Thursday - February 27

Sunny, windy and cool....only in the 60's today.     We all slept in and then Mark and Marilyn were off to Bennett's for donuts and ran some errands.   Kevin, the landscaper was to stop by sometime today to talk about replacing the bougainvillea tree, so didn't want to miss him.

I did laundry and organized our closet and some drawers.....when they returned, we played 3-handed euchre with Mark winning 2 of the 3 games (I won the other game).

Mark took Marilyn to the Punta Gorda airport around 12:15 for her flight back to IL.   We had a busy fun 4 days and checked off just about everything she wanted to do while down here (list made 1 year ago)!

Siblings - #2 and #6 

Great time with Marilyn and already planning her 2021 trip to Fort Myers.

Mark took Jim and Lydia to the Fort Myers airport at 4:30 - they are flying back to St. Louis for special family time with their kids/grandkids.

Daddy and his toothless buddy

And... the Princess with her Daddy

Tomorrow we are flying back to IL......Can't wait to see Anne, Liam and Connor.  Saturday night is Patrick's "Celebration of Life" - an evening of music and fellowship hosted by his band mates and fellow musicians.  

I'm sure it will be one grand and emotional party!    My kleenex is packed. 😥

Wednesday - February 26

Rainy overnight and early this morning.     Mark, Marilyn and I picked Lydia up for 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul for Ash Wednesday.    Back home to pick up Jim and on our way to the beach.

Traffic was not bad.    We met Doris and Rich at Flippers for delicious lunch    Weather was so strange - very foggy and hazy over the water and at times the tall high rises were totally invisible.   But then the skies cleared, the sun came out and it was sooo pretty.     Doris took the guys back to her condo and Lydia, Marilyn and I shopped at Santini Plaza for T-shirts for Marilyn's friend back home.   She got 2 really nice ones in pretty Floridian colors (orange and turquoise).

We went to Doris, had the tour of her very nice condo overlooking Fort Myers Beach and enjoyed some good visiting.    Then it was time to say our good byes - sure have enjoyed visits with the Chamberlain siblings these past few weeks.

Flipper's

Lydia, Pat, Mark, Marilyn, Doris, Rich, Jim

Outside Flippers

Pat, Mark, Marilyn

Lydia and Marilyn searching for shell treasures to take home

The Siblings

Mark, Jim, Marilyn, Doris (8 absent)

No school today for Liam and Connor with 3" of snow, blowing and drifting.

Tonight Jim, Lydia, Marilyn, Mark and I went on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train trip to

 Punta Gorda.   We boarded the train around 6, departed at 6:30 and enjoyed a delicious 5-course dinner and "attempted" to solve who "murderer" is while getting various clues from the cast of 6 characters presenting "In the Dead of Noir".    The rain started coming down shortly after we departed and was coming down in sheets against the window, but we were warm and cozy inside.

Mark and I enjoyed sitting with Zach and Holly from Rochester MN.   Jim, Lydia and Marilyn were across the aisle.    Zach and Holly were visiting Fort Myers for the first time ever and taking in as many attractions as possible.     They also are BIG Minnesota Twins fans and had been to 4 games this week.

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Zach and Holly

The Murder Mystery Dinner Train has been in existence since 1991.   The 4 vintage cars hold 208 passengers and all food is prepared fresh onboard.   We had 196 on our trip.    They do these trips from Fort Myers to Punta Gorda 5 nights a week.    They are put on by the Fay family and the Seminole Gulf Railway.

It was late when we got home last night and so tired, so finishing up the blog this Thursday morning.

Tuesday - February 25

Hot 'n sunny 'n windy!     Marilyn, Mark and I met Jim and Lydia at Java Coffee House for breakfast and then we gals walked around a little bit downtown on the hunt for a Fort Myers T-shirt for Marilyn's friend.     Nothing to be had, including stopping at Walgreens and CVS (we were told these were good spots for souvenirs).    Nope.....so tomorrow, we will find something for sure when we go to Fort Myers Beach

Favorite coffee shop in Fort Myers

Mark, Marilyn, Jim, Lydia, Pat (wearin' my beads).

Marilyn ready to dig into her apple/cinnamon muffin and skinny vanilla latte

Back home.....Marilyn, Mark and I played 3-handed euchre with each of us winning a game.

In the afternoon, we went to Jim and Lydia's and played 5-handed euchre under their gazebo.    Very pleasant along with snacks and drinks.    We took a break and walked to the clubhouse/tiki hut and checked out the big Mardi Gras party (yesterday was just a pre-party for this big celebration).    LOTS of people out enjoying the gorgeous day and all the food (boiled shrimp, muffaletta sandwiches, jambalaya, etc.).   And then more cards for us....Lydia and Jim tied and I won a shortened version of next game as it was time to go home and gussie up for tonight.

We picked up Jim and Lydia and off to the University Grill for dinner.    Excellent as always.    Drove to the Barbara Mann Theater for Bee Gees concert - so much fun!    Sold-out crowd and all the old songs that we know and love from the late 60's and early 70's.

Mark, Jim, Lydia, Pat, Marilyn

Monday - February 24

Jim and Lydia brought Marilyn to us last night just before 10 PM.     We chatted briefly, got her settled and went nighty night! 

Hot 'n sunny today but a nice breeze.    Marilyn nd I picked Lydia up and we were off to Anthony's for some shopping (fun for all of us).     Went thru Starbucks drive-thru for some beverages and on home.   

Marilyn's new dress 

Fun girls shopping spree

I got out some snacks and we girls played rummi kube on the patio.  Mark was working on taxes and Jim went to Target.   Jim played with us later when Marilyn went for a walk and then Lydia left to take pics for the Mardi Gras parade. 

Pat checks her phone while Jim contemplates his next move

We watched the parade from end of our driveway - lots of cleverly decorative golf carts, bicycles, trucks, cars, walkers and dogs.   Everyone having a great time throwing beads, candy, etc.

One of many decorative parade entries.

Fun time at the party under the tiki and around the pool - Bloody Mary's, chicken-on-a-biscuit, pasta salad and cole slaw.    Huge crowd on this lovely evening.

Lydia, Jim, Marilyn, Pat, Mark

We enjoyed a game of "Lucky 13" under Jim and Lydia's gazebo along with delicious

pumpkin cake roll.    Marilyn was the big grand winner!

Sunday - February 23

Sunny Sunday.....went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis, home for a bit to change clothes and them then off to meet friends, Bonnie and Joe from Michigan at Hogbody's.    We've heard of this place in North Fort Myers, but never been.    Joe and Bonnie suggested it - good choice!   So fun to see these folks again.    They spend the winter at Fort Myers Beach in their RV and we met several years ago in Charleston.

So, plenty of yakking throughout lunch and then back at our patio.    Walked to the clubhouse and showed them around.    Very enjoyable afternoon.

Bonnie and Joe

We took naps this afternoon, did some laundry and read.

Mark and Jim's sister, Marilyn is arriving later tonight for 4 days with us.    Jim and Lydia are picking her up at airport and she'll stay with us.    Looking forward to fun times and also will get together with sister Doris and Rich on Fort Myers Beach!   

Have a great week....

Thursday-Saturday, February 20-22

2-20-2020

Thursday - Happy Birthday to brother Bob and me today....along with some cousins and friends (at least 10 others I can think of)!!!   

Happy Birthday to us!

 Bob, Linda and their friends, Dan and Sue arrived from Lakeland around 10:45 and that set off a big marathon 3 days of shopping, eating and fun!!!

After showing off Flo and the she shed to Dan and Sue, we 6 were off (2 cars) for The Veranda downtown.   Had a lovely and delicious lunch in the courtyard.   

Awesome lunch at the Veranda

Bob, Linda, Mark, Pat, Sue, Dan

  We girls shopped in the afternoon and the guys walked around downtown and back to Flo.   We had drinks and snacks on the patio and then off to The Boathouse which was sooo crazy busy - we had over an hour wait, but good food and plenty of chatter to pass the time.

So enjoyed the phone calls, texts, facetime, e-mails and facebook posts from family and friends.   THANK YOU!!!    It was a wonderful day and extra fun sharing with Bob.    Beautiful sunny day!

Friday - BUURRRR.....big change in the weather - chilly, windy and no sun today.   We all met at Buckingham Farms for another awesome breakfast and a little shopping.    We gals took off for Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach - more good shopping and fun!  

Shopping at Victoria

  The guys toured Babcock Ranch and then hung out on Flo.    We all met at Times Square on Fort Myers Beach - more shopping for the girls and the guys walked to end of pier (a COLD walk).     Then it was time to cross the bridge and head to Parrot Key for the dinner/Gatlin show.    Great meals and as always, we all enjoyed the show (1st time for Dan and Sue).    This was their first visit to Fort Myers.

Saturday - Chilly (46) and windy but nice sunshine and warmed up quickly.    Today we all went to the big flea market after I showed Sue around our clubhouse.    Donuts were a top priority and we all scarfed down these goodies along with hot coffees.   

Sue and her donut

 We parted ways with the guys doing their shopping and same for we gals.    Left around 11:30 for Punta Gorda and Fisherman's Village.    The weather was just lovely and always good shopping in this neat area.    Sooo many people out and about shopping and eating.    People were standing by tables/booths waiting for those finishing their meals, paying bill, etc. and then whoaaa...quick turnover.   Crazy but really good lunch at Harpoon Harry's.

The guys hanging out with their phones while the ladies shop

A bit more shopping after lunch, ice cream and then said our good byes......whew....appreciate their big boost to Fort Myers and Punta Gorda economy!!!!    It was a whirlwind, but very fun 3 days!

Bye bye to Dan, Sue, Linda, Bob

Pat, Linda, Bob, Mark

Wednesday - February 19

Feeling sad today on what would've been Patrick's 55th birthday

Happy Heavenly Birthday!

This picture was one of the last of him performing late summer

Tomorrow it will be 5 months that Patrick left us and it still hurts so much.   I imagine he is rockin', rollin' and singin' his heart out up there entertaining everyone!!!

Some special memories... 

Rainbow Trout Ranch in Antonito, CO 

Patrick and his boys on the ice

Cheering on Notre Dame

Another pretty day - I got some pampering today - mani/pedi and haircut.    Mark ran some errands late morning and we a pizza cone from Firebread (food truck in the park).

I was very teary eyed this afternoon reading the many many tributes on facebook for Patrick's birthday!

Our neighbors, Dick and Rita, Buddy and Jo Ann were all coming for happy hour this afternoon.    Dick and Rita just returned from a 2-week cruise and both have bad colds, so, they canceled.    We had a delightful visit with Buddy and Joanne from Asheville.

Joanne and Buddy

Tomorrow is my birthday and also my brother, Bob's.    He and Linda and friends, Dan and Sue are coming for a few days.    Lots of fun stuff planned, so... taking a break from the blog!

Safe safe, healthy and happy.....

Tuesday - February 18

Hot, sunny and humid today - close to 90 degrees.    I went to Costco and stocked up on wine and other munchies and then met Claire and Kathy at Connors for wonderful lunch celebrating my birthday.   We sat outdoors under the covered patio and it was very pleasant along with Maria, our waitress from Brazil.

So, lots of chatting, enjoying our wine (sangria) and very good lunches.    Said our good byes - I will not see Kathy till May.   Ran a few more errands and with all the traffic, finally back home!   

Claire, Pat, Kathy

at Connors

Complimentary birthday dessert

Pound cake with ice cream, fresh strawberries and whipped cream!   YUM!!!

Euchre tonight with 3 tables and lots of laughs and fun.

Monday - February 17

We were both off (Mark in truck - me in car) taking Big Red to be detailed today (Christmas present from Ryan to Mark).     I picked Mark up and we went to the Java Coffee House downtown for 

yummy coffee/latte and pastries which are THEE best!

On home and caught up on some e-mails before we were off again... and away to our "home away from home", the Boathouse where we met Bob and Carol who drove down from Venice.    We've known Bob and Carol since the mid 90's as we were dockmates on E-12 at Reefpoint Marina in Racine, WI.    Always have a good time and same for this year -yak yak yak.   Back to Flo and sat on the patio - it is really humid today - absolutely no wind!    We showed them around the park and then had dessert. 

And then, nice surprise visitors - Mark's brother Tom, Beth and their Italian Exchange student, Fede stopped in for a quick visit.    Tom and Beth are giving Fede the "Florida Experience" this week - wanted him to see where Jim, Lydia and we live - our RV's, she sheds, the park, etc.    We'll see them later tonight at dinner.    Bye bye to Bob and Carol till next year!

Carol and Bob

Tonight we picked Jim and Lydia up and joined other family members for a delicious dinner at one of our favorites - The Prawnbroker.    Tom, Beth and Fede, Doris, Rich and their daughter, Laura.

We had so much fun being together - the 3 brothers, sister, spouses, Fede and Laura!!!

Tomorrow Tom, Beth, Fede and Laura all return home (Illinois)!  😥

Tom, Beth, Jim, Lydia, Mark, Pat, Fede, Rich, Doris, Laura

The siblings...

Jim, Doris, Tom, Mark

Sunday - February 16

A busy, fun Sunday......started the day with 9:30 Mass at St. Francis and finally met Father Anthony, the pastor.   We so enjoy his personality, sermons, etc.   

Then on a hunt for breakfast but the 2 places we went were both busy with 20-minute or longer waits, so....good to go at Starbucks.

Back home for a bit and then a delightful afternoon and evening with John and Beth at their home.   Marathon euchre games playing against each other (different partners) - overall, very evenly matched and full of laughs and tough competition.

Beth and her shiny spiffy sports car!

Mark and John took Beth's car (Little Red) for a spin and picked up pizza for supper

Bye bye to these dear friends as we won't see them till this fall!

Saturday - February 15

Warm, sunny 'n breezy.....we went to breakfast here at the park - best deal in town for $5 and so much good food.    Rode bikes for a bit and saw the big set up for corn hole tournament in the park today.   Two streets blocked off and at least 18 games going!

Corn hole tournament at Cypress Trail about to begin...

Drove to Publix for a few groceries and had a VERY CLOSE, SCARY call on our way home as an SUV pulled out in front of us - we came within inches of hitting the 2 people.   Apparently they were focused on where they were turning and not on oncoming traffic.    Yikes......

Did some laundry, Mark worked on taxes and mostly a quiet afternoon.

Barb, Roger, Paul and Kathy came late afternoon for drinks and snacks on the patio.    Around 5:45 we left for The Boathouse - only do 30-minute call-ahead seating.    Place was packed and we had a 1  1/2 hour wait, but good time to chat away and then enjoy our good dinners.   Sooo fun to be together once again....

Roger, Barb, Paul, Kathy, Mark, Pat

Plenty for these 3 to chat about - always!!!!

Congrats to Liam and his Sharks on the 6-2 victory at a state hockey tournament in Romeoville this morning!    

Our sweet Maeve, her friend Cora and dolly "Camille"

They were all cheering on Luke at his soccer game!

Valentine's Day - 2014

HAPPY  VALENTINE'S  DAY!!!

Another beautiful day in Florida and this day of LOVE was all about hanging out with good friends.

We picked Sue and Jerry up at 11 and then off to Coopers Hawk (between Bonita Springs and Naples) to meet our bridge friends for our annual Valentine's Day gathering.    We met back in the early 70's and played bridge for many years (been a LONG time since any of us have done that)!     And for past several years, most of the group comes to Florida or live here permanently..

Wonderful friends enjoyed delicious lunch, wine tasting, chocolates, etc. AND, God willing, we'll all be together 1 year from today as we have a reservation for Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 

1 PM.

Mark, Steve, Jerry, Don, Harry 

Cathy, Sharon, Pat, Cathy, Sue

Steve and Connie, Mark and Pat, Jerry and Sue, Don and Cathy, Harry and Sharon

Long trip home with heavy traffic - said our good byes to Jerry and Sue for a few weeks till we're together again.

Liam and Connor have a 5-day weekend.    Yesterday was a snow day; today, teacher's institute, Saturday/Sunday and then Monday is President's Day!!!     

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - February 13

Whew, a very big day which began at 7:30 when I left Cypress Trail and drove to the Tanger Outlet Mall (17 miles) and met Claire and Kathy.    We got lattes-to-go at the Island Java Co. and we were off to Sanibel, Captiva and final destination (a surprise for Kathy to celebrate her 70 birthday which was December 30th).    Boca Grande - here we come!

We boarded the "Santiva" at McCarthy's Marina for a 10:00 departure to Boca Grande with a quick stop to let off 8 passengers at Cayo Costa to go shelling for the day (total of 48 passengers and 2 crew).    So, then off to Boca - weather was absolutely perfect and just a delightful boat ride (how lucky to be on the water 2 days straight)!    Kevin did a great narration both coming and going.

Cruisin' to Boca Grande

Departed the "Santiva" shortly after 11 and off to find "The Pink Elephant" for lunch.    What a pretty place a short jaunt down the road - pink umbrella tables and cushions, pink napkins, and the waitstaff all wore pink shirts.   Also beautiful pink geraniums on the grounds.    Lunch and service were excellent - loved that our waiter called me "My Lady"......just like on Downton Abbey!    HA!

Pat, Claire and the Birthday Girl

We then walked to the nearby beautiful, elegant Gasparilla Inn which was built in 1914 and is full of beauty, elegance and charm - very "Old Florida".   We had been here several years ago by car and didn't want to miss this (Claire's first visit to Boca Grande).    We strolled around and oohed and aahed at all the wicker, chintz and ambiance.    It is lovely!!!

Then downtown and checked out a few shops before it was time to scurry back to the boat, 1st stopping at Miller's for some beverages to take with us.    Another pleasant trip on the water back to McCarthy's Marina.

We made a quick stop at Periwinkel Place and Kathy did a little shopping.   It was a long trip home with soo much traffic especially getting off Sanibel Island!    But an absolutely delightful day

Yesterday we visited on the "Pure Florida" cruise with folks from Colorado and one of the lady's future daughter-in-law was from Bloomington.    Today, we were with 2 couples from southern IL, and some folks from Minnesota who wanted to know all the nitty gritty of living on an RV or boat.   

Wednesday - February 12

HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   FLO

 Our home is "2" today!

Beautiful summery day in the upper 80's.     We picked Allie and Owen up at 9:15 and off to the Java House for delicious breakfast.    Allie and I walked around downtown for a bit and then we left for the Edison Ford Marina (where we had Catrina docked 3 years ago - sure brought back happy memories).

We boarded the "Pure Florida" cruise boat for a 1.5 hour trip up the Caloosahatchee River describing the wildlife (birds and one alligator who didn't stay above water very long).    No dolphins or manatees.  It was a perfect day on the water and we had 21 on our tour. 

Very enjoyable river cruise

Then, of course, time to eat again and where shall we dine?    Soo many choices......The Veranda won out as Allie and Owen had never been.    We sat in the courtyard - sooo pretty and had a very good lunch and more good visiting.    

We took them to their car at the hotel and said our good byes....such a good time last night and today!    We'll see them again in March when we're all going to a rodeo.

Fine dining at The Veranda 

Pat and Allie in the Veranda courtyard under a beautiful orchid

Mabel is really doing a number back in the Midwest with the snow....