Tuesday - March 31

Wow....last day of March and what a month it's been!!!    It was a cloudy, gloomy day with the threat of rain but only a few sprinkles.    Read, napped, went for a short walk (wimped out with the 52 degrees and some misty rain)!    We went to mass this afternoon - always enjoy these priests from the Boston archdiocese and their homilies.

Tried to not watch the news so much....depressing and sometimes, who and what do you believe?    Amazing some of the stuff that's out there!!!!     Arghhhh.    Check out these stats....

Soooo depresing?

Played euchre online tonight - Drew and I against Anne and Mark.    We beat them 2 out of 2.    A new fun way to keep us entertained.

Monday - March 30

Hard to believe Mark and I have been here at Lake James for a week.....and unfortunately, the news in our country and world is getting bleaker rather than better. 

Quiet day in the cottage - cooler and no sun, but we did some reorganizing of Big Red and Mark tackled more bookwork.   I did some laundry, read, and sent more e-mails.    Sure have enjoyed hearing from so many folks sharing where they are during this quarantine and how they're doing.

Drew called and has euchre online set up.....looking forward to playing that virtually.

Sat in the driveway keeping my distance and watched Brooke plant some pretty impatiens while we chatted.    She even gave us some for the cottage.

A tiny bit of color added to our front porch - but with rain and warm temps, they will take off!

Gorgeous blooms from Brooke's Mom, Judy in their yard

These little munchkins wanted to visit Grandma today....

Luke, Blair and "Lily"

Thru the window

Went for a walk tonight with Michael and Brooke - keeping our distance

4 years ago today, Mark's Mom (Grandma C) passed away....

Sunday - March 29

Michael joined us in our hike this morning - all was going great till the guys checked radar and rain was imminent!    ARGHHHH....we were able to complete it 1 way but called Brooke to come to our rescue and on home.    Bummer.....of course, shortly after we were back indoors, the sun came out!

Breakfast, showers and on with the day.    Seeing all the tornado damage in Jonesboro, Arkansas - oh my, on top of all folks are going thru these days, now such total destruction of homes and businesses to deal with.    Thankfully, no deaths.

We went to Mass online and after lunch watched the movie "1917".    On my.....very powerful story of 2 British soldiers in World War I  and the unbelievable mission they were asked to do.

The winds picked up this afternoon - whoaaa.....crazy out there!     We sat on the patio and visited with Michael and Drew.

   Finally the winds died down.    Had dinner and then Zoom time with Mark's siblings and some of the spouses - 11 of the 12 siblings (Janet was doing Zoom with her teacher colleagues.)    This is just such a neat way to see one another and keep in touch during this time of crisis.

Spring break - March 29, 2019 in Daytona Beach

Patrick enjoying his boys and their friends

Wishing you a healthy, safe week

Saturday - March 28

Today I was to fly into Bloomington for Monday's pre-measurements before cataract surgery and also a physical and EKG..    Anne and boys were to get home from spring break and we would hang out for a few days!   But, here we are in NC and Anne and boys are back in IL with all the storms.

Mark and I went for a long walk on the trail around 9ish when it was still cool.    Love it!   Hope to make this a daily event.  I fixed ham/cheese omelets and toast and then did laundry, he washed Flo and Big Red.    While the kiddos went for a boat ride and then enjoyed the jet ski (Drew and Brady), we watched from indoors where it was cool and away from all the pollen.   I've never had the allergy problems, but this year, unless we take Zyrtec, we're sneezing up a storm.    The lake was busy today with the warm temps, pontoons, power boats, tubers, jet skiers, etc.

Michael wanted us to take the pontoon out for a little ride - it was great and we met up with Ryan, who arrived back in the forest last night,  Annette and kids and had a good chat bobbing in the water.     Good to see these guys for the 1st time.     Philip will be home tomorrow!

Ryan, Annette, Maeve and Luke 

Michael grilled out tonight - we do our grilling separately!

Grillin' up some good stuff!

Taken thru patio door

  Princess Blair

God is working overtime with His paintbrush!

 

Friday - March 27

This afternoon North Carolina went on full lockdown till April 30th.    This goes into effect at 5 PM Monday.

It felt good to get some exercise and "spring clean" Flo - open the windows and a good wipedown, scrubbing the floors, etc. 

There are 2 trails near Michael and Philip.   We walked Michael's today - awesome (I should say we walked "part" of it).    Tomorrow, plan to get on the trail earlier in the day as it got pretty warm here (82).

Pope Francis addressed the world today with prayer, homily and blessing all live on FB.    I can't explain how emotional it was reading the many (at one point, over 100,000) posts about praying for those affected by the coronavirus their families, those who have died, the health care workers, etc., etc. from all over the world.    To think this many people were "connected" thru this unbelievable crisis and praying with the Pope.   AWESOME and HUMBLING!

Annette made a run to WalMart for grocery pick up so we 3 gals are good to go for a few more days.    Just needed a 'few" things, but 5 bags later???

A good Friday Lenten meal......grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Beautiful evening.....went for a walk and enjoyed Michael and his boys from afar shooting some baskets.

Enjoy your weekend, stay safe and healthy....

Thursday - March 26

A quiet day here at the lake.....we stayed indoors as it was cool and cloudy.     Read, took a little nap went to online Mass and did some laundry.

The weirdest thing happened around 3:00     I was reading and Mark was in another room when all of a sudden, my phone started going crazy with incoming text messages (23).    What the heck?    Have no idea what happened, but they were from early this morning and throughout the day (must've been all jammed up and when let loose................ding, ding, ding!!!!    Crazy!!!  Mark was as confused as me!    HA!!!

Enjoyed late afternoon entertainment watching Michael and 3 boys playing basketball outside by garage from camera.....soo cool.

Mark's youngest sister, Karen (Auntie) came up with a plan for the siblings to communicate and see one another....a group facetime called "Zoom".    7 of the siblings were on, we could see each one and what fun this was!   Hope we can do it more often.

Then we facetimed with Anne and the boys and while we are here in NC talking and seeing them in IL, the boys were watching Michael and boys playing another round of bb.    Love this technology....except when a big blip happens and 23 texts come in at once!!! 

And tonight Miss Blair made some yummy-smelling popcorn, - so close, yet so far away!

Just down the hall...

Sweet great nieces, Leia and Kaylee

Today Leia is 7.

On a very somber note, when Annette was a pharmaceutical/rep in Florida, she called on this doctor....she is shocked and hits much too close to home.

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/south-florida-doctor-dies-from-coronavirus/2211409/

Amidst all the bleak hours we are facing day after day not knowing when or how this will end, we do need and enjoy all the laughs and once again, reminded of the power of God's beauty as He painted tonight's spectacular sunset over Lake James.

Wednesday - March 25

Oh what a glorious day here in North Carolina.    After all the rain (1.3" and fog), today is sunny and the springtime budding of trees and grass are sooo green and fresh

Brooke's daffodils

Exactly 6 months ago today was Patrick's funeral.. we processed into Holy Trinity for his Mass to this song (not this magnificent choir, but Holy Trinity's choir)!   .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcL9S5a3weU

And after Mass, we walked out of church to "When the Saints Go Marching In" which I heard on the oldies station yesterday....Plenty of tears and memories from these songs!

We went for 2 walks, went to online Mass (Feast of the Annunciation) and said the rosary outdoors.   Also sat outdoors and read - absolutely gorgeous day...

The hunor and funnies continue online making us laugh....and as horrific as this pandemic is, the connection between family and friends is wonderful!!!

It's been fun to keep up with the folks at Cypress Trail thru the activities page on FB  - their travels, what's going on in the park, etc.  Keep those food trucks coming 3x a week - very popular and oh-so-good, appreciated and needed!

A "little" bit more interaction tonight - Michael grilled out and then we did our Italian Sausages (separately).    Kept our distance, but finally got to see some of the family.    Blair is guesstimating 6' or more!!!  Also, enjoyed Annette, Luke and Maeve on facetime..

Our home for now....

Daytime view

Nighttime view

Tuesday - March 24

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRADY

Brady won't forget his 14th birthday for a long time.
Doing his homework in the comfort of his bedroom!
This young man oozes sweetness and kindness.    He may be small, but he's mighty and a great student and athlete (soccer and basketball).   

We had spaghetti, salad and garlic toast for supper.    Then did facetime and sang Happy Birthday to Brady.   One of these days I'll be giving him a BIG "Grandma" hug!

Mark and I had a quiet day - rainy afternoon and chilly after a foggy start to the day.    Mark caught up on paperwork and I did a bunch of texts and e-mails checking with family and friends and see how they're doing.    And enjoyed listening to some great oldies.   And reading a good book.

Tried to limit my phone/internet/TV time of the news today!

Monday - March 23

Hello from Lake James where we are pretty well settled into our "home" till who knows when???   House is immaculate and fridge and cupboards, well stocked!!!

We left Augusta just before 9 AM and good travel for the most part, but there was some rain along the way.    Although it was a gloomy day, we enjoyed all the spring beauty of Bradford pears, tulip trees, red bud, flowering crab, forsythia, daffodils and lilacs!    WOW.....Georgia started it yesterday and continued into SC, but NC really exploded with colorful blossoms!

Michael and Drew greeted us (keeping their distance) and helped get Flo into their driveway - always a challenge.    Did facetime with Blair, Brady and Davis.    This is going to be so weird having the kiddos so close but separated by a locked door between us.    Blair started her homeschooling today - she was so excited telling us all about it!

I was to fly to Bloomington next Saturday for tests on Monday (30th) - 1st of 7 appts. for cataract surgery this spring.    All are canceled now and eye clinic is closed except for emergencies till April 7th.

Liam and Connor started spring break today (should be in Myrtle Beach with CCHS baseball team).    Anne started working from home today, too.     Blair and Luke are being taught by their Mommies and each of their schools has a varied way of getting the work to them.    Davis and Brady are doing their thing with computers and e-learning,    Drew doing his e-learning, too from U of Iowa.   So much new to be learned by the teachers as this all unchartered territory.

Philip went into Morganton and got pizzas for their family, Michael's, and us!     We got them from a distance - delicious and so much appreciated!

Enjoying all the humor on facebook - "laughter is the best medicine" and with all that's going on, it's good to smile and laugh.    Here's another one....

Maeve is ready to see us!!!

Hang in there, sweetie!

Sunday - March 22

What a day.......started out with warm sunshine and we "went to Mass from Boston with the bishop".    A 30-minute mass with very good homily. 

Okay, so on the road by 10:30 and had about 300 miles today.    Stopped for lunch at a rest stop and then Mark heard the alarm go off our tire pressure monitor.   A Pilot truck stop was just 1 mile away, so pulled in there, got some air and then backtracked to Cordele (10 miles south) where a nice guy at Mavis Truck and Tire put in a new tire valve.    This all took about 1.5 hrs.    Okay, let's get going again.....but not much further on the road heading north again....the rain started and it was a nasty afternoon.    Rained very hard at times and glad when we finally got off I-75 and could be on a much less-travelled 4-lane (540E).

Arrived at the Heritage Park RV Resort in Augusta at 5:45.    It was still pouring but got inside Flo, Mark got the electrical hooked up and we are warm and toasty (current temp here is 55).   

Even with all the rain, we saw budding trees, pretty azaleas and red bud trees in bloom - spring has arrived in Georgia.   But unlike the song, "A Rainy Night in Georgia", this was a very "Rainy Afternoon in Georgia"!!!   

Michael and family arrived home late last night from Cabo.    Drew flew from Cabo to Phoenix to Cedar Rapids, took a cab to Iowa City, slept and been on the road this afternoon and planning to drive all the way home.....

Our kids wanted us close to family....IL has cold and snow and RV parks are not open.    Michael offered us their cottage at the lake AND, today, sanitized it and stocked fridge, cupboards!    Can't beat that.    Sure blessed with great kiddos!

Stay safe, healthy and happy!

Saturday - March 21

Hello from Eagle's Roost Resort in Lake Park, Georgia just across the Florida border.     Rick, the RV man came at 9:20 and worked on our AC (and fixed) and we were on our way around 10:40.   Bye bye Cypress Trail - thanks for a wonderful season and we'll be back (God willing) in October!

Good day of travel (340 miles) with light traffic and lots of RV's heading north! 

Sad to hear that Kenny Rogers passed away - he was a favorite of ours and we saw him in concert many years ago.   We listened to Prime Country along the way and they had a nice tribute playing many of his hit songs.

Chatting with neighbors at the park (saying good bye) and texting with friends, we all have a common thought - "what to do in this scary crisis"?      Go home, stay put, fly, drive, and on and on it goes.    Some are driving straight thru as they don't want to stay in hotels; but for some, that's not an option (wouldn't be for us).    Of course, several are wanting just to ride it out - "why go back to the cold when we have this wonderful Florida weather?"   But for others, who knows how long this will last and many want to be home and near doctors if they should need one.   One couple may ship their car home, but not exactly thrilled with flying?     One thing is for sure, when we were with several friends these past 2 weeks, we all agree.......how quickly things spiraled out of control and went downhill just like that!

We had pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans and potato salad for supper!!! 

Enjoy your weekend - get some fresh air and try to keep all the news at a minimum. 

Maeve and her Daddy out for some fun on Lake James

Tonight on the news, they had pictures from the tidal basin in Washington DC and the spectacular cherry blossoms.   All the activities and events related to this huge event have been cancelled, so the folks have put together a virtual tour of the area for all the world to see.    

We were there in April, 2018 - what a treat!

 

Friday - March 20

Events are changing constantly!    After much discussion, we made the decision today to leave Sunday morning and going to NC - we;ll stay in Michael's cottage and be isolated from his family if they need to self quarantine.   Now the worry about the Mexican border closing for travel.

First thing to do today (besides check the news) was to return our rental car.    Since we're lying low these days, Big Red is all we need IF we go anywhere.

Back home and started packing up more things from she shed we want to take with us.    Truck is pretty much loaded and tomorrow, will wrap it up.

Scary that gas stations are closing - cannot figure out PA and their closing of rest stops, gas stations, etc.???    We'll need 1 fuel stop between Fort Myers and Lake James.    Otherwise we are self contained with our own bed, bathroom and food/water.

A concern is that campgrounds/RV parks are closing, too.    Thinking of all the people out there trying to get home and what lies ahead.   As with rest of us just here in our park, people had no plans to leave for several weeks and now, all bets are off....

Since I started writing this several hours ago, we now know the RV repairman is coming at 9 tomorrow to hopefully fix our AC and then Mark says, "we're on our way".  So, as with the news, things changing with us, too.......

Our patio furniture is put away, flower pots emptied, bikes stowed behind Flo, etc.    A few things to finish up in the morning and then....NC, here we come!

I played RummiKub with Jim and Lydia this afternoon under their gazebo.    Wow, I won 5 of 7 games - that is sooo NOT me!!!    Mark came later and we 4 walked to the Dynamite Street Eatz food truck.   We had excellent bang bang shrimp tacos and crab cake sliders!

Sad to pull up my pretty impatiens....

Stay safe and healthy!!!

Thinking of  Patrick (6 months today)......and can only imagine what he's thinking about all this!

Our parents, too!    

Thursday - March 19

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y,   D A V I S

Davis is 18....sweet, funny, smart, cute, athletic and all-around neat guy we are proud to call our grandson!!!

More depressing news this morning with numbers rising for the coronavirus.    Our Florida governor and senator said "The party's over"!!!   "Get off the Beach"!
Where will all these kids go and congregate (in groups of 10 or less)?    And bars, shops, some restaurants closed?   If you are found walking FMB, there could be a $5,000 fine!

Not all the beaches have closed though....
  Englewood and Clearwater had huge crowds today?????

Forgot to mention that Ryan is in Salt Lake City and was there yesterday when the 5.7 earthquake hit.    He definitely felt it!

Today is the feast of St. Joseph and Pope Francis has asked the world to join in unison to pray the rosary (or however you pray) for the coronavirus pandemic.    We were going to our meditation park here at Cypress Trail - so pretty and peaceful, but it's soo hot, decided to stay inside Flo and pray.

Our neighbors to the north, Dick and Rita wanted to get together for wine and snacks on our patio one last time.    We kept our distance with no hand shakes or hugs.    Great visit and we will miss them.....

Tomorrow, neighbors to the south, Rog and Martin are heading home to Missouri.    

Our AC is having an issue.    Working fine, but when the fan is on, makes a funny noise.    Rick, the RV repairman in the park came tonight.    He's going to check on ordering part (hopefully not take too long) and get back to us!

432 cases in Florida - 9 deaths

Beautiful view tonight across the street

WELCOME  SPRING!  

  

Wednesday - March 18

I walked, Mark lifted weights and then we  ran a few errands - quick ins and outs.    Publix was not too busy and surprised that there was no bread?    Thought those are a daily delivery?    Of course, TP shelves were still bare.    We picked up a few things and on home.

Did some laundry and just stayed inside Flo.   Later this afternoon we walked to Jim and Lydia's and enjoyed 3 games of euchre under their gazebo.    The guys won 2 of 3 - good time as always and a nice diversion from all the virus talk.

Today we got an e-mail thanking us for cruising with JC Cruises yesterday and hope we enjoyed our trip?   They asked us to please review on Yelp, Trip Advisor, Twitter, Instagram, etc., etc.    WELL....since we did not go cruising yesterday, I wrote back and said we were really disappointed that the cruise did happen when we are supposed to limit contact with 10 or fewer people and in light of all that's going on, they would continue this trip, keeping our $ (no refunds) and not thinking of their passengers' health?   

I heard promptly back they they would be issuing a voucher for a future cruise with no deadline!    Wow....that works for us and we are happy campers.   Wonder how many people actually went, how many backed out?    But we are very happy they are doing this.

Fort Myers Beach finally closing tomorrow......now where will all those kiddos go?    Bars are closed, too!

 We watched an oldie movie (1992) "A League of their Own" - enjoyed it and again, a nice break from our phones, TV and internet!!!

So excited to hear that our niece Katy and Mike are expecting a baby girl in September!    Need more happy news like this!

Till tomorrow....

Tuesday - March 17

Hope you all had a nice St. Paddy's Day despite all the restrictions and precautions!

Wearin' of the Green

A leisurely day - walked around the park noticing more and more RVers are leaving.    It was hot and sunny.    Mark took Big Red out and filled with fuel.   Also on our agenda today was pack up some bins in Big Red, work in she shed organizing clothes in bins and a little 

power nap.

We just don't know our travel plans and will wait till the weekend and see where things stand.   I was to fly to Bloomington on the 28th for eye measurement and pre testing (physical, EKG) before cataract surgery (April 13 and 27), but that's up in the air and not sure I want to fly.   Wait and see for now.    

So after watching so much news, tonight was a real treat and diversion as we watched the Downton Abbey movie.    Oh my....loved being reunited with all these beloved characters and Mark really enjoyed it, too   He had not watched the series.     I heard that there is another movie in the works continuing on with this dynamo family and their servants.

Monday - March 16

We were off early for mass at St. Francis (crowds are very small during the week).    But when we got there, church was dark and security guy told us "no mass today."    For some reason, cancelled Monday a week ago and we had not checked the bulletin.    So, we'll try another day.....went to Java Coffee House and got pastries and coffees to go.

Then to the carpet place to make some decisions - had the whole store to ourselves so took our time and chose 3 different designs to get back to Marianne in NY and make sure one of these is available.

On home and talking to our neighbors, Rog and Martin, they are leaving Friday.....several in the park are packing it up and outta here.    Although many RV parks up north are not open yet, guess folks just want to be home and ride this out closer to doctors, etc.    Scary times...

Can't say enough about our Cypress Trail community and the incredible job they've done in keeping us informed, what precautions they are taking and what we as residents should/should not be doing.

Rode bikes and mainly just hunkered down this hot, sunny afternoon.   Watching TV, reading the internet and phones can make us crazy - sooo much stuff to absorb some of which makes us laugh (toilet paper fiasco) but other articles, very sobering! 

Michael and family are vacationing in Cabo this week....crowds are down and probably a good place to be as very few cases reported in Mexico (none close to them)!

 It just infuriates us to hear people with such lackadaisical attitude about this virus - kind of ho hum and one person so upset that gaming and casinos have shut down when this is her "fun" thing where she can go have a drink, play some games and now whatever will she do?    UGH!!!!

On January 19, Mark and I booked a luncheon/paddle boat cruise from downtown Fort Myers for St. Patrick's Day.    The boat holds 500, they were serving corned beef and cabbage, full bar, music, dancing, etc.     Well, with all that's happening, we decided a few days that we would not be going (fine print told us "no refunds").    Since large events all over are canceled, we thought maybe this would be, too....especially hearing today the latest gathering should not be more than 10 people.   I called JC Cruises this morning asking if they were still on for tomorrow and gal said "Yes".   She said "we have 3 decks so people can spread out".    I asked how many passengers they had scheduled and she said "around 100".    I told her we would not be coming and she said if anything changes, we'll send an e-mail immediately.   

We did get an e-mail this afternoon but all about our big day coming tomorrow, where to park, when to arrive on boat, etc.    Guess, they have our $, so they will be ready to take off with however many choose to come aboard!!!

Went for a walk tonight and there was the Schwan Ice Cream man down the street.    We were big customers of "The Schwan Man" back in the day when our kids were growing up.    Mark loves their vanilla ice cream and a treat when we are at Anne's as the Schwan Man comes there regularly (now she can order online and have it delivered when she's not even home",)   They leave it in insulated bags.    We bought 1/2 gallon of vanilla and Mark was a happy camper (Jim and Lydia are sharing some fresh peach pie with us)!!!    You can't beat family!   😀

Should be playing Lucky 13 bingo tonight, but not happening along with euchre tomorrow night, yoga, etc., etc. and on and on it goes!    Hang in there.....we will beat this and get back to our normal.   Prayer, patience, good habits and perseverance will get us thru this!     Say the Our Father (Lord's Prayer) while washing your friends....the time (22 seconds) is what they request and of course, can't do enough praying!   It's a win win!!!

We are back on Flo (9:45) after a trip to the airport to pick up Mike, our friends Jerry and Sue's son.    Mike flew in from Dallas to help get his parents back to Bloomington.    Jerry was to have surgery Thursday for compression fracture in his back.    With all that's going on with the virus and other health concerns, they decided to postpone the the surgery here and head for home with Sue and Mike driving non-stop leaving Wednesday!    LONG trip and we sure wish them the best and hope Jerry can be as comfortable as possible (Mark strongly suggests stopping every 2 hours for Jerry to walk a bit).   

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY...

 

Sunday - March 15

Hot 'n steamy today....strange not to go to mass today, but wise to stay home and here in our Venice Diocese, they are giving the dispensation making it not obligatory to attend Mass till further notice.    Back in Bloomington and the Peoria Diocese, churches are closed and no masses or activities till further notice.

We went for a walk, had a big breakfast and then caught up on paper work, e-mails, etc.    Mark worked in the shed on some projects.   I chatted with Jim and Lydia about all the news.....everyone has a story to share about their particular circumstances of travel, upcoming trips, being out and about, etc., etc.    Right now, it's just nuts how the people are buying everything off the shelves!

We drove to River Forest Yacht Center out in the country near Moore Haven where Doug and Charlotte will be ending their boating season and storing Abbottsford III.    We had such a good time and good to be back on a PDQ (Catrina's twin).....we had a good visit over wine and snacks and then delicious rotisserie chicken, macaroni salad, potato salad, chips and topped off with Sea Salt Caramel Heath Bar Cake.    Looking forward to seeing these dear friends who will be headed home to Annapolis after Wednesday when they return to Fort Myers this fall.

Charlotte and Doug

+ yummy dessert 

Unique sky coming home tonight

Have a good, healthy week!

 

Saturday - March 14

Folks here at Cypress Trail were out and about this sunny, very warm day riding bikes, walking (with or without dogs), riding in golf carts, etc., but our clubhouse rooms are empty!   

I did laundry this morning and then we ran some errands - the virus is certainly not keeping people close to home as roads and stores were crowded.    Hoping this high heat will keep the virus away.....

The lists keeps growing of what is going on around the world....feel especially sad for the seniors in high school who are missing out on their last hurrah including trip to state basketball tournament  (some for 1st time representing their small towns).    No state golf tournament for our Davis this year (senior).

About 10 days ago, our friend Jerry fell and has a compression fracture (L2) in his lower back.   He's having surgery Thursday......Steve, Connie, Jerry, Sue, Mark and I had planned to have dinner somewhere tonight.....so change of plans and Steve, Connie and we brought pizzas, salad, dessert and wine to Sue and Jerry at their home.   Sure feel for all the pain and discomfort Jerry is dealing with.  Mark feels it for sure....praying for successful surgery on Thursday.

Something to make you smile....

Glamorous Maeve 

Sweet Luke "before" he lost his front teeth

My bougainvillea is in its prime!

Congrats to Liam tonight at hockey banquet and several honors he received!!!

Friday - March 13

Woke up this morning to an e-mail saying all activities in our park are cancelled as of 7 AM today.    That's a lot of activities, events, etc.   We were to help with the Saturday morning breakfast, but not gonna happen.     With our park all seniors, makes sense and although it's sad that this is the end of the season with no further social gatherings, we want to be on the safe side.

We drove to Arcadia today and met Allie and Owen for the big rodeo which is the Granddaddy of them all for Florida.    After several weeks of competition, this is the last hurrah (4 days).    Big crowd (not packed) despite telling us to avoid large crowds.    We had delicious lobster mac'n cheese and lemonade shake-ups and then enjoyed the rodeo ......very well organized in fairly new arena - clean, cool with big fans and had fun for sure!

Tribute to the armed services

Here's "Navy"

Allie and Pat 

Mark, Owen, Allie, Pat 

Off to eat again....this time, at Azul Tequila - very good Mexican and deliciou margaritas.    Lots of people and more chatter among the 4 of us.

Owen and Allie 

Cheers with some excellent golden patron margaritas

Back to our car in WalMart parking lot, said our good byes (not sure when we'll see these dear friends again) and off we went.     Along the way home, we hit a big ole chunk of wood in highway that had been hidden by semi in front of us - boom.....sounded awful and not seeing any damage to car or underneath.   

Stopped at Publix for a few groceries - lots of people shopping.....

No toilet paper here

We were to help with the Saturday morning breakfast tomorrow but not gonna happen!

The cancellations continue including spring break at CCHS for Liam's baseball team to Myrtle Beach.   

Enjoy your weekend and take care with all the precautions!

Thursday - March 12

Sunny and warm....mornings and evenings are so pleasant.     Had a nice gentle rain last night - was not expecting it, but most welcome!   We met Mike and Claire at the Tanger Outlet Mall and rode together to Sanibel to visit our friend Paul.

Paul had just returned from therapy (fell on ice in January and fractured his elbow, but recovery going very well).    So good to be together and catch up.   Paul's daughter, Katie and Dave were visiting from Bloomington.    They were rightly concerned about their middle daughter, Ellie who is at Semester at Sea and that trip has been cut short and now trying to get back home from South Africa..   Hopefully, by Monday, she'll be in Fort Myers.   

After a good visit, Paul, Mike, Claire, Mark and I went to Cips Place - excellent and so pleasant sitting on the covered patio.   More chatter and then time to say good bye.

Pat, Mark, Paul, Mike and Claire

Of course, much of our conversation today was on the caronavirus.    Once we got back to Flo, my phone was going crazy with many texts coming in, updates on FB, e-mails, etc.    Liam and Connor will not have school next week per the Peoria Diocese shutting down all Catholic schools, along with all events, confirmation, etc. indefinitely.    They have also been given the dispensation from attending Sunday mass.

So many many many things affected by this virus.    All we can do is pray, wash our hands and be vigilant of where we go and what we do.

Mark can track large boats thru AIS (automatic identification system).....we knew our friends were cruising to Fort Myers today (been in Marathon all winter) and he was able to locate them and knew they were close by................and as we were crossing over the Sanibel bridge, "Abbottsford III" went cruising under the bridge and we got a quick picture!    What are the odds!!!    Hoping to get together with Charlotte and Doug in the next few days as they prepare to store their PDQ for the season.

There goes Abbottsford III under the Sanibel bridge

Till tomorrow and whatever it may bring....

Wednesday - March 11

Really warm but temps are definitely are going to climb for the next week.    A lot of cloud cover today but no wind like we've been having. 

I did yoga this morning (been awhile) and then later, we met Lee and Tamara at Buckingham Farms.    They live in Bloomington and winter on Anna Maria Island.     We;ve known them for many years back in the day when Tamara and Mark worked together.     As always, lots to chat about and so good to be with them.     Patrick always is part of our conversations with friends these past several days.    Everyone asking about Anne and boys and again, expressing sadness and shock at how very fast it all happened last September.   Health issues for all another main topic!!!

 After lunch, we showed them around the park, sat on the patio, had drinks and dessert and continued the chatter.

Another awesome lunch at Buckingham Farms

Mark, Pat, Tamara, Lee

Lee and Tamara

Sooo many things happening with the virus and hearing that the NCAA tournament games will be played without fans.    Unreal!      Drew will start online classes on the 23rd (University of Iowa).    Next week he's on spring break and then will stay home in NC for 2 weeks and study online.

Today, Amtrak sent me notice as to what precautions they are taking. 

2 big milestones for the Campbell boys this week.......Liam started driver's ed and Connor registered for high school.    These guys are growing up much too fast for this Grandma!   😞

We played Lucky 13 at the club house - we were not "lucky" but sure had a fun time!

Tuesday - March 10

Warm and sunny......this nice weather does not get old at all!     And going to be really warming up in the next 10 days or so.   

Today was election day here at the park choosing 7 board of directors (5 regulars and 2 extras) for our HOA.    Mark went to the short meeting beforehand getting all the instructions and then voted.   

We met Ron and Lois, our Canadian friends since the early 90's at Buckingham Farms.....great lunch and visit sitting outside this pretty day.

Back to Cypress Trail for more visiting and dessert.    Laughing, reminiscing, catching up on family and friends....doesn't get any better.     We had not seen them since March, 2018 but lots of good memories thru the years!

Lois and Ron

Good news that 340 people in our park voted (needed at least 205) and the 7 new board members have been announced.   Now the real work begins for these folks, but will be exciting to see what's ahead for Cypress Trail.

For the past several days we've been getting updates and the latest safety precautions that various airlines (United, Delta and Southwest) are taking in light of the coronavirus.    Today one came from Budget assuring us of very antiseptically, thoroughly clean rental cars waiting for us.  

Tonight we played euchre - fun time with good friends!    Lydia got the top prize for the women with a score of 33.

Monday - March 9

Very windy today and mostly cloudy with some sun coming later in the afternoon.    We went to 8:15 Mass at St. Francis and then to Java Coffee House. 

Had several errands and top priority was to find carpet for Catrina and continue that search.    Last August/September before we left NY, we had found some and all prepared to order and have them use our current layout when we were told that both patterns we chose had been discontinued.    Arghhh.    So, decided to get this job done in FL and here it is March.....still searching, but trying to narrow things down. 

 We stopped at Mario's Italian Grocery (per Shirley and Dick's recommendation yesterday) - what a wonderful gourmet grocery - so many prepared foods, fresh meats, and much more!    Tonight we shared some baked ziti and lasagna - both excellent!

On home for lunch, naps, read, little laundry and Mark hunting online at the thousands of carpet samples!     Mind boggling!    

Went for a walk this evening and visited with Jim and Lydia.    Tomorrow is big election in the park to choose a board of directors for our HOA when it takes over from the developer in July.

Sunday - March 8

Breezy and no sun today - 73 but sure didn't feel like it!    We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis and then on our way to Naples to meet Dick and Shirley at Venetian Village.     This is a lovely area of upscale shops and restaurants on the water.    We had a delicious lunch at "Fish" and sat by the water but behind clear vinyl curtains protecting us from the strong wind.    It was perfect and as always, had a great visit.    Dick and Shirley (from Sublette) are high school classmates!    We met a month ago and had lunch at The Boathouse and then they came to Cypress Trail.    Shirley and I had lobster flatbread, Mark, the grouper BLT and Dick enjoyed his clam chowder and wedge salad.    After lunch, Shirley and I hit a few shops while the guys sat and visited nearby.

Mark, Pat, Shirley, Dick

Stopped at a few places on our way home and back to Flo at 3:45.    

The sun came out around 6ish - enjoying our extra hour of daylight!

Little North Carolina babes

Our 3 munchkins on the beach  at Lake James!

Pretty new bush planted on our lot a few days ago

Clerodendrum

Saturday - March 7

Cool, but sunny and clear blue skies with a high of 68.   Gorgeous and refreshing!

Paul and Margaret came to the park this morning......Paul and Mark worked together at State Farm, their daughter,  Lucy is our dermatologist and their grandson, Jack is a really good friend of Connor's.

So, after giving them a tour of Flo and the she shed, we sat inside Flo and had a good visit till we were off to Buckingham Farms for a hearty breakfast.    We've never seen it so packed but lucky to find a table in the sun.   So good to see these dear friends and catch up!     They live in Bloomington but spend the winter months at their condo in Bonita Springs.   We had a great visit!

Margaret and Paul at Buckingham Farms

Enjoyed a relaxing afternoon/evening after our busy week......rode bikes, napped, read, and defrosted the freezer.

Scary that 2 deaths were reported in Florida last night and one of them nearby at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers.

Change your clocks ahead; full moon coming and wash your hands!!!

So much going on in our country and world now - scary times!

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Friday - March 6

Big day......I was off at 8:30 to meet friends (Connie, Diane and Sue) at Keke for breakfast.     2 hours later, we finally left and then we were hitting several different shops.    Sue and Diane went on home (Jerry, Sue's husband fell a few nights ago and has a compression fracture in his back.)    Poor guy....sure feel for him and Mark is very sympathetic for all he's going thru.

Shopping at Anthony's

Diane, Sue, Connie, Pat

Connie and I did more browsing in stores and then met Mark and Steve at The Prawnbroker for 4:00 dinner.    Sue, Jerry, Diane and Gerald (friends from Bloomington staying with them) cancelled as Jerry is not up to any extra going here, there and everywhere - needs to rest and take it as easy as possible.    We 4 had a wonderful dinner as always and great visit.    Back to Flo at 6:30. 

Steve, Connie, Pat and Mark

Another winner at The Prawnbroker

Mark took our neighbor, Dick to and from hospital for his colonoscopy today.    Both of us are tired tonight!    Been a very busy week and more coming Saturday/Sunday!

On that note....nighty night!

Thursday - March 5

Hot 'n sunny.......we drove to Sarasota to meet Blue Angel friends, Bob and Carol.    Their son-in-law, Tom was Ryan's commanding officer and also flies for Fed Ex.    We met Bob and Carol several years ago and have kept in touch (they live in Pennsylvania) and are in Florida (St. Pete Beach area) so Sarasota was a good equal travel time to meet.

Millie's is a breakfast/lunch spot (our friends Mike and Claire recommended it) and we've been to their Delavan, WI location several times years ago (now closed).    Delicious food and beverages and non-stop chatter.

Beverages before and with brunch

Bellini and Bloody Mary

While we were eating, a lady came up to us and said she was with the shop next door "A'Tu" and gave us each a coupon and what a nice shop it was - please stop in.    So, of course, since Carol and I love to shop, we parked the guys outside in the shade, and wandered over.    Very nice shop - Carol got some items - nothing for me!   But it was fun and really cute clothes.

And then, it was time to say good bye.....

we've met in Jupiter, Stuart and Isle of Capri before and now Sarasota.  

 Sure hope it works for next year....

Mark, Pat, Carol, Bob

Back home to do some laundry, read and relax a bit....