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.

Skyway Bridge

Betsy here....

Decided to go to Sarasota on Thursday and for those of you that have traveled Florida, you may recognize the Skyway Bridge.  Beautiful day for a drive. It is about 90 minutes south from Safety Harbor/Clearwater/Tampa area.

An Unexpected Bath

Barney here.....

You know, I dont't mind a good bath. Actually I like the attention and to get my face blow dryed is truly heaven on earth for me. Like a spa day...yes indeed. But on Thursday morning, there was lots of hustle and bustle. Everyone was getting up early and heading out. Dad was going somewhere and Mom and Brianna were going too. I wanted to feel special as well because I didn't see my leash or harness out so it was plain for anyone to see I wasn't invited on their field trip. So, in an effort to find new enjoyment for myself, I decided what fun it would be to wallow around in one of my counsins poop. It pleased me wonderfully but I am not sure it was quite the fashion statement I was going for with my white fur. My Dad was aghast and called for my Mom. She came running in her white sandals, white slacks and fresh top, hair just right and jewelry and scooped me up. This was 7:23AM and they were leaving for their field trip at 7:30AM. Dad stayed out on the patio and overlooked the pool, finishing his last bit of morning coffee...pondering the trouble I was in and shaking his head. Mom however, had to roll up her sleeves, throw me in the utility sink, find some shampoo and give me a bath. Well, it wasn't the best I had I can tell you that. But it was good enough and wow, my Mom is fast. It was 7:28 AM and I was towel dryed and my face got :30 seconds of blow drying. And they were off....on time. My Mom kissed me and said to be a good boy and I was...after that!!!

Ahhhh, The Causeway

This causeway is very long...about 5 miles long and it connects Tampa to Safety Harbor.....over the beautiful Tampa Bay.

Tampa Airport Field Trip

Barney here.......

Dad had to go back to Houston for a few days of work so I got to ride in the car to take hinm to the airport.......it was 30 minutes to get there and the roads were easy...yeay, no more construction!!!

Steak Ranchero Was Never So Good

Betsy here.....we went to a new mexican restaurant and it was terrific. Everybody loved the dishes they ordered and it was as good as our favorite mexican restaurant in Raleigh. But oh, too heavy on the beans and rice......straight to the hips I am sure!!! Here's a pretty mural that was hand painted...my art friends will like this!!!

Exploring the New Frontier

This backyard is nice...a big fence surrounds it like I am used to. The lawn guys come and make a big noise which I am used to.....but in this yard there are hiding places too...and I am not used to that...so I am enjoying finding the "right spot', even if it means under a tropical, lush bush.......

Cleaning Out Closets

Barney here....

Brianna had to clean out her closet. Oh what an ordeal. Four big bags for Goodwill and many nice things for me to play with but they wouldn't let me. First it was a morning project. Then they had lunch and then it was all afternoon project til dinner...I didn't have any fun. Anyway, I gave up and decided on a nap......

Busted

Barney here.....Well I am in trouble now. Mom got after me good. Seems they saw the little doodle that I left in Elizabeth and Grahame's bedroom next to the dog beds of my new cousins.....it wasn't for the people, it was just to let my new cousins know what I think of them......well, carpet shampooers came flying out the closet, the people are putting on rubber gloves and using bottles of RESOLVE.....anyway, I think my plan backfired on me. They said no treats for me tonight but I will still beg and try to wear them down. Will let ya know if it works........

Calling It A Night

The air conditioner broke last night and the repairman came today at lunch. It was a loooooooooooong night and a hooooooot day.....took most the day for the house to get cool again. I don't want much dinner, just want to drink a lot. Dad and Brianna are at Diary Queen and I am finishing up my computer work on the blog before settling in to watch a movie and drift off. Hope your day was good...mine was. By the way, I am enjoying Brutus's toys. Still not quite fond of this menegarie just yet but they are tolerating me and I guess I am tolerating them. If anaybody is listening, I am out of Beggin Strips...hello, anybody...guess I will have to go shopping tomorrow...two stores to choose from..Publix and SweetBay....decisions, decisions....good night all.

The Aquarium

Oh boy, I just saw the big aquarium for the first time....tropical fish. It is huge. Gurgling sounds of water and fish and more fish. Coral and other stuff that I don't know what it is. I feel hypnotized. This place is very interesting.

Security Guard

Well, maybe we are just visiting until our place is ready, but I know how to get people to really like me//don't act like a guest just pretend I live here...act like a guard dog.....let those FedEx fellas, UPS and the mailman know just who is in charge. And those annoying yard guys with the noisy blowers. They can't see me but I can see them!!!!! All in a days work!!

Working On My Tan

You know, everyone needs those times of rest and reflection. And it doesn't hurt to work on one's tan now that we are living in Florida. Now if someone would bring me a dipper of water it would be complete!!!!

This Is How I Get My Exercise

The grass here is different and lizards hide out...yuck!!  So I just walk laps around the pool and enjoy the flowers as I pass by......oh the life!!!!

My Best Girl

Here I am with my best girl, Brianna. She will be 14 in July and I know her name. She keeps her bedroom door closed because I like to explore...but when I wait patiently outside her door and scratch a little to let her know I am there, that door opens and I am in love again.......

Finding It Hard To Make Friends

Barney here...I have met Moo-Shu, Brutus and Sophie. Hmmmmmm, we have not gotten off to a good start so far. Mom is helping me to be social but I am tired of travelling and just needing to find a spot I can call my own and settle in.  Hard to be a guest but Brianna is loving on me and that is nice.

Mom here....went to see the condo we are buying and there is lots of renovations to do but we expected that. Lovely, great location and peaceful setting. it will be easy to call this place home. We close on June 30 and probably another 30 days of renovation before we call for the PODS to bring our things. Really excited and very overwhelmed to be picking out cabinets, colors, floors, trim and appliances.....

A dip in the pool with Brianna a while ago and that would have made the cardiologist happy that I was getting my joint-saving exercise.

Dinner in a few...Grahame is grilling out chicken and vegetables and all I have to do are the potatoes.
He travels tomorrow and Elizabeth is in Chicago for a week so we are going to enjoy special time wiht Brianna.

Humidity is high and oppressive...forgot that it isn't the same in Houston....just adjusting to temps, and new time zone and all is well....

We're Here!!

Sorry for the delay in posting...it's been a busy couple of hours catching up with Elizabeth, Grahame and Brianna and trying to Barney acclimated to their three (yes 3) dogs! We made it safe and sound and are trying to get unloaded and relax. Papa John's pizza has been called, and we're all ready for a shower and bed!

Almost There!

On Veteran's Expressway just about an hour away from Safety Harbor...will need to get a Sun Pass...

More Crazy Names!

Ever heard of Weeki Wachee Springs? Apparently they have mermaids!

Lunch Break

Barney here again:) It's been a good day so far! Just finished up lunch in Perry, FL. Yum! The road we are on now is nice and quiet without all those noisy tractor trailers, so I'm able to sleep better. Now that my tummy is full, I bet I'll sleep good!

Getting Closer Now!

Off of Interstate 10 and now on US-19 for the final leg of the journey.

This road is pretty rural with little towns only every so many miles. There shouldn't be any traffic until we get a little closer to the Tampa Bay area, and then there's a nice new highway we can get on to avoid it. Until then, not much else besides kudzu!

Eastern Time!!

Attention friends and family on the East Coast: You no longer have to do math before calling! We have officially crossed into Eastern Time!! Hooray!!!

Potty Break!

Good morning, friends! Barney here, checking in. I have to say, this traveling thing is getting kind of old. It was fun for a while, but I'm ready to be wherever it is we are going. I did everything I could this morning to try and keep Mom from putting me in my RV, but she's bigger and faster, so she won. We did stop at a nice place called Marianne for a potty break, and boy did it feel good to stretch my legs! 

Time to get back in my RV and get back in the car. I thought we'd be there already, but Mom says that Florida is a really long state, so we won't get there until dinner. Time to take another nap....