Thanks to our federal tax return, we’ve finally taken the plunge on a few long overdue purchases.

First, say hello to our contribution to energy efficiency: two new scooters that get 87 mpg!

 

We’d decided on buying new instead of used due to the relatively cheap cost of new scooters and to both ensure we have warranty coverage and wouldn’t end up with Wilma-flooded castoffs. We only considered the 4-stroke 50cc models (technically 49cc) because anything larger requires a motorcycle license, and as they closed the Keys’ testing facility a few years ago that now requires a trip to Miami. While I’d be thrilled to ride a curvy model with chrome, the extra cost just wasn’t worth it. We bought two Kymco Agility 50’s from the Moped Hospital for about the same price as a single Vespa LX50. I’ll have to get my curvy chrome itch satisfied by my Karmann Ghia when that’s fixed and moves down. Now there’s a project…

Second, I pounced on two used Ocean Kayak Scramblers found in Sunday’s Classifieds. One is practically new, the other is beat up and patched (big deal - they’re plastic!), and they’re both bubblegum pink. So much the better for people with motors to spot us.

 

Just so you know it’s not all fun and games. Check out the evil scorpion I found in our laundry room. Chris did his thing with picking it up with the kitchen tongs and flinging it into the salt pond. Not bad karma, we didn’t technically kill it, it has a chance to survive if it swims. I’m not a girly-girl but that sucker made me shriek.

For those wondering, the front door and first half of the shutters are now blue agave. It makes a world of difference.