Monday - January 5

Foggy start to the day but by 10, all was clear and sunny.   Mark and I walked after breakfast and then I played canasta - 28 gals today....lots of fun, but I lost AGAIN!    Marilyn, Vicki B and I played against Vicki H, Brenda and Dayna.   Walked home and we left for a Publix run (Flo's cupboards and fridge are pretty bare - we did have 2 big-eater college boys with us)    😀😀

But first, had lunch at Gomex Mexican Grill (formerly Patricia's) - really like their food and margaritas.   Then to Publix and on home.

Spent the afternoon reading, games, texts, and a little nap.   Another walk, light supper and then watched the 2-hour Christmas special of  "Call the Midwife" which was aired on the 25th, but I'm just now watching it.    And oh my...I laughed, I cried and it was another wonderful start to what will be the 15th season of this heartwarming series.

Now watching the ISU vs. Montana State FCS championship game in Nashville.  

Go Redbirds!

Sunday - January 4

 The rain started around midnight and was really heavy at times - 45 minutes later it was done, but sure nice for our vegetation and settle the dust a bit.

Went to 9:30 Mass with Father Steve then met John, Beth, Doug and Charlotte at The Lodge.   This is a favorite BBQ place but they serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, so that's what we all had - omelets, egg benedicts, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, grits, etc.   All very good + Bloody Mary's and a mimosa.

John and Beth leave Tuesday for their new home in Mexico for 3 months.   We'll sure miss them, but hoping we can get together when they return in April.   Not sure when we're leaving FL.    So, big good bye hugs for the 6 of us and on home....

John, Beth, Doug, Charlotte, Pat, Mark

and the big ole bear

At 4:45, we got alerts on our phone that rain was starting in 20 minutes....WHAT?    It was very sunny and such a nice day!   But....at 5, it started to sprinkle and then just got heavier and heavier!   Only lasted about 10 minutes!   And then the rainbow...

Dark ominous clouds behind the rainbow

Had nachos for supper.    Zoom tonight was only 8 siblings.    Karen is back to school tomorrow; Tom and Beth are going to Alaska for 3 weeks in July/August' Joan and Joe are at Rockford airport waiting for flight to Punta Gorda (flight is delayed so a late night arrival for them).    We ended the session about 10 minutes early - not much to chat about.

Enjoy your week

Saturday - January 3

 Today was lots of fun with a trip to Lakeland... (2+ hours north).    We stopped in Arcadia at The Rose Cafe for coffee (Mark had biscuits and gravy, too and I had a few bites - very good and have leftovers).

Ron and Vicki live in Lakeland full time and Bob and Linda arrived Thursday for the season,   Vicki has some health issues and now dealing with bronchitis, so definitely under the weather.

Ron and Vicki's oldest son, Matt, wife Elisha and kiddos (Jemma, 20 and Theo, 17) are visiting from Australia.    They've been here for 3 weeks and will be leaving Tuesday and skiing in the Canadian Rockies for 2 weeks.   Summer break in Australia now.   Always enjoy visiting and catching up!   

Elisha made a wonderful chicken pot pie with so much good stuff and a big tossed salad with veggie.  I brought dessert - tuxedo cake (Costco).

Theo, Matt, Jemma, Elisha

Matt, Jemma, Bob, Linda, Elisha, Theo

Matt, Jemma, Pat, Elisha, Theo, Mark

Mark, Pat, Elisha, Matt, Linda, Bob, Ron

The siblings

Jemma and Theo

Matt and family come over to the states every other year and 2 years ago in December when they were visiting, they came to Fort Myers to see us (after my shoulder surgery) and brought some delicious home-cooked meals - lasagna, cookies made by Jemma, etc. and much appreciated.    They are a very neat family!

Took pictures and on home for us....made plans with Linda for she and Bob to come to Fort Myers and Mark and I going to Lakeland (all in March).   

David, (Ron and Vicki's middle son) gave them an unbelievable binder of Ron and Vicki's genealogy dating back many generations to the early 1800s     A friend of David's put this together (3 months).  I can't imagine the amount of research that went into this project.   Very impressive and so interesting.

We got home at 5:40 just before dark.    Really enjoyed the day and wishing Vicki the best!

More neighbors arrived at CT today across the street - John and Kathy from Kentucky

Friday - January 2

We had a busy morning defrosting the fridge, laundry, walking, and then off to run a few errands including Costco which was a really crazy place.   I guess lots of snowbirds are arriving after the holidays, so stocking up!   A real zoo...........

We decided to have a light lunch and one of Philip's favorite meals is a hot dog (long) and soda for $1.50 at Costco.....good and cheap.   So, Mark and I enjoyed our lunch for $3.28.  

  Can't beat that!  😀

Delish thrifty meal!

On home, put our stuff away, took a nap and finished the laundry.

Blair is relaxing on "our" bench while hiking - favorite trail at Lake James

 (well, that was before my accident)!

Tonight at CT

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy New Year - 2026

 WELCOME 2026

None of us were awake to ring in the new year!    LOTS of fireworks though.

We started the new year off feeding the boys (Grandpa made a quick run to Hardees for breakfast sandwiches, but first, some white chocolate cranberry bread - toasted)😋   Then we were off to Punta Gorda airport and their flight to Peoria.    I HATE good byes and shed a few tears hugging these guys.   We had such a good time (and with their Mom).   Patrick would be soo proud of his boys and Anne sure has done a fine job!

Bye guys....great visit

Mark and I were on the hunt for a coffee shop but Nana's Bakery and The Bean were both closed (certainly don't begrudge giving their employees the day off); Dunkin Donuts was nearby, but we've been disappointed last few times we've been there - donuts/fritters just not as fresh as we remember???

Then onto 11:30 Mass (feast day of Solemnity of Mary) at St. Francis with Father Robert.   Home to make some waves in the she shed, Flo, and Big Red plus start the laundry.    But first, yakked with Gary and Brenda next door.

Good productive afternoon and sunny 67 degrees.   Anne picked up the guys in Peoria and they are back home - Connor is home till the 12th and Liam, the 20th.   Nice break.

The RV's were rolling in yesterday and today - Snowbirds are baaack.....they were even serving hot dogs with all the condiments outside entrance to the park!

Buddy and JoAnn invited us over for her homemade chocolate cake which she served warm with ice cream - yummy!!!   We sat under the tiki and had a great visit - love having them across the street.

Buddy and JoAnn

Hee hee

Mark and I wish you a very SAFE, HEALTHY and HAPPY New Year!