Sunday - January 31

Wow....how can it possibly be the last day of January?    

Time marches on.....and much too fast for me!   

 

Mark was up early and off to 7:30 Mass at Sacred Heart in Okeechobee.    Luke and I slept in and then we had pancakes for breakfast and just a leisurely morning on Daisy.

 

Good morning everyone!

 

Grandpa walked and Luke rode his bat mobile around the park several times.  

 

Luke riding and Grandpa walking as Mr. Gary watches

Luke loved this happy hour sign at Mr. John's RV as it went round and round!

 

Grandma did her walk, we had lunch and then ....Luke did NOT nap today!   Just laid in his little bed perfectly quiet, but never did klunk out!   What?   This is the guy who normally takes a 4-hour nap!! 

 

 Luke's little bed on top of the kitchen table with lots of cushions and this board his Daddy made

Sure looks like he's almost off to dreamland, but didn't happen!

 

Philip arrived at 5 to pick him up - he was sooo excited to see his Da Da

 

 

I'm back with my Daddy and not letting go..

Bye bye sweet Luke - thanks for coming!

 

Michael and his friend, Randy are going to the Super Bowl - so excited for him and that he'll get to spend a little time with Ryan.

 

Miss Belle, our yoga instructor, gave Mark 2 lemons from tree in her backyard on Wednesday (yes, he did go to class without me)!!!    Today I made some fresh-squeezed lemonade

yum, yum, yummy!

 

I was hoping to get a lemon shake-up yesterday at the carnival, but no one had them?    What kind of carnival is that?    Thought those were a staple like corn dogs, cotton candy, elephant ears, etc.

 

Hope it's a great week ahead....no sun today, but supposed to be much warmer in the days ahead!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday - January 30

Beautiful day in Okeechobee......Luke slept till 9ish and after breakfast, we were off to town and checked out the carnival and walked around looking at all the rides, vendors, etc.   We had a snack and then drove around a bit before picking up a few things (including a cookie for Luke) at Publix.

 Checking out the carnival

Having a snack

Luke is all eyes on the big wine selection as Grandpa grabs some water across the aisle
 

Back to Daisy for naptime (Grandma, Grandpa and Luke).   I did a short walk/run and then went to 4:00 Mass at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus in Buckhead Ridge.    Grandpa and Luke strolled around the park after naps.    It was sure a pretty day!    Luke did face time with his cousins Liam and Connor, Auntie Anne and Uncle Patrick.   He was shy at first, but then warmed up and started dancing!!!

Supper, bath time, play time, and then...

Nighty night
 

 

 

Friday - January 29

It's Friday, the start of the weekend and Luke is here!    After yoga, Mark and I drove to Lake Worth, (wow...sooo much water standing in the fields and in ditches from all the rain). switched cars and came on back to Daisy.    Luke loves Daisy and was excited when he heard he was going on a little trip - no problem leaving Mommy and Daddy.

 

After lunch, Grandpa fixed Luke's little bed (putting kitchen table down with cushions and nice board Daddy made and tah dah....nice, cozy and comfy.)    While he was napping, I did my walk/run and then we walked around the park for a bit and he got to meet some of the RVers.   It was sunny most of the day and 64 but got chilly as the day went on.

 

Luke and Grandpa out for a stroll

Explaining to Grandpa which video he wanted to watch

 

 Enjoy your weekend!

 

Tuesday-Thursday, January 26-28

RAIN, RAIN, so much RAIN!!!!    Good to be back on Daisy as the rain continues to fall!    We girls had so much fun in Stuart and didn't let the rain dampen any of the fun!\

 

Linda and Vicki met Mark and me at the Brown Cow Sweetery Tuesday morning and the girls were off to Stuart and Mark went on home.    Tuesday was beautiful - warm and sunny and we had yummy lunch outdoors at Sailor's Return on the water.   Then downtown for shopping.   While they browsed the shops, I got a much-needed haircut.    We checked into our hotel - Old Colorado Inn, got settled and around 5:15, went to the Blue Door Coffee Bar for a glass of wine outside in the courtyard - beautiful evening.   Off to The Gafford for wonderful cranberry, pistachio grouper!

 

Enjoying a glass of wine on a lovely evening in Stuart

 

Wednesday was a whole different story weather wise....rained all day heavy at times.   We shopped at Harbor Bay Plaza (fantastic shops) and had excellent lunch at The Prawnbroker.    More shopping in the afternoon and finally back to the hotel (still raining).   Had a few hours to relax before we walked to 18 Seminole Italian Bistro (charming little house) for another super duper meal, complete with tiramisu and complimentary limoncello!    Ahhhh.so much good eating.   We all read before we called it a day - a very good day (especially for the merchants of Stuart - ha)!!!

 

Woke up today to (what else)?   Rain......got our things packed, loaded up the car and drove to a new place Linda found in today's paper (breakfast/lunch) called the Berry Fresh Café.  Only 3 locations (Port St. Lucie, Jupiter and newest in Stuart which opened in October).  

  WOW.....another big-time winner  

 Can't wait to take Mark there.

 

Drove back to Daisy raining most of the way arriving around noon - had wanted to show them some more cute shops downtown, but not on such an ugly day.    Sorted out all the bags, said our good-byes and hugs and they were off......I do have great sisters-in-law and we always have so much fun when we are together!

 

At this point, we have had 4.5 " of rain since yesterday!

 

I have some very exciting news to share.......Philip and Annette are having a baby girl in July!   

 Bring on the pink!!!!    We are thrilled and will keep praying for a healthy baby!

Tomorrow after yoga, Mark and I are driving to Lake Worth to pick up Luke and bring him back to Daisy for the weekend!

 

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods...

 

 

 

Monday - January 25

We had a really fun day starting with yoga....good workout and such nice gals and instructor, Miss Belle.    Had a quick breakfast at Dunkin Donuts and then on home to change clothes and left for Jupiter around 10:30.

 

We've met Bob and Carol at several air shows (their daughter, Leigh is married to Tom, the past commander of  the Blue Angels).   They are from PA and spend 2 months in FL.   Today we met at their lovely condo and then had a fantastic lunch at Bravo!    It was so fun visiting and look forward to having them come to Stuart later in February.

 

Carol and Bob

 

Back to Daisy and I did my walk/run and then enjoyed happy hour with the RV gang - beautiful late afternoon to hang out under the tiki hut by the water.

 

Tomorrow I'm meeting Linda and Vicki in Okeechobee and then 3 days of girl fun

(annual sisters-in-law getaway) in Stuart.   We'll be back Thursday, so till then....I plan to be busy shopping, eating, etc., etc. (no time for the blog)!   Ha.....hope they enjoy Stuart as much as I do!

 

Michael is ecstatic that his Panthers are headed to the Super Bowl......he and a friend are debating going to the big game in Santa Clara, CA on February 7th.   Not only could he cheer on his favorite team, but his brother and the Blues will be doing a flyover before game time!!!

Sunday - January 24

A beautiful sunny Sunday with  high of 55 after a morning low of 35.   Very little wind made a big difference, too!

 

After breakfast we went to Buckhead Ridge (17 miles away on other side of lake) to

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus for 10:00 Mass.    Love these churches in little towns as we all sing Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary to anyone celebrating after Mass.

 

Left church and drove back to Okeechobee and did 4 loads of laundry, then to Pogey's for lunch.    We had heard that their huge tenderloin was really good AND the Reuben omelet.    This is a breakfast/lunch place.   Mark had the tenderloin and I chose the omelet.   Well we were both very happy.   Who would've thought - a "Reuben" omelet?   Absolutely delicious!

 

Back to Daisy and put clean clothes away and I went for a long walk around the park.   Such a pretty day.   Had a light supper and just hunkered down!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday - January 23

Sunny but very blustery, strong winds!    After breakfast we drove to Lake Worth and a had a fun afternoon with the kids.....starting with some yummy chicken vegetable soup and crusty bread.   While Luke napped, we played euchre (Philip and I won 4 out of 6) -  a bit of revenge!!!

 

I took off to run and walk despite the crazy winds in the neighborhood.    Philip grilled chicken wings and drummies and Annette some awesome stuffed mushrooms, a lettuce salad + shrimp salad!  YUM!

 

Michael returned home safely this afternoon!    Yeah!

 

What a blizzard out east and still ongoing.  

 

We arrived back on Daisy at 7:15!    36 coming for overnight low!

 

 

Friday - January 22

Stormy day in Okeechobee and across much of Florida...we did yoga, had breakfast at the Brown Cow Sweetery and then back to Daisy and hibernated as the rain came down,    Also watching the weather channel and all the snow out east.

 

Glad we changed plans and not meeting the kids today with this nasty weather....

 

Luke waving to us and happy we'll be together tomorrow

 

Annette and Philip's friends Bonnie and Travis had their baby boy in the ambulance en route to hospital at 2 AM today in Las Vegas.    They also have Alison, 3 months younger than Luke.  Mommy and Baby Boy are doing fine!

 

This afternoon we enjoyed a "Meet and Greet" party at the clubhouse.   We've met several of the folks out walking, at happy hour, etc., but there were a bunch we had not met.   Everyone bought an appetizer and their own beverage.   It was fun hanging out on a rainy afternoon visiting and enjoying the vast array of goodies.

 

Brady all bundled up in snowy/windy NC

 

Michael has been in London this week - not able to land in Charlotte with the blizzard, so...he's in Dallas indefinitely!!!

 

And thinking of Catrina and possible 2' of snow + the 50 mph winds....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday - January 21

Sunny, cloudy and breezy off and on all day....Mark gave Daisy a good scrubbing and I cleaned inside.    After lunch we rode bikes along the rim trail stopped for groceries and back here for happy hour.    Joanie and John entertained us tonight in their driveway complete with tiki torch lights, a pitcher of Bloody Mary's and homemade guacamole and chips! 

 

Mark decided we should go out for dinner tonight so we went to Lightsey's about 15 miles north - it's in the heart of big-time fishing country with 2 large parking lots usually full of fishing boats and trailers during the daytime.    I had the 4 shrimp special (blackened, cilantro lime, new sweet whiskey and parmesan) + red potatoes w/parsley, salad and hush puppies - all delish!   Mark had the catfish with some sort of mashed potatoes mixed with gouda cheese, corn, red peppers, etc.    Yummy!

 

Along the way home, Miss Blair checked in for face time - school has already been called off for the boys tomorrow as they are to get several inches and strong winds.   Michael has been in London this week and will get as far as Dallas tomorrow and home on Saturday (hopefully)!

 

Then Philip and Luke checked in via facetime.   We had planned to meet tomorrow for lunch but cancelling cause of the severe weather predicted for FL including thunderstorms, strong winds,9 heavy rain and possible tornadoes.

 

We got a nice e-mail today from the marina manager at Herrington Harbor, Tracy's Landing, MD where Catrina is.    Because of the heavy accumulation of snow predicted (12-24") and strong winds, they wanted to reassure the boat owners that they are taking all precautions to keep boats in and out of the water safe!

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - January 20

We had a very fun day and the weather was just perfect!    Started out with a nippy 43 degrees and some of the gals were missing from yoga???    Imagine they were snuggled under the covers and not wanting to venture out?   Had breakfast at Lakeside Grill (another good spot) and then back to Daisy for a bit.   Got the bikes loaded up, changed clothes and off to Stuart.

 

Mark got a haircut and I walked around checking the Old Colorado Inn where Linda, Vicki and I are going to stay next week for our sisters-in-law getaway!     We found the Coffee Bar Blue Door and what a hidden gem just off the main part of Stuart.   We sat outside in the very quaint private garden and enjoyed a delicious warm blackberry scone with a honey butter glaze (YUMMY) and coffees listening to some nice jazz.  This place also serves wine and has music throughout the day!  

 

We drove to Johnson Honda and while Toad was getting her oil changed, Mark rode his bike 6 miles and I did my walk/run (nice wide sidewalk along Federal Highway.)

 

Stopped for a few other errands (I got a new fitbit watch) and we picked up some things at Publix.    Back downtown and had a late lunch/early supper at Mulligan's Beach House.   I drove home and we were back on Daisy at 6.    Really enjoyed the day +++ the 68-degree sunny, soft, gentle breezy day!

 

Did face time with Luke and Annette when we got home - can't wait to see them and Philip on Friday!

 

 

 

 

Tuesday - January 19

Another chilly morning - 43!    We left at 9 and I drove to Sebring (Mark has been doing all the driving around here and decided we needed to share so I don't get rusty!!!    So, we had an hour's drive and met my brothers and the gals at Steve & Company - very nice boutique.   We 3 did very well (big Brighton sale) while the guys stood outside gabbing in the sunshine.

 

Off to the Garden Cafe for a yummy lunch and chatter. 

Would've been nice to sit outdoors but not today!

 

Bob, Linda, Vicki, Ron

 

Sweet Pea off to shop....she loves to wear glasses and will grab any pair she sees and doesn't like socks and shoes!

 

  We got back to Daisy at 2:30.   Mark exercised and I walked  (a very short walk) around the park.

54 was our high today!

No happy hour for the nomads tonight although several did hang out under the tiki hut

all bundled up!

 

 

 

 

Monday - Janury 18

Burrrr...another nippy morning (Okeechobee 45 - Bloomington 2 with a wind chill of -17)   Yikes....

We went to yoga - really enjoy these gals but no men have come forth.   Mark does his own thing - so proud he's hanging in there!    Afterwards we had breakfast at Gladys' and then got the car washed and stopped at Dollar Tree.

 

On our way home, we checked out another storage place and think that's where we'll park Daisy while we're gone for 2 weeks in March.

 

Walked around the park several times and then Sue from Oklahoma joined me for a few more rounds.   She's a lot of fun and usually the most chatty at Happy Hour.   

 

Mark and I went to the scenic rim (around the lake) - he rode his bike and I walked and ran (just getting into this).....using a simple app on my phone that Brooke told me about alternating walking and running and starting out S L O W L Y and gradually working my way up up and away!!!   We'll see about this running...

 

After a late lunch I rode my bike around the park.    good day of exercise.   Ready to hibernate inside Daisy.   Mark went to Happy Hour for about an hour and then the cold got to all the diehards and they all skedaddled back to their RV's.

 

Plenty of sunshine today with a high of 64 and a bit breezy

 

Today would have been Mom and Dad's 77th wedding anniversary!

 

 

Friday-Sunday, January 15-17

What a day......it was pouring buckets when we left at 7:20 for yoga and rained hard the entire time we were there and afterwards when we had breakfast at Pogey's.    Stopped back at Daisy to pick up our things and on our way to Lake Worth.    Stopped at the mall and picked up my new prescription sun glasses at Lenscrafters that I ordered last time we were here.    Got to Luke's house around noon and had pizza and chicken chili.    We played euchre in the afternoon while Luke napped and then the guys went to Home Depot.

 

And then a very unusual occurrence in South Florida.....Annette and my phones started shrilling with the weather alert and we were under a tornado warning....the winds picked up, sky was very dark and the downpour began.   With no basements to run to for coverage, we just waited out the storm (kept to middle of house).    Thankfully, no damage that we heard of.....

 

Annette, Luke and Grandma decorated a gingerbread house...

 

This is fun sticking all the candies to the frosting 

Mommy takes a selfie

Luke is so proud of his finished project!

 

More euchre - Philip and I usually get trounced by Mark and Annette.....occasionally we win a game, but so glad Philip wants to play after all these years - euchre was never his thing, but now in the groove with rest of the family (well kind of)???

 

Yummy dinner of  pei wei (carry out) and then enjoyed the hot tub before bedtime!

Today would have been Mark's parents' 70th wedding anniversary!

 

Saturday was absolutely gorgeous - after all the rain and storms from yesterday, today dawned bright and sunny and mid 70's (definitely our best day so far this winter in Florida).

 

After yummy scrambled eggs (with lots of veggies inside) and English muffins, we snuck in one more game of euchre before Luke got up at 9:45.   We drove to the Palm Beach Equestrian Center - what an experience seeing all these young people riding their horses and jumping and other various maneuvers - this place has $$$ signs big time - the landscaping alone blew me away with abundant lush blooms and palm trees, many shops, places to dine, etc.   There were so many well-dressed riders and of course, all the horses and these folks are from all over the country coming here on the weekends for competition.   A neat experience.    We ate lunch at Tito Taco's and on home. 

 

Philip, Luke, Annette

Luke with his G and G

 

After Luke went down for his nap, Grandpa and I went for a 5-mile bike ride and then

 back to the cards.

 

Philip and Annette went to 4:30 Mass at St. Therese de Lisieux 

 

Luke and grandpa acting goofy

After naptime, let's put up the feet, get comfy, have a snack and watch a video! 

Life is good in "Luke Land"

 

Annette had a big pot of sausage/zucchini w/other veggies/tomatoes, etc.simmering on the stove all afternoon.    We had salad, crusty bread and this delicious "stew" served over ravioli, along with an excellent cabernet.    Played more cards and ended the day with turtle pie.   Philip went to bed around 8ish as he has to get up early tomorrow for work.   Annette, Mark and I played 3-handed euchre.

  

More weird weather early this morning as we heard the tragic story of the tornadoes that hit  near Tampa killing 2 adults and injuring 4 children in a mobile home.  So sad to see all the devastation and damage.   Philip was up early (4:30 AM) and off to work.    Mark and I went to 9:30 Mass at St. Therese de Lisieux - absolutely love going to mass here - I've talked about their incredible choir before and of all the churches we've visited, this husband/wife (choir directors) along with the large choir, plus violins, guitars, piano, etc. are outstanding!    Great sermon by Father Steve, too.

 

Back home to play 2 games of 3-handed euchre with Annette and then said our good-byes and got good cuddles from Luke and we were off to Stuart.   

 

One more quick pic with our little man

 

 We drove around some familiar areas from when we had Catrina here in 2013 and had lunch at Manatee Island (wow....cant beat the great eating in FL with coconut shrimp, grouper Reuben and mango pork barb-b-que on a pretzel roll. 

 All excellent.

 

We drove around more condos (no open houses today) and past some very affluent areas.   The downtown was jam packed with shoppers this Sunday afternoon and 2 young boys were selling parking spots for $10 a few blocks from town.

 

We stopped at The Importico Bakery and Café for coffees and then left for home.   Enjoyed this time in Stuart and love all the various neat areas to explore and check out!

 

Arrived back on Daisy around 3:30 but sure was a fun weekend in Lake Worth and Stuart!

 

Tonight Anne and Connor are going to the Jason Aldean concert at the Coliseum in Bloomington   Anne won the tickets - how fun for them at this sold-out event!  

 And no school tomorrow for Connor in observance of MLK.

 

Date night waiting for the concert to begin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday - January 14

Slept in this morning (me) and Mark exercised, I walked and we both read (deeply involved in good books)    After lunch we went to town with 3 blankets and 4 pillows and used the big commercial washer/dryers. 

 

I rode my bike around the park several times - got a new seat and had to try it out.  

 

So, the Blue Angel countdown to kick off the 2016 season began at 60 days and counting on facebook.   Today we're at 57 days to go....

 

Only 8 of us at happy hour tonight - but always some lively conversation!

Met Marsha for first time - her husband Dennis usually comes.   They are from the

Outer Banks, NC

 

After yoga tomorrow and breakfast, we re heading to Lake Worth for the weekend.

Back on the blog Sunday!

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - January 13

I am sooooo proud of Mark.   He went with me today to face Miss Belle ad all the ladies and tried Yoga!    Everyone was very friendly and we had a good chat with Belle beforehand (she is 78 and from southern IL - a snowbird like the majority of us)!    The hour went fast and looking forward to Friday and more stretching and bending and breathing....oh  my!

We've ordered yoga mats from Amazon....so think he's committed!!!

 

Afterwards we went to Gladys's for breakfast.   Okeechobee has several small diners (mom and pop operations) - nothing fancy, but cheap, good food.   Back to Daisy - it's chilly and windy - no sun (sure tries, but just can't come out to stay).

 

Forgot to mention the excellent sandwich I had yesterday at the Osceola Street Café in Stuart -

 ham and brie with fresh pear slices and fresh spinach and some special sauce grilled on a pretzel roll and pressed like a panini - Deeelish!

 

Read, did computer stuff and hunkered down for awhile....

I walked and had a good chat with my Aunt Dee (Mom to cousin Karen who died last week).   Aunt Dee lives in Daytona Beach and on Friday, 1/15 (would have been Karen's 66th birthday), Aunt Dee will carry a purple balloon (Karen's favorite color) to the beach and release over the ocean.  

That made my cry....

 

Another fun happy hour.   It was chilly so I took a blanket and hot decaf with Bailey's   

The temptation to go out to eat isn't that great since we are in the boonies but we did venture into town and had dinner at Tin Fish (a chain which we had never heard of)..    Mark had Alaskan White Fish (fish 'n chips) and I had catfish caught in Lake Okeechobee - both very good.

 

 

 

Tuesday - Janury 12

Burrrr....chilly here   But no complaining when it's 10 back home and they had poor visibility and 45 mph winds today!

 

We drove to Stuart this morning - while I got a manicure, Mark checked out some storage for storing Daisy in March when we make a trip back to IL (his Mom's 90th birthday) and then CA for air show.    We had lunch at the Osceola Street café - very good!   Lots of great choices for dining (and shopping) in Stuart.   Really like this town.    Drove around some more, stopped in Indiantown to check another storage place and on home.

 

I walked and then we enjoyed a fun happy hour - met more new folks and so interesting to hear what some of these RVers do!   Tonight it was 1st time to meet Sadie and Chris (originally from Maine) who are now full-time captain and first mate on a 72' yacht out of Boca Raton.   A very wealthy couple from NJ own the boat.   What stories they told and now on a month's vacation in their RV with little dog (Benjamin).    Several of these RVers know one another as they come back here to Water's Edge year after year - we are the newbies.

 

Had nachos for supper - tonight is supposed to be our coldest night (low of 45) and then, should be warming up a little bit?

Monday - January 11

Sunny but windy and cool (52 when we woke up.).   We left the park at 7:30 for town and an "observation" of yoga.   Mark and I have the same family physician, and he mentioned to Mark that he should look into yoga.........heard about Miss Belle at the New American Physical Therapy and Fitness Center.    When I called to get info, I was told that it's mostly women but there are some men off and on.   Today.....all women (mostly seniors including Miss Belle who was very nice and welcoming.    Mark took one look and said he would sit this one out and watch!    Most of the gals had their mats, but I was handed one and away we went in front of large mirrors and did our thing for 1 hour.  I was not familiar with yoga other than I knew it was stretching, bending, meditating, etc.    Really enjoyed it and the time went by fast.    The classes are Mon-Wed-Fri at 8 AM.   Mark is still undecided.   Miss Belle talked to him after class and encouraged him to try it as "we definitely need more men".    So...........I am off and running with my yoga class!   Yoga is great for balance, too!

Patrick's band is "Jury's Out" and I guess you could say that's Mark thinking on the yoga..

"Jury's Out"!

 

Stopped at the Serenity Coffee Shop for breakfast and then Publix and Dollar Tree.

 

Mark did a bunch of logistics planning between our travels on Daisy and Catrina for the next several months - we are going to be on the go...go...go!!!   Holy Moly - my head is a'spinnin'!!!  

 

We rode bikes this afternoon and caught up on e-mails.   Took our drinks and joined 13 others for happy hour under the tiki hut - beautiful evening, but cooled off around 5:30....fun to meet these nice folks from all over the country!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - January 10

Sunny start to the day but didn't last long....we drove to Palm City and 10:30 Mass at Holy Redeemer and when we came out of church, the skies were sure threatening.    Had breakfast at Reuben's a diner that serves breakfast/lunch and very popular.   They serve 11 different kinds of Reubens!!!   Started raining when we were finishing breakfast and then kept on as we drove around Palm City,

Port St. Lucie and Stuart.

 

Stopped downtown Stuart and had coffees at our favorite spot (love this downtown) and walked around - lots of people shopping this Sunday afternoon in between the rain showers.   Bought some strawberries at the Farmer's Market and just enjoyed getting acquainted with this area.

 

Back to Daisy at 3:30 - I walked and we had a late lunch/early supper.   Good chat with Ryan - lots of daily practices out in El Centro and we're enjoying them from the comfort of Daisy via the Blue Angel Tribute page on Facebook or YouTube.

 

Liam and Connor got to do their yearly (I think this is 3rd or 4th time) skating on the Holy Ice at the United Center where the Blackhawks are playing tonight - what thrill for these guys!

Sounds like the Campbell's have had a fun weekend in Chicago!

Saturday - January 9

I've had many thoughts and memories this afternoon after hearing that my cousin, Karen passed away in south Florida.    Karen and Clarine (who died on 11/24) both had the dreadful glioblastoma (brain cancer) and both were bridesmaids in our wedding (cousins on either side).  Karen would've been 66 on January 15th and that is the date 3 years ago when this nightmare all started.
Thinking back to growing up on the farm, all the family gatherings, visiting her many times in
Sunny Isles, Florida and being our tour guide in Budapest in 2012.  Karen frequently vacationed there and enjoyed the mud baths.   She was a phenomenal guide and what fun we had along with our friends Paul and Kathy (we boarded the ship here to start our river cruise).

Thinking of Mark's Dad...the Patriarch of the Chamberlain Family who died 3 years ago today...we were on Catrina in Marathon when we got the news!

Love him and miss him so much!

 

Forgot to include this pic from yesterday....

our great host and hostess in Lake Worth

Annette and Philip

It was cloudy all morning, but then the sun came out and very pleasant afternoon with warm sunshine, light breeze and 75 degrees1

We exercised, walked and biked.....went into town for ice cream at Brown Cow Sweetery (lunch) and

Mark had a few errands.   We went to happy hour at the tiki hut but only one other couple
there and they were fishing.

 Must be a during-the-week thing as usually there are lots of people!

At 6:00 tonight the rain came and radar isn't pretty!   At least it's not snow which they've been getting back home!
 

Thursday-Friday, January 7-8

We are back on Daisy after a fun little getaway to Lake Worth and celebrate Christmas with Luke and family.    We left yesterday around 10:15 and ran a few errands and met Susie (former neighbor) and friend who lives in Wellington for lunch at Bonefish Mac's - great place (1st time for us).   It was so fun to catch up with her......

Pat and Susie

 

Mark and I stopped at the mall and Target and then tah dah...Luke time!    We opened presents late afternoon and delicious dinner outdoors on the patio (my Mom's homemade tortellini, salad, bread, wine, and turtle cheesecake!).   Played cards and so good to be back here

(April was last visit - 9 months ago)!!!

 

Luke is in awe of all those presents!

Daddy and Luke admiring new fire truck from Drew

Annette and Grandpa assembling "Melissa and Doug" blocks (40)!

Good time in the hot tub! 

 

Guess after all that nice warm, bubbling water, we slept like babies and slept in (except for Grandpa).   Annette had a new breakfast casserole recipe made with croissants (very good), fruit and English muffins.  Mark and Philip worked on some projects and Annette, Luke and I had a leisurely morning.

The guys brought home gyros and Greek salads - yum!    Luke took his usual 3-4 hour nap and we played euchre with Annette and Mark "creaming" Philip and me!  Oh well...still fun!

 

We left with our presents (and laundry which I did while there - unfortunately, Waters Edge does not have laundry facilities) and some yummy leftovers.

 

Had some rain driving "home" but we are all unpacked and settled in!

 

Annette sent this pic of Luke waking up from his nap and finding Grandma and Grandpa gone!

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Wednesday - January 6

Very cloudy and overcast this morning; sun came out very briefly and then the rain followed by clouds, rain, clouds....all day long, just little brief showers and most from the east (unusual)!

 

Since it was a good day to be indoors, we did more cleaning, pitching, organizing.   After lunch and since the sky/radar didn't look too bad, we drove 2 miles to an entrance to the rim (walkway or trail for bikes and walkers that goes entirely around Lake Okeechobee - distance of 110 miles).

 

I walked 3 miles and could've gone on and on.....it's great and no one around, but the skies were threatening again, so we came back and shortly after, the rain came down!

 

So....we hunkered down, played some 2-handed euchre (I won 2 out of 3) and read/did computer stuff.

 

Mark grilled out cheeseburgers - yummy!

 

Tomorrow we are off to Lake Worth and Lukeville for another Christmas celebration and lunch with our friend and former neighbor, Susie!

 

 

Tuesday - January 5

Sunny start to the day but then lots of clouds and very windy!    We had omelets, fruit and toast and then I exercised and walked (back in the groove with the weights) - Mark did his yesterday, and I'm still doing minimal workout cause of the neck!    We left around 10 for Stuart (30 miles) straight east of here.   This is area we "think" we may want to settle someday, so starting to check it all out!    Stopped downtown (love this downtown) and had coffees and while Mark read the paper and settled in at The Stuart Coffee Co., I got a pedicure at Amalie's (really nice place with very friendly gals who gave me several tips on Stuart - their favorite restaurants, hair salon, and info about condo choices which are not too many)!

 

One of their "must eat" recommendations was LouRonzo's downtown - an Italian Fusion place - excellent and definitely will go back there for lunch or dinner.   Drove all around - there are roughly 16,000 people who live here but many more in the winter months, so after Okeechobee, we were back into busy, heavy traffic!

Look forward to more trips over there....

 

Cleaned out more bins and a little bit of organizing and then walked.    Still really windy.   While walking, came across this pretty flower.

 

Anyone know name of this?

 

Tomorrow...rain is coming and will be a good day to stay indoors and make more waves!

 

 

Monday - January 4

A beautiful Monday with clear, sunny skies, nice breeze and 68 degrees.   Happy to be settled in at Water's Edge.   Mark drove to town to the Okeechobee County Tax Collector's office and applied for Florida license plates (or as they say down south...tags)!    He got all the paper work done for Toad and thought he would have to take Daisy in so they could get the VIN#, etc., but lo and behold, they sent out a sheriff's deputy to take care of that!  

 

For the first time ever, we have no front plates (tags)!!!    

 

I dug in and did some serious cleaning on Daisy - scrubbing the bathroom and kitchen and all the nooks and crannies, drawers, cupboards, etc.  Still more to do, but made some waves!

 

After lunch we went into town.  We've been amazed at all the campgrounds/RV parks that are along US 441 from our park to Okeechobee (10 miles).    Well, Mark counted 31 on just one side of the road.   Unbelievable, but most of them are considered fishing camps (nothing fancy for lodging) but these folks spend their winter doing lots of fishing on Lake Okeechobee.   

 

We went back to the tax collector's office and turned in the paper work for Daisy that the sheriff had given us.    Here are our old IL plates and new FL (for Daisy).   Toad's new ones will come in 6-8 weeks.

 

Last Illinois plates

 

Daisy is all spiffy with new FL "tags"

 

We stopped at Wal-Mart for a few things and back home.   I went for a walk around the park and met some nice neighbors (Sue and Gary from Oklahoma) and also Kathy and ?? from Sterling/Rock Falls, IL!    Wow....Mark is from Dixon and went to high school in Sterling!   Small world.    There is a nice tiki hut with brick floor and Adirondack chairs, swing, etc. by the water that folks go to sit and enjoy happy hour and watch the sunset.

 

Our grandchildren all went back to school today; here in Okeechobee, they start back up on Wednesday!   

And the Christmas decorations on the light poles came down today, too.

 

The Christmas cards are still trickling in, but today we heard some very sad and shocking news....one of Mark's friends from college, Mike wrote that his wife Dorothy developed a brain tumor in January, 2014 and passed away in December 12, 2014.   We did not get a card from them last year which we now know why.    Great picture of Mike and all his grandchildren.....they were married in June of 1969 just like us and lived in Walford, Iowa. 

 

 Wow, just so stunned to hear this.....these days it's all about our health!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - January 3

We left Rockledge this morning at 8:10 and had a 100-mile trip southwest to Water's Edge RV Park - Daisy's home for January/February.    We are in rural Okeechobee (lots of dairy/beef cows) and at the northeast tip of Lake Okeechobee.    This park is small (only 30 units), but very nice with brick driveways and lots of pretty palm tees, flowers and other lush vegetation. 
 And we are right beside the pool!

Today, though is not a pool day - cool and cloudy (cold front has come thru FL)   Much warmer down by the kids, though in Lake Worth.

 

Philip, Annette and Luke arrived at 11 and we loaded up all their stuff we had brought from

IL and NC.   Sooo good to see them.....Luke is getting to be such a big boy!   Annette brought lunch - delicious homemade chicken salad and French bread!    On Thursday we'll head to Lake Worth for a belated Christmas!

 Boy in a Bag

Philip, Luke, Annette

Okay.....time to share the BIG news.....Philip and Annette are giving Luke a baby brother or sister come July - our 8th grandchild!   We are soooo excited!!!!

 

Sorry to hear about 3 deaths for friends' families in past 2 days....our sympathy to Bob and Martha (his Mother passed away in Bend, OR at age 97); Paul and Margaret (his Dad died at age 96) and to the Finnegan family on Jim's passing (we've known them for many years thru
church, school and State Farm).

 

So after 2 1/2 days of travel, we are tired and winding down.....there's always tomorrow to finish up the unpacking and getting Daisy up-to-snuff!

Later this afternoon in the rain we drove to Okeechobee to check out the town - we are 10 miles away from all the happenings but sure a lot of RV parks along the way.    Although the town's population is only 5,600, hard to believe as there are so many chains + 3 car dealerships and just gives the feel of a much bigger town.   We stopped at The Brown Cow Sweetery (cute shop serving coffee, pastries, ice cream, chocolates, sandwiches, salads, etc.)   Had some treats and definitely a return place.  There are plenty of nail/hair salons, too.   And of course, so good to be back in "The Land of Publix" - stopped for a few things before coming back home.    All the Valentine cards and candy are on the shelves!!!

 Nasty afternoon/evening, but the sun is to shine tomorrow!    Ready to start with really organizing Daisy and getting these bods back in order with diet and exercise!

Here's the 2016 Blue Angel schedule....make some plans and come join us!   Also interview with Ryan yesterday after arriving in El Centro (a bit different than I posted yesterday!)

.https://www.facebook.com/BlueAngelsTribute/

Have a great first week of January!!!

 

 

 

Saurday - January 2

Back on the road at 7:50 AM this dreary, cool Saturday....like yesterday we took mostly rural roads and avoided all the interstate traffic.    Saw the first palm trees in Folkston, GA and stopped there for gas and brief break.    This place brought back a lot of memories from 2008 when we stayed here for a week in January to have some "down" time before we hit the bustle and bustle of Florida.

 

ALL trains coming into or going out of Florida have to pass thru Folkston, so we well remember trains, trains and more trains, morning, noon, night and in between!   Mark remembers the lady at the RV park asking if we liked trains as we would be hearing plenty during our stay.   And during the short time we stopped this morning, 2 passed thru town.    Folkston is home to the Okefenokee Swamp (love saying that....ranks right up there with Okeechobee)!   This is also where I started the blog - January 2008 and going strong since.    We use it frequently to look something up when the ole brains fail us!!!

 

So.....finally had to get on I-95 in Jacksonville - going south - not a big problem, but the north side was just nuts - bumper-to-bumper for miles and miles.  

Guess the visitors are going home after the holidays.

 

Arrived at Space Coast RV Park in Rockledge at 2:30.....very excited that our friends Bill and Nancy from Fairfield Glade, TN are here in this park, too.   72 degrees!  Yeah!!!!

Walked to Bill and Nancy's RV and had a nice visit - then they let us borrow their car and we went to 5:00 Mass at St. Mary's.    We picked them up at 6:30 (mass included a baptism) and Bill drove us to Pinedo Crossing for dinner - what a neat place (looked like an old house converted into a very popular bar and grille) with a variety of food!   Had my first grouper for the season....Mark and Bill had the jambalaya and Nancy had shrimp - all delicious!

We came back to their RV for drinks and lots of chatter!    Sooo happy we could connect with these long-time friends who used to live in Bloomington and we met thru State Farm and boating.
What a great start to our winter in Florida hanging out with these dear folks!

Nancy, Bill, Pat, Mark

The Blue Angels have arrived in El Centro, CA....here is video that was on Facebook today.
 

 https://www.facebook.com/USNavyBlueAngels/videos/vb.105260116181782/989182384456213/?type=2&theater

 

 

New Year's Day - 2016

Happy 2016

May we all be blessed with good health,

peace, joy and love

 

Most of us slept in and after some teary hugs we were on our way by 10:00.   Brooke sent a delicious breakfast sandwich with us (Mark had eaten a bowl of cereal earlier - early riser).   We shared!

 

We are soooo going to miss our little sweetheart!

 

We arrived in Spartanburg, SC in time for noon Mass at Jesus Our Risen Savior.    Today is the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary - beautifully decorated newer church with 2 very tall trees with white lights and many red, pink and white poinsettias.   Along with the nativity, they had a larger manger with Baby Jesus in front of the altar surrounded by all those gorgeous Christmas flowers.

 

Father was a delight - Chinese ancestry, but really looked more like Santa Claus.   He gave a very inspiring homily and then explained after Mass about the fire they had with the Advent wreath/candles.  Did some damage to the wooden floor, but as he said "It's a blessed inconvenience".    He left us with the thought to do away with our worries, stress, and anxiety in the new year and live by the popular phrase

Hakuna Matana

or

Don't Worry - Be Happy

 

It was sunny when we left Lake James, but mostly cloudy day with some off and on sprinkles.    The rain came a bit heavier as we were driving in Georgia.   Wow.....on outskirts of Augusta, we drove past some GI-normous homes!    One right after the other!

Ryan leaves tomorrow for 10 weeks of training in El Centro, CA - wishing all the Blues a safe, successful season!    Mark and I are really looking forward to lots of air shows and all the
thrills and chills starting March 12th.

Sure sorry to hear about Natalie Cole's death - I loved the song she sang with her late dad, Nat King Cole (thru technology) "Unforgettable".

Our niece (Mark's sister, Sharon's daughter) had a very "unforgettable" New Year's Eve.....her boyfriend whisked her off to London and proposed last night!    WOW......and today they flew to Greece for a week!    Sooo happy for Kathy and Waseem and can't wait to hear all the wedding details!    The newly engaged couple live in San Francisco.   We were with them at the air show last October and had such a good time! 

We are in Statesboro, Georgia tonight.   We did a Wal Mart run (what a zoo) and then settled in at the Parkwood RV Park.   Still raining off and on.