term, but I do feel
like I'm blessed.
Night everybody, More tomorrow....zzzzz....missing you a bunch by now.
Day 10
Sunday November 4, 2007 late again
Miami, FL
Wow, what a trip so far. Lots of good times were had during our week in
the keys. We had a chance to meet new friends and also to reconnect with
friends we haven't seen in too long.
Today was perfect. 80° and sunny with a slight breeze seems to be
the norm in Key West right now. Being Sunday, the 1-5pm shift at the Conch
Republic Seafood Co. was a little slower than the last few days, but that
was ok with us. It's nice to slow down and relax every now and then. Pirates
and Parrotheads were joined at the Conch today by cruisers from Disney
Magic. The cruisers fit right in and some took home prizes because of
their vast (avast! arr) knowledge of pirate trivia. You know you're in
Key West when a boat docks behind the stage and offloads hundreds of pounds
of stone crab claws and fresh red grouper and yellowtail snapper. All
in all it was a very nice day at work and we'd have it no other way.
What do you do when a rooster crows every time you mention Robert Lee's
name over the mic? You make it part of the show. You talk to the chicken
and mention the word Fricasee.
What do you do when a chihuahua on your table asks for a bite of your
conch fritter? You gladly offer him a bite. Key West is a very different
kind of place. People here tend to get along much better than people on
the mainland.
Many thanks to Ali and all the crew at the Conch Republic Seafood Co.
This great week of entertainment, would have been sadly less without the
constant support that you offer. Thanks so much for hosting the CalypsoNuts
year after glorious year.
Thanks also to PHIP and the MOTM board of directors- your passion and
intense energy don't go unnoticed. MOTM gets better every year and we're
proud to be a part of it. We have to send a "shout out" to The
Parrot Head Club of Tidewater. When the show gets rolling and the crowd
gets loud, you're always there right in the middle of it all. Most of
all, thanks to all the folks who attended MOTM 2007 Barefootin' the Keys.
All the planning in the world would be just wasted time if no one came
to the party. No energy was wasted on this week.
Last but not least, thanks very much to our Key West room mates: T.C.
and Chris, Rob and Ally, Jimbo and Linda, Crawdaddy and Gretchen, and
Paul and Kristie. Our memories are just a little wackier because of you
and we love that.
It's actually 3am Monday and we're out of the keys and in Miami. We'll
stay here tonight and board Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas tmorrow
for a 4 day cruise with John and Shirley from Memorable Cruises and Vacations.
Coco Cay, Nassau and Key West this time.
More tomorrow from the ship.
Day 11
Monday November 5, 2007 4:30 pm
Aboard Majesty of the Seas
Good stuff already with a bit of uncertainty looming. We're onboard and
so is our gear, but we don't really know where it's going to end up. RCCL
has said it may have to be stored in our cabin. Seen a cruise ship cabin
lately? It's more like a glorified closet and if we put the gear in here
we're sleeping ondeck. Scratch that, the uncertainty is over. A knock
at the door was the porter delivering THE GEAR. Some gear is in here and
some is in John and Shirley's cabin, but it's all here. RCCL is being
very nice about a strange situation. Guest performers usually show up
with a guitar and a mic, we showed up with The CalypsoNuts show. P.A.,
pans, guitars, we brought it all. More on that later.
Muster is over and it's game on for the next 4 days. We've already had
lunch and if it's any indication as to the deliciousness (is that a word)
of dinner, I'm gonna have to hit the diet hard when I get home. Chilled
pineapple soup, Tandoori chicken, Teriyaki Wahoo, Honey Roasted vegetables
and a Piña Colada. The food selections at lunch were varied and
broken down by type of food. International, Asian, Italian, American,
Vegetarian, etc, etc, etc. This place is 100% smiles and at every turn
there's another reason that RCCL is #1 in our book.
Lynley's at the spa and I'm chillin' before dinner. Life is good and we're
once again on the high seas thanks to John and Shirley Murphy, Memorable
Cruises and Vacations and The Thirsty Parrots. Life's short, play hard
and get as happy as you can as fast as you can! peace
Day 11
Monday November 5, 2007 10:30pm
Aboard Majesty of the Seas
So, off we go to dinner wondeing what kind of caloric xanadu awaited us
in the dining room. Dinner was awesome and the company was equally nice.
We wandered around the ship for a while, stopped into the casino for our
nightly donation and now we're back in the room, tired from the day and
waiting for...shhhh.....room service. We'll have a little soup of the
day and a salad, before figuring out if we're going out or calling it
a night. Plenty going on on the ship tonight, but I think maybe the road
has us just tired enough to turn in early. Gonna try to post copies of
the menus if I can. Look for them on the slideshow page.
zzzzzzzzzzzz ...happy...zzzzzzzzzzz...nite
Day 12
Tuesday November 6, 2007 late night
Sailing from Nassau toward Coco Cay
The day in Nassau was right nice. Just shy of 80° and sunny continues
to be the daily weather. Some people on cruisecritic.com say that they
don't like Nassau. They say that it's dirty and that the local vendors
are pushy. I didn't see dirty at all. It's not the Waldorf Astoria, but
what island is? As far as the vendors, they have to be a bit pushy or
they'll starve. If they don't hustle, the next guy will get the sale.
If you don't like the hustles of island vacationing maybe you should go
study the Fijords or the Ice shelf and leave these wonderful islands to
those of us who love them.
A horse and Buggy ride through downtown Nassau is a recommended, 20 dollar
attraction. The buggies are torn up from the island elements, but that
just adds to the charm. Our driver narrated the 25 minute trip, showing
us the foliage and the different points of interest.
Back to the ship in time for lunch and then some hard sleep for a few
hours before dinner. Only on a cruise ship do you eat, sleep and wake
up to eat again.
Tonight we sailed from Nassau at 11pm on our way to Coco Cay. As we pulled
away from the docks the cruise staff led an Island dance party on the
top deck. Lynley danced and I perused the midnight buffet.
Now back in our cabin/gear storage locker, L's asleep and I'm not far
behind.
All is well, home soon, Peace,
BTW: Spoke with Justin from Audio tonight. He had no idea that we're scheduled
to play tomorrow. More uncertainty just adds to the excitement I guess.
Day 13
Wednesday November 7, 2007 late night again
Sailing from Coco Cay toward Key West
Today was incredible! We knew we'd be playing on the pool deck, but we
had no idea we'd be on the main stage. Justin from Wisconsin and David
from Trinidad, both with the audio department, were there to help us set
up gear and to patch into the house P.A.. We hate to brag, but we brought
the A game today. From 2-5 it was "All CalypsoNuts all the time".
People danced, and shook their buts and smiled and caught rays and drank
foo foo drinks and we helped them get to to their own little islandy place
on the top deck. Making people smile and forget about life for while is
our main objective when we play and everything fell perfectly into place
today. Our Bose Cylindrical Radiators performed flawlessly, the house
P.A. sounded great, the pans were in tune and singin', it was just the
perfect day to be a CalypsoNut. Great stuff! We rocked 'em and it felt
really good. Lots of nice words from fellow travelers and cruise staff.
Thanks again to John and Shirley Murphy for opening this wonderful door
that is sometimes hard to budge.
Dinner was great again. Chilled Strawberry Bisque started it and it just
got better from there and ended with Warm Chocolate Cake. What's not to
love about RCCL?
Lynley was asked to be Cindy Lauper in the ship's 80's party tonight.
She was lip synchin' with the best of them. Look for video on you tube
real soon.
Midnight chocolate buffet tonight. Sweets everywhere you looked! Brought
it back to the cabin and then ordered room service. It's not gluttony
when you're on a cruise ship.
BTW: I have absconded with the dinner menu every night and I'll scan them
for the site. Look for them on a link at the end of this road journal.
Key West in the morning, but sleep right now. zzzzzzzz good day good day
good day!
Oh, almost forgot, the wind blew my new tiki acoustic over today. Didn't
even look at it, just put it in the case. I'll check it in Miami, today
was just too good to ruin with possibly broken guitar stuff. zzzzz
Day 14
Thursday November 8, 2007 late night
Sailing again, this time from KW toward Miami
The day in Key West was Very Deja Vu. Weren't we just here? Sunny and
cool. Cool? If you consider 77° cool, then yes, cool. I think we're
just spoiled from the last 10 days of warm, sunny weather. Stopped by
Conch Republic Seafood Co. to see Ali and the crew and had lunch at B.O.s
Fishwagon over by the market.
Lots of comments today from fellow passengers. It's really nice when people
go out of their way to give us a compliment. Our show on the pool deck
must have been as good as it felt.
Took a little time to stroll the ship one last time before disembarking
tomorrow morning. We'll hit the dock and customs at 8am and then we'll
have to figure out the whole "Where's the gear" situation. It's
never goes exactly as planned, but I guess that's part of the excitement.
All in all, the cruise was great. We met a lot of nice people from all
over the globe, made some smile, made some dance, made some shake it island
style. The food was top notch and so was the service. The staff always
had smiles on and nothing was impossible. This ship is their home and
their pride and joy shows. I'm sure there are problems with everyday shipboard
life, but the passengers never see it. Lynley and I raise our glasses
to all the staff and crew who made this cruise our best yet.Nite everybody,
2 more gigs and then home.
Day 15
Friday November 9, 2007 11am
Miami, FL
Ok, up at 7 and off the ship by 8 isn't our idea of fun. Can't we just
sleep in, catch a late breakfast, wander back to our cabin and sail again?
Please?
Candlewood Suites checked us in early, but we had a couple hours to waste
before they were ready for us. The only place open for breakfast was Burger
King. The girl behind the counter was rude, was barehanding our hashbrowns
after playing with her hair and face, and she was dropping F bombs in
the dining room area. Wow, good to be home. Where's my ship?
Cheeseburger in Paradise Miami tonight. It's new territory for us, so
wish us luck. More later.
Day 15
Friday November 9, 2007 late night
Miami, FL
Miami Cheeseburger in Paradise is unlike the others we've played. This
Cheeseburger is smaller and in a "Town Center" type outdoor
mall. The garage doors open onto the mall, so people are constantly strolling
by. It's very nice and so is the staff. Tonight was a bit slow because
of the weather. Locals call 70° cold.
All is well. One more night at Cheeseburger and then we'll hit the road
toward home.
Day 16
Saturday November 10, 2007 late again
Miami, FL
The Miami Parrot Head Club was out tonight. John and Brenda and the crew
were up front and center all night long. The weather was nice and people
were out walking on the mall and that meant for nice table turnover when
break times came. With the restaurant being so cool and in such a pretty
location, it's a wonder this place isn't packed all day, everyday. Ah,
the fickle restaurant business. Management was happy with how we fit the
room and how we were received by the crowd. Yay, this makes 6 Cheeseburger
in Paradise locations for us.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, drive, drive, drive, home, home, home, kiss the cats
and sleep, sleep, sleep
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz nite
Day17
Sunday November 11, 2007
HOME !!!
Wow, made it! This has been a long one. We left Miami around noon and
just now (5am) pulled in. It would have been 4 am but when a South Carolina
policeman with his hand on his gun says "You have a headlight out",
your very next stop is Wal Mart for a bulb.
What's the first thing we saw when we pulled into the driveway? Our breath,
no fun.
Anyway,,, the road was long. We're home. The cats missed us.
Many thanks to everyone who made this whirlwind craziness possible. The
list is too long, but special thanks to: PHCoT for your unending support,
Beaches A1A Parrot head club for hosting a great Pirate Ball, the MOTM
committee for believing in us once again, Memorable Cruises and Vacations
for opening yet another cruise line door for us, the Miami Parrot Head
Club for bringing the party to Cheeseburger in Paradise, to all our friends
who we got to see and room with in KW, and of course to Jimbo for just
being the best kinda friend two people can have.
Thanks for letting us do what we love to do! We can't wait until the next
adventure.
Smile and get as happy as you can as fast as you can,
Lynley and Robbie