Oh, time flies when you’re having fun…

We’re heading back home tomorrow. The drive is daunting, but what can you do?

Yesterday, we stayed home and lazed around by the pool.

I planted myself on the wicker sofa and read some Pat Conroy. Don read and swam. We felt like we were at a spa.

Around dinner time, we headed to Frenchy’s so Don could sample one of their famous grouper sandwiches. Our plan was to catch the sunset over the ocean, but we were foiled by too much cloud cover.

These two continue to bond.

Meredith made this critter during our time here – Lovey Lamb. (Pattern by Alicia Paulson.) Adorable. It was originally for her, but…

Someone really likes it. (Is he not the most beautiful child?)

It’s a good thing Meredith is already starting on another Lovey Lamb. She’s had Alicia’s Maggie Rabbit kit for a good long while (I made her a few years ago) and she has decided I should make it for her. So, I will. It will be a good project to tackle when I get back home.

Such a lovely visit. I’m missing my cottage, though, and it’s time to head back. If only I could twitch my nose and transport my loved ones to my home as needed. Wouldn’t that be lovely?

Don has fallen in love with Dunedin and Safety Harbor and this beautiful neck of the woods. Universe: we’d love to find some way to spend a few months here every year. We’re turning it over to you.

Yes, I’m part Irish. And no, I don’t really give a fig about St. Patrick’s Day. Never have. But if you celebrate, enjoy!

Happy Thursday.

We aren’t doing anything touristy on this little vacation. We’re mostly hanging out, either at the beach or at my sister’s home. Low-key, with a large dash of sun, sand and breezes. Don and I had breakfast in Dunedin yesterday, then we walked around the downtown area, ending up at the marina – where we saw this guy.

He’s a sly one. He hangs out here waiting for someone, who might happen to be fishing off the end of the pier, to catch a fish. Then he swoops in. His efforts were foiled yesterday – at least while we were there.

We had a late morning ice cream cone. Shocking! Then we took another walk along the beach.

Back to Mere’s and fun with Little Z. He keeps us on our toes.

Out to dinner – our treat – and some more time with Z. Gosh, I can’t get enough of him. He’s always trying to get my iPhone, which is a no-no, and I am continually impressed by the different methods he uses to try to persuade me to hand it over. He is a master. I am on to him, however, and have not fallen prey to his adorable schemes.

My other favorite dog – Max. I love this boy.

I’ve been feeling a little edgy emotionally and I think it comes down to the fact that it’s the first time I’ve been here without my parents living down the road. Every time I drive in the entrance to this large community, I pass by the road I took to my parents’ condo. Every time I drive down the main road, I pass the nursing home where my mother died and the hospital where my father died. There are memories everywhere.

It’s to be expected. But it isn’t easy.

Happy Tuesday.