January 31

Wow........last day of January already! We had a leisurely day on Daisy doing some odd jobs, reading, catching up on e-mail, etc. Went to 3:30 Mass (have to get there EARLY to get a seat -standing room only) and parking is at a premium.

Cool, sunny day and more of that next several days! Glad temperatures are warming up a bit back home!

January 30

Rainy and cool today, but Connie, Cathy and I enjoyed fun shopping at the Miromar Outlet Mall. We had lunch at Luna Rossa and there were lots of shoppers out and about! Connie and Cathy enjoying a nice hot treat at Starbucks to warm up!

After delicious shrimp stir-fry at Steve and Connie's, we were back to the dominoes with Connie crowned the DQ again.... Everybody sure looks serious here plotting their next move?

January 29

Left Naples today after a fun, fun week...and now have Daisy settled at the Fort Myers RV Resort (same spot as last year). Pretty day before the rain and cooler temperatures arrive. Enjoyed "Italian Night" with some great lasagna and all the fixings at Steve and Connie's home - friends from back home who now live in Fort Myers. We played bridge together for years and Cathy (another bridge friend) was visiting so lots of catching up. Great to see them all....and play dominoes (Connie was the DQ - Domino Queen). Cathy, Connie and Steve

January 28

Hearing about all the ice/snow/cold up north, makes us very thankful to be here in southwest Florida. We enjoyed a nice visit and lunch with a long-time friend and former landlady of Pat's from 1967. Dorothy
It was a great time reminiscing with Dorothy over a yummy lunch at Tommy Bahamas. She's a real delight at 95 years young!

January 27

After a yummy breakfast at Chrissy's, we rode bikes, did a load of laundry and then spent a delightful afternoon/evening with friends from back home - Joe and Phyllis! Phyllis and Joe at Vanderbilt Beach
Today is their 19th wedding anniversary and Mark and I were happy to share this special occasion with a delicious dinner at P. F. Chang's.

January 26

Beatuiful day in Naples....went to Panera for breakfast and then shopping for Liam's birthday (February 4th). Rode our bikes downtown to Tin City and had lunch at The Dock on the water. Late this afternoon we met friends who Mark worked with at State Farm.....FUN time with Ramona, Kathy, Randy and Ron.
We had delicious dinner at The Old Marco Lodge Crab House in Goodland, FL (east of Marco Island) and great time "catching up"!

January 25

It's a grand day for a sail! Mark and our nephew, Jason rented a 33' Catalina for 4 hours of fun on the Gulf. With plenty of sunshine, 75 degrees and a gentle breeze, they had a ball.The Sailors aboard "Island Dreams".
Bob, Linda and I had a scrumptuous lunch at Tommy Bahamas and then Linda and I hit the shops - oooohhhh, Naples is our kind of town! Bob spent the afternoon "people watching". Great jazz concert in the park, too!

January 24

Our Saturday morning started with looking out Daisy's windows to the set-up of "The Farmer's Market" right beside us here in the Rock Creek RV ParkMeet Marisol, who along with her parents brings all this wonderful produce to the park every Saturday morning. We stocked up on some good veggies and strawberries!

My brother Bob, Linda and Jason (from WI) drove from Lakeland to Naples this afternoon. Mark and I went to 3:30 Mass at St. Peter the Apostle (over 1000 people). Bob, Linda and Jason came to Daisy for drinks/snacks and then we went to Michelbob's for ribs - delicious! Philip had recommended this place and it's close to our RV park!
Here's a few stats on what makes Michelbob's ribs (and onion rings) so successful and gooey good!

January 23

We've met some really nice, friendly folks here at the Rock Creek RV Park. Drove to Marco Island and enjoyed the shopping (me) and good book (Mark). It was 73 and sunny. Went for bike ride around the airport and did 2 loads of laundry. Daisy and Toad settled on Jan Lane
Guy Harvey's Island Grill was recommended for lunch! "Life is Good" sitting in the sunshine by the water & boats and enjoying some great seafood (shrimp quesadillas for me and "white" roughy for Mark)

January 22

Good-bye Hollywood...........Hello Naples! Our mail came late this morning and we were back on the road with Daisy arriving here at 2:45. Beautiful day (65 and sunny). Looking forward to catching up with some family and friends this next week. We are staying at the Rock Creek RV Resort across from the airport which has a great biking/walking trail all around. Walked to the Naples Pier this afternoon - lots of folks out and about

January 21

It was 34 this morning here in Hollywood (with wind chill) and got to 59. I know that sounds REAL good to you northern folks, but down here, with the wind blowing, it was chilly! Guess we are wimps! I got a manicure/pedicure and we met Annette for lunch! Yummy pizza at The Universe Cafe on Young Circle in Hollywood
We had planned to leave for Naples tomorrow, but still waiting on our mail, so....maybe Friday? It's been 2 weeks of fun times with Philip and Annette - thanks kids!!!

January 20

We folks here in South Florida are dealing with wind, chilly temps and lack of sunshine??? Lunch at Giorgio's with Annette, Philip and their friend, Todd

January 19

Breezy day here in Hollywood - short bike ride and then my cousin and friend, Marvin came for visit and Philip and Annette joined us for dinner!We sang "Happy Birthday" to Karen who celebrated on January 15th
We all stayed on Daisy as it was too windy and chilly to eat outside!

January 18

My parents celebrate 70 years of marriage today! January 18, 1939

CCONGRATULATIONS, Mom and Dad


We enjoyed Annette's wonderful veggie breakfast sandwiches and then we all went to 10:00 Mass at The Resurrection. Annette and I shopped and we all played dominoes in the afternoon, had yummy chili dogs and watched the Ravens/Steelers game
Luka and Mia are Philip and Annette's little friends/neighbors. They stopped by and enjoyed the "talking bird" which repeats everything anyone says!!!These are decadent desserts Annette bought today at "Chocolada"- WONDERFUL!!!

January 17

This sunny Saturday started with a 4-mile bike ride and stop at Grampa's for delish breakfast. Warm cinnamon Danish that is complimentary (YUMMY)!
Grampa's is a VERY popular spot in Dania Beach for breakfast, lunch, dinner!
Ran errands with Philip and Annette in the afternoon - here's the "Runner" of the family off for his daily 8-mile run on Hollywood Beach.

Annette's friend, Cassie came to play euchre with us. Cassie and Mark beat Annette and me 4 games to 1! UGH, but still lots of fun! After cards, we enjoyed a great turkey dinner!

January 16

Mark and I drove to Miami this afternoon and had a great visit and dinner with Joe and Maria. Joe and Mark were high school friends and he was in our wedding. Been 35+ years since we had been together. Joe and Maria treated us to a wonderful dinner here
Joe (Maria wished to remain anonymous)
After dinner, we enjoyed dessert (flan) and Cuban coffee (delish)
and more "catching up". Thanks again, Joe and Maria

And now for an update on our scary yesterday here in the 250-acre Topeekeegee Yugnee Park. Supposedly a man had been in a roll-over accident a few blocks away and ran from his car with a gun. Several witnesses reported this and thought he ran into the park. Then the search began with police, helicopters, etc. Apparently, he's still on the loose???

January 15

This has been quite a day..............starting with happy news for Mark's parents who are celebrating their 63rd anniversary today! Congratulations Mom and Dad and here's wishing you many more HAPPY, HEALTHY years together!!!

Philip and I went to IKEA late this morning and then Mark and Philip went to Home Depot. About the time Mark was returning to Daisy and me, 8 police cars descended on Topeekeegee Yugnee Park and he was stopped (parked and walked rest of way). And then 5 helicopters appeared over the RV park...............this all went on for over 2 hours and we are still at a loss as to what exactly was going on? I did see police (with a gun drawn) running and also searching the bathrooms/laundry which are very closeby! Will let you know "the rest of the story" if we hear any news?

As all of this was developing, we were watching the coverage of the plane crash in NY - but what a miraculous ending!!! Have not been able to get any info on what was going on here from either TV or internet??? Philip and Annette came over for supper and Annette and I played a game of Rummi Kube (I won)!

January 14

Beautiful day in Hollywood - did 2 loads of laundry, rode bikes and this afternoon went to "Gran Torino" - excellent movie with Clint Eastwood (Mark is a big fan)! Went to "Saki" with Philip and Annette for delicious Thai dinner

January 13

Rainy morning in Hollywood.... Our picnic table and Mark's bike

Who are these cute little tykes? Our kids in the corners and the grandsons horizontal and vertical down the middle! These shirts were Christmas gift from Drew, Davis and Brady.

January 12

A fun day in south Florida - just so hard to believe it's January? Did some laundry, got a few groceries, rode bikes and walked with Annette. She and Philip came for dominoes (Mark won) and we grilled out pork chops.

Meant to tell you that St. Maurice Catholic church where we went to Mass yesterday was a former horse stable - it was something to see with the sliding doors, tall rafters, hay loft (now choir loft) etc.

January 11

Started the day with riding our bikes to 8:30 Mass at St. Maurice - a very joyous celebration. We stayed afterwards for "pancakes on the deck" which were delicious! This is entrance to our park which we are so enjoying - great location and perfect spot for Daisy and us to hang out!

We went to Philip and Annette's in the afternoon for dominoes (won by Philip) and then they came to Daisy and we grilled out burgers and had picnic outside - beautiful evening!

January 10

We are really enjoying this beautiful park (Topeekeegee Yungee) - aka TY Park. Rode bikes, got groceries, read and just enjoyed the wonderful weather. Hard to believe it's January 10th as the park was full of families having picnics, kids playing baseball, sand volleyball, and just having lots of fun. We've heard what the weather is like back home...

Mark grilled out burgers for supper and caught this picture at sunset from Daisy!

January 9

Hello from HOLLYWOOD............Florida, that is! We and Daisy are settled in at the Topeekeegee Yugnee County Park for 2 weeks! This is a beautiful area with Daisy overlooking the water with pretty fountain. We are steps away from a great walking/biking trail which winds 2 miles thru the park. There is a new water park/pool, and we are close to shopping, eating, Publix, etc. This is "the place to be"!!!!

Annette came over and after wine and chatting, we had dinner at DiSalvo's - yummy!

January 8

We are in Okeechobee (love saying that word...sort of like Okefenokee)! It was one of those picture-perfect days with 75 degrees, gentle breeze and those gorgeous cerulean blue skies. I would love to bottle this day up and savor day after day after day... We rode bikes along Lake Okeechobee, Mark washed Daisy and I did some pool time. Tomorrow we are off to Fort Lauderdale - looking forward to some fun with Philip and Annette.

January 7

Left Jacksonville this morning and whoaaa...very windy on the road with Miss Daisy. We drove 155 miles to Rockledge and decided that was enough time battling the strong winds. This is very nice park just 20 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center.

Storm came thru early afternoon with some rain, and temperatures dropped 20 degrees!

January 6

Left Brunswick at 8:10 this morning for Jacksonville. We are staying at the Fleetwood RV Park tonight. Spent a delightful afternoon with my cousin, Dave and wife Karen catching up!

Karen and DaveThe Outback Crab Shack near St. Augustine- ate in the sunshine and enjoyed some super seafood Bye bye...hope it won't be so long till our next visit!

Tomorrow, back on Daisy and heading south (the farther south we travel, the higher gas prices are) - best was $1.33 somewhere in South Carolina. Found out that the damages to our truck from December accident are now at $12,000. UGH!

January 5

We are in the "Golden Isles" region of Georgia. Here are a few pictures from Jekyll Island. Mistletoe CottageMoss Cottage
A neat shop on Jekyll - this island is very quant and quiet

One of the many trees with Spanish moss
Mark at Gnat's Landing on St. Simons Island having his wine in a stem less glass. We enjoyed Brunswick Stew (Mark) and corn/crab chowder (me) - delish!!! St. Simons is a happening place with great shopping, eating, etc., etc. I got a manicure/pedicure and it was a wonderful 80-degree sunshiny day!

January 4

Started the day here in Brunswick, Ga with 8:30 Mass at St. Francis Xavier, then breakfast at Jim's Cafe and finally a Wal-Mart run. Returned to Daisy and put on shorts and tennies - walked, rode bikes and read outdoors (75 and blue skies). Great to be back on Daisy and in the land of RVers' again. We are close to Jekyll and St. Simons Islands, so planning to check them out tomorrow and stay here till Tuesday.

January 3

It's a foggy Saturday morning and we are getting ready to leave on Daisy and head south!Sweet Brady after breakfast
Davis holding Jerry Nibbles with Bailey in background - he's all dressed for indoor soccer practice

The Drewby enjoying his toaster strudel in his Cubbie jammies!

We are in Brunswick, Georgia tonight - what a treat to open Daisy's windows, see the palm trees and folks walking around in their shorts!!!!! Yeah........Florida, here we come!!