Taking a Break

Barney and Betsy here......

Just wanted to say thanks so much for reading the blog during the last two months. We have tried to entertain you as well as giving you a glimpse of our surroundings at the same time with words and pictures. We will be settling in to our new place shortly and there will be much to do. That's why we are going to take a break from the blog but wanted to say thanks for following us. If you wish to check in we are at....   betsyglass1@gmail.com

Blessings and Love to All!

I Am So Ashamed..(Well Not Really)

Barney here.........what is delicious, tasty and chewy and found in a dark place?? Give up...it's Grahame wonderfully delightful leather shoes. I am not partial...I like the fancy dress shoes and I thoroughly enjoy the casual ones..even flip flops too. It has been my little secret for weeks...and when it was discovered, no one told Mom.....cool.....I really like this...do something bad and don't get in trouble...Florida Living at it's best..........I feel so ashamed (but only when my Mom found out)

Betsy here.......Mort-i-fied!!!!!!! Apparantely the best kept secret in town that my dog was eating shoes but everyone wanted to spare me from "wiggin out" about it so they just kept it quiet. Well after the FOURTH pair, Grahame had a mini meltdown.....Grahame yells at Elizabeth, Elizabeth yells back at Grahame, Keith looks stunned and my jaw dropped. And Barney was napping during all this commotion.

So, Grahame has to go on a business trip tomorrow with the only pair of shoes he has left (I think he is in there sleeping in them to keep them safe tonight until he can safely get out of town), I am going to the bank to get gobs of cash (they would throw away my check) so Grahame can start replacing his shoes. Did I say  Florsheims, sperry Topsiders, Reefs and more....yes, Grahame only wears the best and those shoes were broken in just right!! Dear me!!!!!

Needless to say, they are probably looking for us to leave for our condo soon...real soon. 

Bringing You Up To Date

Barney here.....Well, my Mom packed two suitcases and took off for a week. I couldn't believe it. Where is she?   Doesn't she know I am at the door pining for her. Dad didn't go. Hmmmmm. Don't like this at all. Turned out she went to see her Mother on the Outer Banks....for 7 whole days. Well, she called and tried to talk to me on the phone. Dad held it up to me and all I could hear was "BarneyPreciousMommaLoveHim" but heck after the third day, I could care less. Dad told her I turned away when the phone was put to my ear so I guess she got the message. Well, FINALLY she did come home. I must say it was great to see her. I jumped up and down and all around and we were in love again. I licked her and gave Barney kisses and forgave her for leaving without me. Oh so nice to have my Mom back home again.

Betsy here.....What a great treat to go to OBX for a week and see my Mother.

She looked great and the weather was wonderful. Everyday we did something. Ate good food, went to Currituck to the produce stands and got garden fresh food for the nights we cooked. Ate some shrimp and crabs and all things I love.

The tour of Jennette's Pier was great and worth seeing. Art galleries and shopping entertained us and when I had to leave it was too soon.

When I returned to Florida so much was done at the condo. It won't be long now before we can get started on moving in. This week should be the final work and then we wait for granite and that will take two weeks. Elizabeth and Grahame have been wonderful hosts while we have been here with them. Very gracious and hospitable. Thank you!! Keith will start his job in Sarasota in mid-August. A wonderful opportunity came unexpectedly and we credit God with so mauy blessings. Keith's Dad will remain in Richmond after some talk of him relocating to Florida. He said he really didn't want to relocate now and besides, he is finally settling in at the retirement place. Seems God has a good place for him too.  The rainy season continues with rain everyday. some time a shower and other times a real gully washer. That's it for now

A Message From Barney

A Public Service Message From Sir Barnabus of Fairmont.....

I am so depressed. I have never seen such rain. The weatherman said it is a tropical thing off the coast and we have already had about 5 inches of it today alone. And then the weatherman dropped the bomb....we will have another 36 hours of it. Poor Brianna's Pool Birthday Party will have to be brought indoors tomorrow night. I haven't been able to lie in the sun in days and I ache all over. Mom and Dad are going off, running errands but they won't take me. I have no life anymore. Woe is me.

I got into a scramble with Brutus the other night. He took the hedgehog toy of his that I was playing with. I mean he just snatched it out of my paws and ran. So I chased him and almost caught him. I made mean angry noises and my Mom came running. She said she never heard me so angry before. I had to go to my bedroom also known as the main dining room, sleep station and now the "time out" room to chill and think about learning to play nice with others. I am done. I am over it. I want to go riding in the car again and eat french fries. I want to go off and explore and my mood won't change until I get my way.....As Peggy Lee once said....."is that all there is"....I need a treat, a bath, a new toy..something...maybe just some retail therapy would help..a little stroll through PetSmart...anything. 
                                                   Signed......Desperate, Depressed and Distressed in Florida

Brianna's Birthday Arrives

We had a family dinner at her favorite restaurant, followed by ice cream and Lizzie's delicious chocolate cake with presents on Wednesday. On Thursday, (her actualy birthday) she and I went to International Mall in Tampa for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and shopping at Aeropostle and Hollister. We browsed Tiffany & Co. and even chatted with the armed guard (yikes). We ended the day with getting drenched on our way to Starbucks for coffee, hot chocolate and more dessert (treadmill, I am a comin') It was a good day and we were happy to be here in person to help celebrate the big 14. And oh yes, she is taller than I am!!

The Three Amigos

They are doing good work and we are happy with them...and they didn't mind posing for the picture!!.

Construction Begins

Lots of rain, but construction continues because it is all inside.........

Thank Heavens for Warranty!!

Well, after we got here after having the air conditioner compressor replaced in the car on our trip from Texas to Florida, it started to get hot on us again.......sweltering actually.....thought we had a leak or something. Took it back to Goodyear and they put in another new compressor and she works like a charm now...nice and cool!!

Let me In Please

Okay, so it is hot now and I need to come in for a cool drink........please!!

Peaceful, Sunny Morning

Barney here....well today is the Fourth of July. Grahame, Dad and Brianna went out on the boat to catch grouper today and they left real early. I growled at Dad when he offered to take me out for an early morning potty. He got the message and left me alone all snuggled up with Mom. We didn't crawl out of bed til 10....we are lazy bones today for sure. She is going shopping with Liz when I take my afternoon nap. After my breakfast, I decided to lay out on the lanai (that means florida porch) and sun myself. Sure feels good after so much rain.

Closing on the Condo

Betsy here...so last week we closed on the condo. The street we will move on is Fairmont so now Barney's new name is "Sir Barnabus of Fairmont"!!!!  The next day the demolition started. Kitchen cabinets and old applicances were donated to someone who could use them and that helped them and helped us. We hired a contractor who begins work on Tuesday. Tile, paint and kitchen cabinets have been picked out and ordered. Looks like we will be in construction for another month or so. Thank you Elizabeth, Grahame and Brianna for your wonderful hospitality. We appreciate it!!!!

Barney Update

Okay, Barney here....Just letting everyone know that I am doing all right. We've been here a month and I just started to eat my cousins food, play with them and chase Brutus through the house. I am not quite so clingy now as I am getting used to my surroundings. I don't care for all the rain but between rain showers I go out in the backyard and explore. I do go to Brianna's camp in the afternoon to pick her up and I get to go inside. Everyone makes over me and I do like that. I wish I could go more places though since I ride so well in the car...Barney over and out!!

Another Ballgame

There is a neat ballfield just down the road and it is where the Philiadelphia Phillies practice for spring training. The local team, The Clearwater Threshers played tonight and won...it was a great game, we won and what is more American than a hot dog, a ball game and fireworks and we had all three.  Lots of foul balls, too!!

On Board

Grahame drives his boat fast and so the hat didn't stay too long and I am proud to say I did not burn up in the sun......65 spf and it worked well!!!!! Now I might end up being the whitest person in Florida but it is a toss up...get a tan and wrinkles or wear a hat and look paste-y and the hat won.

Fourth of July Weekend In Style

Can't celebrate without the flag....Mr. Godsey is hoisting up the stars and stripes!!

Cruising the Intercoastal

We pulled out of the marina and Honeymoon Island was to our right and then we crossed under the bridge from Clearwater over to Clearwater Beach. We kept cruising past Indian Rocks beach, Treasure Island and such. The homes on the waterway are mostly outrageously beautiful and pallatial. And of course the boat and docks are worth hundreds of thousands. And oh yes, there were a few trailers along the way which gave us hope that we could live on the water one day..ha!!

We found a spot called "The Pub" and docked and walked up the plank for lunch....steamed shrimp, grouper nuggets and crabcake.....yes indeedy, I am where I belong...this is normal for some people to spend a day like this but a real treat for me......

A Day On The Boat

Grahame and Elizabeth took us out on their boat on Saturday. We went to the Marina in Clearwater and it was neat to see them bring the boat out on a forklift and put it in the water....it happened in minutes and we were ready to go!!

"He's Always On the Phone", she says

Yes, even on the beach, Mr. Godsey is checking calls and email......Brianna said I should take a picture of him to document it because, "he's always on the phone".......and she is right!!!! Hey Mr. Godsey, you are at the beach now....enjoy the view!!

The Sanibel Stoop

Sanibel is an island in Florida. It is probably about 2-3 hours south of us. I've been there many times. It is the shell capital of the US and they are telling the truth!! You really should wear shoes or flip flops on the beach because there are so many shells.  I have brought back bags and bags of shells to display at home. With so many shells and most of them small, one usually has to bend over in a stoop to see them. Imagine many people on the beach, all stooped over......years ago the name "Sanibel Stoop" was coined and it is no surprise that the island has a multitude of chiropractors!!!!

Fun at Sunset

Florida sunsets are really nice....colorful, pink, purple. No two sunsets alike. The rainy season has started and believe me, we have had plenty of it...some days two inches of rain and then it repeats again the next day. On the rare day of sun, we made a dash out to Honeymoon Island State Park for a few photos and fun....

It's Been A While.....

Yes, it has been a while........Elizabeth and Grahame left for Las Vegas to attend a convention in their industry (property management) and then a few days of the Grand Canyon and beyond. Wasn't any time after they left that Brianna who is never sick got sick.....stomach flu....chicken and rice soup, applesauce, gingerale was her diet for days.....she didn't get any better and a call into the pediatrician was needed and then a visit to the urgent care pediatrician.....We thought it was all gone and we had a good day and then it was back again. Back to the pediatrician and after a week, we are happy to say she is fine now. And Grahame and Elizabeth have returned with a camera full of pictures and stories from their adventure. And this Grandmother is happy to take a back seat now that the front line of parents have returned!!!

A Pretty Spot

Betsy here........

I am going to sit here very soon and take it all in...this is one of the reasons we moved here......isn't this lovely. Wish you all were here!!!!!

The Pier

Oh yes indeed I am a big boy......new planks on the pier so no splinters for my paws. (If you look closely, yes, I do have a leash on because my Mom does'nt take any chances.) Some people were at the end fishing. It was breezy but hot. We didn't go to the end  Maybe next time.

Tampa Bay in Safety Harbor

Barney here....we got to go for two days in a row and pick up Brianna at summer camp. It is not very far away and I am very good and sit quietly in the front seat of Mom's car. I get to go in and see kids and parents and everyone thinks I am quite precious and I do so agree.

On our way back home, Mom turned innto the marina and park area on the Tampa Bay, right there in downtown Safety Harbor. Oh it was divine to smell new things and explore.

Where Are You, Momma????

Barney here...I can't always go off with Mom. I get it. I understand it. But don't like it at all. I do have a leash, a harness and a carrier......and I do behave myself so what's the deal...why can't I go???? Well, anyway, when I have to stay home and be treated like a second class citizen dog, I can't bear it so I sit at the door and wait....and wait...and wait...and wait.   Liz finally felt so sorry for me she raised the curtain on the door so I could look out and later she brought me my bed and called Mom to tell her I had given up food, laughter and joy until the moment I could be in her arms again.  I love my Momma!!!!

My Cousin's House

Barney here...

While we are waiting for our condo to be finished (probably another month), we are staying here at my cousin's house. Mom and Dad and I are in the guest room with a door that leads to the pool. It is beautiful. Because I eat wet food and my cousin's don't, I have to be fed in the bedroom or as I prefer to call it, "The Executive Dining Room"....'cause after all, there's wet food in there...primo!!

Some of you wanted to know what it is like here......they call the back porch the "lanai"...I guess that is a Florida thing. The squirrels get three square meals here in their feeders, the birds all flock together in the morning and evening at their feeders, lizards abound everywhere and Mom saw a snake in the front yard last week...it is like a wildlife sanctuary......the rainy season has probably started....it rained yesterday and today...just a little bit...that's it now for...Barney, over and out.

Tah-Duh

Barney here....

aren't I just beautiful?? I think so...got this long tail cut, my eyelashes trimmed and my moustache as well.......I smell good too. I wasn't there too long at Jamie's....and oh, did I say that I love the name of the shop...it is called "Perfect Pets"...yep, that's the place for me.....good prices Mom said and Jamie said I was a very very good boy. Well of course I was...I was on my best behavior plus I have to break her in good for the way I like things to go on my beautification day.......so now I am home...taking a nap. My counsins are beside themselves because I smell so sweet. Well, maybe next time they can go. Oh, check out my most gorgeous tropical scarf...uh-huh..I am styling now I tell you... more later.

And Her Name Is Jamie

Barney here....Haircut day....oh yeay, I am going to get my hair done......nails...the works...Yes and I am going by myself with Mon......she made a few phone calls and counldn't find any one that was available. So we called the Vet and they recommended a place in Dunedin (pronounced done-e-den with enphasis on the "e").....so she called Jamie and she was friendly and could take me right away......car trip...woo hoo....here were go again...........oh I am soooo excited!!!!!

Mom here....oh dear, from the outside it looks a little shady.....himmmmmm, well we went in anyway and it was clean and Jamie met us with a smile. We will give it a try and let you know.

Too Hot To Do Anything But Sleep

Barney here......hot, hot, hot. And I need a haircut. So as you can see I have found a place just for me under an end table in the family room...this way I can see what is going on under the dinner table (any treats for me!!) and I can do an about face and see TV....if I poke my head out a little, I can check the back door as well for comings and goings of my cousins.

The Rays Game

Betsy here......Liz and Grahame gifted us all with tickets to the Rays game in St. Pete. Popcorn, peanuts i the shell (yeay!!) nachos (they still taste like they did when we had to go to the little league games for Marty). We had fun, our team won and we are gong back again.

Father's Day

Barney here......Father's Day was quiet for me.  Mom and Dad and Brianna went to church and Elizabeth and Grahame fixed the best breakfast brunch of all time .....at least that is what everyone said..I didn't get any. You know, I am a little tired of this dog food business and if anyone cares..I mean anyone at all cares about little old me...I would like some rotisserie chicken and rice for dinner please.

Emergency Vet Hangover the Morning After

Well everyone was tired today...Saturday morning. Got to bed at 1:45AM. A bit of rain blew through and that encouraged all of us to turn on a morning movie and take a snooze.....

Drunk on Sedation

Poor Moo Shu was wobbly all evening. They even had to put an Elizabethan collar on her so she wouldn't try to take off her bandage. Now try to get out of the doggie door in the morning with that thing on...it lasted all of 30 minutes for the ride home.

And She Squeals Like A Pig

Betsy here....when we got to the emnergency vet around 11pm, Elizabeth told themn that Moo Shu is real senstive with her paws and she "squeals like a pig" when touched....so they decided to sedate her and remove the toe nail completely.....but until they did , Moo Shu decided to take refuge under the chair, not finding humor in anything at all...sad pug.

Emergency Vet

Hey, Barney here...big drama. While Mom and Dad went out tonight, my cousin Moo Shu broke off one of her toe nails down to the quick. What a mess. Mom and Dad and Liz and Grahame camne in and in a flash, Moo Shu was swept up and taken away........but where did she go...........

Third Friday in Safety Harbor

The third Friday of every month, Main Street is closed down to cars and it is opened to vendors, musicians, and people that enjoy a street fair atmosphere. The shops stay open and restaurants are bustling. We will go again for sure.

Dinner at Crisper's

The big Florida grocery store chain, Publix owns a line of restaurants calls Crisper's....salads, coup, fresh, good and healthy eating. Flatbreads, muffins and such. We had a salad outdoors at the corner of Main Street and Bayshore Blvd. overlooking the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa......I think the locals only look at the place because no one can afford to go in.....movie stars and the rich frequent the place...oh the life....don't miss the gorgeous Bouganvilla vine in our view.

Back in Safety Harbor

Decided to end the day with a stroll near the Safety Harbor marina and Safety Harbor Report and Spa area in downtown...it will be just a mile from our new place.

A Hat is a Must

Time to shop for some beacy clothes...something light, airy and gauzy....and I am learning that wearing a hat is necessary.

Pretty Girl on the Beach

Why didn't we plan to stay longer and bring our bathing suits, she said!!!!

Taking It All In

No words can describe the scene.The water is clear at the shore, then turns a soft green and then a turquoise and then a  richer turquoise.....my paiting buddies would want these colors on their pallettes. The picture just doesn't do it justice.

Lido Beach

In all it's beautiful splendor, Lido Beach was picture perfect for us......parking spot right in front of the walkway to the beach...white sand, light breeze. It is walking distance from St. Armands Circle to Lido Beach, but we drove.

Our Chauffeur

Mr. Godsey was our chauffeur for the day.........isn't he handsome!!!

Shrimp Cocktail for Lunch

A fabulous restaurant called the Crab and Fin is where we met up with Keith and had lunch. White tablecloths, very fancy and it is where the rich dine for lunch...so yes, we were out of place for sure but we did our best to keep up!!  The Shrimp Cocktail for lunch for divine, perfect and just right...am going back!!!!!! Love that little fork!!

Fan Ta Sea

My favorite little shop at St. Armands where everything is cute, beachy and not tourist junk. oould have shipped one of everything back home. This sign is for YOU Meridith and Barbara, your birthday present is in the mail.

View at Breakfast at St. Armands

Here is our  view from the second floor open air balcony overlooking part of St. Armands.

Causeway in Sarasota

This is the beautiful causeway from Sarasota over to Lido Beach...halfway in the middle is an exclusive, she-she-foo-foo place called St. Armands Circle. Lots of great shops, jewelry stores galore and galleries, dining, etc.