Entertaining with the "Big Boys"

Well, I am happy to report that Lee and I were down in Florida long enough to enjoy one of the block parties we had heard so much about. We were delighted about our participation in this party by having our new grill used for some of the cooking. Our task was to grill up marinated boneless chicken breasts for about 40 people. We had gathered one Thursday afternoon at our neighbor’s motorcoach to discuss the food, side dishes, appetizers, desserts, table set up, etc. I was very impressed with the organization of this affair. The party was scheduled for Saturday and the guys were going to do all the shopping and cooking. (How fab is that????)
On the day of the party, picnic tables were lined up in the street. All grills were moved to a central location. As people arrived, their contributions were placed on the tables. Everyone brought their own “drink” of choice as well as some additional lounge chairs. We had a simply beautiful day for such an event!!!
All the food was incredible and very little was left over. And to top it off, there was a shuttle launch that night. The sky was clear and we could see everything.
What an amazing night!!!! We are so very blessed to have experienced such wonders on a magical evening in Florida.

Time to Entertain

Lee and I were so excited when we purchased our new Weber Grill. It is the top of the line and has far more features than the one we have at home. (Lee was very taken with the lights in the handles and knobs!!) We initiated our grill by having friends over for a chicken barbeque. One of the accessories we bought for the grill was a meat sensor which enables you to know down to the minute the precise "wellness/doneness" of your grilled meat. What a wonderful way to grill. It takes all the guess work out of cooking. Thank goodness for friends who have traveled down this road before and could offer up so many wonderful suggestions for a successful cooking experience (Beth and Bob, many thanks!!) Can't wait to use this at home!!!!
We had such a great time. We grilled vegies, as well, on the grill using our friends' veggie basket. This is definitely something I have to add to my list of purchases. Since we plan on entertaining more in the future with our new Florida "Family", this grill has made us very happy!!! Oh, I almost forgot.....we also bought a 9 foot umbrella with lights for our picnic table for evening dining. We are on a roll!!!!

Blue Water Key in Key West

Bluewater Key
A Luxury RV Resort in Key West, Florida
(Disclaimer: we did not travel in our RV when we visited this resort, so we did not experience first hand the experience of staying in the resort)
Lee and I had occasion to visit this Resort on our way back to Port St. Lucie. Even though we were driving our rental car, we took the opportunity to speak with the gal in the office to learn more about the resort. She was just wonderful. She took the time to show us the lists of current sites for sale. She also discussed the rental fees.
The resort is located about 10 miles from Key West (mile marker 14.5) and has 81 sites. About half of the sites boast of waterfront views, boat dock, and thatched hutch (tiki hut)sitting areas. All sites have full hook-up amenities.
This is really the only RV resort close to Key West where you can enjoy the outdoors especially if you have a boat.
The resort has a minimum RV length of 26 Feet. They accept class A RVs and fifth wheels. The lots are basically gravel except where the owners have landscaped and put pavers or concrete for their pads. The water view lots with the Tiki-hut like areas are quite nice. If you want a water view, it is beautiful.
The resort lacks the consistency of uniformed landscaped lots which is something we look for when we travel. I am sure that weather wreaks havoc on the grounds. Between the salt water, hurricanes, heavy winds, etc., it must take a lot to maintain.
One of the things that troubled me was the gate in front of the resort. It was not very inviting (rusty and in need of cosmetics). The owners were presently involved in a fundraiser to purchase a new gate. Also the office was located at the end of the park rather than being one of the first buildings you see. The office was located in the Club House area which had the Owners Lounge, and Laundry. The lounge faces the pool area and has a TV and a couple of couches. It is meant to be more of an area to watch TV or to possibly read. There are no kitchen facilities.
The prices of these sites range from mid $400,000 to $1,000,000.
The rental prices range from $78-$138 in the summer season to $118-$183 in the winter season.
I think that if you are traveling in your RV down to the Keys, this is the place to be. As far as purchasing a lot, you would have to consider your lifestyle, the traffic, and the surrounding amenities.