January 31

We had a nice leisurely day here in Lantana.   Walked to 10:30 Mass at Holy Spirit (1 mile) and then back  to hang out on Catrina.   Mark did some boat projects and I read and did computer stuff.    Our neighbor, Myron has his car here, so we went to Toojays in Lake Worth for a nice dinner and visit.   His wife is visiting the grandchildren in NY.  

It's been very windy and cool all day and supposed to rain tonight and next few days!    Our NC kids/kiddies are dealing with 12" of snow.  We are very proud of Philip who ran the marathon in Miami today along with 17,000 others!!!    He's very tired and sore and hurting, but he DID IT!!!    And quickly added "NEVER AGAIN"!

Good-bye January...

January 30

We got a few groceries at Publix this morning and were on our way leaving Hollywood (our January home).    Had a fun time here hanging out with Philip and Annette and enjoyed all the visits with friends/family.   We cruised 42 miles and tonight we are in Lantana, Florida.    Saw lots of interesting sites along the way...

This group of little "wannabe sailors" being pulled along by a dinghy

One of seven huge cruise ships in Port Evergaldes - Fort Lauderdale

Floating fuel barge (we filled up, too)

Rowing team practicing

Paddle boat cruising past a cruise ship in Port Everglades

Our new friend, Myron who has a PDQ and is our neighbor here in the marina..   He had gone out for dinner and brought back some delicious desserts for us from Toojays!!!

January 29

Another fun day in Florida.   I went to Panera to get some of their special "Ribbon" bagels this morning that were a just-for-today promotion for breast cancer with part of the proceeds going for research.    They are delicious and full of cherry chips, dried cherries, cranberries, honey, vanilla and brown sugar - hmmmm, hmmm,  yummy!  

The Panera "Ribbon" Bagel

Our friends from back home, Sue, Jerry, Diane and Gerald came onboard Catrina and we visited, cruised and ate at the Peppermill (again....but another great meal)!    Sue and Jerry will be settling in their Fort Myers home for February/March, so looking forward to seeing them again when we get over to that side!

Gerald, Diane, Sue and Jerry

Annette is visiting her grandparents in New York and Philip has friends staying with him from Houston.   They are in town for the big marathon they (and Philip) are running Sunday morning in Miami.    We all went to Flicker's for excellent Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.    What a fun group!

Jeff and Ryan (newly engaged) and Stacy

January 28

Started the day with treats from Panera - Mark, Philip and I sat outdoors in the sunshine (sorry to hear about the COLD weather back home)!

The guys ran some errands while I did some serious damage at Target.   I did 4 loads of laundry and the guys drove our car to Fort Myers returning with a pilot friend of Philip's.    As they were traveling west on their way over, they came upon a 6-passenger airplane that had landed on I-75 going east.    A couple from TN flying to Fort Lauderdale to catch a cruise ship departure tonight, had engine problems which forced them to land on the interstate.     Fortunately, the couple are ok, but serious damage to the plane.   Mark and Philip came upon this just minutes after it landed.   We are planning to spend February in Fort Myers.

  

January 27

A beautiful day in south Florida.   Mark went to Home Depot in the morning and then friends from back home, Paul and Margaret, came for visit.   We enjoyed the warm sunshine as we cruised on Catrina south to the Aventura area.    Docked the boat and had a delicious lunch at The Peppermill.   So much fun cruising   past the beautiful homes and condos, condos everywhere!!!

Had dessert and wine when we returned to our slip in Hollywood and then said our good-byes!    FUN afternoon!

Went to Flanigan's with Philip and Annette at night for another really good meal.    Blew the diets today big time!

Margaret and Paul

January 26

We left our anchorage at 7:30 and headed south on the Atlantic - there were a few swells, but calmer the closer to shore we cruised.    A different view certainly from the Atlantic at all the high rises, etc., from the protected intracoatal where we were up close and personal to all the lovely homes, yachts, etc.  

Back home settled in our January home at the Loggerhead Marina in Hollywood.  Mark washed down the boat; I did a load of laundry and got some groceries.    Annette and I enjoyed the hot tub and Philip joined us later for dinner.    Gorgeous day!

January 25

Woke up to a forecast predicting strong winds and heavy rain later this morning.    Kept an eye on radar and  stayed put at Stuart Yacht Harbor till that all passed (winds weren't too bad but did get some heavy rain for about 20 minutes.)   We left at 1:00.

The sun came out and it was a nice afternoon of cruising.    Tonight we are anchored out in the Lake Worth Inlet, north of West Palm Beach.

January 23-24

We've had a busy, fun weekend here in Stuart at the PDQ Owner's Cruise & Rendezvous.    There were 18 PDQ's (similar to Catrina) and 60+ people from all across the USA and beyond.    Some of the boats were for sale, so fun to go aboard and check out the decor and other features.

Line-up of PDQ Power Catamarans

Met some very nice folks, enjoyed the seminars, lunches and potluck dinner last night.    Tonight, our neighbors, Judy and Doug invited us for dinner (they have a car here), and just bought their boat 3 days ago.   We went to Duffy's where we ate a few days ago - very good and great visiting with them, talking boats, families, etc.   

Doug and Judy

January 22

WINDY, warm day here in Stuart - we spent most of the morning tidying up Catrina (rearranging clothes, food, etc., and got things in ship-shape order)!    I did a load of laundry and then we walked downtown to browse around and had a great lunch outdoors at Duffy's Sports Grill.   

Stuart is a really neat town with many restaurants and shops and certainly have enjoyed our stay at the beautiful Sunset Bay marina.   Wishing you all a great weekend!

January 21

We left beautiful West Palm Beach at 9:15 this morning and had a nice cruise to Stuart (48 miles).   Along the way, we saw these folks and not sure what they were doing - no life jackets and just skimming across the water with their paddles.   Maybe some new water sport that we're not familiar with?   The wind was strong today...

  We are settled at the beautiful new Sunset Bay Marina and rode our bikes downtown - nice shops and restaurants in historic Stuart.    They have a great Riverwalk, too.     Rained a little bit late this afternoon.   The restaurant here at the marina is called "Sailor's Return" and what a beautiful spot - had dinner there (very good)!

Sailor's Return

January 20

Today was one of those absolutely picture-perfect summer days but here it is January 20th and wintertime back home......81 and sunshine here in West Palm!    ahhhh....pure heaven!!!    We walked downtown for breakfast and then to City Place (wonderful outdoor shopping area full of neat shops, restaurants and theaters.)    A shopper's paradise!

John and Susie came at 11:00 and we went out on Catrina - soaked up the warm sunshine and anchored out for lunch.    While there, we heard over the radio that "Privacy" was coming thru the channel.    "Privacy" is Tiger Woods' 155' megayacht and what a beauty.    Here are some pics of our afternoon...

Toger's yacht

John and Susie

Susie and Pat

Susie, John, Mark and Pat back in port after a fun afternoon cruising and relaxing!

Mark and I walked downtown again and to City Place on Rosemary Street - walked around and browsed in Barnes & Noble and then stopped at "Grease Burger Bar" and got a burger to go and shared back on Catrina.   Philip had recommended this place and it was a GREAT burger!!!    Sure enjoyed our stay here in West Palm, but tomorrow we'll be on our way...

January 19

Off cruising today from Boca Raton to West Palm Beach (25 miles) where we are settled at the Palm Harbor Marina for the next 2 nights.     We gave Catrina a good cleaning (rinsing off the salt water is a new experience) and then welcomed John and Susie, friends and former neighbors from back home on board Catrina.    John and Susie moved to Wellington, FL 4 months ago and what fun to see them and catch up.    We went to their lovely home, yakked and yakked and enjoyed yummy hors d-oeuvres.    

John and Susie in front of their home

Amy, their daughter who lives close by stopped in and we had a great visit - I've heard so much about Amy over the years, so a real treat to finally meet her!

Amy and Susie

John, Susie, Mark and I went to Gypsy's Horse Irish Pub for a great dinner and more chatter.  They brought us back to the marina and tomorrow........we're looking forward to hanging out together and enjoying a boat ride!

January 18

It  was a delightful Monday with wonderful weather (75 and sunny) and such a treat seeing all the opulence down here in south Florida.     We left Hollywood at 10:30 and had a real eye-opening experience drooling at all the enormous homes, yachts, high-rise condos, hotels, etc.   Lots of $$$$$.......

Just one of many biggie homes (some were much larger) and this one is for sale

Catrina anchored out in Lake Boca Raton

We took a dinghy ride around the lake and took these photos

Wishing you all were here to enjoy the warm sunshine and palm trees

January 17

We've just returned from a whirlwind trip back to IL for our nephew's wedding, visited my Dad and Mark's parents.    Didn't see the sun one second - just dreary and cold!   

We flew back to O'Hare Friday afternoon and spent the night with Mark's parents.   Saturday morning, went to Lutheran Home to see my Dad and when he left for lunch, we took off for Chicago.    Along the way, we came across this cute little spot for lunch.  Had to eat in the car, but it was delicious (ribs for Mark; pulled pork for me).

Mark ordering lunch at the BBQ Express in Somonauk

Mark's parents celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on Friday, January 15th.   Here they are having fun at the wedding

Dad and Mom - congratulations!!!

Michelle and Rick

Had a wonderful time at the wedding/reception!    Everything was lovely, delicious dinner and really fun hanging out with all of Mark's family!

January 14

Beautiful day.   I drove to Philip and Annette's and did some laundry.    My cousin Karen and friend, Marvin came in the afternoon - enjoyed the warm sunshine and went 6 miles north towards Fort Lauderdale (past the big cruise ship area) on Catrina.   Skies clouded up and felt a few rain drops, but overall....the nicest day we've had since we're back on the boat!   Had drinks/snacks and then went with them to The Peppermill for a delicious dinner and celebrated Karen's birthday - tomorrow!!!

Karen and Marvin

January 13

Pretty sunny day in south Florida.    Philip, Mark and I went to Home Depot and met Annette for lunch at Chipotle and I did some laundry at their house.

Annette and I had a "girlie" afternoon of pampering with massages, haircuts and a manicure for me!    They came back to Catrina for supper and visit!

January 12

Beatuiful blue skies and got to 68 today!    After a leisurely morning on Catrina catching up wtih e-mails, we took off and ran some errands, shopped at Target, lunch at Quizno's and tidied up Catrina.    Philip and Annette brought dinner over - delicious corned beef sandwiches w/cole slaw and Panera's Apple Fuji salad!   Annette and I played RummiKube while the guys did some boat stuff.   Enjoyed bakery goodies before the kids left for home!

January 11

Nippy morning, but we took off on our bikes for some good exercise and checked out the new Crate & Barrel.    Warmed up in the afternoon - ran some errands in the afternoon and had supper at Panera before coming back and settling in,   It's been really windy which makes it feel more chilly than the temps say - a few days ago, the Floridians were talking "wind chills" instead of "heat index".   But this is all relative when we knew what the folks back home have been dealing with...

January 10

Greetings from chilly, windy Hollywood, FL.   Time to update this blog, so here's what's been going on.  I was back in IL with my Dad and brothers, but last Thursday, the snowstorm canceled the plan for Dad's medical procedure.   We did get some good visiting in and made some decisions.   After Dad's therapy is finished, he will be staying at the nursing home where he has good medical care 24/7,   He seems content and happy with the care, staff and food.    After his therapy ends (2-4 weeks), he will move into his new "home" in another wing.

My brother Ron and I packed up his things at assisted living apartment, and said our good-byes (few tears for me).   They've been great to Dad and we'll miss them.    I spent 3 nights with my brother Bob and Linda who are now on their way to Florida.    We're all hoping for WARM sunshine soon.   

I returned back to FL last night and so good to be on Catrina again.   Today, went to Mass with Annette and then to Grampa's for breakfast (favorite spot that serves complimentary cinnamon rolls that are sooo incredibly gooey good).   Philip was flying.   Mark and I had a leisurely day on Catrina as the palm trees were really swaying in the chilly breeze.    Tomorrow, hope to get out and about.   Weather will be improving by Thursday???    Heading back to IL this weekend for our nephew's wedding!

Hope you're staying warm wherever you are???

January 6

I spent most of the day with Dad at the nursing home - had lunch with my brother Bob and Linda (great Chinese).    Big snowstorm is headed to the midwest and so, everything is up in the air as to whether Dad will be having his surgical procedure tomorrow.  My brother Ron is flying in tonight from FL.   So, we shall wait and see what tomorrow brings!   Prediction at this point is 6-12" and then strong winds!   UGH UGH!

Till tomorrow.......stay warm and cozy

January 5

Sunny day but cool in south Florida.    Michael, Mark and I had breakfast at Panera in the sunshine (53 degrees) and then browsed around West Marine.    Mark, Philip, Michael and the NC group went out on Biscayne Bay for a boat ride and I spent some time with Annette and met my grand kitties for the first time.    Then off to the airport and I flew back to IL to visit Dad and be here for a medical procedure he's having Thursday.   Spent the night with Mark's parents.   It's soooo cold all over the country!

Carlos and Julio (grand kitties)

Mark, Philip, Michael, Bob, Scott and Leigh braved the elements and went to the Orange Bowl in Miami between Iowa and Georgia Tech - the Hawkeyes won 24-14!   Yeah!!!!

#1 Hawkeye Fan and his Mama on Catrina

January 4

Sunny, breezy day here in south FL (58)......got our stuff unloaded and stowed away.  Michael and Brooke's dad, brother and sister-in-law arrived from North Carolina.  We all hung out on Catrina (Philip and Annette, too) in the afternoon, playing dominoes (Michael was the winner). Went to The Upper Deck for dinner and now just chillin'.     A cold snap has hit all across the country including south Florida, but nothing like back home!

The NC bunch are in town for the Orange Bowl tomorrow night in Miami with Michael, Philip and Annette cheering on Iowa and the rest, for Georgia Tech. 

GO HAWKEYES!!!

Leigh, Bob, Scott and Michael

Annette and Philip

This picture was taken last night after we arrived on Catrina, having a champagne toast, exchanged gifts and then enjoyed a delicious dinner that Annette prepared!   Sure is good to be back in Florida, on Catrina and hanging out with our kids!

January 3

We are cruising along in Toad and as I write this, we are less than 100 miles from Catrina, Philip and Annette!   YEAH...........

Yesterday, started our long journey (1325 miles) after attending our friend/neighbor Angie's funeral - it was a beautiful Mass and a real tribute to her life with lots of family/friends and wonderful music.  

We stayed in Kimball, TN last night and were on the road this morning at 4:48 AM.   Will be so good to get to Hollywood where Catrina is docked and S T R E T C H!!!!   HA!  Hope you are all having a good Sunday?    The current temp is 54 (chilly all over the country), but nothing like the 6 degrees we left behind yesterday!

January 1

Welcome 2010 and here's wishing you a very happy, healthy, peaceful NEW YEAR!

We went to 10:00 Mass and had a leisurely day of packing up the last of our things for Florida, reading books and trying to stay warm.    Took pizza to Anne and Patrick's and said our good-byes to them, Liam and Connor.

It is VERY cold out tonight - 7 currently and dropping!   We are sooo looking forward to some warm sunshine!

December 31

Happy New Year's Eve.......Mark and I seldom go to the movies, but if we do, it's usually during the holidays.    Yesterday afternoon we saw "The Blind Side" - it was great and we would highly recommend it!   Tonight we were with friends, Barb and Roger.   We had a delicious dinner at CJ's and then saw "Nine" - it was ok....not one of the best, but have seen worse!    We rang in the New Year and came back to our house for white chocolate/raspberry torte.