The weather's been fantastic down here in Paradise (Marathon Key, Florida), only playing a few jobs, but that's OK when you have so many other things to enjoy. Here's some photos from the past weeks at Marathon, including my newfound friend, a huge manatee that propably tips the scales at more than 800 pounds.

When you're out on a mooring ball, the inflatible is the best mode of transportation to and from other boats and the marina.



Watching the sunset with a green coconut margaretta is something magical that takes place every evening.



Here's a snapshot of my new friend. He shows up nearly every afternoon looking for a handout.



Sunset in Marathon's Boot Key Harbor.



Now you know what paradise looks like,

Gary

Gary ... after seeing that pic of you with the green coconut margarita (???), I'm not sure you will be able to come back to REALITY ...

I hope you are having the time of your life Gary. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Thanks guys,

The past four days have been somewhat difficult. My loving wife of 50 years has been in the hospital in Baltimore, had a cardiac cathederization, and the stent that was put in place 5 years ago, a stent that was chemically treated so it would never block up from scar tissue, was completely blocked. Unfortunately, the cardiologist that did the cath procedure could not get wire through the blockage, so it remains. Fortunately, she has sufficient collateral circulation that the heart musscle was not damaged, but she still has symptoms.

This morning, after just one night at home, she went back to the emergency room, having PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) evern three to four heart beats - not a good sign. Turns out that the physicians at the other hospital failed to provide her with prescriptions to prevent this from happening again - what idiots!

She's back home, taking some new meds and feeling a lot better. Maybe tonight, I can get a full night's sleep without worry. Hopefully, she will as well.

The posted photos are just a few of the many I've taken, and sometime tomorrow I'll post a link to the others.

Gary

Gary so sorry to hear about Carol... she will remain in our thoughts and prayers for a full and rapid recovery ...

Gary sorry to hear this....are going to fly back home to be with her?.....I hope Carol has a speedy recovery.

Give her all our love and prayers...

So sorry to hear about Carol. If there's anything I can do please let me know.

Joe

Gary,

My prayers are with Carol and you. Wish her a speedy recovery.

Got my fingers crossed for you and your lady, Gary!

R.