Sunday - January 31

 Oh my......last day of January!    Time just marches on!     As I was drying my hair this morning, all of a sudden, bang, poof, rattle, rattle and that was the end of my hair dryer - definitely done as it's innards were a'shakin' big time.    Amazon to the rescue with a delivery promised for tomorrow of new dryer!

Mass today was celebrated by Father Michael Drea in Boston - the theme was Catholic Schools Week which starts today and thru the week.    Father's 3 nephews, Anthony, Timothy and Brendan served and read - cute boys who are Catholic students wearing their school uniforms and masks.     So thankful Liam and Connor are given this wonderful opportunity to have a Catholic education at Corpus Christi and now continuing at Central Catholic.

It is very breezy today but warm and off and on sunshine  - we walked after Mass and I washed my car after lunch.    

Michael called to tell us Brady tested positive for Covid......arghhh.    Since he is full-time remote school, probably got it on basketball team.    Although they wear masks, they travel together on team bus and as Michael said, something as simple as touching a doorknob and then your face could do it!   So far, symptoms are fatigue and achiness.

Surprised at the number of children in our park in late January?     Maybe they are all remote and visiting Grandma and Grandpa but still keep up with school work.

Really cooled off as we went for our last walk for the day - next 3 days will be much cooler!

                                                                               At age 14....

                                                      Patrick                                Liam

Pretty pink sky tonight at Cypress Trail

Zoom session tonight with 9 present.    Theresa, Mike and Joan have been in Hawaii and flew home last night and arrived in Dallas at 7 AM, only to be stranded cause of the snowstorm in Chicago.    They arrived in Chicago around 5:30 tonight!

Have a healthy, safe week!

 

Saturday - January 30

 Nice, sunny, 75 degree Saturday.    Today was the garage sale in the park with 30+ owners participating on their lots.    We had 9 items and at the end of the sale (9-12), we still had 9 items.    Ha......I don't think this group of campers are into garage sales.    Lydia had several turtles and truffles that her son, Paul mailed down from his bakery in WI......definitely a big hit.

I visited with Jim and Lydia and they gave us this plate full of goodies from Paul =- THANKS so much!    We shall savor every bite.

Nephew Paul's wonderful concoctions!

Mark took our 9 items to Goodwill - we had decided that nothing was coming back into the she shed!

Off to Publix for Mark's 1st dose of vaccine.     While he was getting that and then waiting the 15 minutes after, I shopped for a few groceries.    Stopped at Panera for a few things and on home.

Read, played euchre and walked in the afternoon.    Sure is cold back home and that's when we feel extra grateful we're down here.

Liam and Connor were back on the ice tonight with a scrimmage game against each other.    Last we heard Liam's team was ahead 5-0.

Liam 

Connor

Friday - January 29

 Chilly and windy start to the day as we left for Collins Vision at 7:15 and Mark's follow-up.    He has some blurriness which is normal, but both eyes look right on, pressure is good and he will have final appt. next Thursday.

Stopped at Dollar Tree and Dunkin Donuts and on home.    Beautiful day getting to 75.    We left at 2:30 with 1st stop at Island Java Cafe for our coffee fix and a cookie for Mark.    Great pastries and desserts here.    Then I got a haircut from Jewel while Mark sat in the car with his I-pad.    

Jewel - my favorite hairdresser

   I was driving from Jewel's salon to Buckingham Farms (normally a 45-minute trip).    With so much traffic and Mark checking various routes to avoid all that "red" , accidents, etc., we were about 1 hour getting there.   He was a good navigator avoiding the congested areas!

We picked up Buckingham Farm's Friday night carry-out dinner - ribs/bacon-wrapped shrimp and shrimp cakes with sweet potatoes and green beans.    Also shared a side salad.    Everything delicious and have leftovers.

We've sure been getting around town and keeping busy on these roadways - the new Hanson Road with roundabout is becoming very popular enroute to Collins Vision and St. Mark's Surgery Center.

A cute little ditty from Maeve - she was eating a strawberry and said it wasn't seasoned.    Then she picked another one and said "this one is seasoned and yummy!"

Garage sale in the park tomorrow from 9-12 (we'll have a few treasures on our lot) and then 1st vaccine for Mark.     Out of 8 friends who tried getting online thru Publix early this morning, only Mike got in!     The frustration continues for so many but they are opening a new online-or call-in reservation system.   

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - January 28

 Cold front came thru this morning after some rain overnight - 70 was our high and breezy.    My shoulder has something to say about this change in the weather!!!   Does not like it!!!    The sun felt really good, though.

So, we were off to St. Mark's very early, I dropped my Mark off and came on home.   Surgery went well and nurse called at 8:09 to say he was in recovery and I could come pick him up - they knew I had a 1/2 hour drive.    The patient has been sleeping off and on and resting all day.    His caregiver snuck in a few little catnaps, too, in between, therapy, fixing lunch, reading, playing euchre, etc.

We take Ortiz Street often and recently, they've put in a roundabout and then new road (Hanson) going east and west for about 2 miles.    It is great and  we've taken it alot recently to avoid I-75 with little traffic but lots of land to be developed, so someday, it will be busy, busy!

Today in the park is the annual fashion show (clothing from Anthony's - one of my favorites).    I really wanted to go as I wasn't able to last year.    Originally, they were only allowing the first 40 to sign up, but just like that, the number was up to 63.    Decided that was just too many to be in the ballroom.    We are still not comfortable being with any large groups and will continue with that after we both have our vaccines.   I was reading today that for a long while after getting both shots, we must continue to wear masks, social distance and wash our hands as we can carry the virus, just not catch it!     

Miss some other activities here.....euchre (someone had wanted to start that up last night but don't know how many showed up), yoga, and hopefully I can do water aerobics in another month - still giving this shoulder some healing time + it's been chilly in the mornings and Laura has cancelled several sessions.   And the Saturday morning breakfasts and other social  events.    Glad to have the food trucks (when they show up)!!!

BLT's for supper - Mark's favorite!

So glad Jim and Lydia enjoyed their time in Marathon - anxious to get together sometime and hear about it!

Back to Collins Vision in the morning for another check-up.

Wednesday - January 27

 We are happy and thankful today after Mark got appt. thru Publix this morning at 6:15.    He will get his 1st vaccine on Saturday at same Publix location as me at 1:12.    He also has appt. for 2nd dose.   We are in Lee County and Charlotte (north) and Collier (south) were all filled by 6:45.    It was nice they showed each county's initial # of vaccines and that # dwindling as appts were filled.

At 9, phone-in reservations were up and operating but only 2500 vaccines and gone by 9:03.     Unfortunately, none of our friends got in today.     It took me 5 tries and 6 for Mark since this all started to book an appointment.

We later went to Java House and then Mark got a haircut and on home.    This is our last really warm day - low 80's, breezy and sunny.    Tomorrow, a high of 70.

We rode our bikes to Dusty's Produce Stand here in the park - a nice every Wednesday feature and Dusty has really good produce from a farm in Cape Coral and also Plant City strawberries.     We had not planned to get our lunch from the food truck today, but noticed, once again, the vendor did not show up.

Did some laundry and after lunch, settled in with my good book.    I finished the 7th and final Clifton Chronicles series by Jeffrey Archer.    They are soooo good!     Played virtual euchre with Mark and went for a walk around 4:30.

Went to Sir Pizza for pick - up.    Our "royal feast"  was delicious

Another early morning coming tomorrow as Mark has to be at St. Mark's at 5:40 AM and since we're 17 miles away, we'll leave Flo around 4:55.  

  

Tuesday - January 26

 Sunny greetings from Fort Myers where we enjoyed another 80-degree day.     After breakfast we drove to Colonial Crossings and while I was getting a manicure, Mark picked up a few groceries at Publix.    Folks were there getting their vaccine.

Back home and started laundry and did therapy.  More humid today, so we turned on the air.    My arm is a little sore today from the vaccine.   Since it's my left arm and shoulder was left, it's a combination of soreness from both!

Mark has been busy 4x a day with all the eye drops!     Thursday is 2nd surgery day.

So sorry to hear that our brother-in-law's brother (Mark's sister, Sharon's husband's brother) passed away at the age of 62 in Louisville, KY.   

Our nephew Tom and his new baby girl

Olivia Rose

Monday - January 25

 Another day in the low 80's with a breeze and nice sunshine.    We had a busy morning starting with Mark's 8:00 eye check-up.   I dropped him off and went to Publix for an apple fritter and cinnamon roll..    He finished around 8:40 and we drove to The Grind (one of our favorite FM coffee shops) and got 4 coffees to go.    Mark ate along the way.    

Took the coffees and our chairs to Connie and Steve's (friends from waaay back) and sat in their driveway for 2 hours visiting and well spread out.     So good to catch up and discuss plans for Valentine's Day with friends at our annual luncheon (old bridge group). 

Steve and Connie

Visiting from a distance

Said our good byes and off to Publix for my vaccine.    Steve got his yesterday and now hope 'n pray Connie and Mark can get in this next go-round on Wednesday.

Good experience at Publix - I got in earlier and just showed my FL driver's license.    Really felt for several elderly folks who wanted the vaccine without an appointment or explained they do not know how to go online and make a reservation or did not have the necessary ID or 2 forms to prove their FL residency.    Sad.....

I waited 15 minutes to make sure there's no reaction and then off we went.     Stopped at Panera and picked up salads for lunch and on home.  

Quiet afternoon - walked to get the mail and had a nice visit with Susan and John from Roscoe, IL.    We had met them last year and their daughter knew Mark's sister, Janet who teaches at Hononegah High School.

And speaking of Janet (and Mike).....they have a new granddaughter, Olivia Rose born to their son (our nephew and Godson), Tom and wife Samm this afternoon in Fairfax, VA.    Olivia will be welcomed home by big sister, Riley, 2.    Congratulations to all!

  

Sunday - January 24

 Sunny Sunday greetings - Mark was off to Hardees to pick up breakfast (his biscuits and gravy and a biscuit for me) - he LOVES his Hardees gift cards, Anne!!!

Today marks the 8th anniversary of my Dad's passing.....think about him all the time and wish he could've seen his how his grandchildren and especially the great grands have grown - he was gone before Blair, Maeve and Luke came along.

Today's Sunday Mass was from beautiful Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston (usually we are in the chapel) with Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley.

We were off for a little jaunt to check out some parks (Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Three Oaks) for possibilities for getting together with friends.    Not wanting to dine indoors and outside dining still can't distane 6' apart, so....Three Oaks was very nice with several pavilions, picnic tables, tennis, soccer and baseball fields, sand volleyball, etc.    And lots of shady trees.

Then we were on the hunt for presents for Liam - geez.....he will be "Sweet 16" in another week or so.  Happy with our purchases and hope he will be, too.

We wanted to have lunch a one of our favorites - Connor's in Gulf Coast Mall, but outside tables were close together and too many people, so.....decided on some ice cream from Culver's which hit the spot!

Twins

We pulled into Bealls parking lot and wow - another exact model, year, color of my car (right)!

On home and a nice quiet afternoon of reading, virtual euchre, a catnap and Mark watched a movie.

Went for a walk late afternoon and visited with Jim and Lydia wishing them a safe, fun trip to Marathon tomorrow for a few days.   We are envious!   😉

Did a pick-up from Cracker Barrel for supper - chicken fried chicken for Mark and maple bacon chicken for me with all the fixins',    All delish!

Zoom with all but Doris and we sure covered a variety of subjects.     Doris and Rich are coming next weekend to Fort Myers for the month of February!

Have a healthy, safe, happy week.

 

Saturday - January 23

 Foggy start to the day but then sunshine and 75.   We had breakfast, went for a bike ride and I did some laundry,    Mark worked on an electrical project on Flo's hitch.

Read in the afternoon, watered the flowers, played virtual euchre against the computer.   Nothing too exciting.    Just a simple Saturday!

Congratulations to these guys for making the 1st semester honor roll at CCHS!

This picture was taken 4 years ago today - 1/23/17

Still cute as ever!

Sooo proud!

1

Friday - January 22

 I am happy, excited and thankful that I got an appt this morning for my vaccine next Monday at 11:48 at Publix on Gladious.     We were on our laptops and I-pad at 6 AM.    I got in at 6:40, but kept trying for Mark till we had to leave for his eye follow-up.    We left shortly after 7 with the laptop (connected to his phone's hotspot).    I stayed in car and kept checking while he was in office, but not meant to be, so we'll try again next Wednesday.     There were 48,000+ doses given out at select Publix locations in FL, GA and SC.    At 8:22, the screen said all spots were full.    Mark's eye is doing great - glowing report.

Mark got a very good report on his eye.   He goes back Monday again.

We went to the European Cafe for breakfast - not many people so decided to eat there and have a hearty breakfast (avocado toast and latte for me - Mark had the Denver melt) - good stuff.

Avocado toast

On home, did therapy, walked and met a nice couple from Decatur, IL who are at Cypress Trail for a week and moving on Monday to Naples for a week.     She got in this morning for the vaccine - Tuesday in Ocala, so they'll drive there from Naples.   You do what you gotta do!

Very pretty day - 75 and sunny. Sat on the patio and read and then indoors with Flo's windows wide open!

So, after the boys found out hockey practice is starting again tomorrow, they also were told that they cannot have a game (tournament) in IL.    They will have to travel out-of-state and could be up to 10 hours one way?    Unbelievable......of course, the team has to agree on which trip they want to take?     Crazy that IL is just not opening up!!!

We played euchre against the computer this afternoon and boy, did we get a whippin'.    Ha....

Walked up to the clubhouse parking lot for Mobstah Lobstah (food truck) - lots of people enjoying the entertainment and long line for /crab cakes (Jim got the last of these), shrimp  and of course, lobstah.   Mark got the lobster roll and I had the lobster mac 'n cheese (4 cheeses) - both very good and I have leftovers!  

Lobster Mac 'n Cheese

Just read that over 300,000 people tried getting into the Publix website this morning for 48,900 doses which were gone in 2.5 hours.    VERY grateful tonight!     I also have appt for 2nd vaccine - exactly 4 weeks later - same time and location!

Thursday - January 21

 Up very early and off to St. Mark's at 5:15.     I dropped the patient off and came on home till nurse called at 8:30 that he could be picked up - we are 17 miles away so arrived shortly after 9 and home sweet home.    So much less time than the 3-4 hours they told me.   He had a light breakfast and been napping off and on.

I took a nap, too....caregiver needs her rest, too!   😀  

Patrick's cousin, Sean Gleason is the offensive coordinator for Rutger's University football team in New Jersey.     Sean's Dad sent the boys these caps.

These guys are excited to be back at hockey practice starting Saturday!

Quiet day - patient is doing well.  BLT's for supper.    Another very pretty day!

  

Wednesday - January 20

 Woke up early to "try" to get an appt. for the vaccine - but no luck again either thru Publix (6 AM) or on-line registration (9 AM).    We did get thru to Publix and Mark was filling out the 3-page form, but soon as he was ready to click on a location and time, it was already taken and this happened at various locations.    Then I got thru on the on-line method and gave my phone #, DOB and zip code, told to wait for a rep and then they were all busy, please wait for an automated system to come on, but then click and I was cut off.    Oh well....Saturday is the next time to try.

Another spectacular day - AND....tah dah, the big news is that Mark's phone app and Big Red have connected and all is working!    Yeah!!!!    Turns out that the problem was with Ford as they admitted they were having issues with their software!    Arghhh!

Mark worked on his truck, I did therapy and some housecleaning in Flo.    We had the food truck (Firebread) for lunch - a favorite.    Mark had a  Hungarian supreme dog and I had the Cubano,   Both excellent - love their bread shaped in a log or cone.

Had a few errands this afternoon but no luck - Bed, Bath & Beyond is going out of business and is almost bare and Home Depot did not have the bins Mark wanted to replace those in back of truck.    All their bins are online only and when he went to order, they have a minimum of 6 or the price has really gone up or not available???   Must be coming from China!!!     We also checked at Target - same at Lowe's!    

So, since neither of us had any luck with what we were shopping for, we enjoyed some cold beverages from Starbucks!

We walked this afternoon and checked out our nature preserve right here at Cypress Trail.    Mark and I had tried walking it before (last year or the year before?) but it was muddy and so forget it.    But today, we tried it again and it is a loop that only had a few "wet spots" and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Euchre with Mark and Nancy.    Mark F and I beat Mark C and Nancy 2 of 3.

We'll be up and outta here early in the morning as Mark has to check in at St. Mark's SurgiCenter at 5:50 AM for 1st cataract surgery.    I will drop him off and come back home for 3-4 hours till they call that he's ready.

Tuesday - January 19

 We had a big day......off to Bradenton at 7:30 and 3 hours later had the new bed liner and bed cover installed on Big Red.    There's not much in the area of where Line X is located, but we walked to Burger King and most of the time had the place to ourselves.    We enjoyed our breakfast and read on our devices.    Then we walked to Dollar General and got a few things.    On home at noon.

We stopped at The Boathouse for a pickup (shrimp po boy for Mark and shrimp quesadillas for me) - both excellent and so nice to sit on our patio.    Today was one of those "on a clear day, you can see forever" kind of days   

Mark started organizing his stuff for truck and should finish up tomorrow.    We got a call around 4:45 that my car was done at the Service King Body Shop, so we took off and I drove it on home.    Cannot go thru a car wash for 30 days.   Traffic was awful!    Usually not out and about this time of day - rush hour!

Watched replay of Brady's game which they won 40-38.   

Our condolences and sympathy to our friend, Pat Michaels on the passing of his 103-year old father.     What a grand life he led and thankful his family could all be together these past few days.

Monday - January 18

 Happy 82nd Anniversary to my parents!     Fond memories of celebrating several milestone anniversaries which all began on January 18, 1939.

Nice day here in Fort Myers with a return to the 70's and sunshine.    We were off with the car (me) and Big Red (Mark) to a body shop to repair some tiny paint chips on the hood of my car.   Back on November 29th after leaving NC en route to Bloomington, a rock hit our windshield around Asheville and got a chip/crack.    Unbeknownst to us (till guy came to Eastland Suites to replace windshield) that rock apparently either bounced off the hood and then hit windshield or vice versa.    At any rate....wanted to get that fixed so it should be good to go in 2-3 days.

It just so happened that the European Bakery/Cafe is right next door to body shop, so......we walked there and got some pastries and coffees.    Sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed breakfast.    We were here for breakfast a few years ago with Bill and Charmaine and also saw Dee and Scott formerly from Bloomington eating there that morning, too.

On home and enjoyed this pretty day with a visit with Jim and Lydia, walking, reading, laundry emptying out the truck as tomorrow we're going on another road trip to Bradenton with Big Red and have the bed slide and bed liner installed.

Got a call from the body shop - $685 for the new paint job (hood) for my car!    Boy, it doesn't take much to add up!    Thankful for insurance!

We walked to the clubhouse and I signed up for giving blood on February 17th.    Mark brought the mail back (no Christmas cards) and then time for happy hour!

A former co-worker of Anne's who now works in Tennessee lost his 20 (something?) daughter to Covid.

Sunday - January 17

We had breakfast, then Mass with Father Frank Sevola from Boston.    It was chilly and very overcast all day so decided to take a little day trip with Big Red.    Before we can tow Flo, we have to have 1000 miles on Big Red and since we are driving the car the majority of the time, decided we'll take some little trips here and there.     Today, we headed to Ave Maria, FL which is 45 miles from Cypress Trail.    We were last here in 2013 and wow....in 8 years, it has really exploded, especially with the housing and more construction going on.

We passed several fields of sugar cane

We found "The Bean", got our coffees, shared a strawberry turnover and then walked around.   It is such a beautiful community founded in 2007 by the owner of Domino's Pizza.    There are currently 1100+ students enrolled at the Catholic university.    

Back and side of Ave Maria Catholic Church

Front entrance

We've been here for Mass 2x

And then we were off to LaBelle (taking a different route home).     There are some favorite eating jaunts in this little town, but 2 of them were closed today and we didn't want to eat inside, so....kept truckin' on down the road and decided to check out Alva's "Produce 31 and Cracker Shack" per Jim and Lydia's suggestion from a few weeks ago.    However, we could not find a parking space, too many people (had wanted to do carry out), so.....definitely will return on a weekday when maybe not such a crowd?     We decided on Sir Pizza for carry out (Calzone/Stromboli) and it was excellent.

Good to be home and curl up with my book.   Big Red has 110 miles under her belt from our little trip today!

 Forgot to mention that Jim and Lydia got their vaccine yesterday - happy for them and already have appt. for 2nd dose in February!    And they got a text that their eye doctor (thru the U-Health System) is offering the vaccine to his patients.    I do have a dentist down here....maybe???  😃

This is our 15th year to come to Florida for the winter!   Wow....the years go by so fast - here it is the 17th of January already!

Zoom tonight with 11 siblings (missing Janet) and discussion on the vaccine, blood pressure issues, Joan is flying to Hawaii to spend 10 days with Mike and Theresa and do their marathon games, update on Sharon's brother-in-law, Duane who is having serious health issues, school update, etc.....

Stay safe, healthy and happy this week as January keep rolling along!

 

Saturday - January 16

 Cloudy and cool Saturday with some short bursts of sun and quite windy!    Mark continues to work on his phone and the remote start - very frustrating for my techie guy and determined to figure it out.    We had ham 'n cheese omelets and on with the day.

Cypress Trail resumed their Saturday breakfasts today - we continue to be amazed at the high numbers here who do not wear masks or separate themselves from their friends and neighbors.    Maybe they've all had Covid?    Maybe they've had the vaccine?    Both highly unlikely!!!    Oh well, we shall keep being cautious.    Everyone has to make their own decision, but it is concerning!    They are starting to open up more and more indoor activities and masks are required.    Later today, plenty of controversy on Facebook about not wearing masks and social distancing here in the park - apparently others feel the same as me.

Did several loads of laundry and some light housework inside Flo.   This afternoon Mark worked on his remote dilemma, I read and we went for a short, windy walk before Mark's back started hurting!     Sure feel for him and all this on and off again discomfort!!!    

Back to this remote - our boys all have this on their vehicles and have been trying to help dear ole Dad, but something is just not clicking.   This is all very foreign to me......but I will never forget when we were with Philip one time here in FL and Annette was flying into Asheville and it was cold and he could start her car from his phone app and when she got off the plane, she had a nice toasty car!    Amazing!

Connor is away on a ski trip to Wisconsin with friends this 3-day MLK weekend.

Just read this afternoon that Lee County, (Fort Myers) is halting the vaccine temporarily cause they want to make sure there is enough for the 2nd round as those folks are on a timeline.    So.....could be an even longer wait?

Friday - January 15

 We were up early and out the door at 7:30 for Mark's appt. (pre-measurement) in preparation for 1st cataract surgery next Thursday.     I dropped him off and then went to Dollar Tree and Target, both open at 8:00 which was nice - not many people.    Also got a Starbucks and 45 minutes later, Mark was ready for pick-up along with lots of paper work, little bag of goodies (eye drops, sunglasses, etc., etc.)    We had an hour before Wal-Mart pick up, so drove to another Starbucks for his coffee and we sat outside in the sunshine and went over some of his paperwork - a lot of it similar to mine but a few things different.    His surgery is 2x what I paid back in Illinois!!!!!

Got our groceries and on home.   It is another beautiful day - 75 and sunny.

Had a good chat with Drew who is enroute from NC to Iowa City after a long fall/Christmas break.    He starts back at his job on Sunday at the University of Iowa Hospital and classes resume (online) January 25th.    And this afternoon we talked to Davis who is headed back to Raleigh to finish his freshman year (remotely).    Both of these guys sound happy and ready to see their friends and get back to their routine even though it is such a very different year!!

Also had a nice facetime chat with Annette and "shy" Maeve!!!   😑

At 3, Joe from Ford called to say the truck was ready, so we took off and picked it up and each of us came on home.    But still having issues - Mark thinks something wrong with his phone since it worked on Joe's phone???    Stay tuned!  

Today would've been Mark's parents 75th wedding anniversary!    Congratulations "Mom and Dad!"    I'm sure they will be celebrating "up there"!!!

Wishing you a safe, healthy weekend!

Thursday - January 14

 Dreary, chilly start to the day, but around 10, the sun came out!   We had breakfast and worked on our grocery list for tomorrow's pick-up.     I went for a nice long walk, ran into my hubby who was taking out the garbage and continued our walk, visited with Jim and Lydia and on home.     Nothing like the sunshine to put that extra spring in your step, folks are smiling, dogs are happy - just makes the mood joyful!

Around 12:30 we left (Mark in Big Red and me in the car).     Left Big Red at Galloway Ford to have some extra time to fix that remote thingy.    Went thru the car wash - as I said before, these new fangled wash places are sooo cool plus all the vacuums to clean interior.    Then we drove to the Dixie Fish Co and had a wonderful lunch outdoors starting with adult beverages.   I had crab cake sliders and Mark had the grouper.   We topped it off with a shared piece of their homemade key lime pie (our 1st of the season) - very good made with a crust of Lorna Doones and pecans!

Sooo delicious!

Walked again late afternoon - sooo pretty out.    Chatted with Jim and Lydia - really fun to have them here in the park.

Zoom with Claire and Kathy.     Next week this time, Kathy should be here in Fort Myers!!!

We watched Brady's team, Patton Panthers play Hibriten Panthers and win 36-26.

Euchre with Mark and Nancy - Mark F and I played against Mark C and Nancy - we both won 2 games!

Ten more Christmas/New Year's cards came today - also a friend posted on FB that she is still getting cards that were postmarked in early December???

Wednesday - January 13

 Not much happening this rainy, chilly Wednesday.    A short walk, therapy, good book covered up with a blanket, little cat nap, etc.

Mark took Big Red to the Ford dealer (Sam Galloway) to get his remote start (phone app) set up, but he needs to check back tomorrow with Ron (salesman) as technician could not fix!     

We had our fingers on the call button on our phones and pressed down over and over and over to no avail starting at noon for this next round of the vaccine.    Somewhere out there are 1800 happy people tonight.     But, also heard that Collier County (Naples) is now offering it thru thru 16 of their Publix stores!    Lots of stories out there.....and lots of frustration!

Just a blah sort of day!    But tomorrow, we are promised sunshine!

Tuesday - January 12

 Wasn't expecting to wake up to rain this morning - just nice 'n gentle for several hours.    Decided to  run some errands in the rain....so, off to Buckingham Farms for wonderful breakfast - not many folks there this rainy morning and sat outside under their covered porch   Brought our leftovers home, along with some delicious muffins (blueberry today) and their awesome chicken salad.

Had a return at Bed, Bath and Beyond, then to Mario's Italian Market - our friend Beth told us about this place last year - 2nd visit was quite successful buying several goodies!    Stopped at Panera for our free bagel (cinnamon crunch) and a latte for me.    Panera is thanking their customers for sticking with them thru the pandemic, so every day the month of January, they are giving a free bagel (flavor of your choice) to their rewards customers!    

On home and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of reading, a movie and just chillin'.   Mark helped our neighbors, Buddy and JoAnn with their WiFi.

Dreary day with occasional drizzle and a high in the 60's.  

 We watched Brady's livestream basketball game from Patton High School in Morganton, NC.    They won 43-37 but sad to see the stands almost bare.

#1

Monday - January 11

 A wonderful beautiful day in SW FL.    Breakfast, therapy, laundry, walk in the park and came upon Miss Piggy just strolling along...

She is an occasional visitor to Cypress Trail coming over from a neighboring farm.    Her owner came in his truck with a leash to take her back home.     Apparently she is "with piglet" and very gentle!

"Princess"

We ran some errands this afternoon and picked up McAlister's Deli for a late lunch.    I walked in the afternoon and Mark worked in the shed.   

                   Our handsome dudes returned to the classroom today with new haircuts!

Liam

Connor

We've heard  of several not coming to Florida this winter - various reasons, but Covid is the biggie.    Also, folks are not wanting to travel or can't if they live in Canada as border remains closed.   Today, 2 more couple friends have canceled their plans.    Some of us already here are reluctant to get together - the socializing will not be the same.   We got rid of 2020, but 2021 continues to affect us all.

Excited for Jim and Lydia who have appts next week to get the vaccine.     Their primary physician (member of the Lee Health System) is giving them at his office!   

Sunday - January 10

 Sunny and chilly but not so breezy today which was nice.    Warmed up to 63.    We were off this morning on a mission to check out the new Luminary Hotel downtown.    It is beautiful with 3 restaurants - "Ella Mae's" Diner, upscale "Silver  King" and "The Beacon", rooftop drinkery and small plate venue overlooking the Caloosahatchee River.    And they have a coffee cafe, "Dean Street Coffee Roasters".   So, we ordered our coffees and light breakfast and then sat in lobby - not too many people but interesting to check it all out.    They have "The Workshop" which is a very big state-of-the-art kitchen with small amphitheater for cooking classes (I probably won't be signing up for these)😉

Since it's called "Luminary", the light fixtures were especially interesting!    Here's one of them....

One of the light fixtures in lobby

Then we were off to the big flea market - Mark wanted a front license plate (Fort Myers) for Big Red.     Got that and then some goodies from a produce stand - blueberries, strawberries, 2 tomatoes and a cucumber.  We usually check out the donut place (BIG donuts with all kinds of toppings)     But last fall we noticed they weren't there 😥.    We checked again today and that spot now sells kettle corn!   On home for Mass with Bishop Reed in Boston on this Feast of the Baptism of Jesus.

Mark worked on his truck (he's happy, happy) and I did a load of laundry and for the most part, a nice relaxing Sunday.

Sweet little hockey boys - 9 years ago  - 1/10/2012

Liam and Connor were only 5 and 6.

Less than a mile from Cypress Trail is a big development under way and we wondered what it was going to be......Mark checked the building permit and it will be the new Bermuda Lakes RV Resort!    Will be fun to watch it come together.

All the siblings were on tonight for zoom with a lot of reminiscing as they were growing up.

Here's to a good week ahead!

Saturday - January 9

 We so remember 8 years ago today.....January 9, 2013 and while on Catrina in Marathon, FL, got the awful phone call that Mark's Dad has passed away.  Sure miss him but happy memories are always with us!

Slept in this morning - justified as I was up till almost midnight finishing a good book!

Chilly morning and only in the low 60's today with that breeze again.    Mark did a Hardees run and then we tried a bike ride which was short 'n sweet.    We are wimps when it comes to cold and wind!

Mark is a happy camper with his brand new Ford F-250 truck - he traded "Big Red" (2018) for an almost identical 2021 truck with some new features.    He's enjoying checking out the new stuff!!!

Our "new" Big Red

  

Friday - January 8

Sunny, breezy and warmer today.    We did our "therapy", had breakfast sandwiches (sausage/egg/cheese on English muffins) and then walked to the Farmers' Market.    Well......for the 2nd time this week, they did not show up with their veggies.     Tuesdays/Fridays from 9-12, they are to be in the clubhouse parking lot, but???     All I wanted was a little ole tomato and cucumber!

Had a nice "welcome back", visit with JoAnn, our across-the-street-neighbor who arrived yesterday.

Happy day at Lake James after 2-3" of snow - no school!

Maeve and Mommy

Brooke and Blair

Charlotte and Doug came out in the afternoon.    Walked in the park and then sat on the patio (wearing masks and keeping our distance).    And then just as we were thinking about walking up to the parking lot and getting Sir Pizza from the food truck for supper................Lydia sent a text and said they had been in the park and then left!!!!    W H A T ?????

Mark called in our order and he and Doug picked it up - not far away.    He asked about them leaving at Cypress Trail tonight - not sure, someone said maybe their generator was LOUD and competing with the music (entertainment - 2 residents here)?????     We enjoyed our pizza and stromboli's and wine.    Had a really fun visit!!!    The weather sure changed this afternoon as it got cloudy and very windy.    We hunkered down behind the she shed out of the wind.     Only in the 60's the next 2 days!

Charlotte and Doug

CHEERS!!!

Played euchre with Mark and Nancy - cards were not pretty with the guys winning 3 of 3.

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

Thursday - January 7

 Cloudy, breezy and cool all day.     After breakfast, I went for a mani-pedi, picked up a few things at Publix and on home.

Quiet afternoon....went for some walks, read, took a little nap and just nothing special!     Sometimes it's nice to have one of these days!    Ha....

1 month ago today, I had my shoulder surgery.....just keep plugging away with the therapy!

Our neighbors, JoAnn and Buddy from Asheville arrived today - got out of NC just before the big snowstorm.     The kiddos are all prepared.....I think???

Wednesday - January 6

 Chilly mornings and evenings, but the daytime temps are just perfect with deep blue skies and all sunshine!

We got the therapy out of the way - the she shed was chilly but cranked up the heat, turned Alexa on and we were ready for the back/shoulder exercises!     Mark did a Hardees run for his biscuits and gravy (still need to try Libby's, Bill)!!!   

We drove downtown and met our Annapolis friends Charlotte and Doug who are spending the winter on their PDQ (just like Catrina) at Legacy Marina.    So good to see them with virtual hugs, elbow bumps, masks, etc., etc.    We met at the Java Cafe (now under new ownership) and had our pastries and coffee.   (except Mark who had haircut appt.at Dapper Cuts just around the corner.)    We met him afterwards and all of us walked around downtown.    Such a glorious day and so good to be together!     I got in 6,000+ steps we said our good byes, but have a plan for Friday afternoon!

Since it was lunch time and Mark did not have a pastry/coffee, we stopped at Masons for a lobster roll (shared a Connecticut style) and it was excellent!     We sat outside in the sunshine with tables well spaced apart, but no other customers nearby.

We came on home and Mark did a zoom session with our new HOA.    We walked to get our mail and stopped in for a nice visit with Jim and Lydia and brought home 4 truffles compliments again of their son, Paul................wonderful!!!!!!!

24 more Christmas cards today!     Just don't get this USPS and their s l o w service   

Sweet memory of Christmas 2020

Annette, Philip, Luke and Maeve

We are very saddened, sickened and heartbroken by the events today in our nation's capitol.  

  Praying for our country...

                           God Bless America!

 

Tuesday - January 5

 A very nippy 46 this morning, but the sun is shining and s l o w l y warmed up to 72 late afternoon.

I need to clear something up about this vaccine.....I said Lee County was getting 5,000 doses per day - but it's 5000 for 3 days.     And once we got the call back, that's when that message kept on and on and on with some pretty bad music to go with it!     We are hearing all kinds of stories about the thousands of people who never got thru, or like us, did get a call back and then nothing further and other lucky folks who are scheduled for a date/time to get their vaccine like a couple just around the corner from us here in the park!   Patience for the rest of us till next week!

Did a load of laundry and got the flowers planted.    Rode bikes and went for short walk - not quite in the serious biking/walking mode just yet....sure was a pretty day!

One of my pretty pots

Meanwhile, back in Illinois...

Connor built a snowman during homeroom/lunch today with Liam and friend, Jack

Euchre with Mark and Nancy - the guys beat the gals 2 of 3.

Monday - January 4

"Thank you for calling.   Your call is very important to us and will be answered in the order it was received."

This is what we heard every 4 minutes, 20 seconds for over 5  hours this afternoon.     Today, Lee County, Florida opened up their phone lines to call for an appt. Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday (5000 vaccines each day).    Both of us had our phones with a finger on the # to call starting at noon.   I was lucky to get thru around 12:10 with a notice that I would be given a call back to set up appt. date/time.     Mark just kept getting the busy signal.    2 hours later, we were given this message above (over and over and over).    I can't imagine the thousands who were calling.    We just kept my phone on speaker waiting and waiting - probably major computer crash??????   So now wait a week for next vaccine to be available and go thru this call-in process all over again.....arghhhh!

 Sunny cooler day with a high of 72.    We had breakfast, exercised (got my yoga mat, dowel rod and stretch bands all ready in the she shed) and Mark has his bucket and weights, so.....nice to have this spot to do our thing!     Did laundry, went for a walk and made a batch of BBQ.

After lunch we went to Lowe's and got some red and white impatiens for my 4 pots.    Then to Publix for a few things and on home.    

Today we got some very delayed mail with a bunch of Christmas cards - the USPS mail has been terribly slow and we still have one more batch we're waiting on.

My shoulder has been really achy past few days.....could be the front that came thru yesterday and bringing cooler weather?    I remember the weather played a big part in how the shoulder felt 10 years ago, so....

Sunday - January 3

 Cloudy with a little sun and 80.    Mother Hubbard's cupboards and fridge are pretty bare.....Mark picked up breakfast from Hardees and then Mass with Bishop Reed from Boston.    Today is the Feast of the Epiphany (Little Christmas) and the official ending of the Christmas season.    Loved hearing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful", "We 3 Kings", "What Child is This" and "Joy to the World" one more time.

Later, we did a WalMart pick-up and got the car washed - these new spiffy, fancy car washes are popping up everywhere and very popular!    

After lunch we walked over to see Jim and Lydia - they gave us some caramel corn, popcorn and cheddar popcorn + 2 of their son, Paul's delicious turtles - thee best!!!!  

Had some sprinkles and then a little shower in the afternoon.   

The critters were happy to be let out of the she shed this afternoon and now sitting here and there on the rocks!

Trixie the Turtle, Tillie the Turtle and Betty the Bunny

New Year's Eve - 2019

10 siblings did zoom tonight (missed Janet and Joan).

Tomorrow our kiddos head back to school - actually remote learning from home, but Luke, Maeve and Blair will be in the classroom!!!

Have a good, safe, healthy week!

Saturday - January 2

 We left Perry (stayed here with Daisy back in 2011) around 7:30.    Had some drizzle but nothing compared to yesterday.    Shared the driving and stopped in Crystal River at the Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters for delicious pastries (cinnamon roll for Mark and morning glory muffin for me) and our coffees.   We sat on the porch - no one around and then back on the road.    I sure could come back to this area (Heritage Village) sometime - several cute shops and cafes in old homes - very quaint.

The traffic going north was crazy especially around Sarasota/Bradenton.    Guess the holiday travelers were returning home - lots of RV's, too......going in the wrong direction???

Just before we got to Cypress Trail, we noticed all the water standing and everything wet.....another Florida downpour - short but vicious!      So good to be back with Flo and my she shed.    Got the furniture out of the shed, set up and unloaded the car and most everything is put away.     There's always tomorrow.     Decided we needed a treat (lunch) so off to Love Boat for delicious ice cream.   On home and Mark started in on all the techie stuff!    Yikes....not my thing with all the cords and devices and getting it all hooked up!

Jim and Lydia stopped by with a warm welcome (from a distance).    Great to see them and "hope" we can do some fun things "sometime"  "somewhere"!

Mark and I picked up dinner from the Boathouse - busy place as always with a 1-1 1/2 hour wait for a table.    We liked the 20-minute pick up!!!     Since we are here, noticing several maskless faces in the park, at the restaurant, etc....?   Scary...

We nomads are really tired tonight!    2 1/2 days of travel is exhausting!    So happy to be here!    Can't imagine some friends who make the trip non-stop.   No thank you!

Anne and the skiers

Welcome 2021

                              HAPPY 2021

Not the best weather for the first day of 2021........rain, rain, lots of rain most of the day with 15 miles of really heavy stuff!     We are in Perry, Florida tonight and happy to be done for the day.    We listened to the 60's music and playing the 300 most popular songs from that decade!    Love all those oldies!

Alabama restaurants are all open for indoor dining....most people are wearing masks.   

Our Hampton Inn here in Perry has been totally renovated - very nice room done in soft grey and aqua.

We walked a short jaunt to Mama's Italian Restaurant for a nice meal (carryout) and so nice to go outdoors with no coats!

We went to Mass with Bishop Reed in Boston tonight for the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary.   So neat to hear all those wonderful "Mary" songs we remember from childhood and still so beautiful.

300 miles to Cypress Trail and HOME SWEET HOME!!!