Pennsylvania & Indiana

We stopped in PA for 2 short visits. First in Pittsburgh, to visit Charley's step-sister Jenny and her family, and then onto Waterford, for dinner with Mom & Dad.













Wrigley swam in Lake Erie and we all enjoyed ice cream at Sara's on Presque Isle afterwards.











Charley got an introduction to the farm by hauling manure up the plank! Wrigley was right by his side.













He got up close and personal with the cows. The new babies were about his size!













We had a smorgasbord that night, including bear, beef, pork, shrimp, and veggies on the grill. Then it was off to Indiana the next morning to see Charley's family. I had never been to Indiana so it was an adventure to drive 6 hours west and see new landmarks. We took a pit stop at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.












Elkhart was quaint. I met Charley's sister, Heather, and several nieces, plus his Dad & Step-Mother. We spent time in the yard with the dogs and watched the stars from the dock on the river. And laundry. After 6 days on the road, there was a lot of laundry!


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West Virginia

Charley has been to every state, less West Virginia, so the adventure continued with hiking and camping in the mountains. Our log cabin was quite cozy.


We explored several trails and some interesting eateries. Secret Sandwich Society was recommended, and for good reason. It was delish.


The views of the New River Gorge Bridge were spectacular from every angle and elevation.


A really gorgeous place! We hope to visit again when it's a little warmer.



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Washington DC

I flew to DC and met Charley and Wrigley for an adventure in the city!
We rented a cute flat on airbnb.com and explored on foot and via Metro, taxi, and Uber.
We walked the entire Mall, from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, and through a protest, the Vietnam Wall, and WWII Memorial. We saw Honor Flight of SW Florida there, which was really cool since my Leadership Collier class just donated $2000 to their organization.
We checked out the sights and sounds of our neighborhood in the Northeast section, then took the Metro to the Smithsonian.
Wrigley sported his service vest and was a great passenger on the subway and associated escalators. Love this picture of him with Lincoln!
We returned Wrigley home for a rest and called Uber for a ride to DC Brau Brewery. After a sample of craft beer, we went to Atlas Brewery for more samples.
We had dinner at Churchkey and called it a day. We walked miles and miles and were spent! Amazing menu- I hope to replicate some of this at home.

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Leadership Collier- Graduation Day

I was certainly surprised to run into Mom at graduation! She flew down and surprised me! She worked with one of my classmates to arrange the surprise and I ran into her in the parking lot on the way into the ceremony! And she sent flowers earlier in the day so I was really shocked to see her!
The ceremony was at Artis Naples and very fancy!
Class photo of The Best Class You've Ever Seen, LC '15!

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Sheba's 11th Bday Camping Trip

The dogs and I met Charley and Wrigley for a camping bday celebration on the Suwanee River in North Florida.
Camping is one of Sheba's favorite things, but Mavie would prefer to sleep indoors.
Mac and Sheeb really enjoyed being in the woods, and having Wrigs around, so Maverick did just fine in the tent. 1 tent + 2 adults + 3 big dogs = cozy fur family.
We hiked the trails and the dogs swam in the river. The water felt much too cold to me, but they loved it!
On the way home, we had a quick stop for some IKEA treats.
Sheba's best birthday ever! Eleven years young!

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SUP Sheebs!

I've been wanting to take Sheba stand-up paddleboarding for years now, and today was the day! It's her birthday week, after all :)

We spent the afternoon on Ft. Myers Beach where Wrigley and Sheba played ball and Maverick hunted. She was scared to get on the board in the shallow water, but as soon as I started paddling deeper, she swam up and crawled on! And before I knew it, there were two big dogs on the board! Notice Mav on the beach in the background- he doesn't like to get his collar wet, but was perfectly content keeping watch from the shore.


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Dog Beach Date

Maverick, Sheba, and I met Wrigley and his owner, Charley, at the dog beach for a day of swimming, fetching, and barking. Charley is on a 2-month road trip with his 10 year old lab, who has cancer, and he wanted for him to see the country. They began their journey in Portland, Oregon, on March 18.

Sheba and Wrigley barked quite a chorus as Charley and I chatted.  I'm not sure who loves the ball more.

Everyone was thirsty so we continued on to Momentum Brewery for some libations.

The pups became quick friends.  Great day for everyone!

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Beachy activities... And a note from the neighbor

Ria and I did the Beach Bum 5k. Such a pretty place to run, along the beach!
And I joined a Stand Up Paddleboard club! We meet on the beach on Saturday mornings and paddle out along the pier. Then you switch with your partner and run to the other side of the pier and finish with sit-ups or push-ups until they paddle back. It's a great workout and fun place to meet new people.
And then when I got home, I had this note on my door. Maverick and his jobs, haha! Looks like I need to repair the invisible fence to keep the peace.

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Drag Show

It was ladies night out! We chose a non-traditional Easter celebration...
A drag show! We cheered with our noise makers as they performed the show.
We were the only women in attendance! It was quite a sight.
We continued the part downtown on 5th Ave. Lovely ladies!

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Mavie turns 12!

I can't believe he's 12, he certainly doesn't look, or act, like it! Otis also shares his bday, turning 14 today!
I invited friends over for dinner. The doggies enjoyed frozen treats.

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