Monday - February 28

 My oh my....the last day of February!   2022 is sailing by....

Rog (next door) and I walked to the clubhouse at 8:40 for our 9:00 appts to donate blood.    The big red bus "One Blood" wasn't there yet, so we sat inside and visited.    Everything was uneventful for both of us and nice to have early time as others who didn't have appts., were told to come back later.

On home for a bit, changed clothes and then rode with JoAnn and Buddy to Connor's for lunch.   They wanted to treat us as they were very thankful to Mark for all his help with computer/internet issues.    I was happy to tag along.    We sat on the porch and had another awesome meal and great visit.   They will be leaving next Saturday for home (NC) and end their winter season here at Cypress Trail.    We will miss them.....wonderful neighbors!!!

Buddy and JoAnn

We watched the parade with Rog and Martin from their driveway.    Nice participation!

   Some pics from the 2022 Cypress Trail Mardi Gras parade with over 20 entries

Ukulele band 

Passing out beads and candy!

We left around 4:30 to run some errands.    Mark dropped me off at Bed, Bath and Beyond and he got the car washed.    The pollen has been terrible and covers cars, driveways, patio furniture, etc.    What a mess.    We had that several weeks ago so hoping this is the end?

Connie and Steve invited us for pizza and dominoes.    Along with salad, pizza from Citrola's and dessert (strawberry pillows we brought from Fresh Market) made for a great meal.    The pillows were croissants filled with vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries and whipped cream.....delish!

Lots of good visiting, great wine and dominoes (I won) made for a very special evening and toasted to our 50-year friendship as we first met and got together to play bridge in 1972.     WOW so blessed to have them in our lives.

Pondering their next move

Great friends...

Sunday - February 27

Great start to the day receiving videos of Luke and Maeve thanking us for their Valentine's  cards (mailed February 7).    Drew's finally arrived on Friday "to us" for insufficient address????     Same address I've always used???

Another hot 'n sunny day as we were off to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis.    So enjoyed this "stay-at-home" relaxing Sunday.    Did some laundry, read and took a little nap in the afternoon till we decided we REALLY needed to walk.    It was hot 'n steamy out there but we got in "some" steps!    We took another walk around 5:30 - whoaaa, big difference and so pleasant out!   Enjoyed leftovers for lunch and dinner!

Zoom tonight missing Jim, Nancy and Sharon .   Lots of laughs about lots of subjects!   We missed the past 2 weeks as did others, so fun to catch up!

Have a great week!

Saturday - February 26

 What a fun day on the water with dear friends from way back......it was another hot 'n sunny day and we were off to the Bonita Bay Boat Club to meet Barb, Roger, Paul and Kathy for an afternoon on the gulf and back bay.    We arrived at 11 and enjoyed spectacular weather on Roger's boat.     We all brought light snacks to enjoy while anchoring and so fun to cruise past the huge homes, several beaches, dolphin watch and also the "oh my" moment of seeing this sailboat sunk with a very shattered sail.    Another boat was nearby and we have no idea when this happened or any circumstances???

Scary sight to see

Barb - Pat - Kathy

The Captain of our ship, Roger

Mark - Paul - Roger

After boating for a few hours, we went to Barb and Roger's condo in Bonita Springs to freshen up, change clothes, enjoy some adult beverages, and more visiting.    They've completely redone their condo - lovely!!!!

Then we were off to a fabulous dinner at Cooper's Hawk - 1st time for Paul and Kathy and a favorite of the rest of us.    We had thee most wonderful waitress, "V" - delightful, knowledgeable, sweet and very attentive to everything!

 💓 Cooper's Hawk

Kathy, Paul, Pat, Mark, Barb, Roger

Said our good byes after a perfect day on the water with great friends ending with a wonderful meal!

Tomorrow, other than church, no special plans!!!    Yeah....looking forward to a day to just hang out and enjoy our leftovers!  

Friday - Februry 25

Another very summery day in SWFL.    I did some laundry and around 10, Allie and Owen came and we all piled into Little Navy and off to Manatee Park.    Lots of people there looking for the manatees, but only saw one little head pop up in the water and that was it.    Several kayakers out on the water and supposedly saw 4 of them, but not us.   

Owen and Allie checking for manatees

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The mangroves

Just a few of many kayakers

Onto Babcock Ranch and drove all around the area of this very huge expanding community.    We were here a few weeks ago with Carol and Bob - the new construction is going gang busters!!!!    We had lunch at M'Xuma - very good and delicious margaritas.

 Cute margarita glasses (new from our last visit)

Owen 'n Allie

Another awesome meal before saying good bye

Back to Flo and relaxed on the patio but really hot.....Joan and Joe stopped by for quick visit.    After they left, we moved inside Flo and enjoyed the AC and cake rolls (red velvet and lemon cream).

Allie and Owen left around 3:45 - what a FUN visit.    Always enjoy being with them and all the laughs, reminiscing, etc.   

I ran a few errands and braved the awful traffic....temp got to 89 today but cooled off nicely this evening.

 Ryan called last night with the news that he'll start training to be a Fed Ex captain in May.    Very happy for him!!!

Have a fun, safe weekend!

Thursday - February 24

 Another foggy start to the day but burned off quickly.    Mark was off to get a haircut by Jose.   I went for a much-needed walk.   Toooo much good eating and not near enough walking, biking, etc.   

Allie and Owen arrived around 11.....always good and so fun when they come to visit.    We sat inside Flo and yakked for over an hour and then took off for downtown.    First order of business was lunch at Mason's (lobster rolls).    They were sooo yummy along with great cole slaw and potato salad.    We walked around downtown, checked out the Luminary Hotel and then enjoyed ice cream at 'Scoops on First".    The guys sat and visited while we browsed some shops and good luck for Allie's retail fix.

Hanging out at The Luminary

After we enjoyed our ice cream

Some pretty new jewels for Allie

 

The guys and their Tilley's holding down the fort and solving the world's problems while we shopped.

On back to Flo and they left to check into their hotel.   We picked them up about 1 hour later and off to The Prawnbroker.   This is one of our favorites and hadn't been there in almost 2 years.    But when we arrived and were waiting outside for our table, here comes Doris, Rich and daughter Laura.    Whoaaaa.....what a nice surprise.    Laura flew in this afternoon and her parents picked her up at airport.    Her hubby Mike is flying in later tonight from Chicago (Laura has been in Orlando on business).   The Prawnbroker is one of their favorites, too, and they are friends with one of the waiters.   

Pat, Mark, Doris, Laura, Rich 

Owen and Allie

Great day of fun with these dear friends....and wonderful meal!

 

Wednesday - February 23

 Hot 'n sunny 'n humid!!!   We took a little trip to Hardees for Mark's biscuits 'n gravy and my biscuit fix.    Mark finished up his tax stuff and got sent off to accountant,

I tidied up Flo and she shed and got the AC going.   We met Mark's sisters (Joan and Doris and their guys, Joe and Rich) at Buckingham Farms for delicious lunch, checked out "Booger" the turtle and on back to Cypress Trail.    Doris and Rich came from Fort Myers Beach and Joe and Joe, from Arcadia.    We sat on the patio and chatted away till it was time to say good bye.    Our last time to be with Doris and Rich down here - they are headed back to Chicago area on March 5th.    We'll see Joe and Joan in a few weeks.    Sure have enjoyed our times together.

Joan and Joe's favorite transportation

Joe, Joan, Doris, Rich

We went for a short walk (it's hot out there) and later, walked to Dennis and Jamie's to celebrate Dennis' 70 birthday.    What a fun big event under their tiki with lots of good drinks and tons of food + homemade ice cream, mini key lime pies and red velvet cakes.

It was a huge gathering of over 50 and lots of fun meeting their friends and seeing some folks we had not seen in a while.

The Birthday Boy, Dennis

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Tuesday - February 22

 Another fun day....... sunny and warm with occasional clouds to cool things down a bit.    The temps are climbing... I was off to meet Claire and Kathy at Kings Kitchen for lunch and celebrate my birthday.    We had a great time as always and then checked out some shops downtown.    Sat in Starbucks and had some cool drinks before Paul (Kathy's hubby) came to pick them up.

Kathy - Pat - Claire

I stopped at Chico's and Soma and used some of my gift card and coupons (birthday discount) and on home.    Sat and yakked with Mark and did facetime with Blair.

Sunday - Monday, February 20-21

 

A happy memory from March 24, 2017

Arriving in Fort Myers for spring break

Patrick would've been 57 on February 19

Happy Heavenly Birthday, FSIL (favorite son-in-law)

Love you and Miss you!!!

Sunday - It's my birthday, along with brother Bob and several other friends and family - a very popular day!!!   Mark and Marilyn were up very early (5 AM) and off to the Fort Myers airport for her 7:30 flight to Chicago.    We sure enjoyed her visit and she always has a wish list for next year.

Mark and I left at 10:40 for Punta Gorda and lunch with our Mid Illini boating friends.    14 of us gathered at Laishley Crab House (a tradition) to enjoy these long-time friends and a great lunch.    And a nice surprise to have a slice of confetti cake with candle brought to me + everyone singing "Happy Birthday".     Most of the group went to Roger and Carol's condo afterwards, but we said our good byes and were off to Lakeland.

Kathy, Carol

Helen, Barb, Pat, Carolyn, Marcia, Pat H

Ron, Paul., Mark, Roger P, Roger H, Leon

Bunch of colorful dudes!

Stopped along the way in Arcadia as Mark wanted to show me Joe and Joan's RV spot at The Ranch at Arcadia Palms RV Resort.    We had a good visit and met their friends/neighbors Sue and Steve from Ohio.    Turns out they live only 15 minutes from Port Clinton, so hopefully, this summer we can get together and Joan and Joe could join us, too!    That would be fun!

Arrived in Lakeland at 4 and so good to see Bob and Linda's kids (Jason from Boston and Jennifer, Jake, Leia and Kaylee from Chicago area).    Lots of friends gathered in 2 driveways (men in one and women in the other) and a grand time was had by all celebrating #80 for Bob with lots of adult beverages, wonderful food and ice cream/birthday cake!

The birthday people

Bob and his grand girls

Kaylee (5) and Leia (8)

Jason, Linda, Bob, Jennifer, Jake

Kaylee and Leia

Delicious ice cream cake

Mark and I spent the night with Ron and Vicki and visited for awhile before we were all oh-so-ready for bed!    

Monday - We had breakfast with Ron and Vicki - delicious warm white chocolate raspberry scones and fresh fruit.    Linda stopped by and we gals plotted our plan for their visit next week to Fort Myers.    Said our good byes and left around 10.

My older brother Ron and Vicki

Great host and hostess!

We stopped in Arcadia at the Rose' Cafe for nice lunch/coffee.    Keep finding neat places in this little town - will share with Joe and Joan as they are so close to downtown.

On home around 12:30, defrosted the freezer, unpacked and then off to run some errands.   Good to be home and unwind after all the go go go!

Saturday - February 19

 Very cloudy this morning but around 11:15, the sun came out, the heat came on and another pretty day in SWFL.

We 3 went to The Oasis for breakfast.    This place is close to downtown and we've been there once before back in 2018.   It's always packed but we got there by 8:30 so no wait - food is so delicious!   Just a family-type restaurant that's been around for 33 years and still going strong.

After breakfast we got the car washed and ran a few other errands.    Played 3-handed euchre with each of us winning a game.   

Marilyn and her snickerdoodle bundt cake which she shared with Mark and me

We went to 4:00 Mass and so many streets downtown were closed off, police directing traffic, etc.    It's the big Edison Festival of Lights Parade which is a huge event attracting thousands!     After Mass, we lucked out getting to Kings Kitchen for dinner (also downtown but a bit out of the way).    Wonderful dinner.

Final dinner with Marilyn

My wonderful sea bass with mango salsa served over rice and black beans and veggies

Then to Scoop Me Up to share this fine ice cream shop with Marilyn.   We all enjoyed our waffle cones and yummy ice cream and finally on home.    

Tomorrow, Mark will take Marilyn to the Fort Myers airport at 5:15 AM for her 7:30 flight back to Chicago.    We've had so much fun these past few days and the time just flew.

Tomorrow is my birthday and also brother Bob's.    We are meeting Mid Illini boating friends for lunch in Punta Gorda and then driving to Lakeland and celebrate with Bob as he's turning the big "80".     Party time with family and friends.    We are spending the night with Ron and Vicki and back home on Monday.    So no blog till we are home again....

Nighty night!

Friday - February 18

Warm with a mixture of clouds and sun, but fog first to start the day.   We picked Marilyn up from Jim and Lydia's at 8 and off to Bennett's for donuts/coffee.    Nice way to get our day going.   

Marilyn ready to dig into her maple/bacon donut

Stopped at Publix for 2 things and came out with 10!   Ha!    On home and moved Marilyn's things into the she shed.   While Mark got back at the bookwork/tax stuff, Marilyn and I did some laundry and played several games of Rummikub on the patio.

Lunch and then we went to the Nail Lounge Spa and Marilyn got a manicure.  

Marilyn's pretty nails

 Off to Nothing Bundt Cakes where Marilyn chose her 1st ever little bundt cake (Snickerdoodle).    On home and shortly after, Joan and Joe arrived.    They've been on Fort Myers Beach with Doris and Rich the past 2 days and checked out Naples and the Everglades.    We visited for a while and fun to hear what they've been doing, and then they left for home (Arcadia).   Mark left to pick up Jim and Lydia and take them to the airport.    They are headed back to St. Louis for 11 days with family and other activities.

Joan and Joe

Tonight we 3 went to Texas Roadhouse for delicious steaks, sweet potatoes, salads, rolls and beverages.....Marilyn said she thought she had died and gone to heaven her meal was sooo good.    We hadn't been there in ages, and we really enjoyed it all.   A few errands before we headed home and then settled in for the night.

Happy diners

Michael and Ryan were stranded in Chicago last night, but Ryan eventually got a flight to Memphis and arrived home at 1:00 AM.    Michael spent the night but finally back home at Lake James around 2 this afternoon.   The Midwest (especially central IL) was hit hard by the snowstorm and strong winds.

So proud of Liam and Connor and their entrepreneurial skills at snow blowing and shoveling several neighbors and others driveways/sidewalks after all the snow AND picking up some lawn mowing business come spring!

Forgot to include this last night...

Jim grilling 2# of bacon....yumm!!!!

Enjoy your weekend....

Thursday - February 17

 Humid this morning when we walked.....chatted with Jim and Marilyn who were out and about.   On home for breakfast, blew off all the leaves on the pavers and on with the day!

At 11:30, my friends (4 from outside the park) started arriving and we enjoyed a fun girl afternoon - luncheon and fashion show (Anthony's) here at Cypress Trail.     Beth, Kathy Claire, Paula, JoAnn, Lydia, Marilyn and myself.    Lunch was catered by FiFi's in Punta Gorda and the narrator for the fashions was so fun!    

The models

The friends

Lydia, Paula, JoAnn, Jeannie, Pat, Claire, Kathy, Beth

Unfortunately, Marilyn was not feeling well, so left before lunch started.   Jeannie joined us at our table.

Tonight we walked over to Jim and Lydia's and enjoyed delicious BLT's.    Jim grilled a bunch of bacon on the grill.    They were sooo good.   We sat under their gazebo with Marilyn and visited - tomorrow they are heading to St. Louis for a little at-home gathering with their family.    Marilyn will move in with us.  She's feeling much better.  Once the bugs came out, we headed home.

Weather back in the Midwest is awful with heavy snow, wind, etc.    We heard about a 100-car pile-up near ElPaso (north of Bloomington).   Hard to see these awful pics of whiteout conditions when we had 85 and sunshine.

Oh boy....here we go again.    4 of our grandchildren (Liam, Connor, Brady and Blair) received their Valentine cards a few days before the 14th; but where oh where are the other 4 (Luke, Maeve, Drew and Davis) ???    ARRGGHHHHH

Wednesday - February 16

 WOW............lovin' this warm sunny day!    Mark helped Buddy and JoAnn with their internet issues and today, SUCCESS.    They are so happy, Mark is happy and I have no clue about all this stuff.

  I walked over to Jim and Lydia's and Jim made lattes for Marilyn and me.    Lydia was at a new owners' presentation meeting.    Marilyn and I walked around the farmers market and bought some tomatoes and lettuce.

At 11, Joe and Joan, Rich and Doris arrived and what a fun afternoon with 5 siblings, spouses and many laughs and chatter!     We visited on Flo for a bit, Doris and Rich toured Jim and Lydia's new RV and after Lydia's meeting we all drove to the Boathouse for lunch - had a 1/2 hour or so wait, but then enjoyed good food, more visiting, etc.    Sat at the same table as when Anne, Auntie, Liam and Connor were here in December.

Rich, Doris, Pat, Mark, Marilyn, Jim , Lydia, Joan and Joe

The Siblings

Jim, Mark, Marilyn, Joan, Doris

Back to our patio for dessert and more yakkin'.     Joan and Joe are spending 2 nights on Fort Myers Beach with Rich and Doris....everyone left around 5.    FUN FUN afternoon!

Doris, Rich, Joe, Mark, Joan

Just chillin' on the patio

Jim, Marilyn, Lydia

So excited that Joe and Joan are really enjoying the FL lifestyle in their travel trailer and loving their park in Arcadia, the friendly people and all the activities!    They'll be down here till April 9th and have reserved a spot for January thru April next year!!!!    Yeah!

We walked in the park and then had a nice visit with neighbors, Karen and Dave from Ohio.    They asked about restaurant choices, so I jotted down several of our favorites.   On home and here it is 7:15 and Anne has been texting that schools are already closing tomorrow + ISU cause of the snow coming!   

Ryan checked in that he and Michael are finished skiing with no injuries - on home tomorrow!    Had a great time!