Monday - January 31

 Woke up to frost this morning.....

Little Navy was coated with a layer of ice

Today is supposed to be the last of the cold stuff.....cold is one thing, but...parts of Florida were really brutal.    We were actually colder than in some areas north of here, but then further north....brrrrr

We picked Jim and Lydia up at 10 and we were off to Fort Myers Beach to meet the guys sister, Doris and hubby Rich who are here for 5 weeks from Chicago area.    We met at the Island Pancake House for brunch - all enjoyed their meals.    Really good food and several options.    The guys went to Doris's condo and we gals shopped at Santini Plaza - all enjoying some retail therapy.    Back to meet the guys and sat and chatted - fun to be together and look forward to more outings while Doris and Rich are in FL.

Rich and Doris

Pat, Lydia, Jim, Mark

We left around 3:15 and stopped at Truly Scrumptious for coffees to go (and carrot cake for Lydia)!    Traffic wasn't too bad - not many people going to the beach on this cool day.

Mark and I walked and visited with Mark and Brenda (new Airstream owners) as they had some ???.    Fun to see how others furnish their "home", where they stow things, etc.

On home and leftovers from Saturday's night's dinner at MiNa's.   It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon and evening.    We are so looking forward to the warmer temps coming our way.     But sure thinking of the folks in central IL and around the Midwest who are expecting up to a foot of snow starting tomorrow night into Thursday night with high winds and possible ice!!!

Maeve is all sweet 'n clean

after her bath.

We miss her!!!

Sunday - January 30

 BRRRRRRR......32 when we woke up this sunny Sunday.   Thankful the winds weren't blowing like yesterday.

Mark made pancakes and sausage for breakfast and then to onlineMass with Father Frederico Cinocca from Boston.

Connor was asked to play in an All-Star hockey game last night in Peoria and his team won 12-2 with Connor scoring the 12th goal.     And Liam bested Connor's high bowling score with a 232 (Connor had had a 231).    These guys are on a roll......

Liam won his hockey game this afternoon and scored a goal

We walked early in the afternoon and it was pretty pleasant in the sunshine and no wind.    Took some snacks to Jim and Lydia's and had a very fun 4-hours of game time......I was on a roll as Lydia and I won 2 games of euchre and I won at rummikube.    They had a delicious fruit tart,,,,,Mark walked home before the last game as his back was hurting, but after stretching out on the bed, he's better.   Probably too much sitting this afternoon.   Really appreciate their hospitality as they have a nice game table to play on when we're confined to the indoors!

Great host and hostess

Zoom tonight was missing several (Theresa, Joan, Janet, Nancy and Tom H).    Doris is now on Fort Myers Beach and Jim, Lydia, Mark and I are meeting she and Rich for brunch tomorrow; Tom is having his first cataract surgery on Tuesday; Sharon and Darrell have Covid, etc.

When we were walking today....

Pretty entrance to our park

 

Another cold night coming so covering all the pretty flowers at the entrance and at clubhouse.

Enjoy the week ahead - stay warm and healthy!

Saturday - January 29

 The apparel in the park took on a definitely different look today as folks were bundled up with winter coats, hoodies, stocking caps, gloves, etc.    Couldn't believe how many brave souls were out there - dogs require the walk, but many diehards getting in their steps without their pooch.    Mark and I admired them from behind Flo's window.    The wind was especially brutal with gusts at 28 mph.

Sure thinking of those in the northeast....our nephew Jason lives in Boston and expecting 2' of the white stuff.

We had ham/egg/cheese sandwiches on English muffins.   I did another load of laundry and some computer stuff while Mark did more bookwork, read, and watched a movie.

Mark went for a walk but I fizzled out and enjoyed the nice sunshine streaming thru Flo's windows reading my book.    Around 4, Mark and Brenda from OH brought Big Red back all spic 'n span.  They helped Mark put the cover on, came inside to visit for a bit and invited us to dinner.

We played 2 games of euchre with Mark winning both and then time to get ready for dinner.    Hadn't planned on going anywhere today or eating out, but.....Mark and Brenda wanted to thank us for using Big Red.    We picked them up and enjoyed the tour of their new home.   Then off for a wonderful Italian dinner at MiNa's    We had never been here (a small mom and pop eatery that Jim and Lydia had told us about a few years ago).

We had so much fun chatting and getting better acquainted.    A really fun evening.

Mark and Brenda

Expecting a low of 32 overnight.....burrrr

Friday - January 28

 Nice breezy, party sunny/party cloudy day in the low 70's.    Mark headed to Hardees for his biscuits and gravy and brought me back a fluffy biscuit.

I was off to get my nails done, pick up some "nothing bundt cakes" and check out a new boutique shop.  On home for a bit before we rode with Buddy and Jo Ann to "Salty Papa's Shrimp House" (an hour away) but what a great lunch.    So many good options for shrimp and other seafood specialties.    Definitely a return place to try more good stuff.

Buddy and JoAnn 

Bourbon (KY) and Peach (GA) shrimp, green beans and slaw

DEElish!!!!!

After lunch, we stopped at Love's chocolates - wanted JoAnn to see all those beautiful chocolates, desserts, etc.    She and I each had a latte to warm us up.    Then on downtown and showing them some of our favorite places to eat.    What a fun outing with these very nice neighbors/friends from NC.     Buddy and JoAnn have traveled extensively around the world and so interesting to hear about their travels.    They have 2 big trips planned for later this year to the Canadian Rockies and Machu Picchu.   

Back home, we chatted with Rog and Martin (next door) and then walked to Jim and Lydia's.    While the guys attempted to solve a TV issue, Lydia and I chatted and caught up with all the goings on in the park (plenty to talk about).

We noticed that 2 doors away from them, the family of Larry Smith who passed away suddenly in December was packing up and emptying out the she shed with a U-Haul and preparing to take things back to OH and put the lot/5th Wheel on the market.    So sad.....Larry died in his sleep the first night he returned from FL.

Kept on walking and saw Mark and Brenda.    They borrowed Big Red yesterday for the trip to Tampa RV and pick up their new Airstream.    They have a truck on order but not sure when it will come in.    So, Big Red to the rescue and they hauled it back here for their new home till their park model is ready - hopefully in April.    They will use their Airstream for travel around the country.

Finally on home and so good to see Josh (another neighbor) who just returned today from Blue Ridge Georgia.   We've missed he and Gary - we stopped at their 2 neat shops when we left Cypress Trail last spring.   

I did another load of laundry and brought in all my plants.    We Floridians are preparing for some mighty cold weather (for us) these next few nights especially Saturday-Monday.

Lots of weather stuff going on around the country this weekend....stay warm and happy!

Thursday - January 27

The weather was far different than predicted today.    No sun was in the forecast, but that wasn't the case as mostly all day long it was sunny and very pleasant 75 degree temp.

We walked this morning, did 2 loads of laundry and then off to meet Connie and Steve at The Biscotti Cafe.    We ate breakfast here many times when we were staying at Siesta Bay Resort before we came to Cypress Trail.   It's a breakfast/lunch place plus the specialty coffees.

So, today it was all about lunch and we thoroughly enjoyed our sandwiches and sides (potato salad and broccoli salad).    Of course, the conversation was fun as always and the time flew by.    But we'll be together again with them and our old bridge group for Valentine's Day.

Connie and Steve

friends since 1972

Back home to rest, read and relax.    We've sure noticed while out walking or people walking past our lot, they seem to be getting younger and younger?    Are they really retired??   Maybe they think the same about us....ha ha ha!!!!!  Later a walk and folded the laundry.

Connor shared this sweet pic 

Gibson and Frankie

 

Wednesday - January 26

 Rained during the night but a mostly cloudy day (more rain had been predicted).    I picked Lydia up and we were off to meet Claire at Peltz shoes and Wilford and Lee for some retail therapy.    Lydia and Claire each got a new pair of shoes and we each picked up some little things at the home decor store - a definite favorite and so many Easter pretties out already!

Then to Bahama Breeze for delicious lunch - here we are with our very tasty fou fou drinks beforehand.

Lydia - Claire - Pat

Lydia and her delicious

frozen Bahamarita

We decided we had shopped enough so back to the beach for Claire and Cypress Trail for Lydia and me.    Mark was doing tax work while I was gone and enjoyed my leftover coconut shrimp taco.  I read + a little cat nap in the afternoon while Mark went for a bike ride.   

At 5, we walked to the big tiki hut for the hot dog/brat fest - huge crowd and every imaginable topping for your dog or brat.....good stuff.    Met some new (to us) folks (Debbie from MI, Gary and Geri from DE and Becky Curt from IN) and had a good visit and also watching 2 Jenga games going on with lots of hoop and holler.    Line dancing, and good music made for a really fun evening.

Connor has been really hot at the bowling alley - today, he scored a 231.   WOW!!!!    These boys are so enjoying their athletics (Brady, too) and proud Grandma and Grandpa love hearing all about it!

Tuesday - January 25

Rain in the forecast but the sun as shining and rain held off till late afternoon.    We left at 8 for downtown and the Looper Reunion - gold loopers (those who have completed the loop;) platinum loopers (those who've done it 2x), white loopers (currently doing the loop); and then several there to see what it's all about.    

This was held at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and they were expecting 450, but maybe more like 350ish?    Hard to tell as we were well spread out in various groups.   Tasty buffet lunch of chicken, beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable medley, caesar salad, rolls and assorted desserts.

Folks were there from all over the USA....and the couple who traveled the farthest came from the state of Washington.    It was so nice to see Carol and Bob from Venice (winter home) and Hawthorne Woods, IL (summer) or Racine where they keep their boat.    We first met them in the late 90's as we were dockmates on E-12 at Reefpoint Marina, Racine.   Bob and Carol did the loop in 2003-05; and 2009-11 for us

The seminars we attended were "Cruising the Down East Loop", social time with gold loopers. introduction of all the gold loopers and sharing about their boat, when they did the loop and favorite memory.  Ended the afternoon at a round-discussion on switching to RVing after the boat sells.........several were interested in this.   

The Loopers

We are just behind the big sign 

The Gold Loopers

I love when these oldie pics pop up in my photos memories.....

October 10, 2011

Starved Rock State Park

Liam was 6 and Connor 5

The rain started around 5:20 and is to continue thru tomorrow...

 

Monday - January 24

 37 chilly (but sunny degrees) when we woke up this morning - very cold for SWFL.    Mark had gotten a note on his Ipad last night that we were under a frost advisory!    Didn't see any frost this morning, but....

Ten years ago today, my Dad passed away.....he was such a humble, gentle man and missed every day.

Mark and I drove downtown with a stop at the Luminary Hotel (Dean Roasters) for coffee, then walked next door to the Caloosa Sound Convention Center (wow - newly remodeled and very nice) to register for the Looper Reunion which is tomorrow.   All the folks who have done the Great Loop, are currently doing it or want to do it!

Then Mark dropped me off at Publix and he went to get the car washed.   Nice to see shelves better stocked although this was a different Publix from where I saw the empty paper product shelves a week or so ago.    On home and put away our groceries.    The wife of RV mechanic in the park stopped by as Mark had called them to stop by sometime cause our exhaust fan over the stove stopped working.    Her husband will come check it out in the next day or so - $150 just for a service call!  😣    Makes me appreciate Mark's handiness at fixing things, but this is something he didn't want to tackle.

I visited Jim and Lydia in the afternoon and they treated me to a hot caramel latte.....they make a good one!!!    Mark stopped by and we went for a walk.   It got to 66 today - good for walking!

I put my culinary skills to work tonight and we enjoyed spaghetti, salad and garlic toast for supper!    Comfort food on a chilly night.  😋😋

Sunday - January 23

 Burrr....very overcast and chilly start to Sunday after the rain was finished last night.    A big change in the weather coming this week with cool temps and some rain.    Not too many out walking unless they have their dog(s) and bundled up for sure!

We had ham/eggs/toast for breakfast and went to online Mass with Monsignor Liam Bergin, a theology professor at Boston College.

Did a load of laundry, read our books and enjoyed some delicious raspberry hot chocolate (Christmas gift from Liam) on this chilly day.

We walked (short one) in the afternoon - the sun came in and out briefly but never lasted long.

Played 3 games of euchre - I won 2....yeah!!!

Enjoyed a good phone chat with Brady (he's playing varsity and JV basketball) and facetime with Liam, Connor, Anne and Frankie.   The boys had a hockey game today and then were off bowling after watching the exciting Rams win over the Buccaneers.

57 was our high today.    Hoping for some sunshine tomorrow?

Just missing Nancy tonight.....an assorted bunch of topics especially the COLD in IL and WI and upcoming travels for Doris and Joan and celebrating Joe's Mother's 90th birthday.    Karen's issue with lug nuts and on and on it went - never a dull moment!

Have a good week - stay warm, safe and healthy!

Saturday - January 22

 Rained last night, during the night and this morning.....nothing heavy, just nice 'n gentle!

Mark had some $ left on his Hardees gift card so off he went to get his biscuits and gravy fix and brought home a warm, buttery, flaky biscuit for me!  

We met Barb and Roger at Connor's in the Gulfcoast Mall for lunch and of course, lots of yakking.    The place was packed and delicious as always.    Look forward to some more fun times together this winter.

Roger and Barb

Each couple shared this delicious German chocolate cake with ice cream...

Sinfully yummy

We've got to stop with the desserts!

Came on home this dreary, chilly day (63) and glad to be just hangin' out on Flo.   Read and played some euchre - I won 2 of 3 games!

There are 3 ladies we heard about recently who were 99 and going to celebrate their 100th birthday within weeks/months, but passed away before this huge milestone.    Betty White, a lady (Caroline) in Mendota that my Aunt Marian told me about and Betty, from Sublette (my hometown).

More rain this evening - nothing heavy, but tomorrow promises to be sunshiny again but still in the 60's and low 70's for several days!

Liam had another awesome day on the ice scoring 3 goals (hat trick)!    He's scored 24 goals this season.    Connor is now playing varsity!    Way to go boys!!!

  

Friday - January 21

 Cloudy day but warm with 80 degrees....we were off at 9 for Lake Wales where we met friends, Linda and Richard from Kansas.    Their son, Lance was a Blue Angel pilot with Ryan back in 2016.    We were last with them on October 5, 2017 at their home in McPherson, KS on our way to the Albuquerque balloon fest. 

Richard and Linda are spending January/February in Donnellon, FL (4 hours north of here).   What a fun visit and delicious lunch at Crazy Fish.....love this place as all their seafood is always the freshest!!!    We sat outside with some off and on sunshine and chatted for almost 3 hours!    So good to be together, reminisce and catch up.

Richard and Linda

Said our good byes and hope we can do this again next winter!    They headed north and we took off south.    Stopped in Arcadia as we wanted to check out 2 restaurants for a future date with Joyce and Butch in March.     We've been to the Magnolia Street Seafood Grill before - very good but also wanted to check out Mary Margaret's Tea Room.    Went in there and enjoyed a trio of fabulous desserts - sticky toffee pudding, white chocolate pudding and Malva pudding which is a sweet pudding that originated in South Africa containing apricot jam and a spongy caramelized texture......they were all heavenly!!!!!

Scrumptious desserts at Mary Margaret's

Back to Flo around 4:30ish - had some rain on the way home.   

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - January 20

 Spectacular morning - no wind, sunshine and 57 when we started our walk - invigorating!!!

The day was off and on clouds/sunshine but got to 80 so very nice.    Walked this morning but actually did more visiting than walking - lots of folks as always out and about to start their day.

I met Paula, long time boating/camping friend who moved from Bloomington area to Fort Myers when Glen retired several years ago.    We had lunch at Kings Kitchen - new favorite of mine that was wonderful.....sangria, seafood quesadillas, 2-hour visit = great time!!!

Pat 'n Paula

Back home and Mark said Galloway Ford had called that Big Red was ready for pick-up (a tad longer than the 2 days they said, but no biggie).   So off we went....I dropped him off at Ford and I shopped at Trader Joe's nearby....love this store.    While I was inside the store, it rained....everything was wet when I came out?  And then on home (no rain here) for another walk, visit with Jim and Lydia and then settled in with a glass of wine!

Blair and I did facetime tonight - she wanted to know if we were coming for Easter and we'll plan on getting manis/pedis (Maeve, too)!    She is a "Chatty Cathy"!!!!!

Wednesday - January 19

 Beautiful day that started chilly but great recovery to 73 and oodles of sunshine.    Started our walk with jackets but not long before they were around our waists!     Visited with Betty and Mike (Airstream owners from MI).   I had met them a few weeks ago but 1st time for Mark to visit.

Caught up on some computer/bookwork and then made chef salads for lunch.    Walked some more and welcomed neighbors, Barb and Joe back from near Effingham, IL

More Christmas/New Year's cards in yesterday's mail.....think we have 1 more batch to be sent.   Love the cards, pics and letters!

We played rummikube on our patio this afternoon with Martin and Rog - their 1st time....so much fun!   I was the winner.   Finished off my walk and called it a day.

More "snow" fun for Luke and Maeve before the rain comes!

My dermatology appt. has been rescheduled for March 7th.     BLT's for supper!

 

 

Tuesday - January 18

 Today would've been my parents 83rd wedding anniversary!    Congratulations Mom and Dad!

It was a cold start to the day for we Floridians with a temp of 45 when we got up.    I did a load of laundry and left around 9:30 for downtown to meet Claire at the Dean Street Coffee Roasters in the Luminary Hotel.    We sat in the lobby and enjoyed our lattes and chatted away.  The plan had been to do a little browsing the shops but with the chilly temps, decided it was more comfy to just sit and visit UNTIL....lunch time when we walked across the street to the fairly new Oxbow.    We each had a delicious cup of cream of mushroom soup and shared a lobster roll.....different and not  as good as Cape Cod Seafood Co or Mason's but pretty tasty.    This is a really nice place and had planned to sit outside by the water, but not today although most of the tables were full outside....burrr......we had a very nice view of the water from our table and enjoyed it all.

Decided no shopping today....and back home with full tummies and some decisions made (of course checking our calendars for future get togethers)!    Duh...forgot a picture!

Mark did some bookwork and started the cleaning of our she shed (outside) with some product that Martin told us about.    Just spray it on and forget about it - no rinsing requird?

It was a very pretty day, just cool but lots of sunshine and no wind.

Some fun pics from North Carolina...

Sweet Snow Angel

Neat sleds

Lotsa snow - around 10"

A nice cup of hot tea (peach and ginger) really hit the spot tonight!

Got a text from Dr. Kagen's office that my appointment for tomorrow has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.    This was to be my 1st time - dermatologist.    They will call to reschedule.

 

Monday - January 17

 A chilly dreary start to Monday and we were off at 8:00 (Mark driving Big Red and me in the car) for Galloway Ford.    Big Red needed an oil change + a recall on the windshield that could fly out in an accident cause of bad sealant.    So taking it out and replacing the seal (2-day job).    Then we were off to downtown and Peter's for light breakfast and coffee.    We were going to walk around afterwards to get some steps, and we did for just a bit, but then wimped out with the chilly strong wind.

Stopped at Dollar Tree and on home for about 20 minutes.   Off again to meet friends, Butch and Joyce from Champaign, IL.    They are RVers we met in Okeechobee in 2016 and they spent 3 days with us this past May at Kamp Komfort.    They are wintering in Frostproof and Arcadia seemed to be a good 1/2 way point.    Both top 2 restaurants are closed on Monday, so the Nav-A-Gator sounded like a good choice - an old fishing camp but 20 miles southwest of Arcadia.    So further for the Wests to travel, but they didn't seem to mind and we were all happy with our food - "all-you-can-eat-shrimp" for 3 of us (grilled, fried and blackened) and Mark had the Redfish Reuben which was delicious!    We sat and yakked indoors and watched all the hearty souls dining outside with the strong winds and umbrellas taking off.    Another time.....

Nav-A-Gator has $1 bills stapled on the ceiling and walls....nothing like No Name Pub in Big Pine Key which is doubling and tripling up their bills on top of each other.

We made a plan to get together in March - in Arcadia and not on a Monday!

Joyce 'n Pat with their Siesta Key Sunset beverages - yummy!

Butch 'n Joyce

Mark 'n Pat

Mark and Butch stapling their $1 bills with our names and the date to the wall

Out on the patio (live music in the evening)

 It was a really fun day and  then good bye hugs as they went north and we headed south!    Nice quiet afternoon spent reading.    Went for a walk later.

 

Blair, Maeve and friends building a snowman!

No school tomorrow

Sunday - January 16

We knew our NC kiddos were getting a blizzard from Izzy and we were to have a rainy Sunday, but whoaaa......was not expecting tornado warnings which sent us to the she shed 2x.   Our neighbors, Rog and Martin + Harley came over with their coffee and we hunkered down both times.    Lots of damage around Fort Myers (especially trailer parks) but thankfully, no serious injuries or deaths.    We heard at least 28 homes were destroyed and 62 more are unlivable.

We had omelets and toast after the storm passed, but the rain continued for awhile.    Went to Mass via Boston with Father Thomas Rafferty.  

Jim and Lydia invited us over to play euchre (indoors) as the wind was a'blowing and only in the 60's.    We had a fun afternoon with Jim and I beating Lydia and Mark 2 of 3 games, along with a delicious charcuterie board and bread pudding with caramel sauce.    Then we all went for a walk which was brisk but felt good after sitting around all day.

Winter-time beauty at Lake James

around Michael's firepit.

Maeve is enjoying the snow...

Appreciate all the e-mails and texts from family and friends checking on us after hearing about tornados in Fort Myers.

Zoom tonight with a variety of discussion on growing up and what TV shows they watched, our FL storms today, the snow in NC, etc.....missing Doris, Joan, Marilyn and Nancy.

Busy week ahead for we nomads with doctor appt. and socializing including 2 out-of-town trips.   Stay safe, healthy and warm...

   

Saturday - January 15

 Sunny start to Saturday but nippy with a low of 48 overnight.    No complaints when we know what the northerners and our kiddos in NC are facing tonight and tomorrow.

We talked about going to the Cypress Trail breakfast (every Saturday) but decided not....still a lot of people and after eating so much in Marathon,  try to tone it down a bit!    So a light breakfast and on with the day....bookwork for Mark, laundry for me with some walks here and there and a bike ride.

While out walking we had a long chat with Mark and Brenda from Ohio....so many things to catch up on +++ hearing about several serious health issues in our park.     They are getting a new park model here in the park and an Airstream (Goldilocks) for travel around the country.

Back home for lunch, more laundry and soaking up this awesome weather before all the rain comes tomorrow.

Today would've been Mark's parents' 76th wedding anniversary!

Liam has been on "fire" lately on the hockey rink scoring several goals the past few games!!

Mark grilled out Italian Sausage tonight - yum!    He's on a roll!!!

Friday - January 14

 Lovely Friday at Cypress Trail and around Fort Myers.    We left at 9 with Mark dropping me off at Nail Lounge Spa for a mani/pedi and then he drove downtown for his haircut.    After I was finished, I walked to Publix and started leisurely browsing up and down the aisles.   What a shock to see empty shelves - AGAIN?    Paper towels and toilet paper almost bare, cereal aisle very sparse and just a few bottles of Gatorade???   I can understand the folks up north are afraid with the snow coming, but Florida?

Where are the paper products at Publix?

I had just finished shopping so the the timing was perfect for Mark to meet me, check out and onto get the car washed and then home.   Put our 3 bags ($137) away and then walked around the park on this gorgeous, cooler day.

A nice relaxing afternoon with a little catnap and reading our books.    At 4, we did Zoom with Sue and Jerry, Connie and Steve (our old bridge group).    Sue and Jerry are back in IL and won't be coming to FL this winter....Connie and Steve live in Fort Myers.    So fun to catch up....missing Cathy and Don, Sharon and Harry.

Top:   Connie, Steve, Pat, Mark

Bottom:   Jerry and Sue

Walked some more early evening and ran into Jim and Lydia.....what a delightful day and evening.    Thinking about our kiddos in IL and NC and the snow/ice predicted?

Mark was to see Dr. McCarty this next Thursday for annual checkup.    His office called and said Dr would not be in the office all week, so the earliest they could get him in (with the nurse practitioner) is February 15th.   If he wanted to reschedule with Dr. McCarty, nothing available till July!!!!!!!     He took the 2/15 appointment,

I bought some bourbon salmon fillets at Publix and tah dah, Mark used our new grill for 1st time.   Oh my................they were absolutely delicious - also shared a sweet potato!

Miss Blair got a manicure this afternoon just before all the snow...

Pretty pink nails with "snow" and "hearts"

Have a nice weekend - stay warm, dry and safe.

 

Thursday - January 13

 Had some drizzle when we packed up and loaded our stuff in the car.    We had wanted to walk to The Stuffed Pig for breakfast but the rain stopped that plan, so we drove the short distance only to find the place PACKED....big disappointment as this is such a good place for breakfast (outside with picnic tables under all the trees).     Darn.....they are closed Tuesdays/Wednesdays, so....open today and everyone flocked there!

Plan B was back to Sunset Grill for another awesome breakfast with the skies clearing and sun shining once again.    We walked to the newly renovated Old 7-mile bridge which has been closed since 2016 ($44m renovation started in 2017 and tah dah....yesterday, the ribbon cutting ceremony and once again open to very happy locals and tourists.)   The actual bridge is 2 miles to Pigeon Key and very nicely redone with new deck, new steel railings, painted bicycle/walking lanes and, underneath, the new steel beams painted a bright blue   The top railings are very rusty  but left that way to keep the aesthetic look from when this was an original railroad bridge to Key West and then modified to handle regular transportation.

Old historic 7-mile bridge - with new, nicely painted steel beams

Leaving the old support from back in the day

The brothers walking with their "Tilley" hats

Wonderful walking, running, bicycling path with new side railings

We 4 on the bridge

After our walk (its 2 miles, but we didn't go real far - just wanted to say we had "done" it). We stopped at Isla Bella Market Place and wandered around this neat place.    Jim and I got coffees to go, Lydia did some shopping and we were on our way around 11:45.

What a wonderful getaway to Marathon.....we had perfect weather, loved our accommodations and location at Tranquility Bay Resort, enjoyed lots of euchre and rummikube, great adult beverages under the tiki hut and ate sooo well especially the big variety of seafood....red snapper, lobster, crab, shrimp, sea bass, mahi mahi and grouper.  

It was fun sharing with Jim and Lydia some of our favorites from years past - where we kept Catrina and Daisy, other sites we enjoyed and seeing all the new construction going on.    Marathon is a happening place!

Jim and Lydia were great traveling companions and we sure thank them for inviting us on this wonderful adventure in the Keys!

Back home around 4:40 - nice to still be in the land of sunshine and palm trees!!!

Ryan update - persistent, pesky cough lingers on....

Wednesday - January 12

 A wonderful last day in Marathon starting with Mark and me going to Sunset Grille for their Bananas Foster French Toast which Philip discovered and several of us have thoroughly enjoyed thru the years.

I checked out the Isla Bella Market Place while Mark picked up Jim and Lydia's to-go-order (the awesome French Toast and an omelet).    

Our view for breakfast

Bananas Foster French Toast

The Market is full of cute clothes, gifts, nautical stuff, and a food/coffee bar.    As with the rest of the resort, this is 1st class.

We brought Jim and Lydia their breakfast and Mark and I went to the Sombrero Country Club to walk around the golf course.    Another gorgeous day.   

Jim and Lydia played a board game and Mark and I read on our tablet and I-pad on the beach by the tiki hut.    Later we spent several hours playing rummikube in the warm, breezy sunshine.   Lydia and I enjoyed some delicious girlie drinks.

Lydia and her "Miami Vice"

Our backyard porch

Beach was pretty much deserted today with the strong winds

A perfect last day in Marathon

We walked to The Lighthouse Grill in the Faro Blanco resort - another great meal.  

Red snapper for Jim and Lydia, beef tenderloin for Mark and macadamia encrusted mahi mahi for me.

Jim and Lydia went to Publix for several desserts - oh my.....eat, eat, eat!   We all do it so well!

Tomorrow we head back to Fort Myers taking lots of fun, delicious memories with us!