Stroll down Chapman Lane to your new cottage--located in the heart of Bahama Village, Old Town Key West (an X-flood zone). As you approach, take note of the new metal roof. Step onto the porch of your conch-style home (built in 1899-1907, according to historian). Scratch the heads of your two new pets--Couscous (tortoiseshell female) & Baba ghanoush (black male w/ one good eye), SPCA-released community cats. Yes, wonderfully, the house conveys with tenants! You need only feed this girlfriend / boyfriend pair 27 times a day, and allow them to sleep on your porch chairs. Straighten your rooster doormat (BG thinks it's a toy) because it's time to go inside. You're old. You need to locate the bathroom first. Luckily, it's 8 steps away. Reach for the doorknob. Gasp at how clean and well-maintained the room is. Notice that if you squint, it looks pretty good. Now that you're relaxed, you might realize the structure has new impact windows; wood flooring; Dade County pine walls, shelves & kitchen counters; high ceilings; high-end appliances; 2 bedrooms; a utility room (laundry, storage, counter for wrapping presents & half bath); a kitchen-dining room combo; and a whiskey / game room that opens to the back yard. Here, you'll find your very own farm: chickens, catbirds, finches, hummingbirds, doves, iguanas, lizards, and a butterfly garden with host & nectar plants. As you fill your plastic baby pool with the garden hose, watch butterflies flutter overhead. Enjoy a dip. Suck on a mango or Hass avocado while you do because you've got both trees on your farm. After your snack, extend your arms; do a few arm circles. It's time to unpack your things. Place your sleeper sofa in the living room. Walk guests around the corner to Blue Heaven, Santiago's, or a concert at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Maybe you prefer skipping to the waterfront for happy hour or to Glazed Donuts for fritters. Somersault 3 blocks to world-renowned Duval Street. Enjoy your home today!
