Wednesday - March 31

 Oh my, the last day of March with 1/4 of 2021 already gone.    Yesterday marked the 5th anniversary of Mark's Mother's passing - March 30, 2016.    She is so missed and thought of so often with much love and happy memories.

Really steamy this morning for our walk (separately).    Had another nice rain shower last evening.

We left around 9:10 for downtown and had our coffee/"dry" blueberry scone (usually so moist and delicious - not today) at Java House and I sat outside and read while Mark walked around the corner for his haircut.    Afterwards, we walked some of the downtown streets, and checked out St. Cecelia's Church where we're going with Lydia to Easter Sunday Mass.

On home to pick up some produce from Dusty (one more week here) and then to The Farmer's Corn food truck - a new concept we've not seen here in the park - lots of good-sounding sandwich choices and then other various items made with corn.    Since we weren't real hungry, we each got a cup of corn (mine with bacon and cheddar) and Mark got the corn with doritos and sauce - good stuff.

Did some laundry and enjoyed the AC this really warm Wednesday.

Ryan and Philip got their Johnson and Johnson vaccine Monday - Philip was fine yesterday but Ryan felt really crappy AND, had to fly to London last evening.    He's doing much better today!    Philip developed a fever (102.2) yesterday afternoon (over 24 hours after the shot)!    So strange how this vaccine whichever one you get is affecting some and others, get nothing.    

I had follow-up appt. with Dr. Freeman (new Florida primary physician) after having blood work and bone density test.    She is putting me on cholesterol meds as mine has continued to rise.     

Over our coffees this morning, Mark and I discussed plans for the next 2 weeks here in FM and plan to leave for IL, on the 14th.  

Our neighbors, Rog and Martin came over for happy hour and we had such a great visit.    They  missed out on most of the winter cause of Rog's health issues, and now so good to have them back.    I made BLT's for supper - great bacon from the meat truck in the park and Dusty's yummy tomatoes.

Went to Mass tonight in Boston (virtually)with Bishop Robert Reed.    Yesterday on our way back from Anna Maria Island, we watched it on the I-pad with Father Dan O'Connell.

Tuesday - March 30

A very fun day with an early start driving to Anna Maria Island (about 2 hours north).     My brother Bob and Linda will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in a few days     Their kids, Jason, Jennifer, Jake and girls  have a beautiful 5-bedroom home to enjoy this week.    Linda asked us to come spend the day and it was very enjoyable and relaxing.

We went early so we could have breakfast with them - excellent cinnamon rolls and donuts from nearby bakeries.    The home is gorgeous (3 levels) with a lovely pool/patio area.    We had mimosas/Bloody Mary's and our yummy pastries.    Linda, Jennifer and I went shopping (the guys took us in the golf cart) and we hit some cute shops.    Back home and ordered lunch from The Waterfront which they picked up by golf cart - great grouper tacos, pulled pork w/mac 'n cheese, and turkey/brie.    All very good!

We visited under the covered patio while Jake and the girls played in the pool.    Mark and I left around 4:20 - such a pretty place and a delightful day.    Great to be with them 

Our niece, Jennifer (aka Miss Jenny), Jake

Kaylee (4) and Leia (8)

Jason, Bob, Linda

Jennifer, Kaylee, Leia and Jake

Traffic was not the best but that's Florida and spring break time.    We got home just before the rain came.

Jim and Lydia's daughter, Nicole and hubby, Jason welcomed a brand new baby boy this morning in St. Louis.    Jackson weighed 5 lbs., 11 oz. and is 19.75 and will be welcomed home by big sister, Vivian (16 months).

Jason, Nicole

and "WELCOME"

Jackson James

Monday - March 29

 Hazy and  humid this morning as we went for an earlier-than-usual walk (7:30).   Mark drove to Hardees for a biscuits 'n gravy fix, I had 1/2 of the lemon/raspberry yummy muffin from Whole Foods and then off to get a mani/pedi.

Picked up a few things at Publix and then on home to start the laundry, fix lunch, etc.   We went to Mass from Boston with Father Walter Carreiro for this Monday of Holy Week.

Forgot to mention that Anne, the boys and Gibson arrived home early Sunday morning driving straight thru from Palm Coast.    They had to dodge some nasty weather but were happy to be home sweet home. So proud of Anne who is going on close to 70 straight days of getting in her 10,000 steps and what's more amazing is that she sits most of the day with her job!!!!    Way to go......

Ryan and Philip got their vaccine (Johnson and Johnson) today!   Yeah!!!   Annette is scheduled for Thursday.   

 We stayed indoors most of today - just really hot....Mark ran a few errands this afternoon and got the prescription for his eyes - sure hopes this works.

Saw this beautiful orchid-colored bougainvillea bush in the park

perfect for Easter!

Sunday - March 28

 Hot 'n sunny Palm Sunday....thinking back to 1 year ago when we couldn't go to church and we had arrived at Michael and Brooke's cottage on Lake James (March 23) and stayed there for 10 weeks.    Today we went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis Xavier and what a beautiful homily by Father Anthony using our current ongoing pandemic and all that transpired with the passion of our Lord and upcoming Holy Week.     This Lenten season has flown by.

 We drove to Sue and Jerry's for a final visit in their home (closing is tomorrow and they fly home Wednesday).    Sue had 4 pictures she needed to get home and since I'll be driving an empty car, we offered to take them.    Had lunch (I brought chicken salad, chips and cookies) - great to be with them again!    We loaded up the pictures, hugged good bye till we see them in a few weeks and onto Dollar Tree.

This afternoon we went to Jim and Lydia's and had a great visit with Eric (son) and Michelle.    Sat under their gazebo with the fan on full speed - it is hot out, but very pleasant in the comfort of their outdoor space!   

Lydia, Jim, Michelle, Eric

We walked in the park later and Blair called to do facetime with us.   She is so excited about coming to Catrina this summer!

Zoom tonight with all 12 siblings at various times!    Once again, Covid and vaccinations were the top subject.     

Have a good week! 

 

The grandgirls are having some dance moves with bunny baskets on top of their heads!

   

Saturday - March 27

It was very hazy/foggy when we left for Mass this morning - we went to 9:00 at St. Andrew's in Cape Coral (1st time).    We were surprised at the number of parishioners who were not wearing a mask?    Maybe if they've been vaccinated, they are comfortable without???

The Coffee Haus was close by, so that's where we had a yummy and delightful breakfast and visit with the owners, Harry and Gabriela.   Harry is from Erie, PA and Gabriela from Austria where they lived for 30 years and raised their 2 children.   Their dream was to come to America and have a coffee/pastry shop which they opened in Cape Coral less than 2 years ago.    There were delays cause of Covid (remodeling, getting a green card for Gabriela, etc.)    But now they have a charming little spot with excellent coffee (specially roasted) and a nice assortment of pastries and sandwiches.   We really enjoyed their apple strudel and the presentation.

Hazlenut latte, biscuit, water, apple strudel with a little Easter napkin.    Too bad this place is quite a jaunt from Cypress Trail.

Then to Publix to stock our cupboards and fridge.    Got the car washed - really dirty from all the pollen.

Mark had called his Dr. yesterday asking for a prescription for his watery/itchy eyes which are a nuisance, especially in the morning.   The nurse said she would check with Dr. and call it in, but when we went to pick up,,,, nothing???    And now it's the weekend, so Monday at the earliest till he gets some relief (hopefully)?   Arghhh

Home to unpack groceries, suitcases, bags, etc. from our triip.    Hot 'n sunny today.    Late afternoon we drove to Whole Foods to pick up a few things, including a pizza and salad for supper and lemon/raspberry muffins (Jim and Lydia's favorites) for tomorrow's breakfast...

Today is a big birthday for Lydia......she and Jim spent the day on Fort Myers Beach with their son, Eric and Michelle who flew in from St. Louis last night and will be here for about 5 days.

Birthday Girl - Lydia

We had a nice visit with Jim and Lydia tonight - took her some birthday treats and caught up on what's been happening while we were gone.

Friday - March 26

 Hello from the weary tired travelers who are back in Fort Myers (5:30 this afternoon) after a 10-day trek covering over 1750 miles.   So thankful and happy to see all our kids and grandkiddos!    What a treat and especially receiving and giving all those hugs!

This morning we checked out of our hotel and met Liam and Connor at The Metro Diner for breakfast.    Anne had to work, so she was at her FL home with her laptop, monitor, etc.    Good to be with the boys again until we see them in 3-4 weeks back in IL.    Said our good byes and we were back "on the road" again traveling south on A-1A to Daytona Beach where we had a great visit and lunch with my Aunt Dee.    She is doing great and so fun to be together again.    We stayed 2 hrs, 20 minutes and then on our way again to home sweet home.   LONG trip but here we are and the unpacking can wait till  tomorrow.

Our IL grandsons 

Aunt Dee - 92 1/2 years young!

View from 21st floor of Aunt Dee's condo overlooking the Atlantic

And how ironic that exactly 2 years ago today - 3/26/19, we (Anne, Patrick, Liam, Connor, Mark and I)  had breakfast with  Aunt Dee in Daytona)!!!

Nice memory

Brady got his driver's permit Wednesday when he turned 15.....new driver on the road!!!

He looks so much like Drew in this photo!

Enjoy your weekend - going to be a "HOT" one for us!

 

Thursday - March 25

 Big day on the beach and between the strong ocean breeze and sunshine, we should all sleep good tonight!

We met the Campbell's at the Java Joint Beachside Grill for breakfast - Trip Advisor rated this place #2 on Flagler Beach and it was very worthy - excellent breakfasts for all!    Back to their home loaded up our gear in the golf cart and away we went.    Anne and I got in some good walks and lots of steps, Mark and I walked, the boys played with Gibson and a good time was had by all.

Some clouds rolled in mid afternoon and with the strong winds, it was much cooler.    Came back home and away from the water, it was warmer, so decided to all go for ice cream at Twister's.    Good stuff and the boys played basketball afterwards.    Anne rode back with us and we just hung out with Grandma taking a little nap.

When the boys returned, we discussed where to have dinner......The Golden Lion on the beach (#7 for Trip Advisor).    Jewel, my hairdresser in Fort Myers has a brother who lives in Palm Coast and recommended this place.  The winds were still very strong but some of us had jackets and we sat upstairs overlooking the ocean.    Another great dinner for all!

Said our good byes to Anne as she'll be working tomorrow.    We are meeting the boys for breakfast before we leave for Daytona Beach.

Here's what we were doing today....

The Campbell's home (bottom floor) for the week

Lam and Anne hangin' out

Our beach

Grandpa and boys setting up the unbrellas

Beach Bums

Some quirky items in the house - this old time barber chair - also a juke box

Connor "working" on Liam's curls!   Ha...

Golden Lion Cafe

The Guys

and the Gals

Wednesday - March 24

 H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   B R A D Y

Brady is 15 today and such a nice young man who excells in the classroom (or vitually these days) and a great athlete with golf and basketball his specialties.   So proud of him and how he's handled this pandemic being in a new school (mostly remote), not able to be with friends, testing positive but being such a good sport about it all!

We checked out of the hotel around 8:45 and on our way to Highfalutin' Coffee Roasters (love the cute names of these coffee shops.)    This one had a large patio for dining outdoors on this pretty morning.    Mark had a panini breakfast sandwich and I had a pecan coffee cake muffin.    Along with our coffees, all very good!

Headed south on 17 with mostly cloudy skies.    We stopped in Kingsland, GA at Chick-fil-a for lunch and arrived in Palm Coast around 2:30.    Checked in at our hotel and then off to see the Campbell clan.    Great to see them and Gibson in their FL home .7 miles from the beach.     The boys love the golf cart to go back and forth - Anne prefers the walking!

Beach fun

We all walked to the beach - felt really good for Grandpa and me after sitting most of the day.     Called Brady and all of us chatted with the birthday boy!

Then to the Flagler Fish Company on Flagler Beach - very good, but service was not the best - everything we asked for, had to repeat  more than once.....ugh!

Said our good byes and back to our hotel and condo for them.    Till tomorrow...

Tuesday - March 23

 It's been a busy day starting with early morning "up and at em" at 6 AM for Luke and Maeve.    They had breakfast, got dressed, more hugs 'n kisses (you know I hate good-byes) and off they went with Auntie Brooke.    

One more selfie before we said good bye

Mark and I scurried about changing the linens, finishing our packing and loading the car.    We were on our way by 8:40 stopping in Rutherfordton at "Small Town Coffee Roasters" for a coffee fix.    Had lunch at Arby's in St. Matthew's, SC and finally arrived in Charleston at 1:40.     Found a good parking spot on the street and away we went walking thru all the historic Meeting Street shops in The Market area.  

Checked into our hotel and then drove to Folly Beach (1st time for Mark).    And then, our ultimate destination - Bowens Island for dinner.    I came here with Kathy and Claire in 2019  but 1st time for Mark and he's certainly heard lots about this very unique, delicious low-country experience in the middle of nowhere.    The parking lot had cars from FL (4), IL (4), NY (3) PA (2), UT, KY, OH (2) (and that's just the ones near our car)!

Love this place! 

Back to our hotel and it was such a beautiful evening, so we went for a walk and ended up enjoying all the mega yachts at the Charleston Municipal Marina.    

Sun setting over the Ashley River at the marina

Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve are all happy to be back together tonight - the adults really enjoyed their getaway to Savannah and Charleston.    We'll be back together in about 7 weeks!!!

HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   GIBSON!!!

Our IL "grand dog" is ONE today!!

Tomorrow we are off to Palm Coast and hang out with Anne, Liam, Connor and Gibson for 2 days!!!

 

Monday - March 22

 Early up and going for Luke.....Auntie Brooke picked him up at 7:15 and off to 2nd grade he went.    Maeve sleeps in - tomorrow thru Thursday, she'll be up early, too.

I did 4 loads of laundry, gave Maeve a bath and shampoo and we just hung out playing outside some on this pretty day.    Maeve and I made a quick trip to Dollar General for a few things.

Maeve singing all the words to Frozen.

The kids and I played cards on the porch - such a nice day.

Our view from the porch

Kiddos enjoying a movie

Just got Luke and Maeve tucked in for the night!    Tomorrow when they come home from school, Mommy and Daddy will be here.    We are leaving for Charleston after Brooke takes them to school.   What a fun time we've had - went by so fast and just love them to pieces and all the cute things they say!

Sunday - March 21

Dreary and chilly start to the day.....after breakfast, we 4 went to Mass with Father Richard Fitzgerald in Boston this 5th Sunday of Lent.     Nice to watch on Philip's big-screen TV.

Tried several new hair "do's" for Maeve - we had fun!

 

Luke did a zoom session with friends preparing for their First Communion.    Patricia, their teacher does such a good job.

Taking her babies for a stroll

Ready for zoom

Playing nicely on a Sunday afternoon

We went to the camp and watched the pickelball players do their thing - what a gorgeous day!    

Maeve, Blair, Ivy and Luna

Our kiddos love their pickelball

Michael, Brooke, Brady, Ryan   

We went to Michael and Brooke's at 5 and sooo nice sitting on their patio with Michael grilling burgers and then a pretty sunset.    Michael, Brooke, Davis, Brady, Blair, Ryan, Mark, Luke, Maeve and me.

Grandma's girls gave her some belated birthday gifts - a bracelet and some earrings (ornament hangers)!

Love these little sweethearts!

Sooo fun to be together and a great ending to a fun weekend!    Now to get these kiddos home and ready for Luke to head back to school tomorrow!

Anne, Liam, Connor and Gibson arrived in Palm Coast, FL late yesterday afternoon and settled into their condo which is Gibson-friendly and the beach nearby (also Gibson friendly.)   Hope it's a great week for them and can't wait to be together later this week!

Saturday - March 20

 Chilly start to the day (34) here in the mountains, but the sun is shining and warming up later.

Happy Birthday wishes (big milestone) for Mark's sister Doris today!!!

I have been frustrated with how the blog has been turning out - the caption not under the picture, pictures placed here and there even though I see it as all neat and organized?     ARGHHHH!   I need to see what's going on???

Not sure you saw this yesterday as it was way down on the page?   

                                                   Our sweet kiddos (this year's school pic)

Drew left early today to drive back to Iowa City.    Luke and Maeve stayed in their jammies till almost 11 (Grandma, too) - a nice lazy Saturday morning!

Our nephew Paul (Jim and Lydia's son) lives in WI and has a bakery/cafe with his wife, Candi and her parents.     Paul makes thee most wonderful chocolates and we gave Drew a care package; Davis and Brady birthday treats.    We gave them the list and let them choose.    Cousin Paul came thru with flying colors and made these boys very happy (Brady will be getting his next week).

Davis (Mr. Sweet Tooth) and his Grandpa Mark and GrandBob

checking out all the delicious chocolates and cookies.

Mark has been using his NeuroMD pad on his back since February 26th - more frequently now, but no spasms since he started, so that's a good thing!

Mark and Luke drove my car to Michael's and he gave it a good washing - what a nice guy!   It sure needed it.   

Luke looks like a #1 Illini fan.....although his Uncle Michael and Drew are cheering 

on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA.

Annette left so much good food for us - today's lunch was delicious corn chowder with kielbasa!   Hit the spot this nippy day.

Maeve had another big win today over Grandpa playing Memory - she's awesome!

Mark and Luke walked to the camp - a 1.5 mile trek but lots of it uphill.    Maeve and I met them there (by car) and we had a fun evening sitting around the fire pit, other heaters, enjoying wine, beer and good food visiting with our kids' friends!    

Nice roaring fire in the big fireplace

The kiddos watching "The Croods"

Maeve and Blair (wearing Grandpa's hat) in front of the firepit eating their supper

Friday - March 19

Happy Birthday to Davis who is 19 on the 19th

Our "Golden" Birthday Boy

This guy is a freshman in college at NC State and such a delightful young man.    We are so happy we can be here for his birthday!

Brooke picked Luke up and off to school wearing pj's - good day for those as it's chilly and rainy.   Maeve goes to pre school Tues-Wed-Thurs so she got to sleep in!    Philip and Annette left for Savannah and then Charleston for their little mini vacation.

Philiip and Annette - vacation  bound

Last night we saw Michael, Brooke and family (Drew and Davis are home from their colleges for a few days), Brady and Blair.    Ryan is here, so....Mark and I enjoyed hugs with big and small.

After waking up to blue skies and palm trees all winter, we now will enjoy the lake and mountains!

It was a busy morning for Maeve......after breakfast, she enjoyed a nice warm bath and shampoo and then....

Making a birthday card for Davis

Giving Grandpa a manicure

Pretty nails, Grandpa

Making cookies - sugar and chocolate chip

Time to chow down!

 And then we had a little fashion show!    Party clothes!

                                           

                                   Grandma painted Maeve's nails each a different color!

                                   We played Frozen Bingo and the Trolls Memory game 

                                                      and then outside for a nice walk

Maeve and the daffodils

For the most part, it was chilly and dreary today.   Nice to have some little bursts of sun in the afternoon!    

We went to Michael's around 4 to celebrate with Davis....Bob and Judy, Michael, Brooke, Drew, Davis, Brady, Blair, Mark and I with Luke and Maeve.    Michael grilled out delicious red snapper, grouper and halibut  + delicious sides that Brooke made.    And then a birthday cookie!

                                                                  Happy Birthday Davis!

Our little "LOVES" (this year's school picture)