Walking on the beach is just as lovely in the evening after dinner even when the day has been rainy. Cleared up enough for the walk and exercise to be great............Just wish the water was a little warmer.

I think I understand now what this retirement deal is all about. You can walk the beach as long and late as you want (or the law allows) and not have to worry about getting up to go to work the next day. The screaming kids are usually "put away" for the night and one can enjoy the beach as it was meant to be. I hope to be able to make this at least a twice a week part of my new no-work schedule.

This is not one of my favorite pics of myself, but this was a fantastic day. After doing the Arts and Craft Show on Holmes Beach, Steve, myself and my friend Lea Baker went to Rotten Ralph's Marina on the north end of Anna Maria Island and had lunch. It was a windy day but the sun was warm and the company was great. For those of you who aren't familiar with the area, I am attaching a picture of the waterway. I am looking forward to more good times like this throughout the spring and summer.

It has been brought to my attention recently that a great deal of time has passed since I last posted to my blog. For a change I have happy news that doesn't involve packing up our house and moving yet again. The charming gentleman that I mentioned in my last post is now my husband as of March 16. His name is Steve Shaw and he has become the light of my life. He makes me laugh and smile constantly. I can't believe how much we have in common and how well we are suited to each other. Since we both have homes and neither is large enough for the extended family that I live with, we are dividing our time between the two houses. My cousin will be moving into the Sarasota house shortly and I will then be spending more time at the house in Englewood. We haven't combined the animals in our households yet and I am inclined to leave them separated - not that I have any doubt that the mastiff boys would accept the schips with no problem. The schips, however, are not the most hospitable critters when it comes to a breed that isn't the same size and color as themselves. My cousin is great with the schips and they are very fond of her so once she arrives they will be spoiled rotten and I won't feel so guilty about being gone for a few days at a time without seeing them.

The Englewood house seems like a quiet retreat from the city noise. The yard reminds me of a tropical setting from Better Homes and Gardens or a scene taken from Sarasota Jungle Gardens. There are two ponds with a waterfall and beyond the property is a small lake. The yard is set with tropical and semi-tropical plants. Native birds put in an appearance on a daily basis. Even though the house is in a residential area with neighbors all around, the property is landscaped and fenced so that it is very private and seems secluded. I truly enjoy the time I spend there and look forward to being there more often. I love the mastiff boys and they seem to be very fond of me. If you can imagine a 200 pound dog galloping towards the door to greet you - that would be the scene at the house when I open the front door.

I also just returned from a week in New Mexico. I felt I needed the trip back to make sure there were no lingering ghosts and that I had closed all the doors behind me. I had a very good visit and left with high spirits and hopes of being able to return soon for another visit. I didn't get to the Santa Fe area, but I made several trips to Ruidoso Downs where I had worked as a dispatcher. It was great seeing everyone that I had worked with. I had missed saying my goodbyes to some of them when I left last year. I really hope to go back with Steve and show him all the places I have seen and introduce him to my friends and former co-workers.

Moving on..........

I have met a most charming gentleman who is slowly but surely stealing my heart. We have much in common including dog rescue. There is, however, a slight difference in the size of our rescues - he works with mastiffs while I am still working with schipperkes. His dogs are truly amazing - gentle giants who seem to love everyone. Their toy of choice is a bowling ball. Such sweet boys........

My good friend and veterinarian, Lea Baker, Steve and myself have been going to antique stores and shows and most recently went to a Native American Pow-Wow in Webster. Freezing cold the Sunday we were there. Having lived in New Mexico for 4 1/2 years, I am amazed at the difference in the Native cultures. I have been to both Intertribal Ceremonials and Pueblo Feasts and both the participation and attendance was far greater for all of them than any I have been to in Florida. There is another Pow-Wow in Sarasota the end of this month and I am looking forward to going.

Packing seems to be going well and much easier this time. My cousin will be moving in with us within the next 3 months and I am not yet sure how much she is bringing furniture wise. This house does have a family room, so there will be an extra room to fill. Should work out just fine. I am anxious to see how the dogs like the big fenced in yard. We are picking up the key tomorrow and taking the first loads of belongings..................

Moving Day - Again

It would seem that once again that old fickle finger of fate has pointed in our direction. Our Florida house that seemed so perfect in July when I rented it has turned out to be another of those going back to the bank. Rather than be turned out into the street on short notice, we have opted to find another home to move to. This one is further north, located in Sarasota. Older home, established neighborhood near Doctors Hospital. As my son has been pulling most of his security jobs in the Manatee County area the new house will be much more convenient for him for travel time and wear and tear on his Jeep. I will still be close to my friends, Sharon and Mike, who live in North Port and closer to those in Bradenton/Palmetto/Ellenton. Moving should also be some easier this time, as we have lightened the load possession wise. And I have someone lined up to move the few heavy pieces that we have. I am looking on this as another one of life's little challenges - although I am getting rather tired of them !! The yard is completely fenced at the new home, which will be good for the dogs. They have only had a small x-pen to roam in at this house, so a fully fenced backyard will be a treat for them I am sure. The move is going to happen suddenly so the next posting should be from the new home. Pictures to follow...............

Another family member gone................

It would seem that all the good things that surround me are leaving way too soon. My baby girl, my rescue from the horrors of a puppy mill, has crossed the bridge. She lost the battle with the nasal cancer and I let her go quietly. Even with the 3 other schips in the house her absence is greatly felt. Rest in peace my special girl.........