Travels of Mark and Pat: January 2015

Saturday - January 31

January....all gone! WOW....how did that happen? 2015 is off and running!

One of the RVers left today, another tomorrow, we leave Tuesday. So traffic today and tomorrow will be extra heavy as many people come and go the first of the month no matter what their method of lodging may be.

We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast and then did 2 loads of laundry - made me appreciate using Jane and Joe's washer/dryer several times as the washers at this this marina/RV park are $3 a load

Such a pretty day and we were off on our bikes to Home Depot (Mark) while I checked out a few things at Office Depot and then we got a few groceries at Publix which was a zoo! Everyone stocking up on treats/beverages for tomorrow's big game.

We went to 4:00 Mass at San Pablo - we will miss this church, especially Father Rivera - sooo welcoming and friendly! Then to Tarpon Creek for an awesome watermelon salad

Beautiful presentation and oh-so-yummy

followed by a wonderful wood-fired Margherita pizza.

Back to Daisy just at sunset, but went behind the clouds, so....

Philip, Annette and Luke are flying home tonight from Atlanta....

here they are at the playground today!

Chilly up north

Friday - January 30

Exercise, bike ride and walk - got the "trying to stay fit" stuff in today along with a trip to Burdine's for yummy lunch (stone crab soup, shrimp burger, tuna melt - very good fare sitting outside by the water)......we sat with a really nice couple, Ed and Beth from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Since we have Catrina on Maryland's Eastern Shore, had lots of things to chat about.

Ed and Beth asked us if we had ever been to "Robert is Here"? Huh??? "No, what is that".? And then they told us this story:

http://www.robertishere.com/our-story/

And now you know the "rest of the story" just like us! We were in Florida City where we met Philip and Annette to pick up Luke a few weeks ago and really close to "Robert is Here". May check out this place next Tuesday on our way to Fort Myers. According to Ed and Beth, it's a "must stop" with fantastic key lime milkshakes!!! It's always about eating!!! HA!

Rest of this nice day was spent reading and catching up on

e-mails....rough life we Nomads have down here in the Keys.

Tonight we made our trek across the parking lot to see another sunset.....and here is tonight's beauty

Pretty sky

Enjoy your weekend....

Thursday - January 29

It was time to do some cleaning inside Daisy today.....so got her all spiffed up this morning, Mark took the screens out and scrubbed. Another breezy day (lots of wind this January), sunny and in the low 70;s.

This is our 4th January in Marathon, but first time to visit Frank's Grill......we left at 11 on our bikes for the 5.5 mile trek to Frank's - nothing fancy in a strip mall, but oh, what great lunches we had, including delicious lobster bisque, chianti, etc. Definitely a place to return to. Trying to get a few more favorites in for dining before we leave next Tuesday.

Leisurely afternoon of reading, laptop stuff, and a nice walk around the marina.

Yesterday I had a picture of Luke with his little friends.....today they found out that Taylor and Maddie are going to have a baby brother in June!

YEAH.....how exciting! Thanks for sharing, Annette

Till tomorrow....sweet dreams!

Wednesday - January 28

Not a cloud in the sky all day long......but just a high of 66 with some wind - once again, warm in the sun, cool in the shade! NO complaints!!!

We went to the fitness center to exercise and then picked up Charlotte and Doug (friends from Annapolis who are here on their PDQ, just like Catrina). We went to the Square Grouper (their first visit) and enjoyed another fabulous lunch, complete with banana bread pudding with warm butter rum sauce! Great afternoon to be with these friends and look forward to seeing them in Fort Myers and then, in Annapolis in May.

Nancy C.....when you are in Key West next week and if you should need a little getaway, highly recommend this place (mile marker 22.5)!! Also, Blue Heaven is sooo good!

Fabulous dessert

Charlotte and Doug

So, our little Princess has been having a time - may be allergic to penicillin as she developed a rash. Now on a z-pack and hope she's going strong and back to her sweet, busy self very soon!!!

Luke is in Atlanta hanging out with the girls -

friends, Taylor and Maddie

Went for a nice bike ride this afternoon - saw more parts of Marathon that were new to us!

Tuesday - January 27

This was a picture-perfect day in Marathon.....clear blue, sunny skies with temps in the upper 60's (warm in the sun, cool in the shade). AND...just a nice breeze! We went on a 9 mile bike ride, including to the Sombrero Dockside Marina (where Catrina was 2 years ago) and around the country club golf course. On our way back to Daisy, we were lured into our favorite coffee shop where the owners have gotten acquainted with we nomads. Had iced coffees and shared a delicious warm raspberry Danish (from IL) sitting on their private outdoor patio. Leisurely afternoon siting outside with our laptops and books.

Mark and Mary Catherine (with her tri-pod) and a few others here in the park are the sunset fanatics each night hoping to capture another awesome beauty and maybe??? see the green flash.

Tonight was not too exciting!

Debbie, our next door neighbor brought us a package of snapper she and Rocky caught and vacuum frozen....since we are not fishermen nor do we ever prepare fresh fish (we just EAT it), she gave us the easy instructions and we shall enjoy this sometime soon! What a treat!

Monday - January 26

So sorry to see this sad little girl on my phone this morning - the Princess was at the doctor's office and diagnosed with strep (high fever and rash). Poor baby.....pray she feels better soon!

Love you, Blair

It is VERY windy today along with some weird weather patterns.....the skies are either clear deep blue and sunny OR totally cloudy - just seems to go back and forth??? The strong winds are consistent

We exercised and later went to the post office and Publix. Bought some more Marathon bread and asked the gal in the bakery if all Publix stores carried this? NO....just Marathon and Key West . May have to stock up and put a loaf or 2 in the freezer before we leave? GOOD stuff!

Wishing the happiest of birthday wishes to Jane today.....thinking of she and Joe traveling towards home! God bless and be safe till we meet again!

Grandma is happy to hear late this afternoon that after a good nap and the meds kicking in,

Blair is feeling much better!

We went for a walk - crazy winds still blowing strong!

We had planned to see the movie "American Sniper" tonight and arrived at the theater 1/2 hour before it started, but already a big line out the door and since this is a very small theater, we knew it wasn't meant to be. We'll try this weekend...maybe a matinee?

Sunday - January 25

Lots of FUN on a sunshiny, cooler day in Marathon. Mark made sausage, eggs and toast for breakfast and then we were off for a bike ride. Picked up Jane and Joe at 12:30 and went to Cabana Breezes for yummy lunch outdoors by the water - sooo pleasant this pretty day.

Key Colony Beach

Back to Jane and Joe's for euchre (J and J won 3 out of 5 games) and I did a load of laundry. Hugs and farewell (Jane and I hate good-byes) to these dear kinfolk and friends as they are leaving for home tomorrow......SAFE travels and THANKS for all the wonderful memories these past few weeks.

We are sooo going to miss you two!

Back to Daisy around 5:30......the RVers' were having a fish fry potluck, so...16 of us enjoyed more good eating (wonderful fresh fish) and fun evening with this spectacular sunset.

W O W

Sooo proud of Liam today who scored 3 goals in a 6-5 hockey win

Have a great last week of January!!!

Saturday - January 24

Dreary day as I think back to 3 years ago when my Dad passed away....Miss him sooo much, but sure cherish my memories.

Mark went to Publix (with a stop at the coffee shop for a caramel pecan sticky roll to share). The husband/wife owners moved to Marathon in 2013 from Indianapolis and they opened this coffee shop this past December. They buy their pastries from a bakery in Northwoods, IL and have them shipped down here daily on dry ice! Interesting!!!

I wrapped Liam's gifts on the picnic table this morning and will ship off next week. Can't believe he's going to be 10 on the 4th.

Our sweet Brady had his 1st breakfast at Waffle House today!

We went for a little drive down some of the side streets - found several things we never knew existed, including a marina, a big condo complex, and a house on an island that we hadn't seen before with all the trees. The new Faro Blanco resort is now open as part of Hyatt Place. This area is behind the Hyatt and has 74 boat slips, restaurant (Lighthouse Café) with indoor and outdoor seating, pool, etc. Very nice!!!

We were supposed to get rain.....but just a few sprinkles and then the front came thru, winds picked up and temps dropped! It is WINDY out there and a low of 61 by morning!

We went to 4:00 Mass and then Mark grilled out delicious steaks for dinner

(ribeye for him and filet for me).

Friday - Januaary 23

Another fun day in the Keys.....we exercised and then instead of biking (very windy again), we walked to our coffee shop for iced coffees (3 mile round-trip) and back to Daisy. Jane and Joe came at 11 and we were off to Cudjoe Key and lunch at the Square Grouper. WOW.....Mark's brother Tom and Beth had told us about this place after we had left Marathon last year. It is on the way to Key West (about 25 miles from Marathon). Nothing fancy on the outside - just a square building but very nice interior with thee most interesting menu and fabulous food! We were all sooo pleased with our lunches topped off by sharing 2 desserts - apple pudding with warm butter rum sauce AND a square brownie with caramel salted ice cream and heath bar crunchies - both were to die for!!!

The Square Grouper got its name back in the 70's-80's - You can google history of Square Grouper for a very interesting story and most definitely, EAT there if passing by!!! It's a GEM!

Jane and Joe

Today we were celebrating Jane's and my birthdays. Hers is next Monday the 26th, and mine in February. We couldn't have picked a better lunch spot. Now ...to go back in time!

This photo was taken in the summer of 1949

me on the left; Jane on the right My Mom and Jane were 1st cousins

making us 1st cousins once removed

AND...

Today....all grown up!

After lunch we drove around Bahia Honda State Park (campground, cabins, concessions,

pretty beaches, etc) Back to Daisy's picnic table for euchre which Joe and I won 3 out of 5 games.

Nice quiet evening - walked to the water for sunset (nothing special), but visited with neighbors, Rob and Marsha (Ozarks, MO) and Mary Catherine and Graham (Greensboro, NC) sitting around their campfire (propane)!

Thursday - January 22

Exercised, rode bikes across the bridge - yeah....fun! Coming back, not so fun! VERY strong winds and riding the last 2 miles was brutal! No protection on that bridge, but we've never ridden in winds like that before!

Spent a fun afternoon with Jane and Joe at the pool playing dominoes won by Joe and me and then 2 games of euchre which we split before it was time to go to dinner! Key Colony Inn was the choice tonight - wine, entrée, salad or soup, bread and dessert all for $14.99. What a deal!

Mr. Ibis just sittinn' on a pole against a deep blue sky

Today the Blue Angels flew over San Diego and the USS John C. Stennis commemorating the retirement of Vice Admiral David Buss, the head of all Naval Aviation
That's our boy on the far left!!!

Wednesday - January 21

What a treat to wake up this morning and see this on my phone...

Our little North Carolina sweetie!

Spectacular day and after exercising and breakfast, we were off for a nice long bike ride on the 7-mile bridge! Perfect day for riding.

Later this afternoon, I went to Jane and Joe's with 2 loads of laundry (all caught up) and we played several games of Rummi Kube - Jane and I love this game. Mark stayed home and washed Daisy and did other projects. He enjoys cards and dominoes, but not a big fan of board games.

Fun afternoon.....

Put the clean clothes away and Mark showed me a beautiful video he took of the gorgeous sunset tonight, We went to Upper Crust for another great meal (spaghetti for him and white pizza for me). Love this place and always busy, busy!

Tuesday - January 20

Can't believe it's January 20th already....2015 is off and running! We rode bikes this morning stopping at the Coffee Shop and News Stand. This is a really nice place and so close to us (just opened in December) and today, discovered a big patio area for sitting outdoors. We shared an exquisite caramel cinnamon bun !!!

It's not just Key West where the chickens (roosters) and cats hang out. We have them here in Marathon, too and occasionally hear that cock-a-doodle-doo!

Marathon chicken

Met Joe and Jane at Burdine's on the water - very good lunch and then we went to their house and I did laundry and we played 7 games of euchre! Fun afternoon.

After the games, we had a piece of frozen key lime pie on a stick coated in chocolate from Kandios. VERY good!!!

Delicious treat on a Tuesday afternoon

These unique berries are on a palm tree outside Jane and Joe's home.

Joe thinks it's a Montgomery Palm - sounds good to me!

Anne tells us that Connor was elected treasurer of their new 4-H Club which just organized a few months ago! Hope he and Liam will enjoy and have the great experiences and friendships that their Mom and uncles had.

Monday - January 19

Allie took this picture at the Sunset Grille..... talk about picture postcard beautiful!
Awesome, Allie....thanks!

Very pretty start to the week and after exercising, we went for a long bike ride, stopping at Anthony's where I browsed the racks of pretty Florida apparel and Mark picked up a few groceries at Publix.

He bought some Marathon bread from the bakery.....delicious and not sure other Publix locations have it or just a Marathon thing? Will be checking on that.

Cleaned out all the white boxes (take-out) that have been lurking in the fridge for lunch!

Liam went to the doctor again today (3rd time in 13 days) with a fever and sore throat. It's a viral thing......luckily, no school today with the MLK holiday and Anne was planning to be home with the boys. Amazing how may people are sick (down here, too) and taking so long to get over it. Seems to take 2-3 trips to the doctor for various meds.

Mark tackled his job list (11 items) this afternoon. Finished 3 things - 8 to go!

There's always tomorrow!

Mark grilled delicious filets, I made a salad and wah lah....
awesome dinner with some red wine!

We did face time with the NC bunch - they were in rare form tonight - the 3 boys rolling around the floor with Blair on top and laughing and having so much fun and then she was playing peek-a-boo!!!

Luke is a man who wears many hats....here are a few!

Jane shared this with us (along with many laughs) and since we are Nomads....

wanted to share with you!

TRAVEL PLANS FOR 2015

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Kahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Kahoots WITH someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my children,
friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there.

Well, My job is done.....I sent this on to at least one unstable person!! Life is too short for negative drama and petty things. So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!

From one unstable person to another, I hope everyone is happy in your head ---- we're all doing pretty well in mine!

Saturday-Sunday, January 17-18

Mark and I are enjoying a "down" day on a very pretty Sunday in Marathon. We so enjoyed Luke's visit and then his Mommy and Daddy, followed by Allie and Owen who left today for home.

Okay....to backtrack!

Saturday - Mark and I went to the fitness center and did our exercising. Allie and Owen picked us up at 9:45 and we had another wonderful breakfast at Sunset Grille. Jane and Joe are having a low-key day to get Joe all back up to par! We miss having them with us, but doctor says he needs to rest and that is definitely the thing to do! Allie and I shopped a little, and then we went to the Turtle Hospital which was a 90-minute tour and very interesting. We've driven past this place many times but never stopped. They take in sea turtles who have been injured (boat motors is big culprit); ingesting many foreign objects (plastic bags, another culprit), cancer and so many other injuries, illnesses, etc.

It was a very popular tourist attraction this Saturday with around 40 just in our group.

One of many turtles we saw all named and in various stages of health, some to be released, and some are permanent residents.

On the other side of the fence from the turtles, saw this iguana hanging out which drew lots of snapshots from the crowd

From the turtles, we walked around beautiful Tranquility Bay.

Pat and Allie

We drove to Kandios for ice cream treats and then to Jane and Joe's. Mark played dominoes with the girls (he won) while Owen and Joe visited. Lots of fun!!!! Allie, Owen, Mark and I then went to Cabana Breezes for dinner - good food, but slow service from Peggy!

Sunday - We picked Jane up for 8:00 Mass at San Pablo. Love the priest, Father Rivera - so friendly, loud and welcoming with his big booming voice! Back to Jane's and said "Hello" to Joe who is staying put today (2 big games on TV). Rest of us were off to The American Legion (open to the public) for an excellent breakfast. J and J had told us about this - $7 for so much food and you choose eggs (style and how many), meat, toast, potatoes, pancakes, French Toast, coffee, juice, etc.

We left there stuffed and happy.

Took these photos after breakfast with a beautiful backdrop...

Pat - Allie - Jane

Allie and Owen

Said our good-byes back at J and J's as Allie and Owen are headed back to Northport. Looking forward to seeing them in February (Venice) and March (Fort Myers) if all works out. We 6 had sooo much fun, sooo many laughs and they are just the best of friends!!!

Thanks so much for making the trip, Allie and Owen!

My parents shared 71 1/2 years of marriage - today would've been their

76th wedding anniversary!

It is 9:30 and we are back home from watching the movie "Unbroken" at the Marathon Cinema - small, but wow.....swivel chairs with tables, wine, beer, popcorn and other treats. Been several years since we've been to a movie - times have certainly changed!

Mark and I read "Unbroken" several months ago - true story that was very sobering. The movie was well done, but if we had to choose, would prefer the book. At any rate, if you have the chance....check out the book and or movie.

Unbelievable what Louis Zamperini endured and survived.

A REAL Powerhouse!

Glad to hear Allie and Owen are home safe 'n sound!

Wishing you a safe, healthy week ahead!

Friday - January 16

Cool, windy day.....our buddy Joe is not feeling well,, and so, we met Allie and Owen at Crane Point Nature Preserve and Museum. We took the trolley ride (1.5 hours) around the 63-acre park along with a couple from Minnesota with our drive and narrator, Pam. Interesting!

After the tour...

Owen, Pam, Allie, Pat, Mark

At the Bird Sanctuary Hospital

Allie and Owen at Crane Point

Around 11:45 we were off to No Name Pub for lunch - they have great nachos and Cuban sandwiches and were packed.

Drove around and saw several Key deer and this was definitely the most we've ever seen.

Sweet little key deer

Back to Daisy, gathered up the dominoes and headed to the pool and played a game with Mark the winner, but it was really chilly and very windy.

Dominoes by the pool

We came back to Daisy and played indoors just down to fives and then to Lazy Days for an appetizer, soup, dessert, drinks, coffee, (little bit of everything).

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - January 15

Strange day weather wise for the Keys - no sun, very dreary, cool and occasional light misty rain. We exercised (felt good after almost a week) and then went for a 6-mile bike ride on the 7-mile bridge. As the day went on, it got cooler and drearier! Oh well....every day can't be perfect!

Mark and I ran a few errands (finishing up shopping for Liam's birthday gifts) and then shared a delicious roast beef melt sub at Kandio's.

Had planned to check out the tiny deer at Key Deer and have lunch at No Name Pub, but Owen is not feeling well today. Mark and I did enjoy a "down" day and took a long walk this afternoon.

The sun came out around 4:00....Jane, Joe, Allie and Owen came over - we watched the sunset (so-so) and then off for dinner at Castaways's - another winner with my Lionfish tacos.

Today would've been Mark's parents 69th wedding anniversary.

Wednesday - January 14

It's mighty quiet and empty on Daisy without Luke and his belongings! Sure miss the little guy but so many happy memories of the past 6 days! FUN, FUN and more FUN!!!

We met Philip and Annette at Sunset Grille for breakfast and back to Daisy to load up all of Luke's stuff. Jane and Joe stopped by to say good-bye and the Lake Worth clan left around 11.

Tuesday after breakfast

Sure gonna miss you, sweet boy!!!

One more picture

Grandpa and I did a bit of cleaning, took stuff off Daisy and put in Toad, did some stuff on the computer and read.

Our mail (2 weeks worth) came today with lots of Christmas cards, including a few for New Year's (some folks have gone to that now instead of a Christmas card).

Cloudy all morning and looked like rain, but.....around 2:15, the sun came out (for a short time)! Allie and Owen are back in town and we went to Jane and Joe's at 4 to see them, hang out yakkin away and then we all went to the Sunset Grille (best breakfasts and sunsets for sure). Sooo good to all be together!
Allie and Owen are staying with Jane and Joe thru Sunday! Let the fun begin with great appetizers and drinks out by the pool - very cloudy though, so no sunset!

So fun to all be together again...
Jane, Joe, Allie, Owen

Tuesday - January 13

Woke up this morning to very heavy rain and lightning... a rare occurrence here in Marathon, It didn't last long but sure left huge areas of water (just no place to drain down here). Rest of the day was beautiful! Philip and Annette came and we were off to Sunset Grille for breakfast where we met Jane and Joe - excellent food here and in such a pretty setting. Their Bananas Foster French Toast is absolutely wonderful!!!

YUMMY stuff !!!

Then we were off to the playground and Luke had so much fun - Jane and Joe came, too!

Such a great playground - thanks again for "discovering" it, Jane and Joe.

From the playground to the Aviation Museum where we took a bunch of pics, including this one of an old Ozark airplane which is now permanently on exhibit here in Marathon.

Princess Grace was once a passenger.

This plane flew in and out of Bloomington many times...

Mark and Philip picked up some Mexican and Cuban food for lunch and we ate on the picnic table and then played dominoes (won by Philip...again) while Luke napped. Then to the pool!

A rarity - Mark in the pool

Philip - Luke - Annette

Jane and Joe came over and we played 5-handed euchre (won by me) and Philip and Luke walked the docks.

Another winner..

Miss Blair wearing shirt from Grandma that says "the apple of my eye"!

Indeed she is!

We went to Upper Crust for delicious pizza tonight - 1st visit there and we'll go back for sure. Luke is back on Daisy - last night with us! Sure gonna miss this little man! What fun we've had....

Looking forward to Allie and Owen coming to Marathon tomorrow for a few days and we know there will be many laughs and much fun. They will be staying with Jane and Joe!

Safe travels from Northport!

Monday - January 12

Rainy Monday but nothing heavy, just some off and on sprinkles. We went to the 7-Mile Grille for breakfast and then a long stroller ride, till the sprinkles brought us back to Daisy.

Luke is coloring while waiting for breakfast

Luke was a very happy camper around 11:30 when Mommy and Daddy arrived - they had a very fun time on their cruise and we sure had fun with Luke, so it was a win-win for all! We went to The Stuffed Pig for yummy lunch and back to Daisy for naptime. The kids went to check into their hotel room.

Reunited again...

I'm so happy - Mommy and Daddy are back!!!

Here we are after stuffin' ourselves at the Stuffed Pig

While Luke slept almost 3 hours, Mark, Philip and Annette walked the docks and checked out the boats. Then we played dominoes won by Philip. Luke woke up and we went to the pool.

Daddy and I walked in the warm water and soon I was all wet with my clothes on - duh!!! But it felt sooo good!

Jane and Joe came over and we had a fun time playing 5-handed euchre (Annette won) while Philip and Luke walked around the marina. All of us went to Lazy Daze for delish supper....waaaay to much good eating today!

Luke is staying with us tonight...yeah!