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