Howard's Blog

It’s a beautiful day in the Florida Keys and has been a very eventful week in paradise. The weather has been absolutely fabulous. A few days ago we took our grandson Michael to the reef for his first snorkeling adventure. Now, I have been snorkeling and diving these fabulous waters many times for many years, however, this day was exceptional. Pulling away from the dock we could see summer storms in all directions, but a small window was clear directly ahead in the direction we needed to go. Our five-mile trip to the reef was fabulous because of the ominous storms on both sides with brilliant lightning and black clouds all the way down to the water. Michael has always been interested in weather and this was something straight out of a movie. One particular storm was forming to our left and started out with just a small rain shaft. But in a matter of minutes turned into a full-blown thunderstorm. I wish we had the camera rolling because it was a scene just like out of a movie.

We arrived at the reef and tied up to a mooring buoy. I immediately put up the dodger on the front of the boat, which is similar to a pup tent and we all crawled under until the rain passed. Amazingly, all the storms dissipated and the water was flat calm and the skies were sunny, rewarding us for not giving up. I helped Michael put on his tiny fins and mask and then downed my own and jumped in the water first. Immediately as I looked down onto the reef I could tell this was going to be a very special day. Visibility was probably 80 feet or so and my boat had already become a haven for hundreds of fish. As Michael joined me in the water his nervousness was quickly overrun by his excitement. After probably an hour and a half of snorkeling seeing thousands of fish including two beautiful sharks, it was time for Papa Howie to take a break. Michael on the other hand wanted more and had to be coaxed out of the water. He just did not want to stop, which was way cool.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Michael, Cynderella and I, and fruity rum drinks for the adults topped off the day as we sat there enjoying the beautiful water. No matter how many times I do this there is always something very special and that day was as good as it gets, seeing it all through the eyes of a child.

Well, enough rambling on about the ocean, its time for Cynderella and I to have a glass of wine in preparation of another fabulous sunset.

Saturday, August 28

I would like to invite everyone in the Keys to join us for a one night only concert at Turtle Kraals in Key West this Saturday at 7 PM. This is one of those cool bars in the Keys that really doesn’t try to be cool, but it just is. It’s our first time performing there and we’re looking forward to it. So, if you’re anywhere around, why not stop by and hang with us for a while and we’ll make you a margarita out of the old Johnson. If you’re not able to make it, we will send you warm tropical breezes and gentle ocean waves.

Also, if you have not signed up for Meeting Of The Minds in Key West in November, you should consider doing so. It is one of the best music festivals you will ever attend and all the proceeds go to charity. For information visit www.phip.com/motm.asp

Cyndy would also like me to thank everyone so much for your kind wishes about her mother. Having friends is the most special thing on this earth.