Friday - January 31

Absolutely spectacular day for our last hurrah in Marathon......will be sad to leave this beautiful bit of Paradise, but taking lots of happy memories    And more friends and fun await in Fort Myers!!!

 

More rain overnight and radar looked like we could get some today, but all went north and just beautiful all day long.    After exercising, we had breakfast and then enjoyed our last bike ride on the bridge with Graham and Mary Catherine (fellow RVers) from Greensboro, NC.    From the bridge we rode to Burdine's for delicious lunch and visit!   

Mary Catherine and Graham

 

Spent the afternoon in the pool with several "new" boating friends I've met this month....lots of fun and laughs.   I will miss our afternoon "hen" party!!!

 

We are the PDQ gals (all of us own PDQ power cats)

Charlotte, Pat, Beth

Jane, Mary Ann, Charlotte, Pat, Beth, Mary

 

Walked the docks at the marina one more time....chatted with another PDQ owner (Henry)  who we met several years ago and had some leftovers (pizza and shrimp Reuben) for supper.

 

Luke is on the move.....crawling all over the place!

Cool dude out for a stroll

 

So tomorrow we drive Miss Daisy pulling Toad to Fort Myers for the next 2 months.     We love Marathon and the slower-pace, easy lifestyle.     From Jane and Joe to Allie and Owen, Ron, Vicki, Bob and Linda and then Luke with his Mommy and Daddy, and the new boating and RV friends, it was a very enjoyable January.   And again, so very grateful to be out of the brutal cold, snow and ice back home!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday - January 30

Rainy, cool day in Marathon......met Jane and Joe for breakfast at our new favorite morning spot to eat - Sunset Grille!    Jane and I shared the Bananas Foster (Philip had this on Sunday) - WONDERFUL!!!

 

Mark and I ran a few errands - I  enjoyed one more shopping fix at "Marooned in Marathon".    Did a load of laundry and read and finished my book - "No Angel" by Penny Vincenzi - EXCELLENT!!!

 

Happy, happy news that Marty (neighbor and friend) came thru his triple bypass surgery well today!    He'll be in the hospital 3-5 days, but so thankful this part is over!!!

 

Jane and Joe came over in the afternoon with a few things from their fridge/freezer as they are cleaning out, packing up and heading towards home tomorrow.  

 SAD  smiley face here!!!

 

Misty rain coming down so we sat under the tiki tent and played 5 games of euchre with the guys winning 3.    Sure will miss them....soooo very much fun this month with laughs, laughs and more laughs!     Wishing them safe travels till we're together again in a few months!

 

Janie and Joe outside our "euchre" house

 

J and J were to take a bi-plane ride today over Marathon....but canceled due to the rain!   Bummer!!!

We had planned to be on "Old Seven" with our bikes and wave to them!

 

Our friends, Paul and Kathy were to fly into Fort Myers today - flight was canceled cause of the mess in Atlanta.    Then it was rescheduled for tomorrow and that has now been canceled.    HOPING for Saturday.....but more snow and ice coming!    Just crazy, crazy!!!!!

 

Happy Luke who is getting 2 new teeth!

 

And wanted to share this YouTube video which a friend sent!  Sooo impressive!

 WOW - WOW- and more WOW!!!

 

At Arrowhead Stadium....As you know the budget cuts have eliminated the military flyovers at large events.  Well, there's a group of guys in Kansas City who do some formation flying in their own planes and that decided they'd volunteer to pick up the slack.  They invited a couple of other groups to join them and before they knew it they had 48 guys signing up to join in.  If they had more time, they probably would have gotten an even larger group as people kept joining and a 49th was added near the event.  One additional feature of the flyover was the use of pink smoke for cancer awareness.  The folks from the Guinness Book were there and are expected to confirm it as the largest formation flight ever.      http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=VImNBuJW3sQ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - January 29

We had 1 1/4" of rain overnight - just poured at times and water standing everywhere today!    Since everything was very wet and steamy this morning, we went to the fitness center to exercise.    Had breakfast and Joe and Jane picked us up at 10:45 and we were off to Big Pine Key (south).    We had lunch at the No Name Pub near No Name Key and it was quite an experience.   Mark, J and J had been there, but my first time.   This small place out in the middle of nowhere is full of one-dollar bills stapled to the walls and ceiling - latest count, says between 50-60,000 !!!!!  

 

Outside the No Name Pub

Dollar bills are everywhere

The bar at No Name Pub with more $$$

 

We had a delicious lunch of nachos and their specialty pizza - all excellent along with my sangria.    FUN place.    We drove around No Name Key, stopped at the Wildlife Refuge, but no alligators out today.   We did see a big bird called an Anhinga.   And saw one of the little key deer.    Just before we were ready to cross the 7-mile bridge on our way back to Marathon, traffic was slowing down and a police car went flying by.     Luckily Joe realized we were going to be sitting a while, so pulled off at Veterans Memorial Park - thee last stop before entering the bridge.    We sat by the beach for almost an hour with traffic backed up 5 miles.    It was a 3-vehicle accident (1 pick-up and 2 cars). 

 

Pat and Jane sitting at the park waiting - we each brought back leftover pizza so debated about setting up a stand OR going car to car.   Nah....just kidding.    Planning to enjoy the leftovers tonight. 

 

Blair is enjoying her new "Big Girl" bathtub

 

Watched the sunset (darn clouds got in the way) and then did face time with Luke and Annette.

 

 

 

 

Tuesday - January 28

Gorgeous day......but sure thinking of folks all around the country who are going thru such dangerous winter weather.....even Pensacola and the Panhandle have shut down the schools for 2 days cause of ice and cold; also Jacksonville, FL where they have an advisory for the cold stuff coming in the next 24 hours!    Pinching ourselves and so thankful to be down here!

 

We exercised, rode our bikes heading north and on down to Sombrero Boulevard and our ole stomping grounds where we had Catrina the past two years.    Enjoyed the ride past the marina and around the golf course.    Got a few things at Publix and Home Depot and on home.

 

Had our delicious fish leftovers for lunch from last night!

 

Nice afternoon at the pool visiting with several ladies I had met before and some new gals - most were here on their boats (2 on PDQ's like Catrina) and our neighbor here in the RV park.    Joe and Jane came and we played several games of euchre with the guys winning 3 out of 5.    Walked around the marina and then watched the sunset and darn.....no green flash again!!!!!    Still waiting for my first time!

 

Waiting for sunset.....

 

Ryan is in El Centro, CA (desert) for the Blue Angels winter training!

 

Luke and his buddy, Scout

 

 

 

Monday - January 27

So unbelievable what the folks back home are dealing with - yet another round of brutal COLD!    No school today or tomorrow which makes 6 snow days and it's still January!  Anne, Patrick and boys are coming to Fort Myers/Lake Worth for Spring Break, but that's still 7 1/2 weeks away!!!!!    Wish so much our family and friends could be here in Marathon to savor and enjoy these beautiful, warm, sunny days which we are to have all week long!

 

We exercised and then rode our bikes to the bridge.    Mark had a flat tire, so.....walked the last mile home.    Took his bike to the shop and $23 later, he's good to go!    Guy thought a staple was in tire?

 

I gathered the laundry after lunch - ran a few errands and then to Jane and Joe's - did 2 loads and we 3 played 3-handed euchre with Joe winning 2 and Jane, 1 game.  

  Mark had some maintenance to do on Daisy, 

I came home, picked up Mark, stopped at Publix and then to Jane and Joe's and enjoyed a bountiful feast with their neighbors, Paula and Denzil from near St. Louis.    Denzil fishes every day, Paula loves to cook and they often share with Jane and Joe.    Tonight Mark and I were the lucky ones to enjoy this very fresh fish caught today along with other goodies, wine and just a great evening with these fun folks!

The fisherman (Denzil) and chef (Paula)

The perfect host (Joe) and hostess (Jane)

 

Our fresh fish feast

 

Enjoying a good visit and lots of laughs

 

And last but not least.....Luke and Mommy were out strolling this morning....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - January 26

Today was about as perfect as you can get - weather wise!!!    Warm, sunny and gentle breeze.    Luke slept 11 hours and after he had his breakfast, his Mommy and Daddy came and loaded up all his stuff (including his little "bed wall").    Luke is welcome to stay on Daisy ANYTIME!!!

He is definitely a "man on the move" - crawling around and as we told Philip and Annette.....nothing will ever be the same!!!    HA!

Daddy and his boy

 

Luke loves for Mommy to read him books

 

Grandpa and Luke bonding

 

The "Birthday Girl" with Joe and Luke

One more picture before saying "good-bye"

  

We all went to The Sunset Grille (love this place for dinner but 1st time for breakfast and it was a WINNER) and met Jane and Joe - today, is Janie's birthday!!!!  
 What a glorious day and place to be on her special day!!!

 

Took some pictures and then said our goodbyes.    Mark and I went to 11:00 Mass and enjoying a low-key day.    

Rode our bikes to the bridge late this afternoon - felt good!    Tomorrow, it's back to our lifting weights and daily riding.    We've so enjoyed all our family and friends visiting the past 10 days!    Only 5 more days in Marathon before we move onto Fort Myers next Saturday!   Had a long chat with Anne today and did face time with the NC bunch!   

Looking forward to a few more times out to eat, games and cards with Jane and Joe!

Here's a few more pics....
1st from North Carolina

 

Davis feeding Blair her oatmeal this Sunday morning 

 

Luke with Grandma and Grandpa on the Old Seven Bridge on Saturday

 

Off to lunch at The Stuffed Pig yesterday

 

OMG,,,,I'm in the Florida Keys and have to wear this silly hat cause it's cold out!

HELP!!!

 

 

Saturday - January 25

Luke spent the night with us and had a great night sleeping 10- hours and waking up his usual happy self!     We had breakfast, a bath in Daisy's shower and then Mommy and Daddy came.     We walked 1 mile on the Old 7 Mile Bridge on this beautiful day,    Then to The Stuffed Pig for delicious lunch

 

Grandpa and Luke strolled back to Daisy after lunch and Philip, Annette and I stopped at a few shops.   Philip wanted to tour the air museum, but it was closed!!!    Then to Savannah's Sweet Shop for ice cream (Philip and Annette - I was still "stuffed" from lunch)

 

Mark, Annette and I played 3-handed euchre at the pool and then Jane and Joe came and we played 5-handed euchre.     First time for J and J....Philip and Luke did their thing playing.   Water was too cool to venture in today and it's been sooo nice and warm, but with these chilly days and nights the past week and no heater on today.....a but nippy.

 

Said good bye to Joe and Jane and will meet them for breakfast tomorrow (also Janie's birthday)!!!!

 

We went to Tarpon Creek for dinner - good fish tacos and pizza.    This was new place for us and it's right behind the Holiday Inn Express (Allie and Owen...have you been here)?   GOOD!

 

Luke in his little bed actually our dinette bench (table folded down with cushions and then Luke's crafty Daddy built a "wall" to keep him secured and "personalized" it!!)

 

It's fun taking a bath on Daisy

 

Luke, Daddy and "The Stuffed Pig" (gave this fun game to Liam, Connor and Brady for Christmas)

Luke and Janie getting chummy 

 

We brought Luke back to Daisy, put him in his jammies, gave him a bottle and now sound asleep!

 

Weather was really strange today.....perfect blue skies, then all clouds, then blue skies, then clouds!    But each day is getting warmer and wasn't so darn windy today!

 

 

Friday - January 24

Very windy and chilly......but warmed up later in the afternoon.    Mark and I went to 8:00 Mass at San Pablo (today is the 2-year anniversary of my dad's passing) and then met Ron, Vicki, Bob, Linda, Jane and Joe for breakfast at Baricci's - delicious always!    Ron's, Bob's, Mark and I went to the Dolphin Research Center at Grassy Key.     Enjoyed this very much but was so cold and windy, so a nice, warm day would've been really enjoyed.   They have several different shows and the dolphins entertained us frolicking in the water.

 

 

 

 

Drove to Islamorada and met Philip, Annette and Luke at the Bass Pro Shop.    Jane and Joe happened to stop by, too, before they had lunch at the Green Turtle Inn.   We ate on the covered porch at Zane Grey.   Very good lunch and then said our good byes to my brothers and the gals as they headed back to Lakeland.

 

All of us at the Dolphin Research Center

Great Uncle Bob and Luke

Great Uncle Ron and Luke

 

Luke and family came to Daisy and looking forward to a fun weekend with the little man.    Philip and Annette are staying at the Holiday Inn Express.

 

We went for a walk, watched the sunset and had dinner at Lazy Days.

 

 

Thursday - January 23

A very fun day in the Keys.....Ron's and Bob's picked us up at 9 and we were off  to Key West.    Drove thru Pine Key and found one little deer standing in the bushes.    On south and enjoyed a fantastic breakfast at Blue Heaven with all our layers on sitting outdoors, chickens and all.    Love this place and even the guy playing the guitar was wearing a stocking cap!!!

 

Entertainer at Blue Heaven

 

Waiting for our breakfast drinking lots of coffee and hot tea 

with the chickens strutting around

 

Walked to the Little White House of Harry Truman and all enjoyed that tour.    It was a beautiful day with sunny, blue skies - just chilly!    But....another day of no school back home with those dangerous wind chills.    What a winter they are having and it's still January!

 

Strolled the streets near Mallory Square and then Duval Street - fun day!  

 

Bob, Mark and Ron waiting patiently for their "shopaholic" wives

 

  Got some coffee to go and on back to Marathon.    Stopped at Daisy for drinks and watch the sunset.    Beautiful  and Vicki, Ron and Mark saw the "green" flash - something I still have not experienced!

 

Went to Castaway for dinner - very good food for all!  

 

  Tomorrow, our sweet Luke arrives - can't wait!!!

 

 

Wednesday - January 22

Sunny, windy and cool.     Mark exercised at the fitness center and then we met Bob's and Ron's and had breakfast at The Wooden Spoon.   We gals took off for a big day of shopping (did our part to boost the Marathon economy) and then late lunch at The Marathon Grill and Ale House.    The guys drove to Big Pine Key - saw the little deer, alligators and other wildlife.    They had lunch at No Name Key Pub.    Back to Marathon and they all took naps.   We gals went to Tranquility Bay's Tiki bar and had an orange crush.   

 

Luke all bundled up against the Florida chill

 

Jane and Joe, Bob, Linda, Ron and Vicki all came to Daisy for a bit and then we walked to the pool and watched the sunset.    Chilly and windy....walked to Lazy Days for supper and another good meal!   Jane is a first cousin once removed to Ron, Bob and me.

 

Vicki, Linda and Jane

Joe, Ron and Bob

 

Ready for sunset

Bob, Linda, Ron, Vicki, Pat and Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday - January 21

It's snowing and blowing and bitterly cold back home.   No school today (Anne is home with her boys and getting some rest from whatever bug she's had?)     Another round of

 

"winter with a vengeance"

 

I exercised (on the Tues/Thurs/Sat schedule and Mark doing Mon/Wed/Fri).    Since it looked like rain, I wimped out and went to the fitness center - really nice there with big screen TV and had the place to myself.   

 

After breakfast we rode our bikes - stopped at Publix and Baricci's to bring home 2 slices of their wonderful margherita pizza.

 

Our big girl at 6 months

 

I sat by the pool and read this afternoon till the skies darkened and the rain came around 2:30 - cooled off and rained off and on....

 

We went to Tranquility Bay at 5 to see Ron, Vicki, Bob and Linda who are here for a few days!   Had drinks and snacks, met some of their friends who are also visiting Marathon and then we went to the Sunset Grille for delicious dinner!    The stars are shining brightly after the rain....sunshine coming the next few days!   

Monday - January 20

Gorgeous day in the Keys......went to breakfast with Allie, Owen, Jane and Joe at The Island Fish Company - very good and so pleasant sitting by the water!     Then sad to say good bye to Owen and Allie as they left for their winter home in North Port.    We six have had so many laughs the past few days - fun and more fun with good friends!

 

One more picture before saying good-bye

 

Did 3 loads of laundry and later this afternoon, rode our bikes to the bridge.  

Chatted with Brooke and got the latest specs on the little miss... 6 months (yesterday) and today had her check-up weighing 17-4 and is 26.5" long.

 

Lazy Days - one of our favorite restaurants and right next door to Daisy!

 

Anne and Ryan are both sick.....sure hope it's a short-term thing!!!

 

 Took our drinks and books to the pool for sunset!

 

 

 Another beauty

My brothers and wives arrive tomorrow.....more fun and good eating coming up!!!

Sunday - January 19

Not a cloud in the sky this morning as we went to 8:00 Mass and met Jane and Joe.   Then we went our separate ways (Mark and I stopped at Curley's Coffee Company and Walgreens).    Met Allie and Owen at 10 at Key Colony Inn and the 6 of us enjoyed a delicious brunch!

 

The guys each did "their" thing.......Mark and we gals walked the bridge for a while and then he skedaddled off on his bike for a 9-mile ride and we gals played dominoes (Jane was the Queen) and Rummi Kube around the pool.     Still cool (64) but just so pretty with those spectacular

cerulean blue skies!

 

Owen and Allie outside Key Colony Inn

 

Jane and Allie on the Old Seven Mile Bridge

 

The girls playing dominoes

 

Allie and Jane at Tranquility Bay

 

Michael called and we did face time while here - Blair was a'bouncing away in her jump-a-roo!   Unfortunately Drew's team lost their last two basketball games in the double elimination tournament.

 

Connor had a good game being goalie this morning!

 

We went to Sunset Grille for dinner - very busy place with folks watching the football game, but excellent food and sunset.

 

Beautiful photo by Jane as sun is setting

 

Gorgeous shot by Owen after sunset

A great ending to another very enjoyable day!

 

Jane and Joe at Sunset Grille