Friday - January 31

Mark went to hotel fitness room and lifted weights.   Then we drove downtown Okeechobee and met Miss Belle (my yoga instructor from 2 and 3 years ago) at the Brown Cow.   We had such a nice visit - she is doing well and going strong with the yoga at 84.     We enjoyed our coffee/latte/cappuccino and delicious quiches.    And then it was time to say good bye.....she is a delight!

Pat and Miss Belle

We drove back to Fort Myers and since Flo was not ready to be picked up, we sat on our patio and read.   We had an ice cream craving around 2:30, so stopped at a Mexican spot (they make their own ice cream).   Mark had a banana split and I had a waffle boat sundae.    All delicious!

Mark picked Flo up at 4:30 and we got settled just before the rain started around 5:20.    Not everything was fixed.....so, waiting to hear back about taking here in again OR probably just wait and see if we can make appointment in Jackson Center, Ohio (Airstream headquarters).    Nothing serious - just things that take longer to fix than we were willing to be away from our home.  

 Frustrating though....

Rainy night - but good to be back on Flo.

Enjoy your weekend and bye bye to January!

Thursday - January 30

Gorgeous day in Stuart.....we enjoyed muffins (blueberry and cinnamon), fresh fruit (raspberries and blueberries) and fresh-squeezed oj left outside our door.    We had a leisurely morning and then walked down Colorado and found "So Unique" a wonderful boutique that had moved to new location from when we were here last time (2 years ago).     Did some retail damage here and then back downtown.   
Got a phone call from Steven, owner of The Old Colorado Inn asking how our stay was, thanking us for staying and please come again!    How special was that?     Steven and Ashley have 7 children (5 girls and 2 boys) - when I was here 4 years ago, there was a large family picture in the lobby and all were dressed in white.     Now, they have a more current picture all dressed in blue - so neat.   
they definitely have a good thing going with their charming inn which is in the heart of downtown Stuart..    Steven is also an attorney,    Yesterday, when we checked in, Debbie welcomed us and gave us a little tour of the inn which was built in 1914 as the Coventry Hotel - a lot of history here!!!

We had coffee/latte at the Stuart Coffee Co., and while Mark sat with his I-pad, I browsed a few more shops.    We had lunch at Luna - (one slice of pizza each).....good place you can walk up to on the sidewalk.

And then we were off to Okeechobee and settled in our hotel.   We met our RV friends at Water's Edge for happy hour under the Tiki....so much fun and met several new residents who are there for a week or the whole winter season,    Everyone brought an appetizer and just a great time with these fun friends!      Said our good byes and hoping to see Joyce and Butch in IL (maybe Kamp Komfort in April or May) and some of the others in Fort Myers in March.

Michael and Ryan are skiing this week in Whistler, BC.....

Michael on Whistler 

The Campbell brothers playing against each other 

Back to school today for Connor...

While waiting for Luke at soccer practice, Maeve is perfecting her soccer skills wearing glittery pink wedge heel shoes!

Maeve and friend Ave (Avery)!

Like the color of their soccer balls!!!

 




 

Wednesday - January 29

We took Flo to the RV hospital at 7:45 to get some things fixed.   I followed behind Big Red/Flo and picked Mark up.    We left Fort Myers shortly after 9 and headed to Okeechobee.     Along the way, our friend, Butch called to tell us there had been a very bad accident near Water's Edge with 2 fatalities and the road was blocked in both lanes. 

 A large dump truck and a semi collided and saw horrific pictures online.     Oh my.....the road was not open till late this afternoon.    We were to meet several couples for lunch in Okeechobee, but they had no way to get there.    Mark and I had a delicious lunch at the Brown Cow (favorite for breakfast, lunch, ice cream, coffee, chocolates, etc.)

Then we were off to Stuart and I browsed the shops at Sewell's Point and downtown.   Mark read his I-pad and sat in the coffee shop or in the courtyard. 

It was cool and cloudy to start the day, but then warmed up with lots of sunshine.

Checked into our room at the Old Colorado Inn - love this place - stayed here January 26-28, 2016 with Linda and Vicki.    That trip we "shopped and ate till we dropped" and found out that Philip and Annette were having a baby girl in July.    End result......sweet Maeve Kathryn.     Great to have the blog to check out this stuff.

We walked to The Gafford for excellent dinner.    We shared a pear/arugula salad and I had the almond encrusted red snapper with wild rice and green beans.   Mark had Mabel's fried chicken with black dot gravy and green beans.    Everything was sooo good and then we shared creme brulee before we waddled out the door.

A very fun day but certainly thinking of those who died in that tragic accident so close to our RV friends.    We will see them tomorrow when we return to Okeechobee in the afternoon.

Tonight Luke did facetime with us - part of his homework assignment was to read a book  and we were the lucky ones to enjoy his story about a shuttle launch.

Tuesday - January 28

BEAUTIFUL......sunny and mid 70's.   I walked, but way behind with my steps.   Having an issue with my left hip.   Not hurting all the time, but often enough!    Nuisance!!!   I love walking in the park!    Biking is ok, so....might be that darn bursitis I had 2 years ago?

Packed for our little getaway tomorrow.    And then we were off to Creekside RV Park in Punta Gorda and a delightful visit and lunch with John and Nancy from Michigan.    They were our next door neighbors last year (where Rog and Martin are now).     It was so fun to catch up and then off to The Peace River Seafood Co. for excellent "very fresh" shrimp/lobster bite lunch with red-skinned potato and corn-on-the-cob........topped off with key lime pie!    DEEEEElish!

Nancy and John

And here's Mark trying out John's electric bike!

Said our good byes and on home.    Hooked Big Red up to Flo, stowed stuff inside and ready to roll tomorrow.    Taking Flo to North Trail RV (just 2 miles away) for final warranty work.    And while she's in there getting spiffed up, we are going to Okeechobee to visit RV friends and then to Stuart.    Back to Fort Myers Friday and "hopefully" Flo will be ready and rarin' to get back home!

Euchre tonight with very small group - 7 of us so, a 4-handed table and a 3-handed.   Still a good time and we will miss Jim who is leaving the end of the month.

Monday - January 27

Cool, cloudy day......enjoyed a leisurely day of just us catching up on the home front with laundry, computer stuff, reading, etc.    Mark ran a few errands, but otherwise, we just chilled.

I am still so amazed, thankful and humbled by the love and support that Anne and boys keep receiving.    The latest is that Connor's baseball coach is having these patches on the team uniforms for the coming season in memory of Patrick.

Patrick is smiling...

Liam's hockey team sold 87 cake rolls (6 flavors) and he sold 42 !    They will be delivering these in the next few days just like we helped with all the pies in December.    These Sharks know some good fund raisers!!!

Connor has strep - went to doctor today....poor guy!

When Mark and I were out biking earlier today, came across this sign..

Our scholar Brady in his new specs

Praying for the helicopter victims and families in yesterday's crash and also those who died in the horrific fire on the boat dock in Scottsboro, Alabama today.

Sunday - January 26

Sunny, but cool Sunday.    We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis and then home.     Sue and Jerry, Mark and I were invited by friends, Steve and Connie to go on a cruise aboard the Lady Chadwick this afternoon - fund raiser for SCCF -  (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) making awareness of the SW FL waters, environment, etc.

Steve and Connie are both sick, though, so plans changed this morning and luckily, John and Beth were available.    We picked up Sue and Jerry, drove to Steve and Connie's to get our tickets, then to McCarthy's Marina on Captiva and met John and Beth.    We boarded the boat at 3:30 for 4:00 departure.

Definitely chilly on top level.    Spent most of the trip on lower enclosed level.   Enjoyed all sorts of beverages, appetizers, music by Willie Watson and just a nice 2.5 hour cruise.   Especially enjoyed being with these great friends.

Mark, Pat, Jerry, Sue, John, Beth

Watched the sunset and then said our good byes to John and Beth.    We took Sue and Jerry home and now settled on Flo.

Beautiful sunset from The Lady Chadwick

Liam and Connor played against each other last night - Liam's team won 6-3, he scored 2 goals and had 2 assists.

Liam 

Connor

And then this morning, they played again and here they are - the brothers facing off to start the game.    Liam's team won again  9-0 

The Campbell brothers 

Have a great week!

Friday-Saturday, January 24-25

 Friday - I did yoga, packed, visited with Dennis (neighbor around the corner whose party we were at last night).

Mark picked up a sandwich to share from the "South of Broadway" food truck.    It was called a ChimiChurri burger (seasoned beef patty with pickled slaw, secret sauce, lettuce and tomatoes).    Very tasty and glad we shared.

We walked down to our neighbor's, Kathy and Dennis (different Dennis from above) who were having an open house selling Kathy's baked good and canning.    She is the official "baker and canner" in the park and her goodies are well sought after.    We bought a pumpkin cake roll, banana nut bread and pickled beets.

Left at 2 for North Port and visit/overnight stay with Allie and Owen.    Always enjoy our time together and had so much fun, laughing, catching up and then to Valenti's Italian in Venice for wonderful dinner made especially more fun with Lois, our waitress who was quite a character.    Along with excellent food, we tried some "new" beverages and dessert (tiramisu, spumoni, and limoncello).       Fun fun evening!    More yakking after we got back and then  enjoyed a good night's sleep!

Allie enjoying her first sip of a lemon drop martini!

Awesome Italian fare with awesome friends

 My dad passed away 8 years ago today.....miss him sooo much!

Sweet kiddos in NC 

Maeve is so cuddly in jacket we gave her for Christmas

Saturday - spectacular day - not a cloud in the sky and low 70's.    Leisurely morning of just sitting around with our coffee/tea, gabbing, catching up on our social media stuff, etc.    Allie made a delicious breakfast casserole and fresh fruit for breakfast and then we girls were off to the Venice Art Fair downtown.    Left the guys at home - definitely where they wanted to be and good thing as it was sooo crowded.   We meandered thru the massive crowds and enjoyed many many tents selling all kinds of beautiful items - very high quality.    We strolled down Venice Avenue - lots of people shopping, eating outdoors, etc.

Shopping in Venice

   Drove back to North Port and after a short rest, we 4 were off to Englewood and late lunch at Farlow's.    Oh my....this place was excellent (Allie and Owen have eaten here several times).    Highly recommend.

   Farlow's  👍👍

The 4 of us

Our chauffeur, Allie drove us back to their home, we said our good byes....such a fun time with these dear friends.    We will see them next month when they come to Fort Myers.

Bye bye Allie and Owen....big thanks for your great hospitality!

Tonight at Lake James

Congratulations to Davis who has been accepted to North Carolina State University (NCSU) - his Mama's alma mater.   

Thursday - January 23

Ahhh, nice return of the warm weather, shorts, flip flops, no more jackets, etc.    We survived our "2" days of winter!    Ha....   We Floridians LOVE our warm sunshine!!!

Our friends, Lee and Tamara from Bloomington (winter on Anna Maria Island) were planning to come today, but Tamara's uncle who lives in Bradenton, became ill yesterday and is in the hospital.    We will reschedule.

Today was a tea party in the park - an annual event put on by Debi and her crew of workers.   I was able to get a last-minute ticket and thoroughly enjoyed it.    Wonderful food, lots of tea choices, and just a pretty setting with the ladies (and 2 men and a little princess, Ellie visiting her Grandma) enjoying a very lovely event!

Mark went to the Mix Grill for lunch and ran some errands.    We had a quiet afternoon reading and napping. 

We went to a happy hour party hosted by Dennis and Jamie under their tiki hut - lots of people, lots of excellent food and drink and good ole chatter.     It was a spectacular evening to sit outdoors and enjoy visiting with old and new friends!

Michael has been in Johannesburg and Cape Town this week - loved it!   Told Mark and me to put on our list of places to visit!

We are off to North Port (overnight trip) tomorrow to visit Allie and Owen, so no blog till Saturday!

Wednesday - January 22

This should be the last of our chilly weather as tomorrow, could hit 80!     It was mighty nippy when I went out the door for yoga from 9-10.    Then I had planned to donate blood as the big red bus was in the park today.     However, since I got the shingles shot on January 13th, it has to be at least 28 days till you can donate.    So......certainly understand and will try next time they come.

We decided to drive downtown for coffee/latte at Java House and see Mike, the barista, who makes the best skinny vanilla latte.    We enjoyed our hot drinks and read in the cozy little shop.    Then we walked a few blocks to The Lodge and met Paula and Glen for lunch.     We had not seen them since last February and always enjoy lots of chatter and catching up over a great lunch.    We'll see them again on the 9th when our boating group gets together.

Glen, Paula, Pat, Mark

Quiet rest of the day, reading, computer stuff, and a little power nap under the cozy afghan....

Tuesday - January 21

Chilly, windy and sunny!     The brief "COLD" spell has hit Fort Myers.  I met Claire and Beth at Anthony's Ladies Wear for some retail therapy - all of us found something.    Then to the "Forever Fiore" tea room which is only 4 months old and lovely - very "pink".    Delicious!    And of course, enjoyed all the conversation!     A "Swedish Affair" is a nearby gift shop, so fun browsing in there,

We put our flower pots in she shed for the cold night ahead..    Also set Jim and Lydia's plant inside their shed.    Glad this is a temporary cold fix!

Mark is feeling much better but enjoyed another day lounging around Flo doing paper work, reading, etc.

Soup for supper hit the spot and then off to play euchre - so much fun and we have now added prizes to the top man and top woman.    Great time with regulars and several new folks!

Monday - January 20

The chill has hit south FL.....we were only in the 60;s, but the sun was bright and beautiful!

I got a mani pedi and ran a few errands.   We stayed indoors rest of the day.    Mark finds that when he goes outdoors, the cold, sneezing, nose-blowing kicks in, so......must be allergies!    At any rate, he's hibernating and with the cooler weather, not a big deal.

MVP - Brady

Sunday - January 19

It was an 80 degree, sunny, breezy Sunday, but that's it for several days with the 60's coming next 3 days!     We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis and then picked up a few groceries at Publix, stopped at CVS and on home.

Mark's cold is definitely there.....took it easy all day drinking lots of liquids and a good nap.   I rode my bike for a short jaunt.   We watched a movie late this afternoon......that makes 4 movies in less than 2 weeks!    WOW.....we've enjoyed them all, but tonight's may have been the best yet....
"The Upside"   lots of laughs and some tears - highly recommend it.

Enjoyed watching Brady play again today AND his team winning the "Winter Blast" tournament at his school (Concordia Christian Academy in Conover, NC) AND, the MVP of the tournament was

"Brady Chamberlain"

He scored 20 points, had 4 assists and 6 steals.

Anne is back home (sooo cold)  from IN where Liam has been playing in hockey tournament.    No wins yet, but playing tonight.   Auntie Karen and Connor drove over this afternoon and will stay over (Martin Luther King holiday tomorrow).

Forgot to mention that yesterday would have been my parents' 81st wedding anniversary!

Little Miss Sunshine is ready for the rain drops! 

The tooth fairy has been coming to Luke''s house!

Have a great week ahead....stay warm!

Thursday-Saturday, January 16-18

It's been a busy fun past few days with my brothers and the girls in town.    They arrived around 11 on Thursday.    We girls went to The Veranda for wonderful lunch - beautiful day eating al fresco with lovely music and delish lunch, wine and dessert.    The guys enjoyed their lunch at Izzys downtown,

Scrumptious dessert

Peanut butter fudge pie 

Delightful lunch in the courtyard

We girls then shopped at Peltz Shoes and Wilford and Lee (home decor) and on back to Flo.    We sat on the patio and then off to The Boathouse for another good meal.   

Bob, Linda, Mark, Pat, Vicki, Ron

Friday - we met at Buckingham Farms for delicious breakfasts and then we girls took off down I-75 to Victoria and then Santini Plaza for some power shopping.     We all had good luck and lots of fun .    Grabbed some cold drinks for the trip back to Cypress Trail.    The guys toured Babcock Farms and that was fun and educational.     We girls played RummiKube on the patio with Vicki the winner.     The guys sat outdoors with their I-pads, I-phones, took naps, etc.   We all had drinks and snacks and then  off to The Prawnbroker for another great meal -this is their favorite place to eat when they come to Fort Myers from Lakeland - consistently always good!    Nighty night after a big day!

Mark, Bob, Linda, Pat, Vicki, Ron

Anne and Liam are in Indiana this weekend for a hockey tournament - this Mama was concerned with their traveling with the snow, ice and rain predicted.    They made it just fine and Drew also was there as he was on his way back to Iowa City and start the next semester.    Unfortunately, Liam's team lost 8-0.     Auntie Karen is with Connor.and after his game tomorrow, they are going to Indiana.

Saturday - beautiful and met the kin at their hotel.     We girls walked to Cracker Barrel across the street and the guys decided they wanted Waffle House also across the street.    Our service was VERY slow, but good food and then time for good byes and hugs.    We'll see Bob and Linda in 5 weeks when they return with friends.   And we'll see Ron and Vicki in late March.

Bye bye

Ron, Vicki, Linda, Bob

I did some laundry, read and worked on computer stuff.   We also enjoyed watching Brady play in a basketball tournament in NC.    The team won 40-18 with Brady scoring 9 points and getting 3 assists and 3 steals     What was really neat - Michael is in London and able to watch the game (he is enroute to Johannesburg).   And Connor and Auntie watched from Bloomington!    Gotta love this technology.

Mark feels like a cold may be coming his way....so taking it easy today.   I went for a walk - it is sooo pretty out!

Haven't done much cooking lately....had spaghetti tonight - really hit the spot after all the eating out!

Wednesday - January 15

Sunny and warm.......Mark exercised and I left for a haircut but first a stopped at "The Grind" for my latte and a mini cinnamon roll.    Mark also got his hair cut downtown and hit our favorite "Java House"  and enjoyed a coffee and almond croissant!

Back home and tah dah....it was lunch time.    The food truck today was "Firebread" which is delicious - cone-shaped homemade bread (made right here and now) with oils and herbs filled with all kinds of yummy goodness.   

Euchre was cancelled last night as "Elvis" was in the park and performing.   We did not go (Mark's choice), but have since heard it was a fabulous night of Elvis music (1st half) and then everyone else imaginable rest of the evening - 3 hours of non-stop entertainment.    Hoping to get him back in March and hope we can make it!!!

Mark has been working on logistics of flights for several trips we have coming up - ooohhhh...$$$$ when it's around spring break or end-of-the-month.

This afternoon we went to the town meeting for our HOA in the park.   It was very well attended and lasted 1 hour, 45 minutes with many topics discussed.    Later we went to Publix and Dollar Tree picking up some little items for euchre prizes.

Lovely evening and went for a "walk in the park" before darkness set in!

Today would've been Mark's parents 74th wedding anniversary.....I'm sure they are dancing and having a party up there......

My brothers and wives are coming tomorrow for 3 days of fun, shopping, eating, siteseeing, etc., so I'm taking a short break from the blog.







   

Tuesday - January 14

Sun and clouds (86).    We walked in the park this morning and then I was off to Fancy's to meet Claire and Sue for lunch.    This is a really neat place - good food and fun welcoming Claire back to FL.   

Sue, Pat, Claire

This afternoon/evening we sat on our patio with Rog and Martin and enjoyed a bottle of wine and lots of chatter with our new neighbors.

Martin and Rog

Our arms are a little sore from the shingles shots, but nothing too bad!

Monday - January 13

Busy day for the nomads.....Mark lifted weights, I organized some closets and then we left at 10:15 for Clewiston (1 hr. 10 min trip).     We met our Okeechobee RV friends at Roland Martin's Marina and tiki hut (1/2 way for all of us) and had an awesome lunch and visit.     Miss these dear friends and had fun catching up with what's going on at Water's Edge, their families, etc.     We girls shopped in the wonderful marina boutique - lots of cute clothes and a favorite place.    No purchases for me - Sue H bought a pair of shorts.

Joyce, Pat, Mark, Gary, Jerry, Butch, Jud, Sue K, Sue H and Donna

Joyce and Butch from Illinois

Donna and Jerry from Kentucky

Sue and Jud K from Virginia

Sue and Gary H from Oklahoma

Today was Jerry's birthday!

Here he is enjoying his complimentary lava cake

We're looking forward to seeing them again when we head over their way (Okeechobee/Stuart) in late January.

When we had our yearly check-ups in December, we talked to Dr. Pilcher about getting the shingles shot.....the vaccine has not been available for a long time, but now lots of it and so....we've been asking at CVS when someone would be there to inject us.    Either no one was available when we were there, or they ran out of the vaccine but more coming tomorrow and on and on....after hitting 3 different CVS stores today, we got the shots at the 3rd place along with several others waiting.     We were there 1 hour.....and each shot was $159.48 (Medicare does not pay)!    Ouch!   

While waiting, we visited with Joanne, our neighbor here from Asheville who we also saw at the movie last night.     She was telling that she did not feel good the day after her shingles shot.    Dr. Pilcher had warned us that there could be some icky side effects, so.....we shall see!

The 2nd CVS we went today had a bunch of Christmas wrapping paper at 90% off.....wow, what a deal!    I didn't really need any as I had a lot left over, but 90% off????    So, I bought 6 large rolls for $3.58.    I can store in the she shed, so, no storage problem!

It was another record-setting day in Fort Myers - 87 when the average this time of year is 74.

Sunday - January 12

Nice sunny day and broke another record today with 87.    More heat coming tomorrow.    We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis, then to Starbucks and along the way, saw Patty and Paul from Minnesota who are neighbors around the corner here at Cypress Trail.

Walked around downtown a bit and then to Publix and on home.     Just a nice leisurely Sunday afternoon - we watched the movie "Unplanned" - true story and wow.....so powerful!!!    Rode bikes and then to the clubhouse for ice cream social - every Sunday night at 6:30 featuring 4 flavors (all homemade) with toppings.    Tonight's were chocolate, vanilla, black cherry and salted caramel!!!   YUM!!!     And then at 7:30, we stayed for popcorn and movie which was "Poms" starring Diane Keaton.    It was very enjoyable.....so wow, the "never-go-to-movie" nomads saw 2 today!!!   

While we were breaking a record here in Fort Myers today, on January 12th, meanwhile....

Bloomington, IL  - 27

Lake James, NC - 70

Cypress Trail - 87

Uncle Michael and Maeve - check out her expression

Saturday - January 11

 86, mostly sunny and breezy.    We went to breakfast (a regular Saturday event from 8-10 for $5 which includes, eggs, sausage, blueberry or plain pancakes, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, toast, juice and coffee!     It's quite a feast and well attended!

While in line at breakfast, we met John and Susan from Rockton, IL     Their daughter went to the same high school where Mark's sister, Janet teaches (Hononegah) and was a math whiz.    Janet teaches math and takes her kiddos on many math competitions always doing well.    She remembers Jennifer who went onto to get her doctorate and now a pharmacist.

After breakfast we set to work - I washed Flo's windows and Mark polished the stainless steel on Flo (most of her body is aluminum which we cleaned yesterday).     I also did laundry and planted my flowers.    We borrowed Jim (Mark's brother's power washer to clean u p a bit of mildew on our pavers).   Returned the washer and then ran some errands buying a few more flowers and potting soil.

Jim and Lydia are in Hawaii for about 5 weeks and will return in early February.     We miss them!

The Campbell brothers played against each other this morning - Connor's team (younger) beat the high school kids 7-5.    Both boys scored 2 goals each!.

Sooo proud of Liam making the 1st semester high honor roll at CCHS!    I'm sure Patrick is beaming from above over his boys accomplishments!

Mark found a wallet yesterday at Dillards!    Tah dah!!!

Rode our bikes around the park and then wine time on the patio.

US News and World Report named Fort Myers as the #1 spot in the country to retire!   YEAH!!!!!!!!

https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retire

Friday - January 10

Fort Myers was to be the warmest in the nation today (according to the Weather Channel) at 85.  At least that's what we heard this morning.    However, it was a strange day as there was little sunshine, strong winds and only in the 70's with occasional sprinkles.

I went to yoga from 9-10 (good to be back with Sue, instructor, and about 20 ladies and 1 man).

Back home, showered, changed clothes and off to Punta Gorda.     Our neighbors, Rog and Martin told us about the Pottery Express as we were both looking for some nice pottery for outdoors.   One year ago when we were looking for a turtle (ended up with Tillie) no one knew of a place close by for pottery and lo and behold....this place was phenomenal.    Absolutely ginormous and beautiful stuff.

But first things first, we got Big Red washed only to leave the car wash and sprinkles started - there was absolutely nothing showing on radar and it was "supposed" to be sunny?    Onto downtown Punta Gorda where we tried a new restaurant (so many good choices in this town).    #2 on Trip Advisor is "The Perfect Caper" - a hidden gem that's been in town 17 years and in this location for 8 years.   Definitely a "I wanna go back" place.    Mark had lobster mac 'n cheese; I had butternut squash and pear soup and 1/2 brie sandwich with tomato/apple jam and arugula and Chardonnay!    Excellent!

Then to Express Pottery and after wandering around in awe of this place, we bought 2 pretty Mexican pots and will put flowers in tomorrow,   On home....little power nap, read and later, I walked to mail a letter and check our mailbox (nothing).   On the way back, met neighbors 4 doors down (John and Doris) - originally from Effingham, IL and now the Chicago suburbs.   Doris' Grandma used to live in Amboy - holy moly.....just 7 miles north of Sublette (my hometown)1

Blair is a pretty little Butterfly

January 10, 2012

These little tykes started playing hockey 8 years ago......tomorrow morning, their teams will be playing each other.    Patrick would be so proud!   Sure wish we could be there.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - January 9

Very breezy day but sunny and 80.    We washed and waxed Flo, walked around the park, visited with Rog and Martin and even got in a short nap.    (love these little power pick me uppers)!

Does not seem possible it's been 7 years ago today that Mark's Dad passed away.   He's still so missed....

John and Beth had planned to come this afternoon and learn to play euchre and then dinner somewhere,  but, they are both dealing with bad coughs, and cancelled.    We hope they are better soon!

So, we met long-time friends, Sue, Jerry, Connie, Steve and Vicki at Bahama Breeze.   

Mark, Steve, Vicki (Connie's sister visiting from WA), Connie, Pat, Sue, Jerry

Great friends and great food made for an awesome evening!

Wednesday - January 6

Beautiful day and we were off to pick up Sue and Jerry.    We drove 2 hours yakking all the way.    Met Patty and Doug who drove from The Villages for lunch at Crazy Fish - great food, lots of chatter and a great time was had by all.     We go back to the early 70's when we met thru State Farm, neighbors (Patty, Doug and us) and Newcomers.    Sooooo fun to be together,

Patty, Doug, Sue, Mark, Jerry, Pat

Good bye hugs and a plan for Patty and Doug to come visit us in Fort Myers in late March ended this get together,

Sue and I napped on the way back for a short time.....we took Sue and Jerry home and then picked up Big Red which was ready and since we were out and about................but oh, with both rush hour and so many snowbirds in Fort Myers made for horrendous traffic.    But we're back home settled on Flo. 

Tuesday - January 7

A lovely day in SW FL.....another cool start (one session of water aerobics was cancelled but the 11:00 session was on!)    Hoping to try this on Thursday (and when it's a bit warmer).

Mark and I went for coffee in the ballroom - huge crowd and also Kevin, our park landscaper spoke about care of various plants and irrigation.    Robert also talked about power washing and lawn service.    This all lasted an hour and back home for a bit.

We drove to UpRiver RV park in North Fort Myers and enjoyed a delightful afternoon with Lee and Shirley from Myrtle Beach.    We met them last year in Okeechobee and they are in FL for 1 month.    Sat on their patio and visited and then off to drive around their park (part of it is brand new). 

And then lunch at Buckingham Farms - good as ever.    Spent the rest of the afternoon on our patio, walked to our clubhouse, pool, etc., and they looked at some park-model homes.     Back to our lot and visited some more and then took them back to UpRiver at 4.    Great folks and such a good time.

Shirley and Lee

Read for a while and then off to the ballroom for the kick off of the 2020 euchre season.    We had 6 tables tonight and a lot of fun!    Several new faces and regulars from last year.

Monday - January 6

What a gorgeous day - 73 and all sunshine!    It was 43 when we woke up and water aerobics was cancelled and probably the next few mornings.    But much warmer temps later this week.

Mark took Big Red to the Ford dealer for some warranty work.   I drove the car and we ran some errands.    Came home and did some light cleaning and now happy that Flo and the she shed are in good order.

We then went to the mall and were walking around Macy's men's department shopping for a wallet.   (Connor gave Grandpa some $ for Christmas towards this),    This guy comes up to us and says "Hello".....wow, it was Brooke's Uncle Nate.   What a nice surprise.    Nate and Jane live in Cape Coral. 

Uncle Nate 

Grandpa still searching for the "right" wallet - knows exactly what he's looking for, but???

We had a delicious lunch at Deep Lagoon and sat outdoors on this pretty day by the water and boats. And our first piece of key lime pie in 2020.

Awesome lunch on an awesome day!

Stopped at Publix and checked in with Ford.    Big Red is not finished and they'll call in the morning, so....no biggie as we're enjoying our Chevy Malibu and nice to have the extra set of wheels.   Went for a bike ride late afternoon and welcomed back friends, Mark and Brenda from Ohio.

And who's this little Miss in her pretty dress with her name?

Sunday - January 5

Beautiful sunny day but cool (in the 60's).   We had sausage/cheese omelets and toast and off to 11:00 Mass at St. Francis.   Ran some errands on the hunt for a matching flower pot like I bought last year.    Unfortunately, a match is not to be found - (Lowe's, Home Depot (where we got last year's)  and the flea market (shared one of their huge delicious donuts).    Came home - we took a little nap (all the holiday hoopla, travel, getting settled here at Cypress Trail, etc. has left us both lethargic).   

Rode bikes, visited with neighbors, and planted some flowers.

This week most of the activities here in the park will kick off the new season.....along with oodles of  things to do, they've added genealogy (our neighbor Dick will head that up), bible study, euchre, ukulele class, and the good ole standbys to help us get these bods back in shape - water aerobics, yoga, biking, walking, etc.

Tonight starts the first ice cream social (4 homemade flavors) and the movie "The Upside" with popcorn.    We'll plan on that another time....

Have a great week!

Saturday - January 4

Soggy day in SW Florida.     The day started out ok - cloudy but warm and breezy.     We drove to Sarasota and met my brothers and wives and nephew, Matt and his family visiting from Australia.    We had lunch at Philippe's (very good) on the water but while we were eating and when we were leaving, it really poured.    Soo good to see Matt and crew.    Fun visit.

Elisha, Theo (11), Jemma (14) and Matt

We said our good byes (Elisha and I talked about Mark and I coming to visit them - been on my bucket list - maybe 2022)?    A plan in the making...

We went onto Venice and met Bob and Linda - coffee shop for the guys and Linda and I did some damage with our 1st shopping venture of the new year - very successful!    LOVE Venice for shopping, eating, etc.    It really cooled down and had some misty rain and then heavier and strong winds coming back- good to be home around 5ish.

Happy Birthday Big Red - 2 years old today

We remember that brutally cold day back in IL very well and taking Liam and Connor for a ride before we left for Florida.

And speaking of our IL grandsons, they are back home tonight after a fun week with their cousins, aunts, uncles and a few days with Grandpa and me.    Unfortunately, Liam has caught the crud that hit Michael, Philip and Luke.    He's been to the Dr. and on meds.

Annette shared these pics of the beauty of Lake James today... 

Spectacular rainbow 

Gorgeous scenery