Bridges

Bridging the Keys to Life

Bridges

42 – that’s the number of bridges connecting the Florida keys to each other like a charm bracelet. The shortest Harris Gap Bridge is 37 feet, while the seven-mile bridge is the longest. Once you leave the mainland using the Jewfish Creek Bridge, another name for the Goliath Grouper …. you enter a new world.

Bridge One

The minute we cross the first bridge, my husband becomes Caribbean Mitch. It’s like a switch has been flipped, and he’s instantly in his element.  There’s not even a transition pause – it just happens suddenly – He is here!

It’s Going to Take More for Me.

I am still the same suburban Vickie. No matter how many bridges we cross – it takes me much longer to calm down and get into the flow of Key’s Life.  A life that’s more laid-back and less concerned with time and schedules.

Bridging the Gap

I wish I could bridge the gap between my overthinking, scheduled existence, and the life of  Key Slug. I worry about the sun destroying my weathered skin while Mitch embraces the beautiful rays.  I think about all the food we are consuming while Mitch orders another key lime pie. I ruminate about life while Mitch sets up his fishing equipment.

Key Lime Pie

Bridges and Keys
Who Can Beat Blue Heaven’s Key Lime Pie

Speaking of Key Lime Pie, Mitch’s number-one winner for the best flavor, texture, and appearance is Blue Heaven.

Jessica

Jessica
Loving FaceTime with Jessica

Our daughter Jessica, has Intellectual Disabilities and her understanding of the world is often a mystery to me. I always worry about Jessica’s perception of why we are away for so long. I am thankful for FaceTime and that Jessica loves visiting through her Ipad. I am also grateful to our friends and family who visit while we are away.

Key To Life

There are many keys to a full life; one doesn’t need to travel to find their set of keys. It’s a deeply personal journey with many facets, including pursuing your passions, meaningful relationships, helping others, and CHILLING OUT! (the last words were note to self)

Bridge - Key to Life
A Great Place to CHILL even though it’s Hot as Hell!

Discovering the key to life in the Keys takes me many weeks.  Today, I woke up at 8:45 – I think I am getting there.

FLIPPER and Friend

Your Turn! Would love to hear your comments

31 thoughts on “Bridging the Keys to Life”

  1. Rich

    My sister,Cheryl and nephew Michael, would go to the keys camping a couple times per year when he was just a little guy. We went for years as the thing to do for many holidays. Camping at long key directly on the water was priceless, waking up to the smell of salt air as the tide came in and out. Maybe drive to key west for the day and watch the sunset at Mallory square. I miss those days of windsurfing in my front yard or fishing anywhere I wanted. Rockcornish hens on the grill followed by all the fresh key lime pie we could consume and a few ice cold Canadian beers my sister would bring to me, on the plane as her carry on, to make sure I got it safely. Thanks for the memories 😎

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    1. Vickie Rubin Post author

      Thank YOU for sharing your beautiful memories of the Keys! It sounds like you need another visit – Sunsets at Mallory square it’s a daily celebration! Can you imagine trying to get ice cold bottles of beer on the plane now!
      Vickie

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  2. Anonymous

    Love your writing, as always!
    I went to Key West for the first time in January on my Virgin Voyages cruise and absolutely adored it! Unfortunately im only doing longer cruises from now on and Virgin only does Key West in their 4-night cruises, so maybe i’ll just have to meet you guys down there at some point on a good old land trip 😊

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    1. Vickie Rubin Post author

      Thank you!!! you’re posted as anonymous so I’m not sure who wrote this… and now I’m scratching my head and wondering, who do I know who went on a virgin Voyager cruise? Lol 😂
      Land trip sounds wonderful too! V

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  3. Mary

    The Blue Heaven key lime pie is our favorite too, but we usually have it at their other restaurant, Salute on the Beach, less crowded and on Higgs Beach. This year we bought a whole pie at Blue aheaven and with 3 people eating it, lasted 2 days! Enjoy the rest of your time there, we got home 2 days ago😎

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    1. Vickie Rubin Post author

      Mary, we thought of you and Brian so many times – we had family visitors most of March – We leave a couple of weeks after you and Brian – Thanks for reading and commenting! This year we tried a new restaurant for us us – Bel Mare – we loved it – also went to Lola – amazing experience but they do not accommodate a lot of different diets – Safe travels home and see you soon !!!XOXO

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  4. Mike Reif

    Key to Life . . .Yes, as we age we value much more the time, energy and experiences we have with family and friends. Life is short . . . live it well.

    I try to live by two motto’s I preach to my self daily . . .
    Number one –
    1-2-3 Live Well Now – 1 – Be positive in all you do, 2 – be physically and mentally active every day, 3- Eat and drink well every day.

    Number 2 – Finishing is Winning . . at whatever.
    As a competitive runner for many years and I’ve slowed down A LOT . . so just doing (whatever is important to you is Winning.

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    1. Vickie Rubin Post author

      Wow! Mike – words to remember and live by! Thank you for your insightful comment. You are forever coach mike whether it’s sports or life! 😊

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  5. Anonymous

    How long is the 7-mile bridge? Who is Harris Gap, and why is the bridge named after him only 37 feet and not an even 40? Does the Jewfish read backwards? Inquiring minds want to know. This is your cousin writing from Boca Raton. I have a bridge too…in the upper right corner of my mouth. It is about an inch long, but I haven’t looked lately.

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    1. Vickie Rubin Post author

      lol!!!!! Don you make me laugh!!! Thank you for starting my day with smiles!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
      This is Donny, right?
      Because Doug is also very funny!!!! ❤️😉

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  7. Anonymous

    I really enjoy your writing! Mentioning the Keys brings back sweet memories. It looks like Caribbean Mitch is in his glory, you’ll get there soon. Sandy

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    1. Vickie Rubin Post author

      Mitch misses Caribbean Mike he has no one to fish with. Lol 😂
      Seriously we both miss having you here
      Hope you’re having a great winter and thanks For reading and commenting
      Love
      V

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    1. Vickie Rubin Post author

      Totally agree! Today is the first day it rained. It’s so incredibly windy and the rain is so strong. I can’t even imagine what it would be like here with a hurricane. 🌀
      Thank you for reading the commenting!
      😊

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  9. Ab

    Looks so nice, Vickie. Settling down to Keys life must be so nice once you’ve done. The bridge analogy is so apt and I love that you can connect and stay close to Jess through technology. Enjoy your time in the beautiful Keys!

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  10. Victoria

    Oh my…I’m traveling along with you and love your observations. Especially this one, Vickie as you find the Florida Keys version of yourself: “I ruminate about life while Mitch sets up his fishing equipment.” I get you! And cheers to Mitch for easing into the vibe so fluidly. I think endless Key Lime pie MUST help, right? Enjoy, enjoy!
    xo! 🥰🌞🥰

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  11. Anonymous

    hey vickie nice to see you both,,,, margie and geo, ps had dinner with your dad hesdoing great!1

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  12. Anonymous

    This is one of my favorites 😍
    It’s beautiful, inspiring and personal. Personal because we were there to share the Keys with you…and pie! ❤️
    There is a message for All of us about Keys to life …you have a special gift Vickie! I’d love to share, if okay with you! Enjoy your remaining days and keep sleeping in😁 we love you guys!!

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Your Turn! Would love to hear your comments