Dunedin Diary: Friday

We treated each other to a blackened grouper sandwich at Carvor's for lunch. We took Toby in the golf cart and parked near Pioneer Park and walked downtown for a bit.

The place was packed. We swooped in to claim a table that was perfect for Toby. It was after 1:00 by the time we finally got served. Neighbors arrived as we were finishing up. They came over to chat us up, so we deeded the table to them when we left.

Carvor's from the Broadway sidewalk

Carvor's entrance

Toby got leashed up to a parking bollard. He could go in the sun or shade as he saw fit. John brought him a bowl of water.

He never sat down, but he was very good. No barking, no jumping on people or the table. He whined a few times, but he wasn't alone in that. He got petted by at least ten people, and Mr. Jensen at the seafood market next door came over and fed Toby a handful of treats. He said he and Toby were engaged in a staring contest from a distance because Toby remembered from last time that Mr. Jensen had treats. The man got Toby to shake, which is a trick we've never taught him. Our dog trainer discouraged it because Toby was too "handsy" anyway. "Four on the floor," she said. Now, I think he's mature enough to shake.

By far, the best meal out with him. I’m very proud. He was engaged and mentally stimulated but calm and mostly quiet.

Toby did some short leash walking, switching, sitting, and getting into a down to settle.

And he did doggie things, too, like peeing, pooping, and rolling in something foul; fortunately, he waited until we were away from the restaurant.

The farmer's market was going on at Pioneer Park with live music on the stage.

Toby and John are showing loose leash walking on the Pinellas Trail.

The ride downtown on the cart and back is fun, too. Toby's getting better at relaxing, as you can see above.

Traffic was heavy, but slow, so we felt safe.

This flag flying always makes me feel safe.

I'm proud that my country is fighting against Putin and for democracy, unlike when the previous president was in office.

After our morning Toby walk, we put him in his crate for a nap and headed to Stirling Park in the golf cart. We walked from there to Honeymoon Island and back. Above, is Curlew Creek, looking west from the Pinellas Trail.

There were lots of people and boats out today. Just as we walked over the drawbridge, we heard a man call out John's name. John's friend was taking his grandchildren out on the boat to go inner tubing. He just happened to go under the bridge as we were going over it. Small town.

The line to get in to Honeymoon Island was long.

The line was backed up over the bridge and all the way to Frenchy's. The state park is really going to use those two new ticket booths and entrance lanes.

Most of the kayaks were already in the water by 10:00 a.m.

These were ready to go.

This appeared to be a sailboat with two pontoons.

Here's another view. Beyond the sailboat is a stack of paddle boards.

When we passed the starting tee at the country club around 9:00, there was a long line.

It was a beautiful day to play golf, walk, golf cart ride or anything as long as it was outside. The high temperature today was 84 degrees.

Our floating canvas frames arrived this afternoon!

Here’s our triptych before the frames.

Here’s Toby helping me with the framing. Six months ago I would not have dared try this with him. All I had to say was “leave it” for him to look but not touch.

After framing

Mile Marker 0 framed

Orange grove before

Orange grove framed

We took a break to walk Toby at the Community center and Highlander Park. They are preparing for some sort of fitness competition. I haven’t had time to investigate.