Before we go any further, I have some good news!
No, I haven’t gotten lipo, nor have I had my neck goiter removed, and Clooney still won’t admit it’s me he lusts after and his marriage was a huge mistake.
It’s better than all three of those things put together. Some of you already know, but for those of you who don’t…
BEAU IS FREE!!!!
It happened shortly after I wrote this post asking for your help, and so many of you did just that and your voices made a difference. After four long months, that sweet baby is finally out of that hell hole and with his owner where he belongs.
If you ever are tempted to think your voice won’t make a difference, think again. It does, and it did!! Thank you!
Now on to our trip. Right now we’re in Key Largo, and we’re staying in a houseboat. Here’s a picture of the outside:
And here’s a picture, just before sunset, from the front of the houseboat. If you look closely at the horizon, you can see part of the Everglades. We were going to kayak over there yesterday, but it looked a bit far so we just went around the canals in the area and were lucky enough to see a couple of Manatee, which seem to thrive in the Keys.
This is the spot where the above picture was taken. It’s where Fisherman casts his rod (that sounded weird. Anyway, he’s actually out there right now and it’s 10:00 p.m.) and where we have our morning coffee.
A friend said the houseboat looks like Olive and Popeye live here, and she’s right! The outside is super cute, but the inside, well, that’s another story. It’s a bit cramped, to say the least.
Before staying here, we were in Lake Worth and although I showed you the house we stayed in in this post, I thought I’d show you a few of the cute homes in the immediate area as well and give you some of the highlights of the trip thus far.
Lake Worth is what is described as the ‘old Key West’, before it became commercialized. It’s worlds apart from its immediate neighbor to the north, Palm Beach, and even Boynton Beach to the south. Not surprisingly, it was built as a community to house the workers who tended to the estates in Palm Beach, which accounts for their small size and modest interiors.
This is actually the backyard of a house that caught my eye, and I didn’t even realize it was the back until we biked around the corner and stumbled upon the front (which is the third picture).
On our first night here, we decided to walk to town (about a 7 minute walk) for dinner. Good thing we were walking, because when we opened our front door we noticed the street was blocked off by the police on both sides, making it impossible to drive out. When we asked what was going on, they told us they were checking for a ‘suspicious’ package. Well, there were more cops in the neighborhood looking for this package than at a donut sale, I’m talking maybe at least a dozen cop cars, and then we saw the robot that was designed to find bombs. Have you ever seen one of them? They’re pretty big, and pretty cool looking! I wish I had gotten a picture, but it was moving pretty fast and by the time I stumbled to get my phone, the moment had passed. We never did hear any more about it after that. It didn’t seem to be in the news or anything, which was a bit strange.
This next house was one of my favorites, although it was hard to pick an absolute favorite. It had a nice detached garage and a very private yard on a corner lot, and I’m a sucker for white picket fences and arbors.
Keep in mind that for every cute house you see, there’s a half dozen that could use a little TLC. Lake Worth is by no means a ritzy area, but not surprisingly, the closer you get to the beach, the nicer the homes, and we were about four blocks away.
This cottage had so many Victorian type details that I loved, but I especially liked the colorful ‘fish scale’ gate out in front in the next picture!
I’m pretty sure this gate was featured in a brochure about Lake Worth. Don’t you just love it?
Wildlife never seems to be too far away while walking, and they have no qualms about letting you take a picture.
This little guy walked up to me, rubbed my leg and flashed his baby blues. Photo op!
Cats are everywhere in Lake Worth it seems. People either have a cat or a dog, or several!
A few nights after we arrived, our power went out. It was due to a nearby house fire which somehow blew a transformer (it was an electrical fire). We walked over two blocks to see the house and learned the owner, who was a hoarder (probably still is), had 13 cats. Most of them survived, but not all. 🙁 The house was completely destroyed. It took the firefighters hours to control the fire due to the clutter inside the home. We went by the next day and the back of the house, which was where the fire started, was completely destroyed, and the front wasn’t much better.
Less than 10 minutes north in Palm Beach, you’ll see countless estates similar to these. I couldn’t get pictures of the really elaborate ones because they’re somewhat hidden behind walls and/or shrubbery and they just wouldn’t make for good blog pics, but you get the idea. And you know what? Most of these homes are occupied only a couple of months throughout the year, if that! I guess the rest of the time they’re in Paris, or the Hamptons, or the Alps…
The weather was mostly in the low 70’s with very low humidity. Great for biking, which we did a fair amount of, or even going to the beach as long as it wasn’t windy. At night, we would walk to town and have dinner at one of the many restaurants, come home and binge watch Orange is the New Black or Blacklist on Netflix.
Here in Key Largo, our houseboat doesn’t even have a tv, but the good part of that is I have more time for blogging :).
In other news…
Please keep in mind all these pictures were taken with my cell phone, and on top of that I’m not editing at all. It’s really difficult blogging without my Mac and Lightroom while on vacation, but I’m still making every effort to visit you all as much as possible, which is usually at night before I hit the sheets. Our next stop is Englewood where we will be staying in an RV, then Madeira Beach in a small apartment located directly on the beach. Right now, it’s snowing again in Massachusetts, so we fully expect to come home to snow and ice. I told Fisherman he can go back, but not before dropping me off after taking a small detour to Tahiti. Do you think they have Margaritas there? 😉
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Judy Clark says
Looks like a wonderful and warm vacation! Love all of the cute homes.
Judy
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh yay for Beau!! That’s just awesome!!! That made my whole week. 😉
I just love living, and traveling, vicariously through you dear Doreen. Everywhere looks so warm (painted toenails in flip flops – no fair!!), and tropical, and relaxing, and full of lovely houses. Sigh. I see snow, cold and many weeks yet of winter. ((I might be kind of sticking my tongue out at you)).
But even though I’m a brat – please keep taking me on your travels. I just love dreaming on it all.
xoxo
SharonFromMichigan says
I think you’re doing a great job with the pictures. Wish I could be out of the cold and snow in one of those “cute as a button” houses! Your flip flops with the bow are adorable! I can’t wait for Spring!!!!!!
Doreen says
Good thing I had a mani pedi :).
Hang in there Sharon! Spring will be here soon, and in the meantime I’ll send you some sunshine.
Lavender Dreams says
The houseboat is super cute AND look at your cute feet and shoes. You are stylin’ in Florida! And sounds like you’re having an amazing trip. I’ve heard a lot about Englewood from a lady that was a blog friend. She always found amazing seashells there. Hope you find some, too! And I’m so glad you saw the manatees! What fun! Hugs, Diane
Brenda Kula says
Beautiful photo ops there. Wish I was there to take some!
Brenda
rue says
I have to be honest… I didn’t read Beau’s story. I’m upset way too easily and I can’t take those kinds of things, but I’m thrilled to know he’s okay now 🙂
I’m so glad you’re having fun on your trip. It looks beautiful there!
Doreen says
I understand Rue, and I appreciate your honesty. My daughter is the same way, and so am I to a certain degree. I’m just gld he’s safe now!
Vickie says
Oh, those bright summery homes are a sight for sore eyes! Lovely, all of them!
Julie says
Yes yay for Beau being saved. Wow what lovely photos you have shared of your lovely vacation. It’s so nice to be away where it’s warm weather. We are expected more snow on Sunday! Have a wonderful time away and enjoy.
Dewena says
What an exciting time you’re having there! Never a dull moment. I loved seeing all these sweet old flavor FL houses. Can’t you peek into some of the windows for us with that phone camera? Which by the way takes darn good pictures. That one of old blue eyes looking up at you in your pretty painted toenails and beribboned flip-flops is precious.
Yes, so glad about Beau, I think 1/2 the people in Nashville have been pitching in to help him and to get the laws changed now. I had a feeling he would be released because otherwise some of our good citizens might have gotten busted him out.
You two keep having fun, be nice to the fisherman just in case you don’t hear from George,
Dewena
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
That houseboat is adorable looking, Doreen! I love all the cottages you’ve shown. I just love that first one (where you say you thought the back was the front).
cathy@my1929 Charmer says
Oh that boathouse is so charming! I guess the inside must be what it’s like living in a tiny home! The loveliness of the water and wearing sandels….it’s killing me…here it’s so fridig. Enjoy your time. Glad that Beau is OK.
kelly says
It looks like you’re having the best trip! It was fun to get to see those cute houses and hear about all the things going on around you. Goodness, a bomb threat and a house fire? Stay safe! LOL! Just enjoy the great weather while the rest of us are freezing.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
So happy to hear about Beau! That is wonderful news!!! I love that you are staying on a houseboat – how fun that must be! Enjoyed the house tour, too! Have fun, Doreen!
Feral Turtle says
So glad to hear about Beau!! Sounds like you had the (B)est of times…..beach homes, bombs, birds, boats! What an exciting vacation!!
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
I always wondered what it would be like to stay on a houseboat. My SIL lived on the St. Johns river in Fl. for 20 years, til last year and we would always see people on houseboats, docked in the river. The cottages you showed are so pretty too. Have a fabulous vacation.
Jane says
It sounds like you are having a blast! Weren’t you worried about alligators near the everglades if you took the kayaks out there? Wow…you guys are brave!
What a neat area. And to stay in a houseboat! This sounds like the perfect time of year to go. And you are not missing anything at home, or in the Midwest for that matter.
So happy to hear about Beau. The social media can be a curse and a blessing. This was definitely a great thing!
Jane xxx
Alycia Nichols says
OK, you’ve made me think of a couple of things here: First, do you remember the song “Key Largo” by Bertie Higgins? I think it came out in the early 80s. Next, the houseboat reminds me of the movie “Houseboat” with Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. Did you ever see that? It is one of my favorites!
Your little toes were looking cute when you photographed the cat! Pretty nail polish color!
I LOVE all those house, the little ones AND the big ones!!! My goodness…such eye candy! Wouldn’t it be nice to have the kind of money where you could have a massive house like those and only live in them for a couple of months out of the year? That’s REAL money!!! I don’t know, though…I’d rather be happy than rich. Hands down! It would be nice to be both happy AND rich!!!!!! 🙂
Last, but not by any means least, I am SO glad to hear that Beau has been freed!!! Wow! What a relief!!!
Hang in there…Clooney will come around. 🙂
Linda Chapman says
Oh.my.goodness.
I am LOVING your vacation!!!! What a MAGNIFICENT one it is!!!
Thank you so much for taking your precious time away and including US!
I have already read this post a few times on my iPad – lingering over every single picture!
You are doing a great jog in recording this special trip….making it one we can ALL remember!
I just wonder how in the world you thought of doing all these things!!!! I need to get more creative about vacations!
Poppy says
Ah, to be the wife of a fisherman…getting your pretty pedis and painting the town red, while he searches for goodies in the sea for your supper!;)) You got it made, girlfriend!
And the creatures you have come across, from smart alecky cats to wild and wandering birds; it’s just one big, happy family down there, in Florida, isn’t it? Those cottages are TOO cute, and I’d rather live in their neck of the woods, than those empty, ghostly mansions on the coast!
Love following you around, even though you ARE a tough act to follow, you bloggin’ fashionista, you!
xoxo
Poppy
P.S.: So happy to hear the good news about Beau! Yay!
Cecilia says
What a fun trip! Love the variety of places you are staying in. Cute cottages too, there in Lake Worth!
Cecilia says
Oh, and I’m so glad for Beau! I signed the petition to free him!
Hugs
Cindy says
Great news about Beaux!!! Thanks for sharing the sunshine and great photos with us. Thanks my friend for reminding me you’re in the warm weather and we are getting hammered up in NJ, LOL. Have fun in the sun
Cindy
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Thanks to you, I feel like I’ve been on a much needed vacation this morning!
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
Doreen, looks like a wonderful time and now I want a vacation! I have never been to Florida. I sure enjoyed your post and of course had to go look at the link to the rentals and read all the comments. Poor Sam…now when he wakes up first thing this morning I’ll be asking to go to Florida!
tammy j says
oh you glam girl!!!
WHAT??? these are phone pictures? I wouldn’t have known… i’m just glad to come along!
i think they’re beautiful. toes and kitty and weird duck and big and little houses and all! LOLOL.
it’s such fun tagging along with you. watch out for burmese pythons and ally-gators in those everglades.
you’re paddling around in their home turf. or well. home water.
can’t wait for the next installment.
and i literally cried when i heard that beau had been saved. darling little beau. and i agree. we are their voice.
and we CAN make a difference. xoxo♥
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Ohhhhh, it’s 5 O’Clock somewhere and after seeing all the pretty photos I think I need a margarita, too. Im loving the colorful cottages, maybe even more so than the estates. Thanks for sharing the warmth with those of us that are snowbound!!!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
A fun read ( aside from the fire 🙁
Olive and Popeye…yes it does look like that, LOL! 🙂
Vicky Hunt says
So happy to hear about Beau! And, it looks and sounds like you are thoroughly enjoying your Florida time. The houseboat is charming from the outside. I’ll have to go check out the inside pix. Enjoy…:)
Jemma says
Oh goodness, just look at these photos and of course I just Have to comment on those cute toes of yours-love the polish and girl, those cute sandals-so perfect!! You are a cutie you know.
Well, I am super happy to hear about the power of many and that Beau has been released-such a good feeling to know that so many people truly care and that we can make a difference.
I adore the sunset photo-it is soooo dreamy, I can almost feel the salt air and taste that margarita too…
Keep having fun and send more pictures our way!
xo-
Jemma
Doreen says
Fisherman calls my toes ‘babboon toes’. I have to admit they do look a little bit like tootsie rolls, so I’m amused everyone is commenting positively on them! lol
Thank you for your support with Beau, and yes, it’s a great day when our voices are heard and can make a positive difference.
I was thinking about your today and wondering how you’re doing. I’ll be keeping an eye out for your next post.
xxx
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says
This looks like a lovely place to stay…such charming cottages! I read the post about, Beau…so glad he has been released!
andi says
I missed the petition, but I’m so glad Beau is free! And I love the Keys…it was our favorite stop on our honeymoon. And you do not have baboon toes. Shame on Fisherman!
-andi
Sue says
Great photos of houses and no I don’t care they are with your cell phone. The houseboat is the most adorable as are the gates and water views to die for. I am happy Beau is free, we need a happy ending story these days. Take care.
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
I’m so happy Beau is free and with his owner again. I stay at the Keys a lot but I never thought of staying in a houseboat. That’s an awesome idea and something totally different for me. Thanks for the idea. Great pictures as usual. ;D