Tuesday - January 31

Feels like springtime here in central IL with a balmy high of 56 (sunshine this morning and cloudy afternoon).    I wrote thank you notes, and all 6 of us visited "Saint" Judi and her Mom, Betty this afternoon.   We had so much fun reminiscing and sharing "Dad" stories from years ago - lots of good laughs!

Had early dinner at The Roadhouse - excellent pizza and now back at Bob and Linda's winding down.    We plan to fly back into Fort Myers Beach on Thursday afternoon, so one more big day to wrap up

 funeral details.

My Dad kept a diary since he was 19 (1937) and what fun to follow his life thru the years....oh my....just very matter of fact, that was my Dad who did not elaborate or embellish the stories - stick to the basics (weather, what he did, etc.)

I can't tell you how many times that you, my friends, have asked in the past few years, "How's your Dad doing"?   I will miss that, but guess if I had to answer, I could say (hopefully)....."very well, thank you"!!!

I can only imagine all the fun he's having up there with family and friends catching up with those who have gone long before him (especially his Mother who passed away when Dad was only 13).

Monday - January 30

My Dad would've been so proud with the wonderful turnout for his visitation and funeral.  From the solemn ceremony by the 4th Degree Knights, to the glorious music, personal homily and then "Memories of Grandpa" written and presented by our nephew, Jason at the funeral.    And this was all followed by a most delicious luncheon - thee best cooks hail from my little hometown of Sublette - what a bountiful feast!

Dad was often referred to as a humble, gentle man and I so appreciated all the wonderful kind words that his family and friends used to describe him as they shared happy memories of their friendship with him thru the years.

So good to have Michael and Philip with us, along with Anne and family.   Ryan called Saturday morning from Singapore (he's in port for a few days) - sending his thoughts and love wishing he were with us.

Bob and Linda's home has become our headquarters to eat, sleep, laugh, reminisce, and deal with all the details.    Along with Ron and Vicki, the six of us are enjoying some quality time together!  We have several things to finish up and our plans are to return to FL on Thursday.    Catrina has arrived in Fort Myers Beach (hired a boat captain and friend to make the delivery).

Yesterday we had a nice visit and lunch with Mark's parents.    His family sure showed their support and love these past few days.....what a grand bunch.

Thank you all again for being "there" for us whether physically or keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.    I am so grateful to have each and every one of you in my life.   God bless...

Tuesday night - January 24

On my 3-hour flight from Miami to Chicago this morning I had time to cry, say the rosary and savor my memories of Dad.

Along with his strong faith, was the love for his family and his life's passion, “farming”! After sooo many plantings and harvests, he could enjoy the fruits of his labors.

I can only imagine St. Peter waiting at the Pearly Gates early this morning with a warm “Welcome Pete” and then the joyous celebration as he entered the Kingdom of Heaven and met Jesus, Mom, his family and friends. He is finally home and free of all ailments!

Dad was a Cub fan over the years but would get so frustrated when “they blew it again”!!!! What a thrill it would have been for the Cubbies to win the world series.....but that was not meant to be in his lifetime.

How ironic that both Mom and Dad died on Tuesdays and Mark and I were in Alaska (far north) for Mom and in south FL for Dad's passing.

When we sent out the e-mail to our kids in the wee hours this morning, we immediately heard from Ryan via e-mail – how comforting to hear his thoughts and special memories from so far away. And then he called on my way home and we had a great chat.

For countless times in recent years, I have asked for your prayers for Dad thru so many illnesses, hospitalizations, procedures, surgeries, etc.. and the numerous times we thought “this is it”. But that “power of prayer” did work and I thank you for your thoughtfulness, prayers and love. God bless you all...

Love you, Dad

Tuesday - January 24 - Dad 1917-2012

Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa Pete

My Dad's life journey has finally ended after 94 years. He died peacefully early this morning, January 24th. Although he struggled for a long time with many health issues, he was a fighter to the end surprising the doctor, nurses and our dear Judi with his endurance.

He was such a dear and loved by all for his gentle manner and politeness. He received outstanding care at the Lutheran Home and they were so fond of Pete with little pet names, teasing and great camaraderie.

I write this with lots of tears but so grateful that he suffers no more and has gone home to Mom, his parents (Dad was only 14 when his Mother died), 2 siblings, family and so many friends! After over 71 years together and then a separation of 2 ½ years, the team of Pete and Alberta are back together!

Monday - January 23

Hello from Miami......Mark and I borrowed Jane and Joe's car and arrived here about 6:30 tonight.    We are settled in at our hotel and I'm flying  home tomorrow.    Dad's condition is pretty much the same. 

 Ron, Vicki, Bob and Linda flew home this morning.

We were up early this morning.   Got the exercising out of the way and Jane picked me up for 8:00 Mass at San Pablo's.   I went for a long walk and Mark waited for the technicians to arrive.   The gist of the Catrina saga is that they suspect same problem as the other engine which as Luis put it is "astronomically rare".    Joel removed the cylinder head , we have it with us and Mark will take to machine shop close to the airport to be repaired and then on back to Marathon.   More on this (so very complicated to me) as the days unfold.

Jane called to see if we wanted to join them for lunch at Baricci's - "YES"!!!!   Another awesome lunch and then while Joel worked on removing the cylinder head, we 4 went to the Dockside and played some

 Chicken Tracks.

I talked to Angie (nurse) this morning and she said Dad had his best night, and then she pointed out that "There's no expiration date on the bottom of any one's feet"!!!!   How true!

Sunday - January 22

Not much change for Dad.....my niece Jennifer, her husband Jake and nephew, Jason all visited Grandpa today.   I had good chat and update from Linda (nurse) this morning.   Everyone is amazed at how he's hanging on....

Mark and I walked to Baricci's for breakfast (we love this place) and lo and behold, there sat Jane and Joe.   We sat and visited (sharing the latest updates on Dad).   Mark and I then walked to K-mart for a few things and they went for a walk with a plan to meet this afternoon and play dominoes.     It's been so neat having them close by and talking about Dad, playing dominoes, discussing boat issues, etc. 
 They are such dear, fun kinfolk!!!

After lunch, J and J came to Catrina and we all walked to the Dockside and played dominoes, had some drinks and snacks.     It was a beautiful day and so pleasant sitting by the water.    They also taught us to play "Chicken Tracks" another version of dominoes    Lots of fun.    Mark suggested we go for a dinghy ride late in the afternoon - Jane had never ridden in a dinghy, but she did GOOD and what fun just slowly cruisin' around the marina.

Janie and Joe on Tigger (dinghy)

Judi called with an update after she got home.....all is the same for now.   Aunt Marian called, too.   Thanks so much for your prayers and kind e-mails, phone calls, texts, blog responses, etc.    I so appreciate all of this support and thoughtfulness.

We did Facetime with Michael, Brooke and boys tonight - fun!    Just so neat to go into their home and see what they are doing - Lego projects, stuffed animal friends (new one is John), etc.....can't beat all this technology!

Till tomorrow.....

Saturday - January 21

As I write this, my Dad is still with us defying all the odds after what the nurse and then doctor told me yesterday.   His vital signs are slowing down, not eating or drinking, etc.    BUT.....Saint Judi reported in tonight and said she wanted to reassure Ron, Bob and I that Dad is very peaceful and comfortable.   

My Aunt Marian and cousins, Dick and Gary visited Dad this afternoon......really appreciate that!   And all 3 called tonight to talk - how special was that!!!

We had planned on leaving Marathon and actually did take off at 6:52 AM.   But 15 miles out on Florida Bay, we had engine problems again...............when the anti-freeze started spurting out from the starboard engine (just got the port engine fixed).    The engine overheated, alarms went off and we went back to Marathon.    So..............that saga (nightmare) continues!   WHAT is going on?  Of course, it's the weekend, so Monday morning, Luis, Joel, someone will be here!!!!!

If you have to be stuck somewhere, Marathon is just fine and such a treat having Joe and Jane close by.....I did  laundry this afternoon, exercised, and   Jane and Joe picked us up for 4:00 Mass at San Pablo.   Then to the Moose (Joe belongs back home) for drinks.    Had delicious dinner at The Castaway (another winner to put on the list)!

I just finished a wonderful book "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand (true story about WW II).    An unbelievable true story of the life of Louis Zamperini - highly recommend this!

Friday - January 20

Not much sleep last night as we heard the news that Dad was very ill with reports from the nursing home.    Ron, Bob and I were told that he may not survive the night.    This morning, we met for breakfast at Baricci's and I had a good chat with the doctor.    The end is near and they are keeping him as comfortable as possible.    Judi, our advocate spent the day at the hospital and had packed a bag to stay overnight!    What a dear.    They are getting lots of snow, so we certainly didn't want her out on the roads.

We all sat on the boat discussing travel plans and Judi called and we kids got to say "Hi" to Dad.    He said "Hi" and then his usual humming.    I was very happy to hear his voice.    No eating today.    We are praying for peace and continued comfort.   So ironic that the boys and I are together down here in Marathon.

We had lunch at The Stuffed Pig and then Ron, Vicki, Bob and Linda left for Lake Worth and are spending the night at Philip and Annette's.

Jane and Joe came on board and we took the boat out - needed fuel and Mark donned all his scuba gear and went underwater to clean Catrina's bottom.

Joe and Jane

I know Dad is in good hands with the care of the nurses/aides and Judi right beside him.   

 God bless them all.

Bye for now....

Thursday - January 19

Busy day of eating, shopping, domino playing, visiting and more eating!

I exercised and then we rode our bikes to The Stuffed Pig meeting Ron, Vicki, Bob and Linda for delicious breakfast.     Mark and I rode the bikes back to Catrina and then he went to Home Depot and CVS.   I walked to Publix Square, met the girls and we shopped.

Spent the afternoon at their condo and played dominoes in the warm sunshine.   Jane and Joe came by around 4:ish and we all sat and chattered away.    Then time to eat again and off we went to Burdine's - very good sandwiches, fries, and hush puppies, topped off with Fried Key Lime Pie (awesome).  

Fried tortilla with cinnamon and sour cream, filled with key lime pie!

 And so this day ends.... stuffed  AGAIN!!!

Pat, Linda, Jane and Vicki

Bob, Ron, Mark and Joe

Wednesday - January 18

Big day..........Mark exercised and then Ron and all picked us up and we were off to Key West....about a 50-mile trip.  We started with a fabulous breakfast at Blue Heaven!  

After an excellent breakfast

  Linda and Vicki toured the Hemingway Home (home of the 6-toed cats).   Mark had I did this in 2008.    The guys all started walking and I hit Duval Street and all the shops!

One of many chickens/roosters struttin' around here, there and everywhere!

The girls caught up with me and we browsed and had fun "shopping till we dropped"!    Met the guys at Mallory Square and sat and rested for a bit.....we covered a lot of tracks!

Resting our weary bones....

Bob, Linda, Mark, Pat, Vicki, Ron

We had a delicious late lunch at Southernmost Cafe topped off with key lime pie with chocolate oreo crust!

Oh my.....

Brady called us while we were having lunch - such a sweetie.   He talked to Grandpa and me and told us how he's doing at basketball and wondered if we had seen Liam and Connor???

Today would have been Mom and Dad's 73rd wedding anniversary...

Tuesday - January 17

Beautiful day......walked to Jane and Joe's condo and then we all walked to Baricci's for delish breakfast!   

Pat and Jane after a healthy, yummy breakfast ready to take on the day!

Jane and Joe planned to head to the beach;  I did a load of laundry and Mark cleaned out more cabinets.   Joel stopped by with the final bill for Catrina.

Joel - head technician

Mark and I went for a long bike ride - took the papers to the hospital ER to show them they have wrong address for the eye institute in Miami and need to change that so others don't go thru the confusion we did trying to find the place!!!    Bascom Palmer is the #1 ranked eye facility in the country, so guess we were at the right place at the right time!

We kept on riding to Outfitters and bought Mark a new bike seat (much more comfy with a gel-type cushion).   They were out of my style, so maybe Friday, will get a new shipment in.    Stopped at the Tiki Bar on the beach at Tranquility Bay for orange crushes - yummy drinks and sat on the beach and rested.

Then it was back on the bikes for 3 more miles to Catrina (total of 7 today).    Judi (Dad's advocate) called and I talked to Dad a little - he said a few more things and "made my day".    I talked to Judi and she said she's encouraging Dad to eat (finished all his breakfast) - she told him he had to drink some juice and all his water before he could leave the table!

She's "Saint Judi" in my book!!!

Connor and Liam enjoying the snow back home!

On the beach in Marathon

My brothers and sisters-in-law arrived this afternoon for their first visit to the Keys.   The boys picked us up and we went to their beautiful condo at Tranquility Bay Resort.   We yakked over drinks and then enjoyed a delicious dinner at Lazy Days.

Mark, Ron, Bob, Linda, Vicki, Pat

Monday - January 16

Luis Garcia, owner of Marathon Diesel called at 7:45 to say Joel and technician would be here in about 30 minutes for the sea trial.    We left on Catrina at 8:30 and all went well!   Tah Dah! 

Exercised, went for a long bike ride (almost 7 miles) to the beach past pretty homes.   

My cousin, fellow Sublettian and dear friend, Jane and husband Joe are visiting in Marathon for 2 weeks.    We went to dinner at "Salty's and enjoyed non-stop chatter.

Jane and Joe

Sunday - January 15

Congratulations to Mark's parents on their 66th wedding anniversary!!!!

Beautiful day starting with breakfast at The Stuffed Pig - wow - very good and popular!    Then to Publix for a few things, Baricci's for some cupcakes, back to the boat to unload and then to 11:00 Mass at San Pablo's (we sat across from one of the windows that was St. Philip!!!)

After Mass we drove to the beach- soo pretty and met a nice couple from Ontario  (Leamington....been there) on their boat.

Gorgeous day at the beach

Back to Catrina, grabbed the dominoes and went to The Dockside for Bloody Mary's and conch fritters.   I was the Queen!!!    Enjoyed some of the delicious cupcakes (various flavors) and walked around the golf course (1.5 miles) - great bike/walking paths here!!!   We all talked to Grandma and Grandpa wishing them a happy anniversary!    Then we sat on Catrina's upper station - so relaxing in the sunshine.   I even dozed off for a bit.   Philip said it was time to eat again....so, off to Upper Crust for pizza that came highly recommended, but found out they are closed on Sunday.   We went to Key Fisheries (this 3rd time was the charm as they were so packed previous 2 visits).   Very "old Florida" and very good!

The kids dropped us off so we could walk back to the boat and get rid of "some" of the many calories we consumed today.   They are now on their way home.   After all the excitement from Friday, it was a very fun weekend!

Mark's floater is still hanging around.....could be days or weeks till it disappears - doctor said your brain gradually adjusts and you will not notice it!!!

Saturday - January 14

Fun day in the Keys.....Annette, Mark and I went to Baricci's Cafe for delish breakfast and then hit the shops.    Annette bought 2 pairs of cute flip flops and we got a few groceries.    Philip arrived around 1:00 and time for lunch.....off to Lazy Days which was very good   (another old FL spot) and so pleasant sitting outside in the warm sunshine.   We are in the upper 60's this weekend.

Annette and her espresso martini

After lunch, we stopped at the Tropical Furniture Co. and browsed all the wonderful Floridian furniture and accessories.   Then to Sweet Savannah's for ice cream and cupcakes - oh....love this place!

Philip and Annette digging into their treats at Sweet Savannah's!

I went for a walk tonight with the kids to Publix and then the Sandal Outlet (GREAT shop).  Back to Catrina for 2 games of dominoes with Philip winning both!!!!!

Wearing earphones so he didn't have to listen to all the whining from the rest of us!

Friday, January 13

This "Friday, the 13th" will be one for the memory books!!!!    Our day started with Mark getting up and saying he had a film in his eye and something was not right.    We checked online for an opthamalogist in Marathon and there was one, but when he called, the recording said he had retired.    So, he rode his bike to an eye doctor and sign on the door said "Doctor is out of office today for training".    He then rode 2 miles to the ER.......Dr. was concerned that it was a detached retina and said we needed to get to Miami ASAP.  

So.....the harbormaster, Roy took me to the airport to get a rental car, I picked up Mark and we were off (113 miles from Catrina to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in downtown Miami).    The doctor said Mark should not drive.....yikes....me driving in downtown Miami???    But ya do what ya gotta do!!!   Of course, alot of this trip was on 2-lane roads with 45 mph speed limit.

Unfortunately the directions and address were not correct (said it was 17th Avenue, but really Street).    AAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!    Finally found this 4-story building  (entirely for the eyes) in the heart of a huge medical complex, including 2 hospitals and several specialized health centers.   Very comforting and nice to have Philip and Annette with us - Annette had driven to Miami and had planned to spend the night with Philip at a hotel and tomorrow after he finished teaching, they would be coming to see us.    So, we sat and waited......long story short.   Mark does NOT have a detached retina (Thank you, God).    He has a large floater (totally different from what I experienced).   Because of his severe near sightedness, he's at high risk for a detached retina and if anything changes, he's to see an eye doctor ASAP.    Whew...what a relief.   He had a young female doctor who was very thorough in her examination, explained in detail about this and said "someone is here 24/7 if you need to come back".   It was quite a happening place!

 Because of heavy traffic in Miami on a Friday night and driving in the dark, Annette and Philip made the decision that she would drive our rental car with us back to Marathon.   Mark has no restrictions, but could not drive as they had heavily dilated his eyes.  We had dinner at The Hurricane and are now settled on Catrina.   We (especially me) were extremely grateful that Annette (she's a keeper) got us back here safe 'n sound!

    So, that's how our day went!    Scary but all is good for now.  Philip will arrive tomorrow in the early afternoon.  While we were gone, Joel and another technician came and put Catrina's innards all back together.    Monday morning.....test run and hope she'll purr like a kitten.

Okay....enough excitement for today.   Have a great weekend and remember, if you ever have floaters or something abnormal with your eyes, do get to a doctor ASAP!

Thursday - January 12

We are back on Catrina after biking to Herbie's for an early supper.   When we came out, it had rained (surprise)!    Our neighbors here in the marina said it really poured!    So....good to be tucked in for the night with full tummys.    There are sooo many good restaurants to eat here in Marathon and Herbie's is close enough for a good bike ride and was highly recommended.    Been around since 1972 and nothing fancy....just picnic tables (inside) and lots of variety on the menu.   One of the specials for tonight was "Liver and Onions" which Mark loves and very seldom has.    So, that's what he had and enjoyed it very much (also had strips of bacon with the onions for extra-good flavor....IF you like that sort of thing?)   I thoroughly enjoyed my coconut shrimp and conch fritters.   We splurged and shared the dessert special...."Herbie's Bananas"......sauteed bananas with warm butter rum sauce, hot fudge, real whipped cream, toasted almonds and a scoop of vanilla ice cream......DEEEEEVINE!!!!!!!!!!

After all the wind from yesterday, today was very calm, warm and sunny this afternoon.     I took all the cushions from the upper station down to the dock with cleaning supplies, bucket, hose, etc., and gave them a good scrubbing!    Mark continued working on cleaning and inventorying (is there such a word?) his things - Catrina has lots of good storage space, but amazing how we fill all the nooks and crannies.    We are going to be so well organized!!!! 

After lunch Mark took the dinghy for a ride with West Marine as his destination, but never found it  (will check tomorrow on our bikes).  I walked to Publix Square for a manicure at Gioia's.

The saga of whatever ails Catrina continues.......the latest is that it is not the manifold exhaust, but rather  connected to the hot water heater.   If an air lock gets into the hoses, it causes the anti-freeze to overflow and get hot.    More on this as things develop!!!

Watching all the news stories about the snow, cold, and strong winds back home......ugh!!!!!    Winter has finally arrived in the Midwest and we are very thankful to be down here in the Sunshine State.

Wednesday - January 11

Threatening skies all morning and 50% chance of rain today.    We exercised, cleaned out more cabinets reorganizing, pitching, etc.    Few more days of this and Catrina will be so organized!!!

I did 3 loads of laundry and we walked to Biracci's Cafe for yummy lunch (definitely a return spot sometime)!   Walked for a while and then bought few groceries at Publix and back to boat just before the rain and wind came (around 3).    Rained hard for a while and the wind blew big time.    Rain has stopped but still very windy.

This pretty picture was off the stern of Catrina tonight.....

Red sky at night...sailors delight 

Tuesday - January 10

We've had a big day....long walks, bike ride, washed Catrina and Mark had a great chat with his parents and I talked to Dad!!!!   Judi, our advocate for Dad is just thee best.    She called me tonight and held the phone up to Dad's ear and he said "Hi" - then I did all the jabbering!    A real treat for me just to know he was there.  

Joel, the mechanic (technician seems to be the title for mechanics now) came and after phone calls back and forth with other technicians, determined Catrina needs a new manifold exhaust, so.....one has been ordered and coming from Georgia tomorrow.    They will install once it arrives...............nothing $$$ can't fix!!!!!!!

After we washed the boat, we took off on our bikes to find the Catholic Church which Mark thought was 2 miles away,  but it was actually 4 1/4 miles!    We did find a very special spot along the way to stop....Sweet Savannah's Bakery and Ice Cream Shoppe.   Wow.....very good ice cream and beautiful and flavorful cupcakes and other pastries.  We sat in the backyard which was a private garden with pretty furniture, flowery pillows, candles, etc.....My 1 scoop of Heath Bar and Mark's chocolate malt gave us that extra boost to keep on truckin and finally we arrived at St. Pablo's - they have decorated BIG time for Christmas and there is a lovely area that meanders all around with the stations of the cross, statues, benches and so much more - would love to see this at night cause there were lights everywhere!

We walked to The Hurricane for $1 "Taco Tuesdays" - very good and now home resting our tired bods.

Liam and Connor started ice skating lessons tonight and our NC boys are in the heart of basketball!   

My brother Bob and Linda are on their way to FL...and so looking forward to visits the next few days from family starting with Philip and Annette this weekend; Bob, Linda, Ron and Vicki, the 17th-19th and then my cousin Jane and Joe will be here for 2 weeks.    AND....found out today, their condo is just down the street from where we are!   Can't wait for all these folks to arrive for "Fun in the Keys"!!!

Monday - January 9

A "winner" in the weather department here in the Keys today - picture-perfect warm sunshine and not a cloud in the deep blue skies!!!

Exercised, cleaned, did 2 loads of laundry and Mark has started cleaning and organizing his cabinets of stuff and taking inventory!    Joel came onboard - the Yanmar diesel mechanic.   He will be back tomorrow - still trying to figure this all out!

I walked to Publix Square and found 2 neat shops (Krazy Larry's and The Leaping Lizard)!    Mark walked to Home Depot for his kind of shopping.   We enjoyed some appetizers and soup on Catrina tonight!

Been in touch with our nephew John who lives in Hawaii and near where we'll be with Ryan.... looking forward to seeing him and his family when we're there in February.

Sunday - January 8

Ahhhhh, we are in Marathon - land of swaying palm trees, reggae music, tiki bars, tall fruity drinks, conch fritters, key lime pie and lots of just chillin' out!!!

Left our anchorage at 7:10 and had a nice leisurely trip at 8 mph dodging oh-so-many crab pots along the way.   We arrived in our slip at Sombrero Marina at 12:30.    Looks like a nice spot for the next 2 weeks with the Dockside Bar and Grill very close.    Also nearby is Publix and other shops.   We walked for a while and then back to get the bikes and checked out more of the area!   

Happy to report Mark's Mom is doing well with her recovery!

Saturday - January 7

We are in the Keys!!!  Greetings from our anchorage near Islamorada on a spectacular January day!     Lots of frolicking dolphins swimming along with Catrina, dodging oodles of crab pots and did stop a short time at Gilbert's Marina in Key Largo, but they had no mechanic available and no electricity - said it comes and goes as they are doing remodeling.    Everything and everyone.......so laid back down here!    Decided, since Catrina was running ok at 8 mph, we would just keeping chuggin' on.    We still don't know the definite cause of this anti-freeze spurtin (now doing it on BOTH engines), but cruising at slower speeds works just fine, so?    We have a mechanic ready in Marathon to take a look and analyze the situation.  He's a Yanmar diesel guy, so.....hope we get some answers as this is quite perplexing to Mark, the mechanics yesterday and of course, me!!!   Ha.....no knowledge of this stuff other than looking at and hearing all about the ins and outs of these engines is totally Greek and scares me big time!!!

Well..............how about the Navy capturing those Somali pirates who are now prisoners aboard the USS Stennis?     Been reading stories on Google, the New York Times (a reporter has been on board the Stennis) and YouTube.     This was quite the dramatic rescue!!!

Here are a few photos from our day...

  

Beautiful sunrise as we are leaving South Miami

The Captain of my Ship

Swimming dolphins alongside Catrina

And then spectacular sunset

Plus a full moon - sooo pretty over the water on a very quiet, peaceful evening with boats anchored

 here and there

Friday - January 6

We are not in Key Largo tonight as planned..............Philip stayed for breakfast and left at 9.   We took off at 9:20 and about 5 miles out, Mark did an engine check and found anti freeze spurting out of port engine!!!   ARGHHHH.....turned around and went back to Dinner Key, called Philip to bring us a new radiator cap and now this is where Mark added more info to blog on what happened from then on.   BUT, as I was finishing this up for tonight, everything went "Poof" and I lost it all!!!!   And it had been SAVED!!!!!!!

Crazy things happening on Catrina.

Short gist of today is we are 20 miles south of Miami at Loggerhead Marina.   The mechanic here checked it all out and it's not the radiator cap.   Mark called mechanic in Muskegon, MI who had worked on engines, and could possibly be related to the water heater?   We will have better idea tomorrow!

Nitey Nite

Thursday - January 5

Hello from Miami after a lovely day of cruising past tall condos after condo after condo along the way from Fort Lauderdale.

Huge transport ship loaded with boats of all sizes headed somewhere?

Our day started with Philip coming for breakfast and short visit - he was then off to the dentist and we left around 11.   We only had 30 miles today, but cruising at 8 mph on the intracoastal takes a while not that we were in any hurry.

Miami skyline

We are at Dinner Key Marina (huge) and Philip will be spending the night with us as he was working in Miami today.    He suggested some good Cuban food.....and so, he picked us up at the marina and we enjoyed a WONDERFUL dinner at Las Culebrinas!

Cheers!

Tomorrow we are off to Key Largo...

Wednesday - January 4

What a big difference today with 65 degrees and sunshine!    Mark was up early and very happy that after more investigating, he found a loose wire which needed to be hooked up for the air/heat.    We are good to go....he was upset he didn't find that earlier (wasn't from lack of trying).  We did our exercises and left Lantana at 8:45.   Planning on 5 leisurely days to get to Marathon in the Keys.

We went under 17 bridges with 7 of them having to be raised.    The mansions and yachts along the way made for lots of oohs, aahs, drooling, and overall stunned to see all this opulence - one right after the other!

We are in downtown Fort Lauderdale and have been in this area before (by car) and the shops and restaurants of Las Olas.....however, they are all closed up and now doing a major renovation with hopes of bringing back the businesses which suffered greatly from the economy.    This all from a security guard we talked to.    Enjoyed a nice walk on this pretty day and even picked up a few more things at Publix.

GREAT news.....Mark's Mom was discharged from the hospital late this afternoon.    She has a list of restrictions for the next several weeks of no twisting, bending, arching or rotating her spine.  She will be having therapy eventually and I, for one, know how very important that is!   Now praying for full healing and mobility!

Mark grilled out brats and enjoyed a nice dinner on Catrina!

Tuesday - January 3

Hello from chilly south Florida!    But so happy to report that all surgical procedures were successful today!   Mark's Mom is still having a lot of pain which is what her doctor predicted - long painful recovery, but praying for complete success that she WILL be pain free!   And Bob and Chuck's kidney stone removal was successful, too!    Thanks for all your prayers!

We started the day going to 7:30 Mass at Holy Spirit and then to Midas to have brakes checked on Toad (Mark had new rotors put on in September, but noticed something amiss along our way to FL, so.....they polished the rotors and we are good to go).   While we were waiting, we walked across the street (very windy and cold) to a Hispanic grocery store with bakery/restaurant and shared a delicious pastry of some sort stuffed with ham and cheese.    Back to get the car and Mark dropped me off for a manicure/pedicure and he hung out on Catrina.

I was finished at 11:15 and we stayed on Catrina (really rocking here in the marina).   Strong gusty winds made it feel REALLY cold.   Around 3, we drove to West Palm and I walked around City Place (nice shopping area), but spent most of the time in Barnes and Noble browsing.    Then to Clematis Street (happening place) and met Philip and Annette for early supper at "Rocco's Tacos" - very good Mexican place in an old building with tin ceilings, brick walls, long, large, beautiful bar and very neat light fixtures - FUN place!    Went next door to Starbucks and Philip and I shared a hot chocolate and then back to our cars.....Annette drove home and Philip brought us home and will be using Toad while we're gone for 2 weeks.

We had planned to leave today for the Keys (Marathon), but just too windy and cold.    So, tomorrow, hope to be off and take a leisurely trip getting there (140 miles).   

Heard from Ryan that our medical paperwork has been approved for the Tiger Cruise.    Plans are underway and have our flight arrangements, hotel reservations, etc. taken care of.   Now to stay healthy and safe (always looking over our left shoulder when crossing streets)!!!

Mark decided to have our air conditioner looked at when we are in Marathon (we have a small heater we can use and the bedrooms are working fine with HEAT tonight!)

We are to have 26 here tonight with the wind chill!    Stay warm wherever you are...

Monday - January 2

Good day of getting our stuff organized, taking more to the car and a general clean-up inside.   We started the day with our exercising and I gave Catrina a good scrubbing outside, too.

Went for a walk this afternoon and Annette came over and we went to Costco and bought more goodies - what a store and it was jam packed!    Back to the boat and played rummikube and 3-handed euchre with Mark - not my day for games - I was the big loser!    Had delicious shrimp salad for supper (from Costco).

Talked to Mark's Mom and wished her well today....also heard that my cousin, Chuck is having 2 kidney stones removed tomorrow at same hospital as Bob (same doctor, too).

So, Mark and I will be going to 7:30 Mass in the morning and praying for successful surgery for all....

Really cooled off this afternoon and going to be chilly next few days (especially at night), but sounds like a cold spell is all around the country, so we shall not complain!

New Year's Day - 2012

WELCOME 2012

Although we were all asleep when the clock struck midnight and 2012 rolled around, we did wake up to the sounds of lots of screaming and the countdown and then more fireworks - all from the party goers at The Old Key Lime House across the water from where we anchored.   Hope you had a great evening of celebrating and ringing in the new year (or else slept thru it all)?

We left our anchorage at 7:45 to make the 8:00 bridge taking us back to our slip at the Loggerhead Marina here in Lantana.    Annette fixed delicious omelets, they left for home and Mark and I went to 10:30 Mass at Holy Spirit.

After church we tackled all the stuff sitting here, there and everywhere on Catrina - got a lot done and hope to finish up tomorrow.   Have a glitch in the main salon air conditioning - Mark worked on it for quite a while, but will see what tomorrow brings.    Always something with boating!

Around 5:00 we went to Publix and stocked up on groceries - Annette had already bought a some things  (bread, milk, eggs, etc.)    Came back to Catrina to put away our stuff and then to The Station House nearby for a delicious dinner (I had lobster) - the service was incredible and just a really good dining experience to start the new year!

So many folks to pray for these days, but especially ask you to remember Mark's Mom who is having serious back/spine surgery on Tuesday - also that day, my brother, Bob is having a kidney stone removed!
May God bless them with successful surgery and complete healing.