Best. Day. Ever.

Mark your calendars, it’s time to seal the deal on this new life. Our house is listed and LIVE. Now, we can relax, soak up the Florida sun and let our fabulous realtor, Miss Tara Braun, do what she does best. Sell baby, sell! [Commercial message: If you’re looking for an awesome realtor in TN or FL, I’m happy to share her info – message me!]

Now that we can relax a bit, we are making our move from Tampa to South Pasadena, FL. But, before we jetted off, we had to make a stop at one of or favorite dinner spots, Salt Shack on the Bay. If picturesque sunsets and dolphin sightings aren’t enough to lure you here, then try the tuna tartar and grouper – they’re to die for. If you’re still not running to check this place out, then I’m not sure we can be friends...

Onward to South Pasadena! Our next stop was a result of friend proximity and cost savings. This area is BUSY this time of year and the only place available over the weekend was a cute little bowling alley called Ten Pin Lanes, just down the street from our friend’s condo. It was tight, but we nestled in among the stored boats, old limos and tiki statue trailer. Yes, tiki statues – not sure what one does with all those tiki’s, but I know one couple who needs one on their lanai (Chad/Tip!). ;)

Record-breaking heat rolled in this week. Our solar was doing some WORK to keep the RV at a bearable temp and we were doing our best to not be those annoying parking lot neighbors who run a generator 24/7. Roxxi and Ollie are not loving the potty breaks in the stifling heat, but a visit to the dog beach renewed their “like” for Florida life.

Note to humans: Do not visit the only dog beach at 1 p.m., on a 100+ degree day. You will not have fun. As Roxxi/Ollie exclaim… “THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!”

I didn’t know a day surrounded by dogs, and sandy beaches could be so emotional – anxious, happy tears rolled as I snapped pictures of Roxxi laying in the surf. She’s always loved the water and this day reminded me how fleeting our time with these inherently perfect creatures. She turns 11 in a couple of days, and today at the beach, she was a puppy again. That same puppy we rescued nine years, who discovered her love for water during our first walk to the Harpeth River. She was so timid, so weary of the water (and, of her new life, I suppose). But, as her toes hit the water she looked back at us with those caramel eyes and we all knew this was exactly the beginning we needed. She laid down in the water, and to this day, it’s her signature move. Find water, immediately submerge herself like a little GSD submarine. She’s the best. And, has the patience of a saint because for anyone who knows Ollie, that monster man was WILD on his first trip to the beach. Why is the water chasing me? What’s all this seaweed touching my tail? Can I pet that dog? How about THAT dog? Look, FISHIES!

It was a great day. But, lord help me as I discovered a new challenge of RV life. German Shepherds + water + sand… we’re going to need a bigger vacuum.  👀