Sunday - February 28

 Gee.....the last day of February!    This year keeps "marchin' on as we welcome March tomorrow!   

Mark is resting - a little achy, headache and tired.   Hope that's the worst of it as the day goes on.    I got my 1st walk in but the "heat is on".   

I filled out a bunch of forms for new consultation with primary physician here in Fort Myers coming up March 9th.    Mark and I decided it was time to have doctors here as this is where we spend most of our time.

Went to Mass in Boston with Father John Luong, OMV, had lunch and back to bed for Mark.   I read, did a load of laundry and played some games.

                                                                                                                  Nice day at Lake James - 70 degrees!  Luke and Maeve are playing Jenga

Not sure it made it to 90, but that was forecasted....maybe just 88.    At any rate, the AC felt really good!

I walked late afternoon and had nice visit with Jim and Lydia under their gazebo.

Mark's headache is the worst of his symptoms tonight.    He did not join in the family zoom session but missing several others, too.    Theresa, Marilyn, Joan, Janet, and Karen were all absent.    Karen was on for a very short time - she got her 2nd vaccine yesterday, too, and was tired and had headache tonight!

Here's to a heathy, safe week!    Bye bye February...

Saturday - February 27

 Hot, breezy Saturday.   My car arrived back around 8:10 with a nice guy from NY delivering it!  

We walked and I went to the craft fair here in the park.   There were lots of crafters including Lydia and many shoppers.    Lydia had her chocolates (turtles, pretzel squares, truffles, etc.) that her son Paul shipped from Wisconsin.   That was my purchase - they are soooo delicious!

We left for Publix before noon to get Mark's 2nd shot.    He had a package to mail next door (mini post office at Kay's Hallmark shop).    I went on to pick up a few groceries.    

Mark getting 2nd vaccine 

As I was standing there taking this picture, the pharmacist said to Mark

"Oh, I see you brought the paparazzi with you"!!!

And beforehand we were in total agreement (ha) that since we were close to the Cape Cod Fish Co., we would take a lobster roll home.    They are delicious and $20 each or a larger one for $37, so that's what we got plus a side of their yummy cole slaw.    On home and a quiet afternoon.

We walked in the evening and then enjoyed some cold white wine, our big lobster roll, slaw and a small piece of key lime pie.     VERY good stuff!

These kiddies are having their 1st "rock candy" and spending the weekend with

 Mommy and Daddy in Greenville, SC.

 Our neighbors across the street, Liz and Dave from Oregon shared this sunset with us tonight.     

They are full timers.   Liz is a marathon runner and is constantly "on the run"!!!

February 27th sunset

Friday - February 26

 We were up and outta here by 7 for 7:30 Mass at St. Francis.   As we were getting out of the car, I realized - DUH.....I didn't have a mask?   Oh brother!   I usually carry extra in my purse and always in the car, but of course, I don't have my car now, so............I had a little  piece of cloth (used to clean glasses, so put that over my face (would have to hold throughout Mass).    We were only in our pew a few minutes when our security guy/usher/friend from yesterday came up to us and took out a mask for me from a package he had (probably has given these out to other forgetful parishioners).   How nice!!

There were about 40 people and all socially distanced with pews taped off.   It was great to be back in church, celebrate Mass, receive communion, etc.    First time for us since October 17 (Sue's funeral).

Then to The Luminary and coffee/pastries at Dean Street Coffee Co.    Mark's blueberry muffin was not very flavorful - but the banana bread is really good.   Brought leftovers home.   Jim is a real connoisseur of muffins and at the moment, he thinks Whole Foods gets the top prize (we've not had theirs).   Jim has been disappointed with Java House muffins since the new owners took over.... yesterday Mark noticed that they are no longer doing their waffles which were delicious and a favorite of Jim and Mark!

On home (and 1st thing was put a stash of masks back in my purse) and defrosted the freezer.    Before I went for my walk, got Mark hooked up to his new gizmo (NeuroMD), a device he got on Amazon (electrode pad for his back he will use 25 minutes 4x a week - each week the time frame is different).   It's to relieve back pain and specifically mentioned was a bulging disc, so....maybe this will really work!

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood" as Mr. Rogers would sing and a very pleasant walk around the park!  

We met Tom and Diana at Buckingham Farms for a great visit and lunch.   We met them in Okeechobee 3 years ago.    They are on their RV this winter in Fort Myers but will soon be closing on new home in Port Charlotte.   Was fun hearing about their travels and upcoming plans.    They are from Minnesota but soon becoming Florida residents.   Sure enjoyed spending the afternoon with them and of course, lunch was excellent (beet salad for me; tropical island fish for Mark- 👍👍.    Tom and Diana had the crab cake salads.)

Tom and Diana

Diana and I shopped for produce, chicken salad and muffins (strawberry lemon and strawberry banana).    The muffins were a treat for Jim (and Lydia) as we wanted to get his thoughts - we think BF's are really good!!!  😉

I went for  walk late afternoon - whew.....even with the sun behind a very cloudy sky, it was a drippy walk!    The heat is on for the weekend!

Had grilled cheese for supper and then one more walk....chatted with Jim and Lydia (more muffin talk 😊) and then Dennis and Jamie.     They used to live in Bloomington.    Their son and girlfriend are visiting this week.

Mark got the call tonight that my car is done and will be delivered tomorrow at 8:30.    Yeah!!!

Enjoy your weekend.    Mark gets his 2nd vaccine tomorrow, so we'll be low key the next few days!

  

Thursday - February 25

 A goofy morning that didn't quite go as planned.    We decided we were going to Mass this morning at St. Francis Xavier downtown - first time since March 15, 2020.    This is now our home parish.   In the past it's been 8:00  weekdays but I checked their website and it said 8:15.    So off we went and as we were getting out of the car, a police officer told us Mass was at 7:30?    He is security and helps clean the pews after each Mass.    We've talked to him before - nice guy.    So.....we shall check back tomorrow - 45 minutes earlier than planned.    They need to update their website???    We should've checked the bulletin!

So naturally breakfast was next up and we had 3 options (Java House, Ella Mae's Diner or the Bullig Coffee and Bites).    We had had been to Bullig once before just to pick up coffee and the food all looked so good.    So, that was our choice but when we got there around 8:15, all closed up - they open at 10?    WHAT.....who has a coffee/breakfast spot that opens at 10???   So, then decided on Java House and enjoyed our coffees and my cinnamon apple scone and Mark, his breakfast sandwich (sausage, egg, cheddar on a warm Ciabatta roll)..

A quick stop at Publix for 3 things and then to Galloway Lincoln where my car is being worked on - the new axle is being delayed so not sure when I'll get my car back.    This MKZ is very nice, but we do prefer my SUV.    Mark had put his COVID vaccine card in the glove compartment and just in case, we don't have car back by Saturday when he gets his 2nd shot, we now have that card which he must show when he checks in.   

I walked a little bit this afternoon but really hot!   Came home and turned on the AC.    Mark had eye check-up about the computer vision.    Dr. is very pleased with his vision and hopes he'll give the computer issue a bit more time.   He did get a prescription for glasses when using the computer.   He will return for check-up in October.

Our neighbor Dick came over for happy hour - he brought sangria along with grapes and apples.   Delicious.   Mark had red wine and we enjoyed other snacks and then key lime pie.

Dick - our great neighbor from Massachusetts

Went for a walk and first time to be out and about after dark cause we were having a nice chat with another neighbor, Dennis.   Really neat seeing all the lights that people have on their lots with lighted tree trunks, etc.    And this pretty view down one of the streets.

Evening at Cypress Trail

After hearing about another delay in getting new axle for my car, (totally crazy as car is only 6 months old?). we've been hearing about lots of parts for whatever on back order, also very hard to get appliances these days and new furniture has long delays.

Wednesday - February 24

 What a difference a day makes - woke up early feeling great!   Had some lower back pain, but that could be from lying around all day and got much better as the day went on.

So, not complaining about my side effects yesterday - hearing much worse or then the really lucky ones, with nothing.    My arm feels much better, too.

Back to walking and nice to have my buddy with me - sometimes we walk together and sometimes, we do our own thing!   Its all about "doing it"!!!

No matter what time we walk, there are always people out and about dog walking (that's the biggie), people walking, golf carts running around, bikers, runners, etc.    Cypress Trail is very active and social - love the friendliness of everyone!

Doug and Charlotte (boating friends from Annapolis who've been wintering on their PDQ downtown Fort Myers) came at 11 and we were off to the food truck.    Today we also had a meat/seafood truck and heard great things about his products.   Lydia said next week we may have a bakery truck! 👍  We ordered our lunches from Firebread and while they were preparing them, Charlotte and I browsed and bought a bunch of produce from Dusty.    Then back to Flo and sat on the patio and enjoyed our sandwiches with their great bread.     Charlotte had a gyro, Doug and I had the Flyin' Hawaiian and Mark had the Supreme Dog.    All delicious!

We spent the afternoon chatting away and then good bye till next week.    Planning to be together 2 more times before they put their boat in storage for the season and on home.

Charlotte and Doug

Mark and I walked around 5 and then I finished my steps at 6 - so pleasant out as the sun is setting.   Walked part of it with Jim and Lydia.

We are very happy for our neighbor Dick who has been trying, trying to get his vaccine.    After no luck with Publix and then getting a call from the health department and answering a bunch of questions only to be told, all slots are filled for February?     Then a few days later he got a call that he has an appt, for March 21.    Ok great!    A few days ago, he got an e-mail saying he could come in today for the shot?    February 24 (after being told all appts. were filled for February)?   Nothing makes sense, but he did get the vaccine today (1st) and is a very happy camper tonight!

Tuesday - February 23

 My arm started hurting around 10 last night.  Took some Tylenol and slept good. It's sore but just felt kind of blah all day.    I was achy, tired and had a low-grade temp )100.3).   With the advisement of Nurse Lydia, I was in bed most of the day resting and drinking lots of water.   Also took some cat naps, read and played virtual euchre.

We had a nice rain around 11:15 last night - love hearing the rain on Flo.....and since the irrigation system is not working here in the park, the rain was a most welcome treat for all the landscaping!    It's supposed to be back up and running tomorrow.

Mark was up earlier than me and walked - back is tender, but with brace, not too bad.    He's a trooper!

Nancy from Galloway Lincoln/Ford came this morning to get my car for an oil/filter change and also fix the windshield fluid thingy.    They gave us a white MKZ Lincoln sedan to drive.    They called late this afternoon and said when they were changing the oil, they noticed grease leaking from the left front axle.   So, they have to order a part (new axle) and car probably won't be ready till Friday.   No biggie, as we have a pretty quiet week and do have wheels, so...

I did make a batch of BBQ so that was supper with macaroni salad.

Beautiful day but I spent it all inside Flo.

Pretty scenery from Jackson Hole

 

Monday - February 22

 A beautiful morning for a nice brisk walk to start the day.   Jim is having an issue with the coolant in his car.   He took it in and Mark picked him up and brought him back home - hoping it will be done and ready to go later today.

Ham and cheese omelets, sorted the laundry and then we were off to run a few errands and I got my 2nd vaccine at Publix.   Mark picked up a few groceries while I was doing my thing.

Got the car washed and on home.    It was warm today and going to be in the 80's all week and 90's for the weekend!

Mark took Jim to pick up his car - now good to go and $1500 later!!!    But it should be in tip top shape!   We walked late afternoon and had pizza for supper.  As Mark was getting up from the bench seat, his back had a nasty spasm....he's icing it and took some Ibuprofen.    Seems to happen about every 2 weeks!    Sure wish we could figure this out.   He's been drinking lots of water and Gatorade + walking!

Today my order came from Bows & Ties with 5 more masks - "BYOM" - Bring your own masks

Variety of solids, a stripe and prints

Sounds like we'll be wearing these for awhile?

Sunday - February 21

 Bright sunny Sunday with strong winds.    We walked, had breakfast, and then went to Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston with Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley.

At 11, we left for Pei Wei to pick up our lunch (Mongolian shrimp for me and orange chicken for Mark) and then off to another "picnic in the park" with friends and former classmates of mine, Shirley and Dick who are in Naples for 6 weeks.     Shirley and I went thru grade and high school together and Dick was 2 years ahead of me in high school.    It was extremely windy in the park and cool - we put on our jackets.   We had so much fun eating our lunches and gabbing away - of course, lots of health talk, covid, vaccines, cataracts, etc., etc.     Another fun gathering at 3 Oaks Park with these dear friends!

Shirley was a teacher and telling that one of her 8th grade students from years ago was now the new general manager of the Cowboy Bar in downtown Jackson Hole.    Last night Ryan called me from the Cowboy Bar (a favorite of our boys).    Small world and maybe Ryan and Michael will be able to check this new GM out if they return to the Cowboy Bar.

Shirley and Dick

Back home around 3, took a little nap, played some euchre, read and then off to finish up our 10,000 steps!

Zoom tonight with 9 siblings (missing Marilyn, Nancy and Sharon).    Chatted about who has gotten their 1st vaccine?, 2nd?  side effects?    Tomorrow I go in for my 2nd.

Stay safe and healthy this week!

Saturday - February 20

 An absolutely beautiful day for a birthday!    I'm celebrating and thinking of so many others today...

my brother Bob; cousins, Dave, Michelle and Judi; friends, Kay, Sally and Fred

It was 52 when we got up but a very nice recovery to 72 and beautiful blue, sunny skies.     We drove to Cooper's Hawk for lunch (between Bonita Springs and Naples) - one of my favorites and thankful to Michael, Brooke and kids for this Christmas gift.

Mark had the salmon and I had a cup of lobster crab bisque and the bbq ranch chicken salad.    And wine (Mark) and sangria (me) topped off with their awesome truffles.    

Birthday girl and her truffles with raspberry drizzle!

We had a few stops on the way home Starbucks for coffee; Panera for pastry - love the freebies when you have a birthday.    Also a coupon from Chico's which I had already used!

We went for a walk in the afternoon and visited with Jim and Lydia.    

Michael and Ryan flew to Jackson Hole, WY today for some skiing fun.     Just last night they got another 20" (in the mountains) - snow everywhere!

So appreciated and enjoyed the cards, phone calls, texts, facetimes, e-mails, e-cards, etc. from family and friends!

THANK YOU!!!

Friday - February 19

Happy Birthday to Patrick

Today would've been his 56th birthday!

We sure miss him!  😢

 

In his memory...

We walked separately this morning - whew.....high humidity - 96%     And then we were off to Fort Myers Beach.    Stopped in Bonita Springs at Culvers for lunch-to-go (walleye for Mark and veggie sandwich for me).    Stopped at Leani's in Santini Plaza and I did a little shopping and onto Doris (sister) and Rich's condo on the beach along with Jim and Lydia.     We enjoyed our lunch and a nice visit under the tiki hut.    When we first got there it was very hazy, cool and windy (we all grabbed our jackets).   But as the afternoon wore on....the sun came out and it was delightful!

Doris and Rich have 1 more week in the Sunshine State and very thankful they escaped the brutal cold/snow of Chicago.

Doris and Rich

Lydia and Jim

Wednesday when I gave blood, they checked my blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.    They will send results for the Covid antibody test.    I also got a long-sleeved T-shirt and a $10 e-card which I'm using at Amazon.

We had a little rain shower come thru around 4:30 - cold front arrived and our temp will be in the low 70's tomorrow.  

Enjoy your weekend

Thursday - Februay 18

 What a fun day!     It was warm and windy but just delightful spent with dear friends and neighbors.    I drove downtown and met Claire and Kathy at the new Luminary Hotel and we enjoyed coffee and shared a slice of their wonderful banana bread sitting outside along the water.    Then we were off to Buckingham Farms for lunch - sooo good and Kathy's 1st time there.   

Then back to Cypress Trail and sat on the patio enjoying dessert, wine and chocolates.    So much to chat about and sad that it will be awhile since we're together again - maybe May in Bloomington?

Roger the turtle at Buckingham Farms

Gathering of long-time friends

My delicious birthday fruit torte - oh my.... scrumpdilliicious!

Claire and Kathy in a pretty setting!

At 4:30 we walked across the street to Buddy and JoAnn's for snacks, dessert and more chatter.    Beautiful evening to sit under the Tiki and enjoy the ambiance. 

Birthday treat - fudge brownie pie made by JoAnn with mint chip ice cream.

Sinfully gooey good and a box of Zees chocolates

Sunset from their Tiki

Awesome neighbors - Buddy and JoAnn

What a fun (and high calorie) day this has been!    Great friends from long ago and fairly new ones here at Cypress Trail - so blessed and my birthday-to-be is off to a great start.

Wednesday - February 17

 It's Ash Wednesday - the official start of the Lenten Season.    And for the first time that I can ever remember, Mark and I did not receive ashes.   

After another night of rain (4th straight), I went for a walk - much cooler and damp.    Mark was off to downtown for a haircut and then a Wal-Mart pick-up.  The One Blood Mobile was here at the park today along with Dusty's Produce Stand and The Hungry Pony food truck.

I had an 11:00 appt. for donating blood and the technician told me to take it easy the rest of the day - no walking!    So, that's what I did, including a little nap, read my book, played some virtual euchre with Mark and we went to Mass with Bishop Reed in Boston for Ash Wednesday.

Had some goodies from the Hungry Pony - grilled avocado Caprese and grilled chilie lime veggies + our tuna salad followed by more of that awesome chocolate cake.

Yummy lunch

Linda's chocolate cake before we dug in!

The flowers in the park continue to flourish - hibiscus, bougainvillea and these luscious impatiens

Here's sweet Maeve on the move and enjoying the sunshine today as they are expecting an ice storm starting at 7 PM tonight and ending 7 PM tomorrow night!

Go Maeve Go

Silly Gibson loves the snow and cold!

Mark went for some good walks today and sat outside under Flo's awning reading.    Boy, taking my blood this morning really made me tired.....

Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday - 2021

 More rain overnight and early today.   Only low 70's but holy moly, who am I to talk about the weather when so much of the country is "FREEZING"!!!!!    Even Ryan in Memphis had "1" this morning!

We had sausage omelets and toast for breakfast, did a load of laundry and then we walked each going our separate ways.    Supposedly "cooler" today after the rain but the humidity and sunshine made for a drippy walk!    Mark went to the post office to mail some cards - I missed the 9:00 pick up time here in the park,

Made a batch of tuna salad for Ash Wednesday......having a "simplified" Mardi Gras party at Cypress Trail this afternoon.   Normally have a parade with decorated golf carts, bikes, etc., but not this year.   We have not gone to any of the large gatherings (every Friday night with music and food truck, Valentine's Day, etc.) - just tooo many people, no masks, etc.

Here in the park,,, 

A little bit of Mardi Gras fun

So for Lent this year, Mark and I are really going to "kick up" our # of steps each day - and I'm giving up Facebook (maybe permanently)!!!    

We sure feel for our neighbor, Dick who has been trying trying, trying to get his vaccine.    After his 4th try, we said "hang in there Dick, it took 5x for me and 6x for Mark."  Whether thru the health department or Publix, he faithfully "tries" to no avail, EXCEPT 2x he could've gotten an appointment but one in Jacksonville (5-hour drive) and the other, Flagler Beach (4-hours away).    He did not want to make that trip + all over again for the 2nd dose.     We don't blame him.

 Well, late yesterday afternoon, he got a call from the health department and the lady asked him several questions and then said "Ok, let's set you up with an appointment.".   And then silence.....she said "I'm so sorry, but all appts have been booked thru February.   We'll call you when we have more openings"    ARGHHHHHHHHHHH talk about FRUSTRATION, ANGER, etc., etc., etc.     Total craziness!!!!!!!!

Jim and Lydia went to Naples today and brought me a pre-birthday treat (Linda's chocolate cake) from the Cheesecake Factory which Jim has talked about and compared to his Mom's chocolate cake.    It is delicious (5-6 layers) and we shall savor over the next few days!   THANK YOU!

Jim was telling us about a scam going around where someone calls posing as the health department and wanting to set up a vaccine appt (even schedule the 2nd one) after getting some personal info!    Geez.....what is wrong with people?    This is awful.......

We walked up to the Mardi Gras party (lots of people in close proximity) partying to the music of Gary and Dennis, drinking margaritas and Bloody Mary's and enjoying Big Papa's BBQ.    We got our dinners from Big Papa's (wearing masks) and on back to Flo.    Mark had the pulled pork dinner with cole slaw, baked beans and corn bread.    I had the BBQ sundae (pulled pork, slaw and beans layered in a red solo cup) - all delicious and plenty of leftovers.

Nancy and Mark C beat Mark F and me 2 of 3 games tonight!

Monday - February 15

 Rain again overnight made for a steamy morning walk!    Mark exercised, I got the laundry started and the day was off and running!

We spent almost 6 hours at 3 Oaks Park this afternoon with Paul and Kathy, Barb and Roger.    Mark and I got lunch from Pei Wei and we sat in our big circle yakking away - so much fun to be together and of course, had LOTS to chat about as we've not been together since last February.

Kathy and Paul

Roger and Barb

It was around 6:15 when we got home, went for a walk, had a light supper and called it a day!    It was so pleasant again today (we've lucked out 3x so far with our "picnics in the park" and great weather.)

Liam and Connor don't have school tomorrow - such brutal weather with the cold and snow.    It is a true blue snow day and not having to do remote!    Sleep in, play in the snow, whatever they want to do 😅

Valentine's Day 2021

 Happy Valentine's Day

Hope you all had a nice day (despite the COLD for sooo many)?     We had breakfast, then Mass with Father Frank Silva in Boston and off on another little day trip in Big Red.

Today we ventured to Everglades City (85 miles each way).    It was 88 and sunny and after a quick stop at Starbucks at the Gulf Coast Mall, we were on our way.    We've been here a few times before and eaten at Camellia's and the Rod and Gun Club at the old hotel - so quaint.    With Mark's back and wanting a regular chair, we decided on the Rod and Gun Club as we remember Camellia's had picnic tables.

So we sat on the screened-in porch along the Barron River - sooo pleasant.   We were overlooking a Gemini catamaran (like our friends Paul and Kathy have on Drummond Island, MI).    More on that later...

We had Bloody Mary's and Mark, the seafood platter and grouper Reuben for me - all excellent.    The couple on the catamaran (Tim and Jill) were getting ready to leave, but we walked over to them and said "hi" - they are from Maryland and to make a long story short, we find out (thru Charlotte) that they are good friends of John and Beth, former  PDQ (like Catrina), owners.   My, the texts were a'flying back and forth between Charlotte in downtown Fort Myers, Beth near Phoenix and me here on Flo!!!    It's a very small world!

Very windy today - took a walk in the park and rain into JoAnn and Buddy and then Jim and Lydia.    Nice evening to be out and about!

JoAnn with Penny and Buddy with Andie

Here come Lydia and Jim

They got their 2nd vaccine yesterday and so far, just sore arms!

We had lots of rain overnight and so much water standing in ditches as we were traveling today!

I ordered some more masks today (3 for me and 2 for Mark) from Bows and Ties - really like these - big selection, very comfy, 3 layers and adjustable straps.    Think we're going to be wearing these for a long time!

Zoom tonight with only 7 but always fun and the extra bonus of hearing Liam as he was in the car with Aunt Karen after his hockey game.    Auntie is with the Campbells this weekend - no school tomorrow for Presidents Day.

Stay healthy, safe and WARM if you not in Florida this week!!!   😉

Saturday - February 13

 Saturday started out cloudy but warm....sun came out off and on, humid but very breezy while we were walking.    The flowers in the park are so vibrant and healthy - the warm sunshine, occasional rain and humidity are what they love.

Beautiful Bougainvillea

Totally forgot to post these pics last night - guess I was distracted after hearing about Cy's passing.   Also meant to say that we introduced Charlotte and Doug to Wisconsin Cheese Curds which they never had.   We like the ones at Culver's, but Ella Mae's were different and delicious!   And we have 2 new fans for this Midwest treat!  😅

Doug and Charlotte - 12 floors up

Beautiful view from Luminary Hotel rooftop

Fort Myers Yacht Basin in the distance

Paddleboat on upper left is what we're planning to take on a luncheon cruise on St. Patty's Day

Mark picked up Cracker Barrel for lunch...chicken BLT for me and chicken potpie for him!   

Played euchre with Mark and Nancy - spouses against spouses with my Mark and I taking 2 of 3 games.

When I was watering my flowers today, this tiny little guy popped out from under the pot

Late afternoon, Buddy and JoAnn from across the street came over for drinks, snacks and dessert.   We always enjoy our visits - they are great neighbors from Candler, NC.

Friday - February 12

 Happy Birthday Flo

Flo is 3 today!

We walked, had breakfast and a nice casual morning catching up on computer stuff.  So happy to hear that some friends got in thru Publix this morning for vaccine appointments.

Drove downtown to meet Charlotte and Doug at the new Luminary Hotel for lunch at Ella Mae's - delightful sitting outdoors along the water and all of us really enjoyed our food.

After lunch, we walked around the hotel and oohed and aahed at the rooftop Beacon Drinkery on the 12th floor with magnificent views.   We sat on the patio (street level) till after 4 and chatted away while Charlotte and I sipped on our iced lattes from the Dean Street Roastery (also in the Luminary).     Such a pretty day to be together!

We were shocked and saddened to get a call from our friend Carol on our way home that a long-time boating friend, Cy Ling from Punta Gorda passed away last evening from Covid.    We've known Cy and Marcia for many years as members of our Mid Illini Power Squadron back in Bloomington.    For many years, we've had our own gathering of these friends who came from FL and other areas in the winter for lunch and visiting.    This all happened very quickly for Cy and just so hard to believe.    And especially sad and scary, is that Cy was soon due to get the 2nd vaccine when he contacted the virus.

 

Thursday - February 11

 After breakfast, I left for some girl (me) fun - first a mani/pedi and then a little shopping.    Mark finished all the waxing/polishing of Flo.   She's so shiny and pretty!    Back home, lunch and then had a heavy downpour - wasn't expecting that!      Our friends downtown and on the beach didn't get a drop!

Mark and I did a late afternoon run to Publix for just 'a few things" and $53 later.....doesn't take much!

Went for a walk and had a great visit with Josh and Gary, neighbors - they named their RV "Priscilla", their Jeep is "Elvis"  their bike is "Glenda" and the dog is "Watson".     Love when people name their things!    😅😂

Blair called tonight thanking us for the Valentine's Day card - she is so funny and said "I have one more day of going virtual and then I'm free to do whatever I want"!    Tah dah.....after 14 days of quarantining, this girl is ready to get back to all her activities.

Blair calls her stuffed animals (she has bunches) "Stuffies".    She had 4 of them tested for Covid and they all came back negative.    She was so happy and decided the others were fine and didn't need to be tested.    She cracks us up!!!!!

Wednesday - February 10

 Great day to be out in the sunshine - Mark gave Flo a coat of wax and I spent a delightful day with Claire and Kathy who came from the beach.   Today it was all about Kathy and celebrating her birthday which was December 30th.

We girls walked to Dusty's produce stand and got all kinds of goodies - lettuce, beets, green beans, strawberries, etc.    Then back to our patio and had a glass of wine.    While at the produce stand, we decided to do the "Firebread" food truck for lunch.    Mark picked our lunches up and brought back to patio - Cubano, chicken gyro and BBQ chicken on that delicious firebread!    Mark had a brat w/sauerkraut.

Spent the afternoon visiting under the umbrella - really warm today and a nice reprieve when the sun went under.   We had dessert and Valentine chocolates from Norman Loves.....soooo yummy and pretty!

The girls left around 3:40 and we'll be together again next Thursday to celebrate my birthday!

Birthday Girl 

Claire, Kathy, Pat

We went for a walk late afternoon and took Jim and Lydia some Norman Love Valentine chocolates.   It's still really warm!

 

Tuesday - February 9

 Foggy this morning but didn't take long to clear up and enjoy another sunny, warm day.   

Today we met our long-time bridge friends, Connie and Steve, Sharon and Harry at Three Oaks.    Mark and I picked up lunch from Chick-fil-A and it was another perfect weather day.    Although it got to 85, very pleasant sitting under the trees with a nice breeze.     We discussed sooo many subjects in the 4 hrs, 45 minutes we were together.    Sooo fun to be with these dear friends.    We missed Sue and Jerry, Cathy and Don who normally would've been with us.    This was out annual Valentine's Day gathering, but with Covid, decided not to do a restaurant and on a weekday instead of Sunday.    It's all about being together no matter what and where!

Sharon and Harry

Steve and Connie

Planning to get together with Sue and Jerry sometime at this same park in March when they are in Fort Myers.

Traffic on 75 was terrible - bad accident and took 2x as long to get home.    

Michael and Ryan are going skiing in Jackson Hole in about 10 days.    They had 8' of snow in past few days - that's 96" and totally mind boggling!

Monday - February 8

 Cloudy but warm start to the day.     After breakfast we got the therapy/exercising out of the way, did a load of laundry and put some stuff away in she shed (heavier clothing with hopes we won't need for awhile?)

We left around 10:45 and picked up wine and other goodies at Costco, lunch from Culvers and then onto Three Oaks Park where we met Jim, Lydia, Rich and Doris.    We spread out our chairs and small tables under big shade trees, enjoyed our lunches and had a delightful almost 4-hour visit.    What fun to all be together.    Rich and Doris live in the Chicago area and very happy to be here in warm sunny FL and out of the brutal cold and snow.

Doris and Rich

Lydia and Jim

Mark and Pat

The 3 siblings had fun reminiscing about growing up sharing lots of memories of their parents.

We said our good byes with virtual hugs and plan to gather again before Rich and Doris return home the end of February.     Mark and I stopped at Norman Love for some wonderful concoctions of candy, desserts and gelato.

Home to wash my car - will be nice after the 19th and we can go thru the car wash again.    But it doesn't take long and now all shiny clean.

Did a family zoom tonight - all 16 of us

Top:   Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve, Pat and Mark, Michael and Brady

Middle:  Brooke and Blair, Davis, Ryan

Bottom:   Drew, Liam, Gibson, Connor and Anne

We all came together from Lake James and Raleigh, NC; Iowa City, IA, Bloomington and Chicago, IL, and Fort Myers, FL     FUN!!!!

My clerodendrum is in full-blown beauty along with many others around the park...

Beautiful blooms

And many more ready to burst open