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The Hottest Birthday Ever
Nov 15 -
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Aimee!
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaappy Biiiiiiiirthdaaaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooooooooooooooo yoooooooooooooouuuuuuuu!!!!!
Aimee decided more than two months ago that she wanted to be in Key West for her birthday. So really, this is
the most planning we've ever done on this trip. Anything for my gal Aimee!
First order of business: finding the Southernmost Point in the United States. I must say, this was a heck of a lot
easier than finding the Easternmost Point. This time there were signs and maps and a
big fat marker. In Maine we had to ask every second person. That is, if we could even find a person.
The REAL Southernmost Point in the USA
Ask any local from the Keys, and they'll tell you that the southernmost point in the USA is Homestead, Florida.
The Keys aren't even a part of Florida, they say. They're the Conch Republic
(pronounced "conk").
In the early 1980s, the federal government was concerned about the amount of smuggling going on from Cuba and the
other islands in the Caribbean to the Keys. After all, anyone could sail over, hop in a car, and drive into the
mainland without question. So, the Feds set up a roadblock on the 18 mile stretch between Key Largo and Homestead.
The roadblock was basically a customs check. Everyone who came from the Keys to the mainland were questioned
intensely and had their cars searched. Tourism went down the toilet because travelling there was such a pain in
the ass.
After numerous attempts to have the roadblock removed, political activist and Keys resident by the name of Daniel
Wardloe came up with a solution: On April 23, 1982, the Keys seceded from the United States and become their own
country. The Conch Republic was formed.
Once the formal declaration was given, they promptly declared war on the United States of America.
One minute later, they surrendered, and applied to the UN for foreign aid.
Needless to say, the roadblock was taken down, the customs officers removed, and life went back to normal. Almost.
Every April 23, the Keys still celebrate Independence Day. A shirt from the tenth anniversary reads this slogan:
"We Seceded Where Others Failed."
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We found it! Success!
Second order of business: Getting our mouths on some Key Lime Pie, straight from the source. Well, that was an easy
order to fill... every street corner and mom-&-pop shop in Key West sells Key Lime Pie. In fact, every street
corner and mom-&-pop shop in Key West sells "The Best Key Lime Pie In Key West!" So if everyone's the best, how
do you pick?
Simple! You go to all of them!
Well, we went to four, actually. This accomplished two things: One, we were able to taste the wide range of
Key Lime Pies available to us and find the best for ourselves; and two, we got so stuffed that we never want
to see another Key Lime Pie ever again. Which is good, because wherever we go from here, it won't be authentic,
and nobody wants knockoff Key Lime Pie. Only the best for my gal Aimee!
Last order of business: street markets with little shops that sell stupid tourist crap in them. Aimee just eats
that up (ugh, eat). Aimee could spend hours just wandering around a market or street fair (I, on the other hand,
could spend hours not). But, if that's what she wants to do on her birthday, so be it. Anything for my gal
Aimee!
It's getting to the bottom of the page, so I'm sure many of you are probably thinking to yourselves, "Yeah, but
what did you get her?" I got her what I got her last year. And what she got me last year. And the year
before that. Nothing. We don't bother with that whole birthday gift thing. Gifts are for Christmas.
For us, birthdays are about doing, not getting. It's about spending time with each other, and doing cool stuff
that the birthday girl feels like doing that day. And believe me, it takes so much stress out of the day, for
both of us. You should try it one year.
Anyway, the sun went down on a very happy birthday and another wonderful year. And Aimee? She just keeps getting
better with age. Love ya, babe!
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We've got mail...
Haaaapy Biiiirthdaaay tooooo youuuuuuu!
Haaaapy Biiiirthdaaay tooooo youuuuuuu!
Haaaapy Biiiirthday, deeeear Aiiiiimee!
Haaapy Biiirthday toooooo yoooooouuuu!!!
Happy Birthday, love.
p.s. at least you didn't have to listen to me sing it, lucky you.
- Aim's Mom
Hi Aimee.
Hope you're having fun in Florida, or wherever you guys are right now.
Once again, happy birthday from May and I.
- Dan & May, Ottawa ON
someone is having a special day......
hmmmm.... I wonder who that could be!?
:o) Oh, it's you!!!
Happy Birthday Aimee & Auntie Aimee!
We love you! ~*~BIG HUGS & KISSES~*~
Love, Cayden~ Dallyn~ Presley~ Scott & Ingrid
Drop us a note!
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Today's Weather:
Beautiful for the Birthday Girl
Sleeping Quarters |
Bahia Honda State Park
This place is so great, I think we'll book it for a few more days!
Cost: $XX.00
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Bkfast:
| Cracked Egg Big Pine Key |
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K's Order: | Strawberry Pancakes Bacon & Eggs |
A's Order: | Biscuits & Gravy Toast |
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Cost: | $11.56 |
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Lunch:
| Kermit's Key Lime Store Key West |
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Split: | Key Lime Pie |
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Cost: | $2.95 |
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Dessert:
| Key West Key Lime Co. Key West |
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Split: | Key Lime Pie |
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Cost: | $2.99 |
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Dinner:
| Brian & DD's Marathon |
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K's Order: | BBQ Burger Fries and Veggies |
A's Order: | Ham & Cheese SW Salad Bar Key Lime Pie |
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Cost: | $18.98 |
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