OK -- spring break is over. I took some time off from blogging and my "real" job to rest and take the family down to Key West. I grew up not far from the Keys and spent a lot of time there as a kid, but this was the first time in about 10 years we had been down there. And there have been some changes. The wildlife is still great. On Big Pine Key -- in a span of 5 minutes and less than 20 yards -- we saw a young alligator, a big male Key Deer and an iguana. Iguana!? Yes, seems they're starting to overrun the island and many other of the Keys. The former pets were set loose in the wild and are multiplying rapidly.

About the only animals increasing in greater number are chickens and roosters on the streets of Key West. The hotels around famous Mallory Square actually have workers assigned to chase the crowing roosters away from bleary-eyed guests not ready to face a sunrise after having too many pina coladas after sunset. But the pesky birds don't stay away for long.

Still, if you've never been to the Keys, I highly recommend it. And enjoy it while you can. The average home price in the Keys is nearing $1 million -- meaning many of those who work on the islands can't afford to live there. They take 5-hour bus rides from Miami to their service jobs. Some paradise.