Deck the halls

Christmas trees are not necessary. You can string decorations on fences, and palm trees and picnic tables and mail boxes... just about everywhere. So why not the Bouy designating the southern most point in the USA? Merry Christmas from the other pole!

Oh, Deer!

Santa may be running late this year because his reindeer have taken up residence on Big Pine Key. Spotted Rudolph in the yard the other day.

We've arrived!

Not traveling by Santa's sleigh, it took three long days of driving, but we have arrived at our winter hideaway, tucked into a key deer preserve at the northern tip of Big Pine Key. The weather has been fabulous. High 70s, nice breeze. I'm writing on the deck, shaded enough by palms and overhang that I can see the computer screen. Yesterday we found the famous No Name Pub, a tavern Hemingway supposedly visited, not far from our house. Even though the palm tree there was decorated for the season, and boxes of cookies arrived today from Bruce,  it doesn't seem like Christmas. It seems like a beautiful summer day. Think I'll put on my suit and go lay on the lower deck next to the canal.  Have a great holiday!

A white Christmas? Bah, Humbug!

By the time you read this, we'll be on  Big Pine Key -- our home for the next three months. After spending last winter in Panama City, Steve and I decided to move a little closer to the sun this year. We're really looking forward to it.

2011 has been a busy year. I published my second book -- Great News Town -- a mystery thriller I've been trying to get published for 10 years. I'm still freelancing for The Press, though the paper is going to a "digital first" product with home delivery only 3 days a week, so my involvement may not last much longer.

This blog replaces the old Christmas letter.  Look around, you'll find pages on Ryan and Angy, my books, our Florida getaway... just about everything you'd want to know. Be sure to leave us some comments. Hope this finds you enjoying the holidays.  Have a great 2012 and if you get a chance before March 31, come see us!