We're Back for the Wiener Parade

We're back and just in time for another parade, but I'm getting ahead of myself. We didn't do too much while in VA, but we we weren't planning to. We did see The Hobbit in 3D, which was pretty good, but would have been better if the air conditioning hadn't been on in the theater. Really? It was in the 30s outside - when exactly do you think management thinks heat is appropriate? Even my mom was cold and that's saying something. We all huddled together for warmth, enjoyed our popcorn, and were happy to then get back in the car and turn the heater on.

Jack learned a new trick while we were away - opening both the cabinet door and drawer. Impressive - now let's hope he doesn't start doing this at home.

I'm pretty sure the pet residents of the VA household are quite happy to have us all gone. Here's Tico hiding behind his human because our scary kitty was walking around too close for comfort (he's used to cats, just not ours).

Time to leave (5:30pm). Sniffle.

Once on the road, we had a close call with the fuel situation when we got to South Carolina and all the gas stations we went to were closed. Huh? We sputtered into one with a gas truck beckoning just after midnight and then took over a half hour to fuel up because the gas-station tanks had been empty since 6pm and had no pressure.


The reason we drove overnight was to avoid traffic (and cops - not that we're doing anything bad, of course). I stay awake by worrying about animals running out in front of me (there were many more dead ones along the roadside this time for some reason). The best part of the overnight drive? Dawn.

Zura stayed up with me (barely).

Michael took the wheel at Homestead and as soon as we hit the Keys at around 11am, the traffic picked up. By the time we got to Pine Key we were at a standstill. Grumble.

Luckily, we got moving again shortly thereafter and we tried to enjoy the local views through burning, tired eyes.

Temps were in the 40s (once again Georgia measured in with the coldest temp of 40) all the way until Miami when we finally broke 50 degrees. In Key West we got into the 60s - although I don't consider 65 warm.  Yes, it's warmer than 45, but it's not warm.

The first thing the cats did when we let them into the apartment was run for the door to the outside deck. There was much rolling around and skipping - I swear, they skip.



The thing is, 65 isn't warm for them either and it wasn't long before they were back inside - one in the sunbeam, the other on her chair. Happy kitties.

We passed out pretty quickly ourselves until the recycle trucks came by at 5am and dumped a bunch of bottles into the back. CRASH! CLINK! Oy. We're back in the city. But not just any city - Key West. What does that mean? Another parade. But not just any parade. The 8th Annual Key West Dachshund Walk (remember, they're the official Key West dog).  Of course, many pooches were dressed up like hotdogs. Very cute.






What do you get when you combine little kids with little dogs? Double aaaaww.






There were a few that weren't dachshunds at all despite their feeble attempts at disguises,



and some who got the theme completely wrong. Yep, we're back in Key West.

Now we're resting up and hoping we can last until midnight. You all ready for 2013?! I am.