Tuesday -January 31

Wow....the end of January already!    This first month of 2017 really flew by!    We arrived in Fort Myers at the Edison/Ford Marina around 10:30.    Two friendly dock hands, Elijah and Brandon welcomed us and later, Carley, the dockmaster, gave us a tour of the showers, laundry, office, etc.

 

This is the marina where Ryan, Mark, Michael and Philip stayed in December after the gulf crossing.

We are in a slip right beside the "Pure Fort Myers" tour boat which goes out 3x a day giving folks a taste of the Caloosahatchee River and seeing manatees, dolphins (maybe), bald eagles, and other wildlife along with some history of Fort Myers, he Edison/Ford Museum, etc.

 

At 9:10 we were thru the Franklin Lock and on our way.

 

Fort Myers skyline

 

After lunch, we took our laundry to the Happy Wife Laundromat (10 miles south) and got 4 big loads done!    Tah dah!   There's only 1 washer and 1 dryer here at the marina, so....best to go somewhere and get it all done at once.

 

While I was doing laundry, Mark picked up the cushions we had recovered for the bridge.    We'll put them out tomorrow after we give Catrina a good scrubbing!

 

Tonight we went to a docktail  (cocktails on the dock) party and farewell to Bill and Toni who are leaving tomorrow after being here several months.     Bill and Toni's "story" is similar to ours.   They sold their home in Arkansas and now live either on their boat or RV.   We met so many nice folks (some of them Loopers, some just passing thru for one night, others who are staying indefinitely, but always so interesting to hear "their" story)  

 

Pinchers is the restaurant here at the marina and they provided the appetizers!    At the end of our long dock, there is a nice area by the water for having a party so that's where we went to meet new friends, enjoy the awesome sunset + great food and our own beverages.   It was a fun late afternoon/early evening - then once the sun set, it was chilly and we all scurried back to our boats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday - January 30

 What a difference a day makes.....today was as beautiful as yesterday was nasty!!!   We started the day exercising (a new word for these nomads as we have done squat for so long - no weights, no biking - just an occasional long walk.)   It is TIME to get back in the groove.   And after that, we had delicious breakfast sandwiches at the marina grille. 😊   We left Roland Martin Marina at 9 and had a great day on the water traveling 53.4 miles on the Caloosahatchee.   Yesterday and today we went thru 4 locks with 1 remaining for tomorrow.

 

We arrived at the Franklin Lock around 2:30 (we are on this side of it) and along with only 8 boat slips (just 3 boats here), there is an RV park which is full.    We are near Alva, FL
(15 miles from Fort Myers).   

 

Got the bikes off the boat (1st time in forever) and rode around the park and up a long road leading into the marina/campground.    We kept hearing bagpipes out in the middle of nowhere.    Came upon a horse farm with several horses grazing and there was a guy with his bike nearby.   He was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and playing the bag pipes to the horses.   Mark asked him if they liked it?   He said "Well, I think so, but not sure about the big brown one as she's giving me the evil eye"!  
 Now this was a unique experience!

 

This 1st ride was short - gotta work up to this!    I went for a walk later.....bagpiper was gone but felt good to stretch the legs and hope this is just the start!

 

Maeve has outgrown her hat, but she doesn't seem to care!

 

Mommy found a new cute one to keep her warm since she's moving north!

 

Grandma misses her so much!

 

We had tacos for supper and so enjoyed the quiet peacefulness of this lovely area.

 

Tomorrow, a whole different story with the hustle and bustle of the big city for the next month! 

 

FORT MYERS, HERE WE COME!!!

 

Sunday - January 29

It was an ugly day with lots of rain and chilly temps.    Today's plan had been to leave Stuart and cruise to Pahokee where we would meet our RV friends from Okeechobee and have lunch at the marina restaurant.    We learned this morning (thru the internet) that the restaurant has been permanently closed.     We were in touch with Sue and Jud, Sue and Gary and since it was an icky day and no place to eat (there is not much in Pahokee), we cancelled those plans and sure disappointed we were not going to see these fun friends!

 

We did leave at 9 and had rain most of the way (49 when we left Stuart) and only got to 57.    We went 59 miles and arrived in Clewiston this afternoon.    I  checked out the marina store (thee best marina anywhere for their clothing and shoe choices)!!!   Had an early supper at the marina grill, walked around a little (a bit too nippy for we wimps, though) and then back to hibernate on Catrina.    We played some 2-handed euchre, enjoyed some good decaf and got back to our good books.

 

Liam is a big fan of James Harden of the Houston Rockets.    Tonight the Rockets are playing the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis and the Campbell's are there - early birthday present for Liam

 (12 on the 4th).

 

Patrick and his boys on the floor of

Bankers Life Fieldhouse

 

 

Saturday - January 28

Another awesome sunrise at Loggerhead Marina

 

Nippy out this morning when we left Catrina at 7:15.     On our way out of town, we were going to stop at a Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds or some quick stop for a to-go breakfast.    Mark noticed a "Jupiter Donuts" sign and so we checked it out!    WOW......definitely thee best donut I've ever had!  They had so many unique flavors (I chose a heath bar and it was chocolate with a very thin layer of icing topped with oodles of crushed heath bar pieces)!    Totally sinful, soo moist and just fabulous!!!    Mark and I do like our donuts.    Our grandsons would've loved this place!

It's probably a good thing we didn't discover this Jupiter Donuts earlier....ha!     Their logo is

"Jupiter Donuts....Out of this World"

 

We arrived in Fort Myers around 10:30, picked up our rental car and each of us drove to the Edison/Ford Marina where Catrina will be docked the month of February.    Walked around a bit, talked to one of the dock hands and then left Toad and drove off in our white Chevy Malibu.    Mark had a return at West Marine, we made a quick sop at Sue and Jerry's to deliver a package (birthday present for Sue from Jerry that we shopped for) and then headed out of town.

 

Stopped in LaBelle for lunch at the Bridge Street Coffee and Tea Co.    What a cute little place - got sandwiches to go (BLT for Mark and egg salad for me) and both were excellent!   

 

Back to Stuart at 3:15, returned the rental and walked 1.4 miles to St. Joseph's for 4:00 Mass.   

 

Pretty poinsettia plant in full bloom in late January as we were walking

 

 After most of the day in the car, it felt good to walk and was just a really pretty day!    Very neat priest who did a great homily and excellent choir.

 

We took Uber back to Catrina and now settled in for the night.    Tomorrow we are off to Pahokee as we cruise on Lake Okeechobee.    We could easily stay another month here, but....time to move on with lots of friends and fun waiting in Fort Myers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday - January 27

After several days of warm sunshine, we woke up to fog.    I walked and later, we ran a few errands and met friends, Bob and Carol from Jupiter for lunch at The Boathouse.    This was a new spot for us and wow - excellent!!!!    We were all very happy with our choices.   We drove to Catrina and had a nice little boat ride on the St. Lucie.   The sun peaked out just a bit here and here, but for the most part, a cool cloudy day.

 

Said our good byes to Bob and Carol - enjoy their company so much and no idea when we'll see them again?

Carol and Bob

 

Maeve went for her 6-month check-up today.    She weighs 18-11 and is 27" tall.   

Healthy happy baby!!!

 

Cool weekend coming for we Floridians....tomorrow we are driving our car to Fort Myers and returning in a rental.   Sunday, we'll start the trip on Catrina to the west coast and plan to arrive Tuesday!

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday - January 26

Awesome sunrise over the St. Lucie River

 

Another fun day in Stuart with Sue and Jerry.    We picked them up at 9:30 and drove to Sewell's Point for shopping (shoes and clothes) while the guys sat at Josephine's, had coffee and chatted.    The shops here are just so fun and we had a ball.     Had a wonderful lunch at Sailor's Return and they left for home at 2:20.

 

Delicious lunch at Sailor's Return

 

Looking forward to more fun times together in February when we're in Fort Myers.

 

Mark and I stopped at Publix for some groceries and then back to Catrina - I took a nap (all that shopping wears a girl out)!    Ha.....Mark did some boat jobs and we went for a walk.

 

Can't believe it's been 5 years since my Dad passed away (January 24th).    Miss him so much...

 

The condos here at our marina

Facebook showed a video from 50 years ago today (January 26, 1967) when 23" of snow fell over much of Illinois.  It was a surprise blizzard!   Mark and I were reminiscing - that was one for the record books! 

 

 

Wednesday - January 25

Beautiful day and so much fun sharing some of the things we love about Stuart with friends, Sue and Jerry.    We picked them up at their hotel around 12:30 and had delicious lunch outdoors at the Osceola Café.     Sue and I shopped downtown while the guys ran some errands and then sat in the courtyard of The Blue Door Coffee/Wine Shop.

Great place in Stuart to sip coffee or wine on a picture-perfect afternoon

Pat, Sue, Jerry

 

Sue and I joined them around 3:45 and we girls had coffee while the guys had wine.    Took them back to their hotel and we came back to Catrina to change clothes and then back to pick them up for dinner.    We went to 18 Seminole Street Italian Bistro - it was excellent

(my 3rd time to eat here).   It is in a charming little house with several rooms and tiny white lights all around the outside

 

 

Fun evening with these long-time friends visiting over a fabulous Italian dinner

 

Back to their hotel and Catrina!   Coming up tomorrow - more shopping and eating!

 

Florida grandbabies....

Happy Maeve 

 

Luke's sweet smile after a trip to the dentist today

Tuesday - January 24

Beautiful day......after breakfast we were on our way from Palm Coast to Stuart (about a 3-hour trip).    Picked up our car at the marina and I drove Toad while Mark drove truck/trailer

to Lake Worth.

 

Luke was waiting for us....

 

Searching thru his make-believe goggles!

 

We got to visit with Annette's parents (Dave and Judy) from IL.    They stayed with Luke and Maeve while P and A were skiing in Aspen.    Good to sit and chat a bit....I fed Maeve and put her down for a nap.    Annette fixed delicious veggie sandwiches and we left around 3.  

 

Grandma and Maeve

 

Grandma and Grandpa with Squirmy

 

So many memories of the 5 years the kids have lived here....

we will miss their lovely home!

 

I'm sad that we won't see Luke and Maeve til mid April   

 

Back to Stuart at 4:00, unpacked and settled in.   Later we walked on the brick

 promenade in front of the marina!   

Lots of these sweet pink petals on bushes as we were walking

 

Looking forward to tomorrow when Sue and Jerry are coming over from Fort Myers for 2 days of fun shopping, eating and visiting!!!

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday - January 23

We said our good byes and hugs to all this morning (Michael, Brooke, Drew, Davis, Blair and Ryan) and took Brady to school (more hugs in front of his principal - hee hee)!   And then we were off driving our truck and trailer back to Lake Worth for Philip to load up one more time for

 their move to NC.

 

Other than some on and off  drizzle and a few times, heavier rain, it was uneventful.    We kept hearing about all the strong winds for the east coast today and not the best pulling an empty trailer, but we made it!    Tonight we are in Palm Coast, FL (between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach).

 

The skiers

Brooke, Annette, Philip, Michael, Brooke and Ryan

 

We enjoyed talking to Michael, Brooke and Ryan when they got home last night.   One thing for sure - they all had a great time in beautiful Aspen.

 

Tomorrow we'll get more scoop from Philip and Annette when we deliver the truck/trailer.

 

Anne and Patrick had family picture taken for Holy Trinity church directory....miss them!!!

 

The Campbell's

 

Our handsome IL grandsons

 

We had dinner here at the hotel and after a long day of travel, ready for a good night's sleep!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - January 22

Another rainy day..... We all went to St. Aloysius for 11:00 Mass and then to Target - the boys had some gift cards burning a hole in their pockets from Christmas!  

 

On my way to church

The much anticipated "Grandma requested" picture....

 

 Hockey report from central Illinois.....Liam's team won 6-3 yesterday with Liam getting a hat trick (scored 3 goals).   Connor's team won 5-4 today and he scored 2 goals!    Way to go boys!!!!

Bob and Judy came in the afternoon - we played cards - the 6-handed euchre was painful for Mark, Drew and me; but did much better playing 4-handed.

Enjoyed salad, garlic bread and ravioli with Brooke's homemade sauce (Grandma D's recipe).

Said our good byes, got Sweet Pea tucked in bed, finished laundry and packing.     The skiers are due to arrive around 10:15ish!

 

Saturday - January 21

Rainy Saturday......the day started off with Miss Blair clogging the toilet with ping pong balls!     Last night she had put 3 in there + some other paper.   Thought I had it all out, but apparently she flushed it earlier and this morning, Grandpa dug 3 more out by taking the potty apart!   UGH

I told her she was in trouble and she looked at me and said "I AM????"

 

The guys went bowling and mini golf awhile Blair and Grandma played and then more laundry.

 

From Aspen today...

Ryan and Brooke

 

Brooke and Michael

 

Philip and Annette

 

Annette, Philip, Ryan, Brooke, Brooke, Michael 

Linda with her new granddaughter (and our new great niece, Kaylee)

Sweet Maeve



Brooke had made a chicken pot pie and froze and we enjoyed it for supper - delish!

Taking the patient's temperature

 

Drew and I just could not get the cards - soooooooo frustrating and Grandpa and Brady won 2 out of 3 euchre games despite the fact that Grandpa got euchred FOUR times!!!!!!!    HELP!

 

 

 

Friday - January 20

Happy 6 months, Maeve...

You are growing up much too fast!

 

Rainy day here!    Mark took Brady to school, I ironed and Blair slept in til 8:30.    She preferred to hang out in her warm, fleece penguin jammies today so what the heck...why not!    She played with toys, I did more laundry (never ending in this house) and we watched the inauguration.

 

Brady bought home a straight A report card!!!!   Way to go!!!

 

The skiers are having a wonderful time in Aspen - beautiful scenery and snow.

Apparently a few spills today, but nothing serious!

 

This girl is off the charts.....never know what she's going to do or say.   I've been keeping a list of cute things she has said this week - Michael and Brooke will have some good laughs.

 

Silly girl

Winding down in G and G's bed a bit before bed time.

We read "Madeline" tonight - a favorite of Liam and Connor's when they were little!

 

 

 

 

Thursday - January 19

Another beautiful sunny day in North Carolina.    Mark took Brady to the grocery store for some canned food for the poor (12 cans of spaghettios) and then to school.

 

Grandpa's girl

A little tea party before school

 

We took Blair to school and then off to Lake James to pick up a few things at Michael's house and then check out Philip and Annette's new home as they were putting up a big wall.

 

Back side of house facing the lake.

 

Mark and I had lunch at Allison's in Morganton, stopped in Hickory for a few things and then picked up Blair from pre school.    She took a good nap and at 3:40, we were off to Brady's basketball game.

which his team won 33-8. 

 

Off to the game in her spiffy new car seat!

 

 Brady scored 10 points and here are some action shots.

Brady is small, but fast 'n mighty!

 

Drew and Davis were coaching tonight - Drew was head coach in the main coach's absence!

 

Gram and GrandBob (Brooke's parents) were at the game and afterwards, we all went to

Jason's Deli for dinner.   

 

 

Wednesday - January 18

Everyone up and going early - off to school (Mark took Brady) and we're keeping Blair home with us today.    Mark got the oil changed in Brooke's car and the skiers were off at 9 for Colorado.

Ryan - Brooke - Michael

 

I did laundry, Blair took a good nap and then we made heart-shaped and regular sugar cookies

Miss Suzy Homemaker

 

and then sharing her hard work

Having ice cream and cookies with Grandpa

 

Meanwhile down in Lake Worth, Luke was making a Gingerbread House with his "Pa"

out by the pool.... 

Very creative, Luke

 

Brady had bb practice after school - Drew and Davis are assistant coaches and they all got home around 5ish.

 

Today would have been my parents 78th wedding anniversary and just found out that our niece, Jennifer and Jake became parents of Kaylee Gloria late this afternoon.   Kaylee weighed 6-10, is 20" long and has a big sister, Leia waiting to meet her!

 

Mom and Dad would've been so proud to share their day with a brand new great granddaughter! 

 

 Blair does not like to wear bows or barrettes but tonight sat patiently while Brady made her

oh-so-pretty with 8 barrettes!

 

The skiers are together in Colorado tonight - tomorrow, onto Aspen!

 

Tuesday - January 17

We left our hotel at 4;29 AM, returned the rental car at Fort Lauderdale airport and boarded at 6 AM (last few flights we've been on, the boarding begins 1 hour before departure).    There were so many middle/high school kids at the airport and groups going to different locations....not sure why as it's too early for spring break or class trips?

 

We flew into Concord (chilly and foggy) and arrived at Michael and Brooke's around 10:30 (stopped at Bojangles for a light breakfast).   Brady is home today - off yesterday for MLK holiday and today is teacher institute which makes for a nice 4-days off...

 

A little girls' domain....

 

So intent watching Paw Patrol

 

Ryan has been at the lake since Friday night......he's here now and tomorrow, the kids leave for CO (skiing in Aspen till Sunday).    Michael, Brooke, Ryan and Brooke will meet Philip and Annette tomorrow.    Annette's parents are in FL babysitting and P and A are already out there!

 

Nice memory from last night with Carol and Bob

 

We had fried chicken for supper and then played 6-handed euchre.....Mark, Brooke and me against Michael, Drew, and Ryan (the guys won 15-13).    And then Brooke, Mark and Ryan beat Michael, Brady and me 15-9.

 

Good to be here and looking forward to a fun week!