Monday - April 30

Rainy Monday......but it's starting to warm up - in the 60's today!   Yeah.....more good stuff to come, but rain off and on, too, which will bring on the May flowers!

Met the neighbors and enjoyed yummy pastries from Grove Street Bakery in honor of Jerry's 70th this Saturday!   Mark ran some errands afterwards.   Nice to have a rainy Monday to not do much of anything (although there was plenty to do).   Put away more clothes, read, took a nap and

rested the ribs!!!

Mark bought new batteries for Daisy - she's almost 6 years old and this is first time!


Seven of the Monday Night Friends traveled to Fairbury (45 minutes northeast) and had dinner at "Lost in Time" - wonderful.....and then shopped at the bakery.   Rebecca who manages the bakery and catered our Christmas brunch sat and had dinner with us!    Such a nice gal and sure has something good going with her business in the old bank building!

Bye bye April

Sunday - April 29

Chilly and rainy Sunday....we went to 8:00 Mass, coffee and yummy pastries at The Coffee Hound and then off to Chicago (actually Palos Park) for our great niece's baby shower/luncheon.   

Fun afternoon with several of Mark's family to visit and catch up with and enjoy baby Sophie.    After lunch, cake, and presents, we were on our way home....heavy rain at times, but we do need it.

Sophie and her Daddy (our nephew, Tim)

Two more sweet great nieces....Maddie and Riley

Have a great week!   Sounds like warm and wet the next few days!

Saturday - April 28

Cool, cloudy day with some sprinkles.    The boys were up early....6:15

 (hey guys, it's SATURDAY)!!!!

They exercised with Grandpa

Lift those weights...do it for Grandma!

Mark and boys went to get Daisy out of storage.    They had fun playing in Miss Daisy and Grandpa has several things to do before we take her on a trip this summer.

They did some online shopping

Connor and Grandma took a nap this afternoon (Connor for 3 hours).   

Anne picked them up at 5:15 and good to be home this chilly night - 49 degrees!

Friday - April 27

Busy day......left home at 8:30 and off to Dixon to visit Mark's parents and bring home our truck

 which they had this winter, but really didn't use cause of the very mild weather.   Stopped in Sublette and hung a basket of spring flowers on Mom and Dad's grave - my first visit there since Dad's funeral

 on  January 28.

Next stop was at Mark's sister Sue and Tom's home to see their brand new kitchen - wow!   Beautiful!!!   Good visit with them and then to see the folks and great visit and lunch at "Sandy's".    They had bought some new phones, so Mark helped get them set up and then his brother
 Jim and Lydia came from St. Louis.    Sat and yakked with them.  
 Said our good-byes and off to Mendota.

I stopped in to visit my Aunt Marian for about 1/2 hour and Mark went on home with the truck to pick up Liam and Connor who are spending tonight and all day tomorrow.   When I got back in town, I stopped at "Zoup", a new place for some soup-to-go.....deeelish!!!

We are amazed at how many people all over town heard the roar of Ryan's F-18 fly over yesterday afternoon!   Not that often a military jet comes in and they are LOUD!

Time to read a bedtime story!

Thursday - April 26

Happy Anniversary Anne and Patrick
  NINE years already and here's to many more

 happy, healthy celebrations on April 26th!

Congratulations Kiddos!

Update on the ribs.....3 are fractured!    Dr. Carmichael thought there were 4, but then settled on "JUST 3"!     He was amazed that I had only been taking Ibuprofen for past 2 weeks and called me "tough"!!!   He prescribed Percocet and time!!!    A good 6 weeks or more to heal - no exercising (like I would want to do that or could without hurting big time)!    Possibly try biking, but nothing strenuous.   Walking is good and does feel good, so.....gotta get in that groove!   They no longer bind or tape like in years past - all about letting nature take its course!

Dr. asked if I fell down several steps...."No, uh, just 2"?     I sure wrecked a lot of havoc with those 2 little steps in such a small space.   Did I mention that the latch on closet door broke, too.   

 Catrina's new Captain promised to take care of that!

At 4:30 we went to the airport - Ryan was to fly in on his F-18.   Anne, Patrick, Liam, Connor, Mark and I were waiting and could HEAR him before we SAW him!    He circled around a few times, but then we were told later that he had to divert to St. Louis as "landing gear locked" light came on and St. Louis would have the equipment/manpower to fix!    Bummer for him and us that he couldn't land!

The boys enjoyed the roar of the jet...

And there he is.......so close, and yet so far away!

Like a bird in the sky....a very fast bird!

So....we went to Culver's for supper.   Anne and Patrick had enjoyed a yummy lunch qt Ragucci's.   Patrick was off to play at Swinger's, Anne took the boys to Toys R Us for a birthday present

 (Connor has party to attend on Sunday) and Mark and I picked up the prescription and now home with my Percocet.

Liam and missing front teeth!

Beautiful lilac tree and heavenly scent going into doctor's office

Wednesday - April 25

Warmer and breezy - weather is just all over the board!    Today was 76, but 50 for a high on Friday and cool weekend coming up!      I got a manicure and then ran some errands.   Picked up Ruth, one of our shut-in members of Exchange Club and so fun to be with this group for lunch.

Laundry and relaxing afternoon with the ice pak and good book.

Our niece, Cory and her friend, Raina are spending tonight with us.    They are both accountants in Champaign, but leaving on early flight tomorrow and San Diego bound for some R and R

after tax season....

Raina and Cory

Tomorrow, off to the doctor to get a status on the rib(s)!

Tuesday - April 24

Great to have a day to stay home!!!    Mark exercised and then we dug in and started on piles here and there.   We made good progress.       Got in some naps, too, and read.  

 Do not want to overwork these ribs.

We went to Meijer's in the afternoon for groceries and piddlies.   Was a cloudy, cool day!

Liam lost his 2nd front tooth and Connor scored 2 baskets at his game!!!

Monday - April 23

Sunny, but cool.....we nomads are right back in the groove of go go go (that would be mainly me).   We both started the day with breakfast and catch-up with our neighbors.    Donna Rae is "80" today and brought treats for all!

Home for a bit to put stuff away and then to lunch at Biaggi's with Claire and Kathy - great to be together since we were all in Florida this winter.    Mark took off the snow plow blade and put mower deck on.    Marty has been mowing our lawn with push mower - who would've thought he would have to mow this often and it's only April 23rd?   

Mark and I went to an open house birthday party for Donna Rae  - good visiting with her family and friends and enjoyed cake and punch.     LOTS of people there celebrating this big milestone!

The Birthday Girl

Brenda picked me up at 5:15 and off again......to meet the Monday Night Friends at Ragucci's, new Italian place in town!   It was excellent and the 7 of us had lots to chat about as we enjoyed the decor, music and food!

Sunday - April 22

Left Paducah in the rain and cold (46) at 8:00......had rain off and on and then sun came out!    Back seems achy today and we're thinking maybe cause of the chilly, damp weather?

Arrived home early this afternoon......everything looks good in house and yard!    Anne brought the boys over and what good helpers they were unloading Toad....many trips to the house, but got it somewhat organized and now...let the unpacking begin!

Had supper at Anne and Patrick's - so fun to catch up with everyone and enjoy the boys who are  

just growing up too fast! 

Grandma and silly boys

Saturday - April 21

We left Cordele at 8 AM....had a combination of weather with fog to start off and mostly cloudy with occasional sunshine. Stopped at Ruby Falls, near Chattanooga for lunch. This tourist spot has caverns and Lookout Mountain with the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. We ate lunch at a high spot overlooking Chattanooga. Didn't do any tours/sightseeing, though.

Shortly after.....the temperatures started dropping all the way to 52!   Ouch.....big change from yesterday's 84. We nomads are wimps – drastic change to the ole bods!!! Time to dig out the jackets. Despite the cool, drizzly afternoon, the lush green landscape was so pretty. Since we've been gone almost 4 months, most of the beauty of spring has come and gone with the daffodils, tulips, flowering crab trees, etc., all having bloomed weeks ago....

Nice to gain back that hour we lost way back in December....

We arrived in Paducah, KY around 4. Checked into the Holiday Inn Express and then found the National Quilt Museum. As many times as we've been to Paducah (one of our favorite towns), we've never been to see all the quilts (not that that was a “must do sometime” sort of thing for Mark).   Ironically this morning I got an e-mail from our friend, Fran in Sturgeon Bay (an avid quilter) who follows the blog and knew we were on our way home. She said "if you're in Paducah, be sure to go to the quilt museum", so.......what a place. I was absolutely floored, overwhelmed, in awe of the phenomenal quilts on display from all over the world and the talent in each and every stitch. These are the “best of the best”, the “cream of the crop”! I kept thinking how much Mark's Mom (and my Mom) would've enjoyed being there. They currently have on display the “basket” collection and the top prize winner was from Rockford, IL. This next week (April 25-28^th) is the big quilt show and of course, the entire town is really into this....

We went to Mass at St. Francis de Sales and even Father talked about “American Quilting Week” coming to town this week and that the church was having a luncheon/bazaar in conjunction with it all.

After Mass we ate at JP's Bar and Grill – very good and I love how so much of downtown Paducah is old buildings renovated but leaving the brick walls, tall, tin ceilings, wood floors, intact.....very charming and a very happening place on a Saturday night with lots of folks dining out - lots of restaurants to choose from.

Back did well today!

Friday - April 20

Finished up the packing and even Philip was amazed that it all fit!   He came to Catrina and went over a bunch of stuff with Mark – hope he, Annette and friends will have lots of boating fun!

Said good bye to Catrina and her new Captain and left the marina at 10:25. I was well stocked with support cushion, ibuprofen, water, ice, etc. Stopped several timess and walked. Overall...a good day of travel.

Along the way, I asked Mark if he had any thoughts on a new song for the blog (not water related?) Well, “You can't go home again”.....came to mind after the fiasco of his hometown making headlines and national TV coverage across the country. We stopped near Valdosta, GA.......the USA Today had the headlines “Dixon, IL residents shocked about embezzlement”. This story has certainly been in the news the past few days about the town comptroller taking $30m of the city's funds! WOW.......this lady lives on her big horse farm about a mile from Mark's parents!!! Along with all her prize-winning horses, fancy homes, clothes and jewelry, she owned a $2.1m motor home. Now this we would like to see!!!

Mostly sunny with a few sprinkles off and on.....Florida is to get some nasty storms tonight/tomorrow.

We are in Cordele, Georgia tonight – had a good dinner at Compadres and now icing down the back.

Still 825 miles to home, so planning on Sunday arrival!   Enjoy your weekend...

Thursday - April 19

Up and going early....Mark made countless trips to the car (he says it's “GOING to fit”). He's feeling good and I'm doing better. I have an appointment with Dr. Carmichael, who specializes in back injuries for next Thursday. Dr. Novotny (my shoulder orthopedic) does not do backs – they are in same practice. Had a good chat with the nurse about traveling – keep up the ice, wear brace if it helps and continue with the anti-inflammatory meds. They do more for a broken finger than ribs. Just a painful process to go thru.....main concern is breathing (no problems with that) as rib injuries can quickly develop into pneumonia.

We both treated ourselves to a break (much needed one for Mark) and got a bit of pampering this afternoon – haircut for him and pedicure for me! Mark also made a Publix run for 5 boxes of our favorite cereal.

Annette invited us for homemade pizza – delish!   Also enjoyed carrot cake from Grand Luxe Cafe. Sad to say good-bye....

What a beautiful winter of “fun in the sun” day after day. We started our Catrina travels on December 31.....Lake Worth, Marathon, Fort Myers Beach, Lantana and then the Bahamas for 24 days. In between, our trip to Hawaii and then the Tiger Cruise with Ryan.   And along with all these “highs”, we had some downers, too.    First and foremost, losing my Dad (miss him sooo much) and then health concerns....  trip to Miami for Mark's eye (thankfully NOT a detached retina – a floater that still comes and goes), very bruised toe of Mark's; very bruised knee of mine (those are all good to go now), and then the ole flu bug for him (much better) and my ribs (OUCH)!   

All in all.... could have been much worse!

When we look back on our time in the Bahamas, a few things come quickly to mind....the spectacular weather and flowers, ambiance, charm and quaintness of all the Abaco islands, the very fresh melt-in-your-mouth grouper prepared several ways, crowing roosters, the cinnamon rolls, massage on the beach, all the fantastic food and drinks, the warmth and friendliness of the Bahamians and seeing how their culture thrives with so little and yet, they seem so happy.

   And best of all....sharing it all with family and friends!!!

Tomorrow....heading for HOME SWEET HOME.   Once again, Mark comes thru!   A place for everything and everything in its place!   Yeah!!!!

Wednesday - April 18

It's Wednesday and one week since the trauma to my ribs! More on that later....Waved good-bye to Barb and Roger on the Barbara Lynn at 7:15 as they left for Stuart, crossing Lake Okeechobee and on back to Bonita Springs before making their trip home. What fun, great "boat buddies" they were! Sooo enjoyed our time together and they hit it off with all our family – super friends!!!

Bye bye to the Barbara Lynn and Crew

We left at 8:00 and although only a 12-mile trip to Lantana, took us 2 hours, 15 minutes waiting for 2 bridges to open, buying fuel, etc. Very pleasant day for our last trip on the intracoastal for a long while! We are in our slip at Loggerhead Marina and Philip and Annette will enjoy Catrina this spring, summer and fall until we return in January for more adventures!

Catrina's new home for the next several months

Mark is feeling better today; yeah! His usual hustle 'n bustle has returned, but don't want him overdoing. Not good to have your Captain “down”! My hustle 'n bustle is currently kaput! I'm moving very slowly as rib(s) are really painful (why-oh-why did I try to close that darn window yesterday)??? Seems I have undone the little bit of healing that had started?    How ironic that both my shoulder fracture and now this rib issue happened on a Wednesday. We were hit crossing the street in St. Pete on 3/3/10 (Mark's Mom and our niece, Hannah's birthday) and the fall happened on 4/11/12, my sister-in-law, Linda's birthday!!!   I will be calling my orthopedic doctor back home and setting up an appointment for next week. In the meantime, taking drugs, using ice and “trying” to take it easy. Not looking forward to the long trip home in the car. We've got soo much stuff to unload, not sure where/how it will all fit???   Mark is a good packer, but this could be his biggest challenge yet?

Mark changed Catrina's oil and filters and we gave her a good scrubbing to get all the heavy dose of salt off. I used the hose...he scrubbed. A few times I've had to “stifle” a sneeze. Just like Archie always told Edith to “Stifle it”!!!   HA... Not so funny when a sneeze “escapes” like this afternoon and it was sheer agony!!!!

It takes 2 steps to crawl into bed on Catrina. After maneuvering and painfully moving around to get in the most comfortable position with pillows, it's like deja vu again as I did the very same thing when I had the shoulder fracture. In and out of bed..... with great caution!

From the time we left Lake Worth on March 24th till returning yesterday, we covered 562 miles. 

  The highest diesel price for Catrina was $5.80 per gallon and the Barbara Lynn's gas was

$6.50 per gallon.

We were hoping to get together tonight with Annette (Philip is working till late Thursday night). She is still not totally up to par from the bug she caught and along with we ailing Nomads, decided to all stay in and get some rest!!!

We are back in the good ole USA and what a welcome sight to see the east coast of Florida as we came barreling across the Atlantic!

Heading towards Lake Worth Inlet

We had 2-4 footers with following seas in the form of large swells. Took us 4 hours, 45 minutes to cross (Barbara Lynn took ½ that time.) Catrina, Barbara Lynn and crews handled it just fine and we are all happy to be here at Riviera Beach Marina. Cleared customs, took a nap and nice to be using phones again after not having that technology for 24 days!!!

The Catrina crew is "under the weather" tonight.    The Captain is having some stomach issues (may be the same bacterial bug Annette came down with)?    And the Admiral (not sure I earned this title - First Mate is more my style) is hurting more tonight.   I closed a window to turn on air when we were settled in marina and did something to the already very sore rib(s).     I went to the Tiki Restaurant here at marina with Barb and Roger for dinner.    Mark had crackers and sprite......hope things improve tomorrow for both of us!     One thing is for sure...we are all happy to be here!

Enjoyed hearing from those who followed us along with SPOT and knew right where we were!    Thanks for traveling along with us!

  Stats 'n facts about our trip coming soon...

Monday - April 16

Our last day in the Bahamas (we think?) and the 4 of us are having a very low-key, laid-back, do nothin' sort of day!     Mark exercised,  we read, did computer stuff and took naps  Went to Teaser's for lunch and just chillin' on our boats.   It's cool (low 70's) cloudy and breezy....Mark and Roger had talked about snorkeling, but didn't happen!

  There is a yacht here, "Big Zip" which came in yesterday.    It is 141' long and a real beauty.   Mark googled and found that it can be chartered (10 people with a crew of 8) for $190,000 per week.   Anyone interested????    We had seen Big Zip in West Palm when we were cruising on the intracoastal.   Bunch of older men are hanging out - just a "little ole holiday in the Bahamas"!!

Had appetizers, drinks and played dominoes and then grilled burgers and chicken and other potluck goodies.    More dominoes and sequence - "GIRLS RULE"!

Hoping to cross tomorrow - pray for us!    Nite nite!

Sunday - April 15

First of all.....thanks so much to all who wrote with your concerns about my cold/back issues. Really appreciate your kind thoughts!

It's a beautiful Sunday and we are off at 8:20 to start the trek home. Following seas most of the day, so made for a comfortable ride (115 miles) on the Sea of Abaco to Little Bahama Bank arriving at West End on Grand Bahama Island at 4:00. I rested and/or read most of the way.

My cold is definitely better today and sore throat is gone (thank you God)! Voice is still a little raspy, but overall, think I'll make it AND, although the back is still very sore, the pain is not as severe as it had been. Maybe I got lucky and have bruised rather than cracked rib(s)? Time will tell.

Hard to believe that 6 years ago today, Ryan started Officer Candidate School in the US Navy.....he still has a 4 ½ year commitment to fulfil. We are sooo proud of him and all those serving in our military.

We had planned to cross tomorrow (63 miles and lots of deep water to Lake Worth). Another change in the forecast and now calling for 3-5 footers....NO thank you. We'll wait it out another day till conditions improve.

The Old Bahama Bay Marina here is the most expensive at $2.99 per foot. In the Abacos, we pay extra for water (anywhere from .20 a gallon to a flat mandatory fee of $15 here at Old Bahama Bay.) Internet service has been great – stayed connected each and every day and able to skype for phone calls (audio) from our computer to a land line or cell phone.

Had dinner at Teaser's here at the marina – nice place on the water and food is always good! Remember some of these folks from 3 weeks ago last night when we were here. Played 8 games of Sequence with Barb and Roger “stomping”, “whomping”, “shellacking” us 8 games to zilch....

   but still a fun time!   Have a GREAT week!

The Abacos - Monday-Friday (April 9-13)

Hello....time to update the blog and let you know what's been going on this past week. Most of it was great fun and happy times, but a few not-so-good moments, too....

Let's start with the GOOD stuff...

Monday -  It's Annette's birthday!!!!   Barb and I had massages on the beach (awesome) with Felicia.

Our massage parlor .....doesn't get much better than this setting!

We left in the boats for Green Turtle Cay and New Plymouth. It was the end of the 4-day Easter holiday weekend in the Bahamas, so about everything was closed. We did find McIntosh's Bakery/Restaurant open for business and about filled the place with our group of 13 – excellent food especially the lobster burgers. Walked around this quaint little town and shared some of our earlier experiences from when Barb, Roger, Mark and I had visited. Back to Treasure Cay for dinner at The Bahama Beach Club right on the water and sandy beach – another very good meal.

Annette and her Bahamian Birthday Cake

    Walked back to the condo for cake and played Blitz – fun for all! All 3 boys spent the night on Catrina.

Brady

Davis

Drew

Tuesday – Boats left at 10:00 AM for Man-O-War where we had lunch at Bradley's (super yummy) and then walked around and did some browsing. Off to Hope Town – some went up in the candy cane lighthouse; others shopping and then ice cream treats     Arrived back in Treasure Cay at 6; showered and off to the bonfire and dinner at Coco Beach Club. Some were disappointed in their meals and we had a waitress with a “could care less attitude”, but we were all sitting on the deck on this beautiful evening and then the bonfire started. The boys enjoyed running around in the fine powdery sand which really is cold at night when the sun goes down! Drew spent the night

Wednesday – This is where the bad stuff comes in. I was folding Drew's bedding and then carrying it down to our room (he slept in the main salon – Philip and Annette were in other bedroom). I have only 2 steps to go down, but either tripped or missed the step, but instead of falling headfirst into closet below, I “somehow” spun around and crashed really HARD in the closet door at bottom of steps. I was stunned and sat for a minute and then the pain hit – may have cracked rib(s) in my back (right side mid way) or severely bruised. I have had a lot of pain, but Ibuprofen has become my best friend. We have 2 of Mark's back braces on board that he has used. This feels good; however, the latest treatment with doctors is not to bind or tape the ribs, so....trying to do without, even though it feels better. Walking feels good, using lots of ice and moving very slowly. To make matters worse, I have laryngitis, sore throat off and on and now going into a nasty cold. Coughing, sneezing, blowing my nose, etc., are major NO NO's.....EXTREMELY painful!

We went to Nippers this pretty day – short little jaunt in the boats and I did fine. We had a few hurting with stomach issues and sweet Brady fell getting into the boat and got a big egg on his forehead. But other than that....we are carrying on. Took 3 car trips to get us all to "The Burner" for dinner. This is such a fun place and most of us had their rib special outdoors with Chris “The Burner” entertaining us – it's his restaurant and what a character!

Thursday – We girls took off in the golf cart to the Abaco Ceramic Shop and shopped for some very nice gifts. Met the guys for lunch at Coco Beach and then had some pictures taken on the beach – water was exceptionally gorgeous today. There was a couple lying on their lounge chairs and I asked the guy if he would take our pictures. He said “Sure”!   Turns out he's a photographer

 from San Francisco!

Our Crew

Barb and Roger

Pat, Mark and NC grandsons

Brooke, Michael and boys

Philip and Annette

Judy and Bob

Most of us were at the pool in the afternoon playing games; but the rain started big time and so we huddled under the shelter of the restaurant (Tipsy Seagull). The waitresses put out the red-white checkered table cloths and another Thursday Night Pizza Party was underway! We had a great time and then back to the condo for a last round of Balderdash. Played lots of Blitz, Balderdash, Euchre, War, etc. all week long.

Friday – Mama is hurting (day 3) – the worst!!!! Said our good-byes to the FL and NC crews as they left in 2 taxis for the airport. Barb, Roger, Mark and I left around 12:30 for Green Turtle Cay Resort (10 miles) where we had stayed 3 nights a few weeks ago when we first arrived in the Abacos. Planning to stay here 2 or 3 nights (winds have picked up, so will wait this out till we have calmer seas for a comfortable and safe crossing.)   We are all so ready for HOME SWEET HOME.

One thing is for sure....old and young alike enjoyed the Abacos – fun for all with island hopping, beach and pool time, lots of game playing, lots of visiting and laughing (that HURTS, too) and eating up a storm! The very-laid back way of the Bahamian life appealed to all.....no one was in a hurry to do anything, but we packed in a lot each and every day. The LaFlorance Bakery provided us with awesome warm, large cinnamon rolls (frequently), breakfast sandwiches and Annette's cake!!

We all took many photos - so lots of memories and here are a few more favorites!

All of us in New Plymouth

Catrina in front of Hope Town Lighthouse

Treasure Cay Pool

Saturday - it's has been sunny, breezy and 74. Mark exercised (something I won't be doing for a while) and we did 4 loads of laundry. While I was in the laundromat, I sneezed and thought my mid section was going to explode, it hurt so bad. I sure tried to stop it....ha! Feeling a little better this afternoon and taking it easy – nice restful day to let the body being the long healing process. It's a double whammy having this dilly of a cold on top of the back issues.

Been talking with Barb and Roger about our plans for leaving here (maybe tomorrow) and possibly crossing to FL on Tuesday? Not too sure and weather seems to change frequently.   Will keep in touch....enjoy your weekend!  

 What a great winter this has been spending quality time with our 3 boys.....now, it's time to return to Anne and her family!   Can't wait to see all of them!

Easter Sunday - 2012

HAPPY EASTER to all and hope you've had a great day!    Having a great time here on Treasure Cay with family fun, great weather after all the rain and of course, the good eating continues.

What a joyous celebration of Easter this morning at St. Mary and St. Andrew Church with such joyful young voices and presided again by Father Roger (the priest in the Abacos).  

After Easter Sunday Mass

 Michael, Brooke, Bob, Drew, Philip, Annette and Roger took the run about boat to Guana Cay and had lunch (pig roast) at Nippers.    It was a happening place with lots of spring breakers enjoying the great day, food and "Nippers"!!!   Mark, Barb, Judy, Brady, Davis and I took the golf cart to the Bahama Beach Club for lunch - delicious!

Off to the beach for part of the afternoon.....been playing lots of games in between beach and pool time either on Catrina or at the condo.

Michael and Roger watching Davis "dig to China"

Sweet Brady waiting for lunch on the beach

Had good phone chats with Ryan, Anne, Liam, Connor and Mark's parents.    Ryan and his commander, Kevin did a flyover at the Angels/Athletics game yesterday in Los Angeles!

Spent a very fun evening at the condo with yummy appetizers and playing Balderdash - fun with Roger and Brooke tied!

Friday - April 6

Well, this has been one WET day.......the morning started out warm, sunny and breezy..   Mark and I exercised and then he picked up the golf cart and took a ride with Barb and Roger.    Skies were really threatening as we were waiting for the vacationers from FL and NC to arrive.    Just minutes after they arrived, the heavens opened up BIG time.    It rained soooo hard with lots of thunder and lightening.    Some of us were thoroughly drenched.    Later...the sun came out and oh what a pretty afternoon.

Sooo good to see everyone.....Drew, Davis and Brady, Michael and Brooke, Philip and Annette, and Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents).   Let the fun begin.....but, Mother Nature had other ideas, as the rain came AGAIN and another major deluge.     Did get the food/beverages transferred from boat to condo in between the downpours via ours and Roger's dinghies.

Had a nice dinner at Spinnaker's and now everyone is ready for a good night's sleep!   

And now....here's our gang....

Roger, Philip, Brooke and Bob

Michael, Drew, Annette and Barb

Pat and Judy

Davis, Grandpa and Brady

Thursday - April 5

Very windy today and stronger winds coming next few days....lots of boats and yachts are coming in off  the rough waters and the marina is a busy place.    We've sure seen some big yachts these past 2 weeks from everywhere and many from Canada.    A beautiful catamaran from Delaware in behind us  82' long and 32' wide!

Yesterday when we arrived back here at Treasure Cay, Will was waiting on the dock and asked if we would like to have our boat washed.   We said "YES" and he said he would be back in the morning.    So, around 8:30 today, Will came and wow....Catrina is sparkling!   He was here almost 4 hours!

Will making Catrina "Shine"!

I did some major cleaning and organizing on Catrina's insides and have Philip and Annette's room ready.   The clan arrives tomorrow....so spiffing up this ole girl!    After lunch, Barb, Roger, Mark and I walked the beach.    It is 3-miles and crescent-shaped (we walked about 1 mile).   Stopped at the Bahama Beach Club for a drink - what a pretty place.

All of the islands we've visited have had a welcoming rooster(s) crowing away, but doesn't seem to be any here at Treasure Cay?

Another new island food we've enjoyed is johnnycake (dense bread that is used as rolls or in

 dishes as a stuffing).

Will told us that The Burner was a good place to eat, so.....Chris Burner who is also a DJ for pizza night (tonight) at the Tipsy Seagull picked us up (he owns the place) and oh my......the decor was so fun and wild....it was about 5 miles away.

Part of "The Burner's" decor

Very good food and cheap!    Our grouper was sooo fresh (caught this afternoon) and only $10.

Mark and I are sooo in need of a Grandma/Grandpa Fix......

Bring on DREW, DAVIS and BRADY!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday - April 4

Fun day and we have now visited all the Cays in the Abacos that we had planned to check out......tonight we are back at Treasure Cay waiting for family to arrive Friday afternoon.

 We exercised and then enjoyed Lola's cinnamon roll (denser and heavier than others, but still good).    Overall, prefer the one made at "Da Bes Bakery" in Marsh Harbor OR Heavenly Biscuit on Fort Myers Beach OR the Madison, Wisconsin Flea Market!!!!    We DO love our cinnamon rolls.....

The 4 of us walked to "Joe's Studio" one more time and Mark and Roger bought t-shirts. 

Joe's Studio - neat shop on Man-O-War

  Then we took off and cruised 8 miles to Guana Cay.    Grabbed a mooring ball in Settlement Bay and dinghied to shore.    Walked to the beach (Atlantic side) - pretty beach and the guys did a little snorkeling, but didn't see too much.   

Mark, Barb and Roger on the Atlantic

Went up the steps to Nipper's, the local well-known establishment and popular for their "Nippers" drink....very strong rum (several kinds), vodka, fruit juices, etc., etc.   Barb and I had a nippers and all enjoyed their lunch (cracked conch for me).

Very fun, colorful Nippers

Great lunch and drinks at Nippers

Stopped at a very cute boutique down the street from Nippers and then dinghied back to boats, pulled up the mooring balls and left for Treasure Cay.    Ten miles and just a delightful trip.

At lunch today we talked about our favorites from this past week.....each Cay has something distinctive and unique that sets it apart from others.    But one thing is for sure.....you can't beat the friendliness, cleanliness (rest rooms are immaculate), great food, weather, and laid-back style of living that we've experienced with the Bahamian culture here in the Abacos!

We walked around the resort and had pizza and drinks at the Tipsy Seagull - beautiful evening to sit by the pool with an almost full moon and oodles of stars!

Tuesday - April 3

Beautiful warm sunny day......Mark and I went for a walk in the morning and we left Marsh Harbor around 11 for Man-O-War about 8 miles or 1/2 hour away in calm, clear waters.     We had heard lots about this little town developed in 1778

Entrance thru narrow channel to harbor 

 There are many boats here and amazed at where they came from - Park City, Utah, Aspen Colorado, Oklahoma City, Vermont, Maine, Houston to name just a few out of the way places not usually seen as a boat's home port from so far away.

Walked to Bradley's for lunch - oh my, locally owned and operated with excellent food.   So many menus show the item "In da Bag" and it's chicken or fish (grouper or conch) served over peas and rice or fries with a special sauce and then baked in aluminum foil bag.    Soooo good!     Peas and rice is on every menu, too, and it's really pigeon beans and rice (very good).     Lots of mac and cheese here baked and cut in square  (haven't tried that yet).

We rented a golf cart and the 4 of us set out to see the town.    Some sights along the way...

Lola who comes around in her golf cart with her fresh-baked goods (out of her kitchen) and especially known for her cinnamon rolls.    We got the last two and they are flat like a pizza (will try tomorrow) and then a loaf of her warm homemade bread.    She was delightful and we later met her husband, Martin at their home where he gave us samples of his homemade tomato jelly.

Big sea turtle

The Albury family have been in Man-O-Key forever and have a large boat building business, canvas shop and their family name is seen here and there.   We went to the canvas shop and oh my....I was in 7th heaven with beautiful canvas purses, tote bags, luggage, wallets, hats, etc.    4 women were sewing away.   Hard to make a decision and hope to come back here when Annette, Brooke and Judy are with me next week.

Ladies sewing bags at the Albury Canvas Shop

Gasoline being delivered by truck sitting on a barge - coming into the dock

Man-O-War cemetery in the sand with lots of flowers

Road leading to the Atlantic?

We also saw the baseball diamond right beside the ocean.    Barb and I shopped (a few nice gift stores) and then we all enjoyed the pool.   Mark had ice cream and then happy hour on Catrina.   No alcohol is sold on this island.     Sooo many pretty flowers and as everywhere we go, the local folks are

 oh-so-friendly!     The Dock and Dine is a happening place here at the marina  (this place and Bradley's are the only 2 restaurants on Man-O-War).  We stopped in for some "chocolate cookies and creme collision cake" and Roger had a burger.   All very good!