Life's Adventures with Jimmy Buffett

Blogging about life's adventures and books...

Adventures past, present, or future. And my books--then and now. 

The world recently marked the first anniversary of the death of an important man in my life—a man who influenced my lifestyle for many years, who was the reason FDW and I had a wide circle of friends, and a man who brought me great joy with his music—Jimmy Buffett, December 25, 1946 – September 1, 2023. Born December 25, and in my opinion, a great gift to the world. 

My brother, who is twelve years younger than I am, introduced me to Parrothead mania in the seventies. It was instant love at first listen. The thing with Jimmy’s music is, it wasn’t widely played on the radio stations (which for you youngins’ is the way we found music 

back then). He charted only 13 top 100 hits in his career. His first top 40 hit was Come Monday in 1974. It’s one of the most beautiful love songs, in my opinion. And even if you aren’t a Buffett Parrothead, I’m guessing you can sing at least a few lines of Margaritaville, the ultimate Parrothead party song. In fact, it’s known as the Parrothead National Anthem.

I can’t begin to count how many Jimmy Buffett concerts I’ve enjoyed in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Alpine Valley (WI), Los Angeles, and Atlanta. But I’ve seen a bunch. They aren’t just concerts. If you never experienced a Parrothead gathering for a Buffett concert, I can’t begin to explain what they are. That would be a whole post in itself. 

When FDW and I left Arizona for Minnesota, we were entrenched in Parrotheadism, but had no idea how much deeper we would dive. After nearly a year in Minnesota, we were still without friends. We were both in management positions, so mingling with office staff was touchy. We’d never been regular church-going people, so we didn’t have that way to meet people. We really didn’t want to do the bar scene which we’d never been

into. But I did suggest maybe we should and start “picking-up” friends in random bars. We thought about joining some sort of club. FDW did some research and discovered St. Minnesomeplace in Paradise, a Parrothead club.

And life got so much better. We gained a circle of friends that have

lasted decades even though we left Minnesota and are back in Arizona. While in Minnesota, we raised tons of money for charity,

true to the Buffett philosophy. And we partied with a purpose, which was charity, but wow did we party. Jimmy Buffett promoted a lifestyle, and we Parrotheads were on board. 

It's been a year since his passing. When he passed, part of my past went with him, part of my heart went with him, my soul ached. Because he was so much more than a singer, than a man. He inspired generations of Parrotheads.

I haven’t listened to his music since he died. I know I should find joy in his legacy, and I should dance like no one is watching. But not yet. Each and every one of his songs sparks a memory. Yes, they are happy memories, but without him, I just get sad.

That said, thank you, Jimmy Buffett, for being you. Your message is one of joy and heartfelt soulful philosophy. I’ll find a way to tune in, to listen, again. In time.

Tortuga Flats Farm - #20

I had set aside some money for work shoes - trudge around the farm work shoes. Frank and I were true to form in our choices. He went cheap with knee high rubber, Walmart specials. I had to have a little class and bought much more expensive Justins. But I did get them on sale! Both our choices are standing up well and doing the job. I just look better. LOL

We inherited a few things when we bought this place. Of course there were the fruit trees, tulips and lots of dirt, dust and weeds. But out in the soon-to-be vegetable garden was a lovely plaque with a great sentiment. It now resides by the gate between the veggie garden and the blackberries. I rescued a frog they left behind. He's metal and sitting on a double sided park bench. His partner was beyond rescuing - missing a limb and part of his nose. I gave the little survivor a spray paint job and brightened his umbrella. I think he adds to our soon-to-be yard.

Xena is our digger. Not sure how we can break her once the yard is in - any ideas? She also finds things to eat that she shouldn't. Last week she kept throwing up. The frequency increased until one night she did it four times. Lance and Christie didn't get much sleep. They broke down and took her to the vet. Dang those vet bills. But a strict diet and some meds brought her back to well. She had some sort of stomach bacterial thing going on. I love dogs. I better with three in and out of the house, but potential vet bills are a hazard. Rusty will be nine in October. Here's hoping he stays well.

Have I mentioned the one good thing about Frank passing sixty-five? Discounts! We shop at a market called New Frontiers in Prescott for all our organic and natural foods. He gets a 10% discount because of his mature age. Really helps a bunch. And movies are $5. One drawback on the movies here; there is only one theater in all of Prescott and Prescott Valley. Not much to choose from. In fact, we haven't been to a movie in two months. Thank goodness for the Red Box. Frank also gets a discount at Home Depot because of his veteran status. That 10% has saved us mucho Denaro.  He's learned to ask no matter where we are shopping or eating. You'd be surprised at the discounts and freebies available.

We've come to the conclusion that Pauldenites and Chino Valley residents aren't much on night time activities. And if they do, most must go into Prescott. Last Saturday night we went out to the Cattle Company and had the place to ourselves. Lucky for us, Lucky Luke took the stage. He starts playing in the restaurant at 6:00 and when that thins out around 7:30, he moves to the bar (which closes at 9:00! Yes, really). Luke is German. In the restaurant he played country western, but when he moved into the bar we were treated to rock songs with a German accent. Luke is a slim, good looking man with gray hair that falls below his shoulders. He wore a cowboy hat, red western shirt and boots. His belt buckle was pretty big. He has a good time, and we had fun with him. And how can you beat $2 beer and margaritas?

And the big announcement - we've named our place. I think Lance pretty much came up with it. Tortuga Flats Farm It sort of says we hope our lifestyle is slow and lasts a long time plus the whole pirate reference suits each of us for a different reason. Pirates are romanticized, and we like that. Frank and I are Parrotheads so the Caribbean reference is good too. Tortuga Flats Farm!

Party With a Purpose

Tonight is the first holiday party. This is the annual HAMA (Holiday And Member Appreciation) party. The club is called StMinneSomePlace in Paradise Parrotheads. Don't know what a Parrothead is? Ever heard of Jimmy Buffett? Those of us that like his music are called Parrotheads. My husband and I first hooked up with the club when we moved to Minnesota. We were having an awful time making friends, and we happened on an article on the Internet. And so began our base of friends.

Parrotheads like to party, sing Buffett songs, act perfectly silly and some are given to wearing outlandish get-ups. But our motto is "party with a purpose" which means whenever we gather, one or more charities benefit. Even tonight's party, which is meant to thank all the members with gifts and fun, will have a thread of charity. We'll be collecting tots for toys, food for the food bank and probably something else I'm not even aware of.

We've booked a good portion of a hotel. Many of us will spend the night - always recommended when there are margaritas flowing freely. There will be food, music and merchandise. Mostly there will be lots of fun and silliness. But behind it all will be the idea of charity. It's that time of year. With the Parrotheads, it's year-round, I'm proud to say.

If you're starting your holiday partying this weekend, have fun and be safe. And if you can, give to someone who isn't so lucky to be able to party.