Sunday Morning Contemplation

I spoke with my sister a short while ago and they have confirmed that my mother had a minor stroke, but that the prognosis is good. My sister is a nurse practitioner and understands all the medical jargon as does my other sister who is a respiratory therapist. They end up "translating" for my brother and I who have no medical backgrounds. Things sound promising and she should be released today or tomorrow once the doctors coordinate her medications. Obviously, the news is a huge relief and will definitely allow me to relax more and enjoy the vacation trip. Today is overcast with light rain, but it is supposed to clear and move on out. The only definite plans we have is to hit the tea dance this afternoon at La Te Da.

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One thing that is interesting is the diverse crowd staying at the guesthouse where we are staying. There are literally guys from all over the USA and a couple from the UK as well, so it's an opportunity to chat and get a perspective on what gay life is like in other areas. It's a very laid back atmosphere unlike the bathhouse like atmosphere at a place called the Island House. In talking, it quickly becomes obvious that coming from Virginia, we hail from one of the most gay hostile states. While Florida is not exactly a gay affirming state either, Key West is in many ways a world unto itself where the daily newspaper runs stories about LGBT organizations and the historic restoration projects of gay couples are written up approvingly. It offers a window on what America should be like in terms of its treatment of LGBT citizens.

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I mentioned that we did a historic homes tour Friday evening that is orchestrated by the Old Island Restoration Foundation which puts together tours a number of times a year. It is well worth the cost of a ticket and the homes demonstrate how main stream the local LGBT community is in Key West. Perhaps the most magnificent house on the tour was one restored by a gay couple that is now worth $4.8 million. The couple in addition to their professional jobs restore and flip historic properties. Another home had been built in the 1950's by the owner of a concrete factory that made use of amazing terrazzo throughout the house. All of the homes include gardens that serve as an extension of the living area of the homes with lush vegetation and a sense of privacy.