Paradise Is Key West

He's a cutie, isn't he?

We drove to Big Pine Key, and he posed for me. Precious!

The Key Deer, the littlest sub-species of the white tailed deer, are protected . Back in the 1950s, they were down to less than 50 total. In 1957, the refuge was created, and their numbers are increasing, now about 800 - 1000.

You can only find these little deer in the Florida Keys, predominantly on Big Pine Key. They can swim, though, so you just may see them elsewhere.

They stand 24 - 32 inches tall to their shoulder. They weigh up to 80 pounds. They will come up to you, as they're used to people.

As I said, they are protected, so feeding them is illegal. Also, please drive carefully. Follow the speed limit because they will wander across the street right in front of you.

It's that time again!

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🙏❤️


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Fred the Tree is going to be a celebra-tree. 😀

Coming in 2023 on Amazon Prime. The remake of Roadhouse, st in the Keys this time.

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Sister Gabriel designed this artistic structure made of natural rock gathered from these Church grounds and throughout the island. Contributions that came from her many friends in the community made the construction possible. Sister Gabriel had survived three major hurricanes since her arrival in Key West on August 25, 1897. Because of the devastation and heartache she had witnessed as a result of these terrible storms, her deep desire to keep Key West and its residents safe from future storms generated her passion to build the Grotto to seek protection from Our Blessed Mother Mary. Tradition tells us that Sister Gabriel is said to have remarked on that dedication day that as long as the Grotto stood, “Key West would never experience the full brunt of a hurricane.” And as all residents can attest, there has not been a severe storm on the island since the er****on of the Grotto in 1922.

For more info see the following:
https://stmarykeywest.com/grotto/