Meet a "bug"

This is the Florida spiny lobster.  And right now it is mini-lobster season in the Keys.  That is two days where you can get a jump start on the regular season and  try to catch the critters.  Each licensed person can take six per day.  So, you spend a whole lot of money coming to the Keys from all over the country to hunt "bugs" as they are affectionately called, and it would be much cheaper to go to the fish market and buy them.  But, it must be lots of fun because right now there are dive flags bobbing out of the water everywhere you look with people searching for them. You "tickle" them out of a spot in the coral with a long stick and try to grab them and put them in a mesh bag. Or, do it the way we did by dragging people behind the boat on towlines and when they saw one, they let go and dove down.  Matt speared a bonus grouper that way and the poor fellow was left trying to stay afloat while holding up a large fish overhead while we boated back to get him.  It is not about the bounty, but the hunt.  It does get a bit crazy down here during mini season.  There are always arrests for people taking more than the legal limit.  And of course, boating accidents.  And dive accidents.  But generally the locals stay out of the way and let the tourists in.  Heck, I can go find a lobster on the wall of my canal if I want to.  But that would be like eating my pets!

The first time I was introduced to this delicacy was when my cousin pulled a tail of one out of his bathing suit when we arrived at the dock after a day of fishing and snorkeling.  He hid it there because apparently it wasn't season and he figured the Coast Guard doesn't check trunks.  Of the clothing category.  I could not figure out why he was digging around in his pants!

My grandson was a wee fellow when Harry bought some lobsters from a guy selling them on the roadside for dinner.  Jack watched as Grandpa Harry prepared them for grilling (which is a bit brutal since you pull the tail off and throw the rest in the canal.  We sat down to dinner with the lobster meat prepared and ready to dip into butter and Jack refused to eat.  He kept repeating "no like it bugs."  I was amazed, since he had never heard them called bugs. He had figured the whole thing out - from what was a creepy looking critter in a cooler to the pile of delicacy on his plate.  And he apparently didn't like its looks.  They are kind of creepy!

My Life in July

My Greats and Grands

Culture in a parking lot

My best Oncidium

I selected these photos to represent some of the past month's activities.  I took a trip to Kelley's Island in Lake Erie to hang out with family.  First stop was an Indians game in Cleveland - literally from the airport - to game - to Kelleys the next day.  No visiting with Cleveland friends, sorry!  Matt, Jack, Ruby and I sweated our way through the game and I swear, I spent a million dollars on peanuts, cotton candy, gatorade, icees, beer, hot dogs.  We were dripping, sticky messes in the heat wave that made the Keys look like Iceland.  The weather cooperated on the Island, however, and we had a great week.  Lots of people visiting, commotion, laughs and fun.  Perfect family time.  It is pretty cool how you can entertain yourself on an island with no movie theater, no bank, no drug store, no fast food restaurant, etc.  Lots of boating time.  Lots of kiddie time.  We even did some fossil collecting.

The second picture was taken at a party thrown by our favorite local Thai restaurant for its regulars.  Never, ever, have I seen a party in a parking lot for regular customers.  Great food, drinks, sushi and entertainment.  We love our Num Thai family!  I appreciate the small town life more and more.  On the 4th of July, I hopped on my bike, rode to the main street (there is ONE through 100 miles of Keys and it is a National Scenic Byway now) and watched the parade.  Immediately saw people I knew, laughed at the corny floats - usually with a marine life and patriotic theme - and totally enjoyed myself.

The last picture was taken of a plant I took to my Orchid club meeting last night.  I was bursting with pride when the speaker asked who brought it in for judging and said it was the best example of an Oncidium Sweet Sugar in bloom that he had ever seen.  Oh, boy.  The speaker is my orchid growing idol so I was so excited.  You should see his property.  Mine would fit in his driveway.  I have posted photos of his place before.

Lastly, I have been busy with volunteer work and an email fundraising campaign that was successful.  Now I have piles of items to mail to donors and hope to see our furniture again soon.

Life is good.  Summer in the Keys is turning out to be more comfortable than up north.  Golf game tomorrow.  Work days in there also.  Next up will be a fishing trip when Mr. H-bomb finishes his work on the motel's ADA compliance updating. Hope to post some big mahi next blog!