Halloween - 2018

HAPPY  HALLOWEEN!!!

 

First of all - some very exciting news to share.    Ryan will start flying for FedEx on December 3rd.    So happy for him!    This is the job he was really hoping for!

 

Mark and I are like a couple of excited kiddies happy to be back at Cypress Trail.    Today, the workers started at 8 and worked steadily finishing the floor, installing the vanity and doing trim work.   

Jeff, the contractor stopped by at 10:30 and we went with him to Lowe's to pick out towel bars, tp holder and sink faucet.   Then to granite/marble place to pick out a small slab for our vanity top.   It won't be ready till the 8th!

 

Back to Flo for lunch and then Lydia and I were off to get our nails done (she also got a pedi).    We stopped at the park office to get some info, our welcome bags, etc.

 

It is another hot one but sooo pretty here with all the palm trees, the fountain across the street, flowers, etc.    And lots of workers doing landscaping, working on sheds, detailing RV's, etc.    It is a happening place and still so many residents to return.

 

Tomorrow Lydia and I are flying to Chicago for Sisters' Weekend.    We fly back to Fort Myers on Monday, so taking another break from the blog!

Annette with Bat Girl and Buzz Lightyear 

Beautiful Tooth Fairy 

And our 3 munchkins together ready for some trick or treating 

 Bat Girl, Tooth Fairy, Buzz

 

 

 

Tuesday - October 30

We left Darien at 8 AM and it was another good day for traveling.   89 when we arrived in Fort Myers!!!    So happy to see our landscaping and new pavers, plus 2 guys were painting away in the shed!    Finally.....some progress being made!

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Beautiful bougainvillea

Mark's brother Jim and Lydia also moved in today and are just around the corner from Flo.    Great to catch up with them and later we all had dinner at the new Boathouse and Tiki Hut that just opened in July. 

 Jim and Lydia

After 2 long days of travel, we are happy campers tonight and very glad to be settled in at

Cypress Trail

Thursday-Monday, October 25-29

Hello from Darien, GA.....arrived here at 4:30 this afternoon after a long day of travel from Lake James.    But it was a gorgeous fall day and when we got here - 80 degrees.    Time to bring back the shorts and flip flops!!

We've had a whirlwind weekend with our friends Paul, Kathy, Roger and Barb.     These long-time boating friends are sooo much fun and we packed in a bunch, but also had plenty of time to catch up, reminisce, laugh and relax.

Mark and I so appreciate Michael and Brooke sharing their home and the beauty of Lake James with our friends who have known our kids for a long time.....they also got to be with Ryan who was there except for a weekend wedding in DC.    And they got to see Blair and Michael who came to the lake on Saturday.  Philip, Annette, their kiddos and Annette's Mom, Shmoo got to show off their lovely home and of course, the eating was off the charts.

We had 2 great dinners - 1st at the Red Rocker Inn in Black Mountain and then King Street Café in Morganton.    Also great fun on the water and lunch at the Camp.    Paul did a beef tenderloin on the Green Egg Sunday night - excellent!

Dinner at the Red Rocker Inn 

Lake James 

Sweet Blair - she and Daddy joined us for lunch at the Camp 

 

At the Camp - Kathy, Paul, Roger and Barb

Saying good-bye this morning

 

We are at the Inland Harbor RV Park and went to a favorite -  Skipper's Fish Camp for delicious dinner - ahhh….can't beat that fresh shrimp and also excellent BBQ ribs. along with the fixins of sweet potato soufflé, green beans and hush puppies.    There is nothing quite like Low Country food.

 

Tomorrow onto Fort Myers and Flo's new home at Cypress Trail.    Mark's brother Jim and Lydia will also be arriving tomorrow at their new lot just around the corner!    Yeah!!!

 

 

Thursday - October 25

Cloudy and cool....Mark and Ryan worked on more cable/electronic equipment.    Also got kayak and small sunfish sailboat out of water - ending another boating season!

Our friends Paul and Kathy, Roger and Barb are arriving this afternoon - can't wait to all be together and enjoy the beauty of Lake James.

Monday, Big Red, Flo, Mark and I are off to Fort Myers.    Taking a few days off from the blog!

Enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday - October 24

Spectacular day in North Carolina with some fall color starting to pop!    We drove to the mountains in Marion and met friends, Jim and Bev.    We first met in August in Brewerton, NY as we were finishing our Erie Canal travels and they were just beginning.    While visiting a short time, we discovered we had a NC connection in that 2 of our boys lived at Lake James and their new home was outside of Marion - so, about 50 minutes apart.

We made a plan to get together today and such a pretty day driving along the rural roads of NC.....Jim and Bev live high in the mountains and what a lovely cabin (all built by Jim) they have!     After the tour and some yakking, we went to Louise's in Linville Falls for delicious lunch (good ole comfort food) and more reminiscing about our summer travels on the western Erie Canal.  We drove around their neighborhood - wow - views are something else! 

Jim and Bev 

Beautiful waterfall near their home

  Mark and I left at 3 and back to the lake.    Michael was here checking out things and progress for new garage.    He and Brooke arrived home late last night - wonderful vacation in Italy.

Ryan and Mark did some cable work - restringing....(much-too-complicated for me)!    We 3 met Annette, Shmoo and kids at Slices for supper - always good food here.

This bush in Jim and Bev's yard looks and smells like lilacs but is actually a "Butterfly" bush! 

The little darlins'

Tuesday - October 23

It  was a fun day starting with a visit from Shmoo (Judy), Annette and Maeve.    Shmoo's 1st time to see Flo. 

All ready for Halloween! 

  Then Mark, Shmoo and I drove to Morganton and had lunch with Luke at his Morganton Day School - chick-fil-a....yum!

Luke's teacher, Mrs. Miller said he could invite 1 friend to sit with us for lunch and he chose Matthew

Luke and his Nana (Shmoo)

Some of the very cute decorated pumpkins that each class did.

How neat to see this sign in front of Luke's school!!!    Yeah!

We went outside after lunch and saw where the kiddos have recess - nice, huge fenced-in playground!

Said our good-byes to Luke and off to Ingles for some groceries and then ABC liquors for some libations.

Honey-garlic chicken with rice prepared by Annette...yum!

Something I  meant to mention yesterday was that our friend, Paul who came to visit yesterday walked 2000+ miles (4-months) the start-to-finish Appalachian Trail from GA+ to ME.    He raised over $29,000 for the children of Wounded Warriors - Way to go, Paul!!!

   

Monday - October 22

Gorgeous day - mid 60's and plenty of sunshine.    We exercised and then friends from Asheville, Paul and Patty came for a visit.    Mark and Patty used to work together.    We had so much fun.....gave them the tour of Michael and Brooke's lake home and Flo.   Made some coffee to go and off on a boat ride - nobody else on the water....had delicious lunch at Camp Lake James and then said our good byes as they are off to Florida for visit with family.

Patty and Paul

Sat on the porch in the sunshine and read....

Annette had us for supper again......so appreciate her good cooking!    Good to be with her Mom and the kiddos.

Sunday - October 21

Picture-perfect fall day......deep blue skies, no wind and 58 degrees!    The lake and mountains are WOW!!!

We all went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles in Morganton.    Then to Starbucks/Ingles for coffees and pastries.

These sprinkles are finger-lickin' good!

Sweet Bambi on our way home....

Annette fixed BLT's for lunch and also had egg rolls that we bought after Mass

(fund raiser for Vietnamese family member who had cancer and died this past week).

Annette drove to airport to pick up her Mom who is flying in for 10 days.    Philip flew back to FL for work.    Had a good chat with Brooke who called from Venice - they are having a wonderful time with all the siteseeing and fabulous food!

So good to see Shmoo (aka Judy)...........had baked ziti, salad, garlic toast and wine for supper

What more does a girl need - ipad, phone and of course, her baby

Sweetest little pumpkin

Saturday - October 20

Rainy Saturday morning and chilly....breakfast, got our stuff loaded up and the sheets/towels washed.   Judy came around 11:15 and after going over all the "instructions", Mark and I were on our way to the lake.    Bye bye to 3 of our NC kiddies and now to see 2 more (Luke and Maeve).

Grandpa is reading a Betty Bunny book to Blair.....these are the cutest stories about a little girl (Betty Bunny) who is a "handful" - like someone else we know???

Ryan is here and we had lunch (bean soup with polish sausage) - good soup day.     Philip and Annette left around 1:30 - errands, shopping, dinner - date time!     Maeve went down for a nap, Grandpa took Big Red to Flo and unloaded our stuff.

Luke and Grandma baked cookies (ghosts and pumpkins). 

YUMMY!

From Blair to Luke to Maeve - 3 little sweethearts who warm Grandma's heart!

Today is Luke and Maeve's Nana's birthday and she's coming tomorrow from IL for a visit!

Had delicious dinner (Ryan, Mark, me and the kiddos) of baked ziti made by Annette and some leftover pizza, salad and garlic bread + Luke's cookies

Mommy brought Maeve this cute pink vest for the cold weather coming!

Back on Flo now and it's very windy and chilly outdoors....35 by morning!

Nighty Night...

Friday - October 19

Beautiful crisp fall day - 39 when we got up but warmed to 67!    Davis was off to school; the "B's" slept in and Mark and I exercised.    Did some laundry and started packing up our stuff to head back to the lake tomorrow.    Judy will be coming to take over the child-care duty.

Michael and Brooke are having a wonderful time in Rome......tours (Vatican today) and onto Florence tomorrow.    We've texted back 'n forth and Michael called yesterday - love this technology!

Blair asked us this morning if we could go bowling?    So, after lunch, the 4 of us went to Pin Station - 1st time for me to bowl in a very long time.....we played 2 games with bumpers but the scores were not pretty.....Grandpa won the 1st game and I won the 2nd....lots of fun!

 This is her "bowling outfit" - dressed herself and off we go...

The "B's" having a little afternoon beverage at the bowling alley

Davis golfed after school, and then surprise......Mommy and Daddy did face 

time with Blair from Rome.    Great connection and she just chattered away about everything!!!

We had pizza for supper and Davis spent the night with his friend, Ethan.

This girl loves bubble baths!

Thursday - October 18

Beautiful sunny, but chilly day!    Davis was out the door at 7:15 (he has fall break next week).   Blair spent a good night in her fort in our room camping out!   Nan and Joe (cleaning crew) came at 8:15 and rest of us were out the door at 8:30 to Waffle House. 

Grandpa and Brady 

Blair and Grandma

 Good breakfast and then Blair and I took Grandpa and Brady home and they took Big Red to the bowling alley for games (2 for Grandpa and 4 for Brady).   Blair and I went back to town and shopped at Target and then got mani-pedi's - so fun to get some pampering together and she was so good!

Blair with pretty pink nails and lavender toes

On home and started laundry,    Davis came home and then off to the golf course.

 

Clips in her hair, pretty Ariel dress tied up around her waist and fancy shoes on.....this girl is ready for some action! 

 Here she goes in her "Frozen" jeep and as Grandpa said,  she only knows one speed - 

"Pedal to the Metal"

Speaking of drivers....

So proud of Luke - the newest driver in the family!   Got his license today!!!

Here's "Betty" whipping up some delicious chocolate chip cookies....

We went to the Catawba Country Club for dinner (Davis met us there).  

3 Amigos outside the Club

Wednesday - October 17

Dreary morning with a few sprinkles leftover.....we got the kiddos fed, dressed and Grandpa took Brady and Blair to school.    We exercised, started the laundry and on with the day.    The "B's" only have 1/2 day and then start of their fall break (Davis has his next week).

Mark went into town hoping to get his flu shot, but CVS was out of the vaccine.    I was there yesterday but we decided to not get the shot at same time in case one of us had some sort of reaction and we are on child care duty, so....he went to another CVS, got the shot and we are good to go!

Picked up the "B's" at 11:45 and they are officially on fall break till Monday.     Blair's choice for lunch (McDonalds, of course).     Back home and had a quiet afternoon - I did some more laundry and Brady built a fort for Blair to camp out tonight in our room.   Blair painted her pumpkin on the porch!

Sunny afternoon.    Mark went to Home Depot and got a new wireless garage door keypad and installed as other one went kaput.     Mark took Brady and friend/neighbor, Jake to Confirmation class at St. Joe's.     Jake's Mom brought him home....Mark picked up Olive Garden for dinner.    Blair is camped out in her fort....hope it's a good night for all?

New school pics:

Davis

Sweet Blair

Tuesday - October 16

Nice day in NC......The kiddos were off to school by 7:40; Brooke went with Blair on her kindergarten field trip to the Pumpkin Patch.     Mark cleaned out bed of Big Red and organized!    I cleaned out inside of truck and organized!    Yippee!!!!

After lunch Mark and I went to Hickory - Target (I got my flu shot - x-tra dose for seniors) and to UPS.

Mark, Blair and I went to Brady's soccer game - met Bob and Judy there......they lost 5-1, but Brady scored the one goal.   It rained for most of the game.... Off to Dos Amigos for some great Mexican fare and Davis joined us.   

Michael and Brooke are flying to Rome tonight!!!!

Anne has given the "gift of life" 49 times (that's 49 pints of blood).    Yesterday she donated platelets which is almost a 2-hour procedure using both arms.     So proud of you, Anne!!!

Great viewing place (her vanity) to watch Curious George.

Brady on the soccer field - orange shoes! 

Fun, yummy dinner at Dos Amigos.

Grandma with Blair, Gram, Grand Bob, Brady, Grandpa and Davis

Monday - October 15

Cloudy start to the day and then clearing and a nice sunny day.    Mark exercised and then we were off to Annette's - I exercised over there and helped with Maeve while she, Mark  and Ryan cleaned out some of the basement (painters are coming tomorrow to start a special paint process on the concrete floor).

Annette fixed breakfast sandwiches (delish) and went back to Flo - packed some bags and around 12:15, Mark and I left for Newton.   We ran a few errands in Hickory and then settled in to stay with Blair, Brady and Davis (Michael and Brooke are leaving tomorrow for Italy and celebrate their 20th anniversary).

Got all our instructions for the next several days and enjoyed some delicious baked potato soup that Brooke made.    Blair had bath time, flash cards, a treat and off to dreamland!

Friday-Sunday, October 12-14

We arrived at Lake James in early afternoon on Friday - absolutely gorgeous day with deep blue skies and 66 degrees.     We got Flo settled in and gave her a good scrubbing - oh my.....she was so dirty after all the rain, mud, gravel, we've been in recently at campgrounds.   The family started trickling in.....Michael had been in Chicago, Drew came home from Iowa City, Ryan from DC, Philip from FL and us from VA.     Great to be back here and hang out with the clan,    Philip gave several of us a ride on his new pontoon and Annette brought a ravioli/lasagna casserole and garlic toast + we added various kinds of wings for a great dinner followed by apple/caramel/walnut pie.

Sun setting over Lake James

Saturday was another spectacular day......guys did outside jobs, I made the strawberry/pretzel salad and deviled eggs.    Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents) came in the afternoon - visiting, boat ride on Michael's pontoon and then picnic-style supper of chicken, burgers and hot dogs with all the sides.      Played 6-handed euchre with Drew, Judy and I beating Brooke, Annette and Bob.    Fun day topped off with oreo cookie cake.    Said good bye to Philip who was off to FL and work.

Blair's imagination is off the charts and she wanted to perform a "dance competition challenge recital" (her words) for everyone tonight and we were to each video her!!! 

I gave the girls pumpkin necklaces that light up and Luke a ring that lit up 

Pretty pink flowers outside Brooke's kitchen window

The Campbell's went to Notre Dame today and cheered the Irish onto victory!

Liam and Connor

Sunday was a rainy, chilly morning.....Ryan, Mark and I went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo in Morganton and a quick stop at Starbucks.    Rest of the crew went to 11:00 Mass at Our Lady of the Angels in Marion.

The Newton crew left for home around 4 - said our good byes to Drew who is flying back to Iowa tonight.

Our little entertainer with her guitar, Easter hat and basket?

Grandma and Blair made pumpkin and ghost cookies this afternoon (actually "baked" them!)

Annette had Mark, Ryan and I over for dinner tonight and then euchre with Mark and I winning

2 of 3.  Raining now...

Curly locks