Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Smathers Beach, Key West, FL
ODOMETER: 80,549 | MILES TRAVELED: 2,604
by Grant
It’s a cool breezy day in the Florida Keys. We woke up this morning and Phoebe was snuggled up with Ellie in her bed (pretty tight quarters for the two of them). We’re realizing Phoebe does not like to be cold or wet!? Not sure she’s actually a dog! ?
We took the dogs to Higgs Beach for a jaunt and they loved it. There are two separate dog parks at Higgs Beach. One for big dogs and one for small dogs – I’m not sure what the height or weight cut off is but if it’s left up to the dogs themselves, guaranteed, the Chihuahuas will be in the big dog pen.
We chose to avoid the dog paks as our mutts are not very social. Having grown up on a property, we didn’t acclimate them to other dogs and they form a pack when another dog appears at all to be a threat.
The feisty little dogs seem to provoke them the most, but regardless we take the easier route of walking them on the beach where there’s less canine stimulation.
On the way home, we passed a great Cuban sandwich joint claiming to have the “Best Cuban Sandwich on Key West”. It’s a busy little hole in the wall called, Sandy’s Cafe. And their sandwiches were awesome! We aren’t in a position to validate them as numero uno on Key West, but they are great!
We spent the afternoon working and Jack and Ellie had school. We then headed to Smathers Beach which was just gorgeous. We got there just after sunset and we all captured some awesome shots of the beautiful sunset and Key West view. We then grabbed pizza from Roostica’s Wood Fired Pizza and headed back to spend the evening catching up.
There are two separate dog parks at Higgs Beach. One for big dogs and one for small dogs – I’m not sure what the height or weight cut off is but if it’s left up to the dogs themselves, guaranteed, the Chihuahuas will be in the big dog pen.
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
We don’t usually eat this much takeout food, but we do like to sample the local fare. And given our desire not to eat indoors and avoid unnecessary COVID risks, we have been picking up a lot of takeout on this trip. We have also been observing mask etiquette and noting that the adherence to local ordinances requiring the use of masks seems pretty low overall.
Some people asked if we were taking unnecessary risks by travelling during COVID and our take on that is that we stay in our ‘pod’ and respect all the expert advice around mask use,
social distancing and exposure risks, we should not be increasing our chances of exposure in any way. We avoid tourist traps and spend most of our time in nature. Whether we’re hunkered down ‘at home’ and respecting the recommendations, or we’re visiting far flung places and being equally respectful of the guidelines the experts are putting out there really only changes geography, not risk. At least that’s how we see it.
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Reflections
Reflections
These are our personal thoughts on some of our experiences.
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♥️🎈21🎈♥️
Father’s Day 2025
Mount Jerusalem National Park
Happy Birthday to My Greatest Adventure Partner!
Happy 20th Birthday, Jack!
Grant’s built homes, companies, and communities, but the most beautiful thing he’s built is the life we’ve gotten to share for more than 21 years now. It’s a life grounded in love, kindness, and deep gratitude for our family and all the experiences we get to have together, thanks to him.
I love Grant’s integrity, purpose, passion, and his heart-centered generosity of spirit — whether he’s working on visionary wellness communities or transforming an abandoned shack into our next family home.
Right now, I’m so grateful for Grant’s support during the hardest health challenge of my life, whether it be helping me walk down the stairs, dressing me, driving me to endless appointments, or reminding me of my own strength when things get scary. He holds space for all of who I am, supporting the choices I make for my healing, and supporting my dreams with unwavering belief in me, in sickness and in health.
At the same time, Grant is the best dad to Jack and Ellie. Watching him with them, celebrating their gifts, supporting their journeys, and being their safe harbor is a blessing and a joy. He parents with empathy, kindness, an open mind and endless patience, and show them, every day, what it means to be a man who leads with his heart.
At work, Grant is a force of nature. He inspires positive change, connection, and makes the world better, one project at a time. But beyond his impressive accomplishments, it’s his humility, his servant leadership, and his genuine care for people that truly set him apart. Grant doesn’t just work to improve businesses, he works to improve lives.
He’s taught me that true success is measured not by what we achieve but by how much we care. And Grant cares so much; about his family, his friends, his community, and this planet we all share.
Grantly, thank you for being wild and free, for embracing life’s chaos with open arms, and for loving me and our family unconditionally.
Happy Birthday!
Today, as you begin your twenties, we want to pause and celebrate the beautiful human you are. Your authenticity is a light, shining through in everything you do. You live your truth with a courage that inspires all of us. Your creativity is captivating, lifting the spirits of those who witness it. We admire your dedication to your own art and your profound connection to music, film and art in all forms.
Your unwavering selflessness, kindness and compassion are strengths that move quietly but profoundly, touching lives in ways you don’t always realize. The warmth and care you extend to others is a true reflection of your being. It’s a gift to watch you uplift those around you, always consciously mindful, always compassionate.
As you continue on your artistic journey, know that we are with you, supporting you always. We believe in your art, unlimited by commercial constraints and free from the mainstream’s narrow definitions of success. Your authentic vision, your voice, and your perspective are important and needed in this world.
Keep following your passions. Keep being you—because who you are is truly a gift to this world. Here’s to more years of creativity, joy, and the pure expression of your true self.
We love you so much, Jack. Happy 20th Birthday!
With all our love and admiration,
Mum & Dad
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We are currently sailing the South Pacific to Australia.
Thank you for joining us, have a great day!