Thursday - February 28

Hello from the "red-eyed" crew of Catrina settled at the Yacht Basin Marina in downtown Fort Myers.   It was cool and cloudy when we left FMB around 8 this morning......what a nice surprise as we were pulling away from the dock to see "Gatlin" arrive to take away their sound equipment from yesterday.    We chatted briefly - told them how much we enjoyed them!!!   And we'll sure miss their incredible talent!!!

Darryl and Andrea waving good-bye...

Beautiful Parrot Key

Big Game

 

We cruised 22 miles to downtown Fort Myers and shortly after arriving, the sun came out and became quite breezy.   We walked to First Street (historic district and full of many outdoor cafes/restaurants and cute shops).     It is a very nice downtown and they've done a superb job with renovating the old buildings.    For a big city, this is a gem!!!

Near the marina

 

We met friends from back home (I'm in Exchange Club with Howard) at Ford's Garage for delicious lunch.    Mark and my brothers were here about 10 days ago.....food was awesome and so pleasant sitting in the warm sunshine.    Great to catch up....

 

Linda, Howard and Mark

 

After lunch, we walked to the marina and sat on Catrina's bridge - a helicopter was constantly flying 'round and 'round the downtown area, marina, over the water, etc. - turns out there was a bank robbery and the hunt was on for the thief!!!   He has been identified, but not captured!

 

Howard and Linda

 

After our guests left, I went shopping and Mark went to Publix.   

 

We walked downtown and had a wonderful dinner at The Morgan House.     When we were here 3 years ago with Philip and Annette (Catrina's first winter in FL), we ate here but it was a different location (actually where Ford's Garage is now).     I had the "Turf Ate Surf" which was steak wrapped around a shrimp (2 pieces of this) - absolutely deeevine!!!!

 

So if you're coming to Fort Myers, do check out Ford's Garage and/or The Morgan House!!!

 

Leaving Fort Myers a few lbs heavier that's for sure...

Onto Clewiston tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - February 27

Well, our eye saga continues......Mark woke up with a red eye - broken blood vessel (same eye as the floater)!   WHAT IS GOING ON????    We exercised, had breakfast and then went to Doc Ford's at 11:00 to meet the Mid Illini boating friends (8 couples) for a great lunch and fun visit.    Some of these folks retired to FL and some are visiting......so good to catch up with everyone.

 

Marcia, Linda, Viv, Barb, Jeanne, Pat, Paula, Kathy

 

Roger, Paul, Cy, Fred, Mark, Mike, Gerry, Glen

 

After lunch we came back to Big Game and it was Ohio Day, so a very happening place with lots and lots of people dressed in their red and white for Ohio State.   Wow....Gatlin played from 1-5 and enjoyed them one last time!    Sooo entertaining, lots of folks dancing and just everyone having fun!!!

 

Darryl and Andrea

"Gatlin"

 

Wow....we have enjoyed them sooo much!!!

 

We are getting our stuff together (bikes tied down, etc) and plan to leave FMB in the morning heading to downtown Fort Myers.    Taking lots of memories from our month here - hanging out with friends, family visit from my brothers/sisters-in-law, eating, shopping, the fabulous weather and great entertainment by Gatlin and Frank Turino.

Tuesday - February 26

Whew.....very windy, stormy conditions today.....we went to 8:00 Mass at St. Columbkille and then to the Sweet Bean Coffee Cafe for delicious breakfast.    Mark had an omelet, hash browns and grilled cinnamon bread.   I had a warm apple/caramel muffin and toffee coffee (their house specialty). oh my....calories, calories.   

Toffee Coffee

A "winner"

 

Mark took me to get a haircut and he ran a few errands and then we got a some groceries at Publix.    Back to Catrina.....I went to the island and met Kathy and Claire and we had a wonderful lunch at Bayfront Bistro - our last hurrah on Fort Myers Beach.    Kathy and I will be leaving Thursday - Claire is here another month.    

Kathy, Claire, Pat

 

Back to the boat and here was this little guy posing on Catrina's dock line.

Mr. Ibis (I think)?   Not too good with my birds

 

Very thankful our friend, Sue was discharged from the hospital this afternoon and home recovering from the flu.   Tonight a bunch of us from back home were to be at Sue and Jerry's new home for their annual "Margarita Party"      There's always next year....

 

The rain came around 5:00, but didn't last long.   We've been enjoying the wintry pictures sent from back home - beautiful snowfall!!!

Monday - February 25

We had quite a day......keeping in close touch with Brenda as to how Sue was doing at the Naples hospital.    She had more tests today and since there are no results yet, is spending another night there.

 

We exercised, had breakfast, did laundry and while Mark ran errands, I got a manicure.    We both had eye appointments this afternoon...............when Dr. saw my eye, she said "Whooaaa...you have a significant bleed".  And probably another blood vessel had burst since she saw me last Tuesday.    Nothing to be done and not to worry, but this will take another 14 days to clear up - ugh!!!!!    She then checked Mark's floater and it's a biggie - in right eye whereas the one from a year ago (when we went to Miami) was in his left eye.   The one in left eye is out of Mark's vision, but could appear at any time.    Fortunately, neither are near the retina, but she explained if he should have any severe flashes of lightning or a blurry film appears, to get to a doctor ASAP.....signs of a detached retina.

 

Mark's Mom is having her surgery on March 12th.   Wondering about Karen and how her first radiation treatment went today?

 

Going to 8:00 Mass tomorrow...so many to pray for!

 

             

Sunday - February 24

Busy day starting with driving to Ave Maria, FL (a community 25 miles east of Naples that was developed in 2007).   The central part of town is the huge Ave Maria Church surrounded by office buildings, shops, restaurants (still many to be filled).   The Ave Maria University is nearby - dorms, classrooms, athletic complex, etc.    And then all the housing.....we were there 3 years ago and really impressed.    Nice to see that despite the economy, there has been growth.    We went to 10:00 Mass and walked around the square.   

 

Met Barb and Roger at Coconut Jacks for delicious lunch on the water and then to their condo in Bonita Springs for dominoes (I won)!!!    Just as we were leaving, got a text from Brenda that Sue was in Naples Community Hospital ER......what a shock......They were shopping there today and Sue was not feeling well and fainted.     Long story short, she was admitted for overnight observation and final tests show she has the flu.     Since we were only 12 miles away, we drove to hospital.    Visited Sue for a bit, along with Jerry, Pat and Brenda (so glad they happened to be here at this time and staying with Sue and Jerry).

 

A real bummer for Sue as today is her birthday....but thankful it's not more serious and pray she will be good-to-go very soon!

Saturday - February 23

Hot, sunny and breezy.......after exercising and breakfast, we hopped on the bikes and rode to the bridge (Mantanzas), walked the bikes across the bridge and then rode to Publix for quick stop and onto Santini Plaza.    Stopped and had refreshing iced coffees at Truly Scrumptious and back on the bikes.    Yummy lunch at Heavenly Biscuit (fried chicken breast with fresh tomato on their heavenly biscuits) oh my!!!    On back to Catrina.....14 miles round trip!!!!   Yeah.....

Met a nice man on our dock this morning from Manitowoc, WI who is vacationing on his boat with his wife, till a few weeks ago when she was hit by a car (lady pulled out of driveway talking on cell phone).   The poor lady was on her bike and has badly fractured knee and will be in rehab for 8-10 weeks.    They should be having fun in Key West now.....boy, brings back so many memories from almost 3 years ago.    We are all thankful our accidents weren't any worse.....just a long recovery for this lady even after she returns home.

So appreciate all the nice birthday wishes - phone calls, texts, e-mails, cards, etc.    It was a wonderful, memorable 65th!!!!

Monday will be here soon and so thinking of and praying for Mark's Mom who returns to Iowa City for another doctor visit before we find out when her surgery for melanoma will be.     And....my cousin, Karen starts her 5-days a week for 6 weeks of radiation for her glioblastoma.

 

Pat, Brenda, Sue and Jerry came aboard Catrina - really windy, so did not go out for a ride.    Sat and visited up on the bridge with drinks and snacks.     And then enjoyed dinner at Parrot Key and the music of Frank Turino.    At 8:20, we walked to Big Game and had drinks and were entertained by Gatlin.    VERY FUN afternoon/evening!

 

Sue and Brenda

The girls and their fou fou drinks

Jerry, Pat, Mark

Jerry and Sue doing some fancy dance moves

Friday - February 22

Beautiful day......and our very enjoyable getaway is over and time to head back to FMB.    We left our anchorage around 7:30 and had a nice ride back.     After lunch, we grabbed the bucket, soap, brush and hose and cleaned and rinsed all the salt off Catrina.    Ran a few errands and Mark got a haircut - traffic wasn't too bad!

 

Lots of baby girl thoughts whirling around my head!     And my niece is due with her baby girl one month from today and then Annette and Philip will be welcoming their baby boy in April!!!  Babies, babies, bring on the babies!!!

We had a fun evening with friends, Roger and Carol who drove down from Punta Gorda.    We had drinks and snacks on Catrina and then went to Big Game for pizza and had planned to listen to Gatlin, but.............they were off at a private function tonight!    BUMMER!!!!!    I was so disappointed as I wanted them to enjoy Darryl and Andrea.    But we had a good time catching up.

After the pizza, we walked to Parrot Key and had delicious desserts and listened to Taylor Stokes, but not our kind of music!    Stopped at the gift shop and Carol bought a pretty Florida necklace.

Roger and Carol

Thursday - February 21

Hello from beautiful Cayo Costa......another relaxing day with beautiful weather and just hanging' out away from all the hustle and bustle of Fort Myers Beach!      We exercised, had breakfast and then Mark donned his scuba gear and cleaned some of Catrina's bottom!    I packed a picnic lunch and we took the dinghy to shore for a hike to the beach (1 mile) - sooo pretty there with all the miles and miles of white sand.    Since this island is only accessible by boat, there are ferries that drop folks off for the day - quite a few carrying all their beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc.

 

Entrance to park after docking the dinghy

Pretty beach at Cayo Costa

Mark on the beach

 

Had our lunch and then took the tram back to the dock, went for a dinghy ride back to the lagoon where we "hoped" to see the manatees - no luck again today, but so "quiet and peaceful" there!

 

Mark grilled out brats and just enjoying this pretty evening....

 

Anchored on Pelican Bay

Wednesday - February 20

I had theee most wonderful birthday....and received theee most awesome gift ......the news that Michael and Brooke are having a baby girl.   Our first granddaughter is coming in July!!!   Drew, Davis and Brady will be such awesome "Big Brothers"!!!   This Grandma is just "so anxious" to get back shopping!!!   HA.....

 

Our day started off going to 8:00 Mass and then the "PINK" news and enjoyed a leisurely trip to Cayo Costa State Park which has a large anchorage - it is north of Captiva and Sanibel and has an address of Boca Grande.     This beautiful park has 9 miles of pristine beaches and acres of pine forests.    Tomorrow we plan to check it out and walk the many trails.

 

We took a dinghy ride and went into the lagoon where many manatees reside, but didn't see any.    Although there are several boats anchored here, we are far apart and just settled in the most peaceful, serene setting....

 

We had fresh shrimp, steaks, spinach salad, wine and chocolate covered strawberries....what a feast!

Many are celebrating today - February 20th....Happy Birthday to my brother, Bob, cousins, Dave, Michelle and Frances, and friends Kay, Fred, Shelly and Sally.

 

My eye is still very red, but doesn't hurt and vision is fine....will take awhile.   Dr. said it could get worse before better but to call if not improved by Friday!

 

I talked to our kids and the grandsons today......so fun!    This "BIG" birthday is certainly one for the memory books!!!!    We are going to totally enjoy this "time away from it all"; however, when we return to civilization, .....time to shop "PINK"!!!!!!!

Tuesday - February 19

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PATRICK  

Our favorite son-in-law!!!

 

Fun day here in southwest FL.............again all about shopping and eating.    But first things first.....woke up with a nasty looking eye (a broken blood vessel?)    First time that's ever happened.  Met Ron, Vicki, Bob and Linda for breakfast at The Heavenly Biscuit (and it WAS heavenly) and then Mark and I took off for the eye doctor (was able to get in to a recommended ophthalmologist by the FMB Medical Group.    Dr. checked me out and confirmed what it was and should gradually heal, but in the meantime, no restrictions!   She said I was the 3rd person to come in over past 2 days with this same problem!   Sure can't figure out how this happened?   Doesn't look very pretty, ha!

 

Okay, so Mark and I caught up with the shoppers after the doctor visit and we girls were on our way and the guys just hung out doing their thing.    No one can say we gals didn't do OUR part to boost the economy down here!    Three big days of shopping and eating.....whew.....tummy and wallet need a rest!!!     We all met at The Turtle Club in Naples for another wonderful lunch, took some pics by the beach, said our good byes and they were on their way.   We had a very fun 3 days!

Pat with her big brothers

All of us were born in February

Ron - February 1st

Bob and I - February 20th

 

The Turtle Club

Vicki, Ron, Linda, Bob, Mark, Pat

Mark and I went to back to Catrina for a bit, sorted thru our mail which came today, and then to Publix for some groceries and treats for our little trip we're taking tomorrow.....it's my birthday and we are off to Cayo Costa to anchor out for 2 nights and enjoy this beautiful park (only accessible by boat) and what is supposed to be "the best anchorage in all of Florida".  

Monday - February 18

Busy fun day.......Mark and I drove over the bridge to the beach and dropped in on my brothers and the gals.    We ladies took off for a big day of shopping on Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and Naples (along 41).    Lunch at Flipper's was very good.     Went to the Tanger Outlet Mall on the way to Sanibel and then met the guys for delicious dinner at The Prawnbroker.

 

The guys went downtown Fort Myers and checked out the marinas, etc.    They ate lunch at Ford's and then had a quiet afternoon of napping and reading.

Vicki, Ron, Mark, Pat, Linda, Bob

at The Prawnbroker

Sunday - February 17

Beautiful clear blue skies, but windy and chilly - only in the 50's.    Mark and I went to 9:00 Mass at Church of the Resurrection and back to the boat for breakfast.    We did face time with his Mom and sister, Karen.     Met my brothers and sisters-in-law at First Watch (they had done the Fort Myers Flea Market earlier).    After a yummy lunch, we gals took off shopping and the guys did their thing  (a bit of shopping, few errands and then to the boat for naps!)

 

Had a fun entertaining evening at Parrot Key - good dinner and enjoyed Gatlin!   Put on a terrific show again tonight!    Here's to a great week for all...

Saturday - February 16

It's been a big day hanging out with friends at 2 fun events.    Kathy and Paul picked us up at 11 and we were off to Punta Gorda for the State Farm retiree luncheon at the Elks.    Always a good time to see old ("long-time") friends and catch up over a good lunch.     The crowd was much smaller than usual this year.    After this social time and lunch, we went to the Wyvern and met 3 couples who are long-time boating friends.    Had drinks inside the lounge (rooftop patio was closed cause of the chilly, very windy day).    So good to be with these folks.    Then to the River City Grille in downtown Punta Gorda for delicious dinner followed by dessert and coffee at Carol and Roger's condo.     Great day with lots of good food and friendship!

 

Left side:   Pat, Carol, Kathy, Marcia, Vivian

Right side:  Mike, Cy, Paul, Roger, Mark

 

 

Friday - February 15

Cool, dreary and misty rain this morning which put the kibosh on our plans to walk across the bridge to the Farmer's Market.    So, we got in the truck and drove over for sticky buns..delish and we thank Claire for this recommendation.   Came back to Catrina, warmed one of them in the microwave and enjoyed with coffee and hot tea.    Another one for tomorrow....

 

Then we went to 9:30 Mass at Church of the Resurrection and ran a few errands.

 

Rest of the day was spent just leisurely hanging out on Catrina reading!    We went to Big Game to share an order of beach bread and shrimp platter.  

 And now....enjoying the great entertainment of Gatlin!

Valentine's Day - 2013

Happy Valentine's Day 

 hope you've had a LOVE-ly day!!!!

 

It's been a very wet day here in southwest FL and looks like all over the state.    After a few showers off and on this morning, it's been coming fast and furious most of the afternoon.   But these Floridians need the rain badly and this is one of those "million dollar rains" so......can't beat a good ole rainy day on Catrina!

 

We exercised, got our guest bedroom organized (holds all our stuff) and Mark worked on stack of papers.    Had a light lunch at Big Game and a nice leisurely day!

Met Steve and Connie, Jerry and Sue at Doc Ford's for dinner (sorry Harry and Sharon weren' able to make it - such heavy rain and traffic).    There are 2 "Doc Ford" restaurants (one on Fort Myers Beach and the other on Sanibel).    Well, when we got to the restaurant, they said our reservation was for Sanibel!   "WHAT"??????     Fortunately, they were able to seat us on their covered patio with heaters!    Not good to make a reservation for Valentine's Day at the wrong restaurant
(that would be me)!!!   

Jerry, Steve, Connie, Mark, Pat, Sue

 

Dinner was wonderful and then...

 

Mark and I shared this heart-shaped sugar cookie, with ice cream,

 fresh strawberries and blueberries!    YUMMY!

 

We all went to Steve and Connie's for a game of Farkle and coffee - very fun evening!

Sue was the "Farkle Queen"

Wednesday - February 13

Woke up to fog here on Fort Myers Beach...Catrina and everything was dripping!!!    Mark and I left at 7:50 for Sunny Isles (between Fort Lauderdale and Miami) to visit my cousins Karen and Barb.   We had late breakfast at Giorgio's on the water (a favorite when we were visiting Philip and Annette as this is close to where they used to live).    And then onto see my cousins.  What a long, scary month they've been through with Karen's diagnosis of glioblastoma (GBM) and Barb (from CO) with her throughout!   We had such a good visit catching up and Karen explaining all that transpired this past month   She has such an upbeat attitude and we assured her of many prayers out there to see her through this.....she will start radiation on February 25th (5 days a week for 6 weeks).    Planning to visit in early March when we return to the east coast with Catrina.

 

Barb, Pat, Karen

 

We took Barb to the airport to return home to CO.....we think the last time we saw Barb was in 1983 at our Grandma's funeral.

 

Back to Fort Myers in time to go to 5:30 Mass at Church of the Resurrection for Ash Wednesday.

 

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Tuesday - February 12

Sunny, "warm" greetings from FMB......Mark and I exercised and then ran some errands and got caught coming back in all the traffic going to the beach!     After lunch we did 4 loads of laundry.

It's "Michigan Day" today at Big Game..lots of people and music.

 

Jerry and Sue came and we went to Fresh Catch on the beach for thee most awesome dinner.    Sitting outside by the beach watching the sunset - 0h my.....food was excellent and then incredible desserts!

 

Cranberry/toasted pecan grouper with fruit salsa

 

Triple chocolate cake which Sue and I shared

 

Here we are on the beach at Fresh Catch

Spectacular sunset

 

After dinner we came back to Parrot Key and enjoyed our favorite duo (Gatlin and Andrea) sing their hearts out!     Very fun evening!!!!

Monday - February 11

 

Fun day shopping with friends....Sue picked me up and we then went to the beach to get Kathy and Claire.    We hit several shops and had a nice lunch overlooking the Back Bay at Flipper's.

 

Kathy, Claire, Pat, Sue

 

Mark ran some errands and crossed off some jobs on his Catrina list.   Nice relaxing evening!

Wednesday-Sunday, February 6-10

I'm back again after 5 days of traveling, visiting, eating, shopping and big-time FUN!  

  Here's a brief recap....

 

Wednesday....exercised and then off at 8 AM for Venice where we met friends Carol, Bob, Barbara and Mark.   We all boated together and were on the same dock in Racine for many years.    Enjoyed a boat ride on Bob and Carol's deck boat around the intracoastal and then delicious lunch at

The Crow's Nest. 

 

Mark and Barbara

Bob and Carol

 

   Nice surprise to see 2 couples from back home there also having lunch.  Mark and I left then for Lakeland and 2 days of fun with my brothers and wives starting with great dinner at Harry's.

 

Thursday - The 6 of us took off to Tarpon Springs for a fun day of shopping, eating great Greek food at Hella's and then bringing back awesome delectable treats for later.     Had appetizers and our desserts and then a good night's rest.

 

Friday - After breakfast, we gals took off for the Lakeland mall - found the most beautiful baby shop (Baby Avenue).....met the guys at Crisper's for lunch and then Mark and I said our good-byes and we headed back to Fort Myers Beach. 

 

Bob, Linda, Vicki, Ron, Pat

 

  We were home about 1.5 hours and then off to pick up Paul and Kathy and onto Naples where we met Barb and Roger for wonderful dinner at Tommy Bahamas.    Downtown Naples at night is a beautiful sight with all the tiny lights on the palm trees and sitting outdoors on this spectacular evening made it extra special.

 

Mark, Kathy, Paul, Roger, Barb, Pat

 

Saturday - Got some things done around Catrina in the morning and then Paul, Kathy, Mike, Claire and Paul and Margie arrived for a Catrina outing on the Back Bay - another gorgeous day.     Later we had some treats - Margie and Paul left as she wasn't feeling well!   

 

Paul, Margie, Pat, Mark

 

 Rest of us went to Parrot Key for dinner and listened to Frank Turino for 1 hour and then to Big Game to hear Gatlin - boy, talk about entertaining.....Darryl Gatlin and Andrea.   Big crowd and everyone having so much fun!

 

Paul, Mark, Mike, Claire, Pat, Kathy

 

Sunday - Patrick did face time with us watching Liam as goalie at the Coliseum....how neat was that - gotta love this technology    Liam had just 7 goals scored against him!!!   Left the boat at 8:30 and had delicious breakfast at Skillets (thanks for this great tip, Allie) and then to 11:00 mass at St. Ann in Naples.    I shopped 3rd Street and 5th Avenue....Mark went to the City Docks for ice cream and saw Sharon and Harry from back home!!!    Surprise.....and then I saw them on the street browsing the shops.   LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Naples!!!

 

We are back on Catrina and feels good - ready for a relaxing evening before I'm off again tomorrow with Sue, Claire and Kathy!

 

Despite all this fun...was a real downer week hearing about FIVE new cancer diagnoses.    It all started Wednesday when we heard that Mark's Mom has melanoma.....whew....major shock.   Then 4 more (all men) we know from home who have this dreadful disease.    Lots of prayers ongoing.    Mark's Mom has already been to the University of Iowa for first consultation and hopes to hear soon when her surgery is scheduled.

This afternoon we talked to Philip and Ryan and then tonight we did face time with Michael, Brooke and boys and then a long phone chat with Anne.

 

Have a great week!!!

Tuesday - February 5

Getting warmer each day down here in sunny FL and today was a beauty with a high of 79.    Mark ran a bunch of errands this morning, I did some computer stuff and after lunch, we went on a long bike ride.    Found a really nice RV park not too far away that is a good possibility for next year?

 

Got our mail today....writing thank you notes this afternoon and listening to the live music coming from Big Game.

 

Joe and Bonnie came over at 5:30 - sat on Catrina's bridge and visited and then to Parrot Key for dinner and listen to and thoroughly enjoy "Gatlin" - they are oh-so-entertaining.    Darryl and Andrea can sing it all and ended their show with that beautiful song from Phantom of the Opera

"All I Ask of You"

 

 

Andrea and Darryl

 

Joe and Bonnie

 

We are going on a little jaunt out of town tomorrow - first to Venice to visit friends (2 couples) that we knew from E-12 in Racine for many years and then to Lakeland to spend 2 days with my brothers and the girls!    We'll be back Friday....

Monday - February 4

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIAM........

8 years old today!!!!!    And he's excited that now he no longer has to use a booster seat in the car!    Now, that's a BIG boy!!!

Happy Birthday, Sweetie

Leaning against the BIG bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum last summer!

I celebrated my birthday today, too....a tad early with Kathy and Claire.   We shopped and had a delicious lunch at Bistro 41.    Gorgeous day to be out with friends and had so much FUN!!!!

Kathy, Pat and Claire

shopping at Talbot's

 

So happy to hear that my cousin, Karen is doing much better.    She returned from CA to FL but had a big setback and was back in ICU.    She is home now and waiting to start treatment.

 

Barb and Roger stopped by with their computer which stopped working.   Mark was able to get it up and going again.   We all went to Big Game for a late supper!

 

 

Sunday - February 3

Fun weekend starting with Saturday morning exercise routine and then bike ride scouting out RV parks for next winter.Then we got in truck and checked some more out a bit further away, stop at Publix and on back to boat.    Friends (Paul, Kathy, Barb, Roger, Carol and Roger) came onboard for drinks, snacks and then we all walked to Parrot Key for delicious Caribbean dinner followed by 3 hours of entertainment by Frank Turino!!!   Great to be together and visit, sing along with Frank and dance!

 

Went to First Watch for breakfast (my cranberry nut pancake was so yummy) and then to 10:30 Mass at Resurrection of Our Lord.    Back to Catrina for a nap, reading and computer stuff.

 

We did Face Time with Liam and family this afternoon and watched him open his birthday gifts - tomorrow is the big day - EIGHT years old!    My oh my....growing up much too fast!

Liam and his new hockey gear

 

This Salty Sam Marina is such a bustling place - while they've always had pontoon and fishing boat rentals and the big "Pieces of Eight" pirate ship for cruising, they've added so much more with catamarans and other sightseeing/sunset cruises, a large houseboat for excursions, the Indian Princess and a fun, funky little yellow boat to rent!   The Fort Myers Beach tourists sure do take advantage of all these fun modes of transportation on the water.

 

Went for a nippy bike ride and met Joe and Bonnie on their bikes from Michigan along the way.    They are in the Ebb Tide RV Park across from Salty Sam's and so good to see them.   Mark first met them a few years ago in Charleston, SC (I was shopping).  Unfortunately, while we were standing along the road visiting, a bicyclist was hit and injured with rescue vehicles coming to help.   Boy, that sent shivers and deja'vu from almost 3 years ago.    We've heard there have been several pedestrians hit here in FMB this winter.....everyone in too much of a hurry and not paying attention - very scary!

 

Made a plan to meet Tuesday night with Bonnie and Joe for dinner and enjoy Gatlin!

 

We ordered a pizza from Big Game and brought to Catrina to watch the "big game"!

 

 

Friday - February 1

Had a good day on FMB.....chilly start, but nice warm-up with those clear blue skies and gentle breeze.    We took our rental car back to Enterprise, Mark got a haircut, I got a manicure/pedicure and shopped at The Sandy Butler (gourmet food shop/restaurant)!

 

Nice surprise this afternoon to have Jane, Joe, and nephew, Jared stop by for a visit.    Jane and Joe left Marathon this morning and stopped to see Jared who lives in FMB.     Soooo good to see them and meet Jared.   

 

Joe, Jane and Jared 

Joe was too much in the shade...sorry!
 

Mark and I did 3 loads of laundry.....and later this afternoon went to Parrot Key for drinks and seafood nachos - yummy.    Now enjoying Darryl Gatlin and his fiancee' Andrea (related to the Gatlin Brothers) who are entertaining here at Big Game!