Banana Bay Destination Christmas

December 31, 2011


Sigh.  The happy holiday has passed---and a happy holiday it was.  For the sake of the record, I shall highlight each of the days since last we … what? Spoke? Wrote? Read?  Dunno but here goes…

Fred and I spent a day or two readying the boat for guests---even though no one but us would sleep here.   We cleaned and decorated, and finally, after 3-1/2 years, decided how to hang the four Hudson Valley prints we’ve never been happy with.  We are now happy, and Jen’s decal (from last Christmas), a Winnie-ther-Pooh quote, is perfectly placed above the Hudson.  To wit:

 Rivers know this.  
    There is no hurry. 

                          We shall get there someday.   

Does not that sum up the cruiser’s life?

Fred found a Charlie Brown tree (turns out it is a large fern, but hey…), we put up the Advent Calendar (on the 19^th, and according to Molly, who quoted Luke, Mary and Joseph ought to have arrived first, not last.  Oh well)

A red bow on the bow (isn’t English fun?) of the boat and we’re good to go.  Let the party begin!

Molly and JT arrived on Tuesday the 20^th in time to drive us to Castaways Restaurant for sushi—the eating and ordering thereof.  Next a.m., the three of us left Fred to do boat work while I observed as the Whritners swam with the dolphins at Theater of the Sea in Islemarada.  ‘Twas a fish and dolphin and sea lion and reptile and parrot filled day, and events were both enjoyed and recorded for posterity.

We arrived back at the marina to find that Kris, John, Tarryn and Devyn had taken residence in the motel room next door to Molly and JT. 

On Thursday, Molly and JT were off to Key West, while Kris and I finished up the shopping and ordering for Saturday’s dinner.   By 7 p.m. the 8 of us were all together for dinner nearby at Adrienne’s.  A good meal and entertaining, to boot!

Molly and I did a 2 mile walk on the 7 mile bridge Friday morning, and were rewarded with a glimpse of a manatee.  Where are those guys?  Signs everywhere in FL warn to be careful of them, but we almost never actually see ‘em.  JT, who’d stayed behind to fish, was disappointed to miss this one.

The McGrath clan spent the day in Key West, and the French’s, Chris, Jen, Matt, Casey and Becca arrived and took up a  position at the pool and hot tub.  At dusk we saluted the sunset on the Banana Bay Sunset Point, then had pizza at the picnic tables on the lawn.  Linda Lee arrived just in time for a slice!

Saturday, Christmas Eve, after a New York breakfast from Zabar’s (courtesy of Alan and family) we took the 14 of us to Sunset Grille, a restaurant near the 7 mile bridge.  Not only do they have the usual outdoor dining, but also an inground swimming pool and ping pong tables.   Needless to say this was a major hit with everyone!  Food was good, well priced, and served with aplomb by our new best friend, George.   What a great afternoon!

Back at the boat, everyone donned a Santa hat and at 5 p.m. we gathered at the Point to have a ‘Marathon moment’—doing something that made it a Keys Christmas.  We toasted the sunset, each other, and our tremendous good fortune at being able to share the moment, then returned to the boat for a buffet supper, long distance conversations with Ada and Geoff and their families, and the opening of gifts.  Grandpa Fred ended the evening with his reading of "A Visit From St. Nick".

Amazingly, we had 14 folks aboard YA for nearly 3 hours, and it worked.  A good time was had by all---much laughter and flashing of cameras!   Santa had been notified of the change of venue for the children, and they were off to bed by 8 p.m.  To sleep?  Another matter entirely!

Fred and I were up early Sunday, and the French’s arrived at 7:30—5 and 8 year olds do NOT sleep in on Christmas morning.  We played bananagrams until the others rolled out and came for coffee cake, (did I mention that the convection oven blew a gasket and refused to bake, so the traditional sour cream coffee cakes were baked in the bread machine instead.  Not bad.)   By noon it was time to bid Molly, JT and Linda a sad farewell as they headed back to New York.

Christmas Dinner was a pot luck affair with 20 or so of our marina-mates.  The weather was perfect, food was delicious (especially Chris’ grilled salmon and roasted asparagus with fennel) and there was plenty of room to move about as well as visit.  Perfect.

As I usually did as a kid, but haven’t done for years, Chris, Fred and I went to the movies on Christmas Day evening.  Saw Mission Impossible and thought it was pretty good. A trip down memory lane on a lot of levels.

Monday and Tuesday flew by.  Those who wished to, found time to shop, see a movie, swim, soak in the hot tub, visit Crane Point, get manicures and pedicures, as well as return to Sunset Grille for another relaxing, splash filled afternoon.  A special event there (just for us?) was the rescuing of a sea turtle who was carried off to the Turtle Hospital.  Becca says there were 21 resident turtles when they toured on Thursday, and “now they have 22”. 

Suddenly it was Wednesday, and after the 9 of us gathered for a farewell lunch at the Hurricane Grill, the cars drove away and silence descended.  Sigh.

Everyone is home safely, albeit with a few flight delays.  We’re relaxing, reading our new books and doing what it is that we do while preparing for 2012.

I'm borrowing my closing New Year's wish from daughter Jenny, who in turn adapted it from her yoga instructor's closing message at class.  Each of us has varied it to suit.  Thanks, Abby!


May all who read this awaken from forgetfulness, lose the path of pain, suffering, anxiety and regret, and step forward boldly on the path of healing, happiness, joy, laughter and just plain old fun!


Namaste.