Rooney & Stuart are outta here!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I can't take another Florida summer!  I've been trying to jog a bit in an effort to lose weight (no such luck, now I'm just a fit, fat person) and even going out the door at the crack of dawn leaves me trying to run in 90 degree heat with 85 percent humidity, not an easy task for a chubby almost 55 yr old.  So this Thursday the puppy hauler 2011 is pulling out of the drive way for the 22 hour drive to Michigan.  Thankfully dd lives in Atlanta and we will pit stop there for the weekend before that last 12 hour leg to arrive in Michigan on Monday.   I'm driving the boys up myself - dh will fly to MI a bit later.  Truthfully - he would have rode with us but I am going to have the suv packed to the roof with all the dog beds, toys, food (can't get Orijen in our little town), so I couldn't spare the space - besides - since his job loss - he is with us 100% of the time and I am looking forward to a little me & the boys time.  So cooler weather - here we come - the boys are going to LOVE that!

I have a few concerns though.  We have never been able to get our beachfront condo sold and so that is where we are staying.  I see no issues with Rooney but Stuart is going to provide some challenges.  We are on the 5th floor with balconies off the beach side and the river/town side. 

A baby Stuart last year on the balcony. 

Because our condo is right at the edge of a public park, and a long pier - there are always lots of people walking, having picnics, weddings in the pavilion, etc.  Stuart is a barker watch dog, who feels the need to let me know when anyone or anything is near.  I'm worried that he might cause problems barking.  I hate to leave the a.c. on but I might have to resort to closing the sliders, and the shades so that he can't see the activity. Stuart was only at the condo once before when he was a baby and only for a week.  When I'm in the condo I should be able to quiet him down but I want to be able to leave them while I run, bike or whatever, I'm worried that they'll hear someone in the hallway waiting for the elevator and go nuts - I'll be lurking out there trying to see how they behave, pretending to have left - the neighbors are going think I'm a nut job. 

Rooney on the pier last summer - look at all that water.

Also the river is right there and I will NOT be able to let Stuart get loose as I'm scared to death that he might jump in, that boy loves to swim!  This is a big river with boats coming and going and it is in a channel so once in - unless you can climb a latter there is no way to get out.  I can see the Coast Guard station from my place - they are always scooping people (sometimes dead) out of the river and lake so this is a big concern. 

Any advise from apartment or condo livers would be most welcome!  I see a wonderful summer ahead of fun, family and friends but with some challenges as well.   

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Jane, this is exciting. What a great idea to spend the summer a little further north. I don't have any advice, but wanted to wish you a safe trip and smooth move. Good luck with everything.

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

Love this post.  I am doing the opposite of trip.  I leave on Saturday and drive from VA to FL and spent 2 months drive south, in New Orleans and Pensacola.  Ginger rides well in the car.  I have to take Orijen with me as well, as it is not sold in Pensacola. 

Drive safely and maybe we will pass each other on the road!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Pam - I hope you and Ginger have a blast on your road - post lots of pictures - travel safe!!!