Travels of Mark and Pat: 2021

New Year's Eve - 2021

Another foggy start for this last day of 2021. Everything has been so sopping wet in the morning! But then it clears up and is warm and sunny. I was off to get a manicure and then got some groceries at Publix - gosh almighty, the prices just keep going up. A few bags for $107.

Read and did some computer work and working on updating my Christmas card list.

How sad to hear about the passing of Betty White today. Been reading about her in the news and her 100th birthday coming on January 17th. 😢

Tonight Jim and Lydia, Mark and I met our friends John and Beth at the University Grill for delicious dinner and lots of chatter.....so fun to all be together! A perfect way to end the year!

John, Jim, Lydia, Pat, Beth, Mark

And so we say good bye to 2021 - a year that we were richly blessed with our faith, family, friends, health and fun. So many to pray for who suffered the loss of loved ones and so many other tragedies. Onto 2022 with high hopes that COVID is gone once and for all (said that same thing one year ago)!

God bless you and yours with a happy, safe, healthy New Year! Bye bye 2021

Thursday - December 30

Nasty fog this morning that lingered on....when we went downtown around 9, it was nice 'n clear, but took longer to go away by Cypress Trail and on the interstate. Later, another gorgeous, warm day.

Enjoyed our coffees and muffins at Peter's and then ran some errands - Camping World, Target, Dollar Tree. On home and set to work finishing the clothes organizing - putting away the stuff for northern climate and using new bins we bought (think we could open our own bin store between what we have in storage in Bloomington, here in the she shed and in back of Big Red.) 🤣🤣 Bins, bins....what would we do without bins!!!

Welcomed Buddy and JoAnn back from Candler, NC (we visited them just before Thanksgiving). They are across the street. The RV's just keep rolling in as the park fills up for the winter or a few just passing thru for a day or so.

Happy to get results from my blood work done yesterday (less than 24 hours) and all good! A really nice way to start off the new year!

Ryan had given Mark a gift card from Camping World for his birthday (11/7) and today he used it to buy a new grill....hoping this will entice us to grill more often?

The assembly

and

tah dah...

Let the grilling begin!

I washed my car this afternoon - amazing how dusty it gets after just a few days!

Late afternoon we walked over to Rog and Martin (and grandson Skyler's) to visit with drinks and chairs. So pleasant out when we went for our walk tonight.

Wednesday - December 29

So thankful that the boys and Auntie made it home safely today around 4:30 LONG trip but such a fun 9 days!!!! Already talking about next December and maybe flying down for Christmas???

The fur babies are waiting and watching for their buddies to return home!

84 sunny degrees today.....I walked (1st time in a long time) - time to get back in the groove (whatever that is)!!! 🤣 Mark lifted his weights and then we walked together. Bought some goodies (Romaine, cucumber, tomato, strawberries and red pepper/onion bread from the European Bakery at Market Day).

Mark bought some new bins and switched things around in back of Big Red....looks so nice 'n clean. We're thinking we'll take the old ones to Goodwill - good storage for someone?

I had a 3:30 check-up with my Dr. this afternoon but didn't get back home till almost 5:30. We stopped in to see Jim and Lydia and take them some key lime and turtle pie.

We've been eating so much (our good hearty-eating grandsons are gone), sooo still have plenty of leftovers. Tonight we kept it simple with cheese and crackers and grapes.

Tuesday - December 28

Rog and Martin are back arriving late last night with their grandson Skyler (high school senior) from MO. Our boys got to meet Skyler this morning. The decision was made for Auntie, Liam and Connor to leave after their golf match this afternoon/early evening and drive part way. The dismantling of air mattresses began and sheets and towels washed and gathering their things. She shed is back to a laundry room and pretty "empty" after the boys finished packing! 😢

Liam made his wonderful scrambled eggs and along with sausage, bacon and toast + apple fritters that was breakfast.

Dennis and Jamie stopped by - good to see them and other folks who are returning after Christmas and settling in for the winter. Another very nice day here in SW FL

Mark took the boys to Shell Point for their last day of golf - they are playing with our friend Steve and his friend, Dick Mark stayed in the area with his I-pad as it's almost an hour trip from Flo.

I finished the laundry and then walked to Jim and Lydia's and sat under the gazebo while they played a game with Auntie - Century Spice. Jim treated me to a yummy iced latte (caramel)

The game players

And then we walked over to Flo and sat on the patio and played a few games of Rummikube with Lydia, the winner. Had some snacks and listened to "oldies" while we waited for the boys and Grandpa to return.

RummiKube

And then it was time to say good bye (you know how much I hate this time), but we have so many good memories of our time together and they are talking about coming back next year!!! That makes Grandpa and me smile!!!

Dick, Connor, Liam, Steve

Good byes are the toughest...

What a FUN time we've all had!

The siblings

Stuff, stuff, so much stuff

Auntie and boys are driving a few hours tonight before stopping and continue on home tomorrow!

Safe travels.....thanks sooo much for coming!

Miss Maeve and new skates she got for Christmas!

Tonight our mail was delivered - 32 Christmas cards and what fun to read the letters and see all the pics. We have it sent from our mail forwarding address in Green Cove Springs as it accumulates. This was quite a special batch and more is coming later.....

Monday - December 27

Sunshiny warm day.....Mark was off early to pick up donuts (each chose our favorite) at Bennett's. He delivered to Jim, Lydia and Auntie (she's staying with them for a few nights). What delicious treats compliments of Liam!

Auntie, Lydia and Jim drove to Ave Maria, FL to see the beautiful church and this wonderful town built around Ave Maria University by the owner of Dominoes Pizza. It was founded in 2003. I decided to stay home and get caught up on laundry and just have a quiet day.....been on the go go go. Mark and the boys left at 11 for golfing at Eastwood which is fairly close to us.

The golfers (Grandpa will ride in the cart)

Lydia surprised us with these very neat towels last night that a gal in our park made.

Love these!!!

Jim and Lydia treated us all to a delicious steak dinner with twice-baked potatoes and Caesar salad. Then topped off with key lime pie and turtle pie! Oink oink 🐷

Sunday - December 26

Breakfast, started some laundry and then the guys were off to 9:15 Mass at St. John the XX111 and then golf at Eagle Ridge. On Tuesday when we had those horrific winds and a tornado touched down in south Fort Myers, this area (Eagle Ridge) was hard hit and Mark said it was very evident from the downed trees (had been mostly cleared away) and other debris.

We girls went to 11:00 Mass at Sacred Heart in Punta Gorda. What a beautiful Mass with Father Steven, wonderful homily (he had us laughing and crying) and phenomenal choir, with Grace as out cantor. Wow, what a voice!

Then it was time to take Anne to the airport for her Allegiant flight back to Peoria. We've had so much fun this week - more tears and hugs. Back to work tomorrow and will be happy to pick up Frankie and Gibson at the "Barking Lot" tonight where they've been since last Sunday.

Auntie and I made a stop at Publix to get more drinks/food for rest of us - Liam and Connor are hearty eaters!!!

On home to put groceries away and have lunch. Mark stayed in the clubhouse with his I-pad while the boys finished their 18 holes. So sad to see all the destruction from the tornado.

Jim and Lydia arrived home this afternoon from their 1-week cruise in the eastern Caribbean with their son Eric and family. They came over to Flo this afternoon and so fun to catch up on their trip and what we've been doing.

Sitting around the patio catching up. Auntie, Jim, Lydia, Liam, Mark, Connor

Later we went to Jim and Lydia's and Mark and Liam picked up pizza from Sir Pizza. Really good stuff plus great pork kabobs topped off with nephew/cousin Paul's (Jim and Lydia's son) phenomenal chocolates.

Pizza time... Auntie, Liam, Connor, Mark, Pat, Jim

Have a great week - stay safe and healthy!

Back to Flo for zoom with the siblings - Liam and Connor joined us but missing Nancy, Sharon and Tom. We've missed a few weeks so good to catch up with some we did not see at the Christmas gathering.

Forgot to mention that we went to see Christmas lights last night on Lorraine Drive. This home was chosen as a semi finalist on the Kelly Ripa/Ryan Seacrest show from around the nation, It was fairly close to us, so.....we took our 2 cars - guys in one and girls in the other and found this place. My oh my....little bit of everything, but no shortage of lights!!! Pics can't really do it justice, but.....think you get the idea! Auntie had 3-D glasses for us to enjoy, too.....that was fun! Mine were little snowmen. Also had trees, teddy bears, gift packages, etc.

Lotsa lights on Lorraine Drive

When our kids were small, we had this yearly tradition on Christmas Eve of driving around Bloomington/Normal oohing and aahing at all the lights and holiday decor. Then it was time to eat and oh my, year after year, it was a challenge as not much is open on Christmas Eve. We found some pretty nasty dives, truck stops, etc., but the kids sure have these memories all these years later. We had some good laughs with Anne, Ryan and Philip last night. I thought maybe our kids would start this tradition with their kiddos, but....didn't happen! 🤣

Christmas - 2021

Hope you had a wonderful day with your families as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We feel so blessed to have Anne, Liam, Connor and Auntie with us this special week and enjoy picture-perfect weather and make lots of memories.

Sure feel for so many affected by Covid and not able to be with their families this year - we personally know of at least 7 who had a loved one test positive, so quarantining and no gathering for Christmas Eve or Day. And then the thousands stranded at airports and not able to be with their families once again with Covid the culprit affecting crew and staff employees.

And speaking of Covid, yesterday as we were driving to Pop Stroke (Tiger Woods designed mini golf course), the lines were VERY long going to the Twins ballfield waiting to be tested. Unbelievable, but also what we witnessed last spring.

We had a light breakfast, the girls arrived with their Starbucks (a very busy place) and after a short visit, we were off to the beach - the guys in one car and we girls in another. A great day to be on the water....heavy traffic but we found parking spots and then walked to Shuckers and put our name in. Went down to the beach for pics and water time for the boys. And then... delicious cold beverages, beach bread (appetizer) and yummy lunch.

Beach Bums

Pat, Mark, Auntie, Anne, Connor, Liam

Mark, Pat, Liam, Connor, Anne

Anne and her boys

Fun in the Gulf

The girls did some shopping afterwards and the guys went back to the beach. We came on home and traffic for those going to the beach was horrendous. But we sailed on by and back to Cypress Trail.

The guys came about 1/2 hour later and we set to work opening presents...

Let the bags be opened!!!

The boys are missing their Frankie and Gibson, so wanted to include this pic

One final pic of Florida fun as Anne flies home tomorrow.....😢

What a wonderful Christmas! And so enjoyed talking and face time with our NC kiddos!!!

Christmas Eve - 2021

Beautiful Christmas Eve day and another fun one. The boys made breakfast (sausage/egg/cheese sandwiches) which were absolutely delicious!!!! The girls came over and we enjoyed this tasty start to the day.

Two chefs in Flo's kitchen doing their thing!

Connor assembling the sandwiches

Yesterday Mark had an incident hitting his head on the top of the golf cart. He had a headache and was doing better but hurting again this morning so decided to stay home and rest. We 5 went to Tiger Woods' "Pop Stroke" mini golf course which is fairly new and so fun.

This sign greeted us as we walked onto the course

Really nice upscale course with drink orders (waitresses deliver beverages to you), + ping pong, foosball and corn hole + 2 bars, restaurant, ice cream, etc. We all had a grand time with Liam the winner.

Auntie, Anne, Liam, Connor

Anne and boys playing ping pong

Then to Sun Harvest Citrus for some fresh squeezed juice, chocolates, peach pepper jelly and awesome ice cream (I had the key lime/chocolate twist; Auntie, the raspberry; Liam, the orange and Connor, the key lime.) Anne took the picture...

REALLY good stuff!!!

One last stop was Publix for more goodies to have as appetizers later today. Connor went swimming and Liam assembled a new outdoor coffee table that the Campbells gave us for Christmas.

Off to 4:00 Mass at St. Francis Xavier with a childrens' pageant before Mass. On home to enjoy a big selection of appetizers, wine and key lime pie. A nice evening just sitting around visiting, laughing, etc.

Grandpa is feeling much better!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Thursday - December 23

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to my Dad who would've been 104 today! Love you, Miss you, Merry Christmas!

Grand weather day again! The guys went golfing after Grandpa's haircut and we gals enjoyed breakfast at The Waffle House (Anne's favorite), ran a few errands and then to Miromar Outlet Mall. So nice walking around in the sunshine listening to Christmas music - lots of people. We all enjoyed some retail therapy.

The golfers

The shoppers

The girls came back to Flo and had a nice quiet afternoon - Grandma even took a little snooze. After their golf outing at Whiskey Creek, the guys toured the Edison Ford Museum.

Liam and Connor at Whiskey Creek

We drove downtown at 4 and met them at Pinchers overlooking the Caloosahatchee - so pretty. We had dinner at Pinchers with a beautiful sunset. Then to the the holiday light show at Edison Ford - I was here with some girlfriends several years ago and it is truly spectacular. Mark, Anne, Auntie and the boys really enjoyed, too, and the boys did a fine narration after viewing the museum earlier. It was delightful to be out and about this evening.

Great dinner at Pinchers

Connor and amazing sunset

View from Edison Ford winter estate

So many lovely decorations

Grandma, Liam, Anne

Connor, Liam, Anne, Grandpa

My new Florida license plate!!!

Yeah for the Blue Angels!!!

Breakfast with Santa (sweet Maeve)!

Luke in a nerf war with his buddies

Wednesday - December 22

Whew what a busy fun day starting with eating, of course. A yummy breakfast at Buckingham Farms and then the guys went to check out some golf courses, hit some balls, etc.

Best way to get the day off and running - a hearty breakfast!

We girls shopped at Target, dropped their packages off at the Hyatt and then we all met up at Top Golf.

Tree in lobby of the Hyatt

Top Golf just opened in November (the day after we left for NC) here in Fort Myers. Amazed at how far these boys can hit the ball! So the girls started with a carafe of delicious sangrias

Let's get this party started!

Liam overlooking how far his ball went?

Auntie, Mark, Liam, Anne, Pat, Connor

Fun for all ages whether you are a golfer or not!

And then, back to Cypress Trail

Boys riding our electric bikes

Excited that this "brew" truck came to our park this afternoon.

Anne waiting for her drink

Golf cart parade in the park led by Santa (7 decorated carts with music, throwing out candy, etc.)

Mr. Grinch

We all hung out on Flo for a bit after the parade/coffee/tour of our clubhouse, etc. The boys also played billiards.

We girls left for downtown and toured the holiday homes (Burroughs and the Langford-Kingston Home). The Fort Myers Women's Club has done these homes for 65 years and each year is a different theme. This year it is "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year". We all thoroughly enjoyed the decorations. I took lots of pics but here's some of the many trees.