Tuesday, March 31, 2009

First time to Pensacola Beach


My brother-in-law, Bob, has visited us a few times at the beach, but this is the first time his wife Mary and stepson Charlie have made the trip from Taos, New Mexico. I think Charlie (above) is enjoying himself during his Spring Break. He turned 18 on March 23!


Mary was interested in the creature (hermit crab) she discovered in the shell, but decided not to add it to her collection. She prefers her shells without any surprises.

Happy Anniversary to me!

I can't believe this is the fourth anniversary of my Barrier Island Girl blog! With a few exceptions during family emergencies, I've been at it consistently the whole time. My blog viewers have been supportive, encouraging, and kind.

I have met many special people and learned more than I thought possible. The only thing I would do differently about the blog is the name -- I'm a bit long in the tooth (old) to be identified as Barrier Island Girl! Still, it is what it is and even when I'm 70, I will feel like a barrier island girl on this special, beautiful island which heals the spirit and leaves you feeling blessed.

"Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true."

~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Monday, March 30, 2009

Fishin'


All set up to catch something on the beach! "No luck so far!" they said.

Great Pyrenees!


Look who came from New Mexico for a visit! It's Ollie (on the left) and Princeton (right)! See how sweet-natured 150 lbs of Ollie is when that little whippersnapper Princeton chews on his ear.


If there are any reports of a polar bear roaming the island, never fear. Princeton managed to jump the fence and escape for a while today. They blend right in with our sugar white sand.


You don't get better security than this! Can you imagine someone breaking in and being confronted with an expression like this which says: "Need somethin' buddy!"

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Woofapalooza!


I've been looking forward to Woofapalooza which took place this weekend. It was scheduled for yesterday, but due to bad weather it was rescheduled for today. Below are some of the photos I took which reinforce my belief that life is simply not long enough to adopt all the different breeds of dog I love.


King Leo! I can't remember the entire proper name of this tiny Pomeranian, but I assure you it was much bigger than him. He's fully grown and the most adorable little Pom I've ever seen.


What sweethearts these two were, sweetness and light. Doncha just want to hug 'em both!


An elegant profile on this lovely Great Dane. Oh how I'd love to take him home with me. If you are interested in one of these gentle giants (and I have been privileged to belong to one in the past), please check out the website of Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue.


How did they color coordinate those ears to your tongue, sweetie?!


Simply super! It's Supergirl and her companion Superdog!


Uh oh, give it up mister, you're fixin' to be herded!


Tie-dyed and proud of it!


"I'm all about 'Bama, m'am."


Oh my! Is this a hang-dog look or just a hangover?


This Brussels Griffon looked slightly like an old English teacher of mine, but its disposition seemed much sweeter.


Ahhhhh...look at those soft brown eyes.


Time for a drink.


A little pug, quite a picture in her pretty pink attire.


"I can touch my nose with my tongue. Wanna see?"


"Scruffy"! Now please do not get upset if you're the owner. This little fellow looks like the shaved-down version of an abandoned little dog we once rescued and gave that name.


"I love you, mom...so can we please go home now?"


Big ears and bigger heart,
all the rest are tiny parts.


"I only wear pink cashmere, dahling. Keep those animals away from me!"


Ooooh, another great profile on this chocolate lab. What a beauty. And don't you love a guy who color-coordinates with his dog? How did he find a shirt the exact same color?


Yikes! Yellow fever!


I love doggie Doggles! It's even cuter when their Doggles match their feather boas.


Oh look, it's a bird dog. {{{hee, hee...rim shot!}}}


"Holy kibble, Rosco, what have we stumbled into! Have you ever seen so many dogs in costume?"


Bad dog! (Not really. His mom just dressed him that way.)


Ahhhh...do they give out an award for sweetest expression? Just look at that adorable face.


Stand back. These are trained terriers. They can make you 'ooh' and 'ahh' in five seconds flat.


"The poem says, 'When I am old, I shall wear purple...' it doesn't say dye me purple!"


Stroller babies.


A couple of English (?) Mastiffs. Now I realize they are smaller than some mastiffs, but if you don't think they are very big, look at the size of the paw that's stepping on the lady's foot.


The Pensacola Junior Humane Society is a great group and can always use your support. You may visit their site by clicking HERE.


Another great group is the NW Florida Great Dane Rescue. You may visit their site (and their available dogs) by clicking HERE. Great Danes are frequently referred to as gentle giants, but can be difficult to place due to their size. You can help them by donating money or supplies, volunteering, or providing a foster home if qualified.


A pile of pups in the park.


The parade proceeds down Government Street to Seville Square where a music festival was going on.


And finally, bringing up the rear, is the little red fire truck from Rosie O'Grady's.

Everyone seemed to have a good time and hopefully this will become an annual event for Pensacola.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Clearing


After another round of severe thunderstorms this week which rolled through before dawn, I was so happy to see clear, blue skies in the afternoon. The wind, however, did not die down and it created beautiful patterns in the sand, removing traces of footprints among the dunes.


Several days of southerly winds had whipped the waves into a beautiful froth.


It always makes me smile to see people walking the shore and enjoying some quiet, reflective time alone.

"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."

~~ Loren Eiseley, (1907-1977)

Friday, March 27, 2009

Another view


The rain just doesn't want to let up, so I decided to show you another, drier view of the island. They say the 3-bedroom units at Portofino have a 270 degree view -- and I believe them!


If you have followed my blog for long you know my favorite area to hike is Range Point and beyond. This photo looks east from Tower IV at Portofino, down on Range Point and eastward to Big Sabine, the next point in the distance.


Looking east from the 19th floor balcony...


Then west across Santa Rosa Sound.


The west view looks straight down the island and I can imagine some beautiful sunsets.


How cool is this view!


Surfers are out enjoying the high surf while the rest of us are staying under cover.


Ahhhh...do I have to go?? I could look at this view all day...maybe someday.