Thursday - March 31

 Wow....the last day of March and here in SWFL, it went out with nice sunny 88 degree conditions, but very windy again!    Plenty of clouds in the sky, too.

It was humid out walking but the wind helped.    Lots of visiting first meeting Jim, then new owners-to-be, Mark and Pat from Wheaton, IL.     Actually we met Mark (Pat is back home helping with grandchildren) and his friend who will help get their big RV back to Wheaton starting tomorrow.    They will join the Cypress Trail family this fall when they return to their new lot.    Wow....another "Mark 'n Pat" in the park!!! 😀And all from IL.

Then we visited with Patty and Paul from Minnesota.    They are leaving Sunday.    The 13th (day we leave), is their 54th wedding anniversary AND Patty is having knee replacement that day!   Sure wish her the best and congratulations to these super nice folks!

We drove downtown and met John and Beth at Kings Kitchen.....love this place and 1st time visit for them - everyone happy with their meal.   As always we had a wonderful time and lots of laughs.    Next Monday we'll be together again along with Vinnie and Laurie on their boat.    

         Pat, Beth, John, Mark               

Mark and I ran several errands and on home.    Reading and a little cat nap were just what we needed!    Ha!

At 6, we decided to take a walk - whew.....hot and still very windy.    A few folks in their golf carts, but no other walkers.   I imagine they were enjoying the cool comfort of their RV.    We were happy to get back to Flo and have some icy cold beverages!

I enjoyed episode 3 of "Call the Midwife".

Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of Mark's Mom's passing......3-30-16.   "Mom" /Grandma C is so missed...

Wednesday - March 30

 A real summery day with sunshine, very strong winds and 90 degrees.    We went to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul and on home.    Tidied up Flo and the she shed (mostly Mark did the tidying).  😊

We went to Buckingham Farms and met our friend Mike from St. Petersburg for lunch.   We were with Mike on March 8th when we drove to St. Pete and he prepared a delicious Greek lunch for us.    Mike is just the nicest guy and so fun and interesting to visit with - he's had quite a lifetime of adventures from his childhood in Greece and then coming to America.    Since we were together, he sold his condo and making plans to head back to NY end of April, visit his kiddos and then go back to Greece indefinitely to visit more family and take care of property issues, etc.    So, not sure when we'll see him again, but hopefully not too long in the distant future.   He's a gem!

Mike

One thing for sure, I'm not having any issues raising my "fork to mouth" during this recovery time!    Eating very well!   😋

We walked late afternoon - hot but winds still blowing strong!   I watched 2nd episode of "Call the Midwife"!   👍👍

Tuesday - March 29

 Foggy start to the day but at 9:30, the skies cleared, the sun came out and another hot day in Fort Myers reaching a high of 90.

Mark prepared eggs, sausage and English muffins for a delicious breakfast.    He is doing so much of the basic stuff around here which is sooo much appreciated.    I feel good so not able to do the little simple things is hard till I raise that arm......this is only Day 4.

Annette, Luke and Maeve made it back to Lake James last night - so fun having them with us - "short but sweet"!

Whoaaaa.checking the inside of this shark's mouth

Yesterday in Fort Lauderdale

I watched the 1st episode of "Call the Midwife" - series 11.     As always, love, love, love this show!   Also took a little nap and read my good book "Dollface" about the Roaring 20's.

Later I walked over to chat with Jim and Lydia.   It is HOT out there!  

Jim and Lydia picked us up at 5:40 and we were off to Punta Gorda to meet Joe, Joan, Tom, Beth and their friends, Dennis and Dava for dinner at River City Grill.     We all enjoyed our dinners but the best part was the conversation and non-stop chatter and laughter!    So much reminiscing and fun being with Dennis again (we met him 3 years ago) and Dava.   Tom and Beth are staying with them at Babcock Ranch.

Pat, Lydia, Beth, Tom, Joe, Joan, Mark, Jim, Dennis, Dava

The siblings

Joan, Tom

Mark, Jim

Dennis and Dava

And we celebrated Lydia's birthday (Sunday) with chocolate cake and whipped cream

Saturday-Monday, March 26-28

 Saturday - A good nights sleep for all......Luke and Maeve on Flo with their G and G and Philip and Annette at a nearby Airbnb.    We met for breakfast at Buckingham Farms and another great meal along with  the kiddos getting to see Booger, the huge tortoise.  It's a gorgeous day and we are off and running.....the kiddos stopped at CVS for a few things and then came to Flo, changed into swimsuits (except for Grandma) and off to the pool.   We had a nice shady spot and spread out our stuff.    The NC crew enjoyed the hot tub, we played  LRC and then Philip and Annette played pickleball and we took Luke and Maeve for a walk to say good bye to Mark and Brenda who are headed back to Ohio early tomorrow in their new Airstream.    We enjoyed Tom (Mark's youngest brother) and Beth's visit - they are on a 2-week whirlwind trip on both coasts of FL and a quick stop (wanted to see Philip and family) before heading to Estero and then Marco Island.    We'll be together Tuesday night for dinner.

Daddy and his sweet Maeve

Pool time at Cypress Trail

 

This little gal loves to pose - wearing her new shades

Mark, Pat, Maeve, Tom, Beth, Annette, Philip

and awesome photographer, Luke

Jim and Lydia picked Mark and me up at 4:45 (Philip is driving his family around in my car this weekend) and we were all off to The Boathouse for dinner.    This place is always busy and even though we "thought" and "hoped" we were early enough to beat the really big crowd, still had a 45 minute wait.    But we had perfect weather, cool beverages and lots of visiting during the wait.    Had a nice hi-top table near the water (very breezy and cooled down quickly).   All enjoyed our meals and of course, the guys on one end chatting and we gals with the little ones on the other end talking non-stop!    Ha.....we do that so well!    On home and ready for bed - been a big day with water/sun/breeze.

Waiting for our table at The Boathouse

Pat, Jim, Lydia, Luke, Annette, Maeve, Philip, Mark

Mommy and kiddos relaxing in the BIG chair

Sunday - the kiddos woke up at 7:30 and with Grandpa's help, they got their showers/shampoos and all dressed for 9:30 Mass at St. Francis Xavier.    We had wanted to have breakfast at Ella Mae's Diner downtown but an hour wait, so we checked the First Street Restaurant (45-minute-1 hour wait).    So....onto Ford's Garage (now it's lunch time....) but tah dah, we were able to get a table in the sunshine and they serve a Sunday brunch which we didn't know.    All very pleased with our meals again. 

Grandma and Maeve enjoying breakfast at Ford's Garage

The birthday girl (Lydia)

More birthday fun for Lydia

Mommy and Maeve under the banana tree

Bill and Penney Keadey from NC are friends of Philip and Annette's friends at Lake James.

Their lot is just around the corner from Flo.

Posing with the pretty lilac flowers

Doing what they do best - love their techie stuff!  

Came home, changed clothes and walked towards Jim and Lydia's to give the birthday girl (Lydia) some treats.    She was out walking, too, so we met on the street, gave her a bouquet of flowers, a chocolate cake (Buckingham Farms) and card.    She's having a fun day....

We spent some time in the clubhouse - Maeve wanted to do a puzzle, but all with at least 300+ pieces (most were 500-1000) so, played war (Mommy, Grandma and Maeve) with Maeve the winner.    Played blitz with Philip and Luke and Philip, the winner.   Luke and Grandpa played some pool, too.   Back to Flo and we adults played euchre on the patio.    Had some snacks and later went for a walk and ordered pizza from Sir Pizza which Mark and Philip picked up.    Another fun day!

Monday - lots of sunshine but warmer temps today.   Philip and Annette came over around 8:20, got the kiddos stuff all packed up and they left at 8:55.    Philip drove my car and will keep in Fort Lauderdale for a few weeks till he drives it back to Lake James while we're there.    Appreciate him doing this as it saves me from having to drive this first leg of our trip (Fort Myers to NC).   And he'll have a car when he's working in FL which he usually does not have.     Said our good byes with hugs and kisses but nice to know we'll see them again in mid April.

Final payment for jobs well done!

Bye bye kiddos....come see us again!

Mark and I started on the laundry (he's doing all the lifting and folding).   Philip and Annette were great at washing the dishes!    And the little folks helped with garbage take-out, watering the flowers, etc.

Enjoying a down day - staying indoors and getting some R 'n R.    Mark's back has been acting up, too!    Arghhhh.   He has appt. with orthopedic doctor when we return to Bloomington end of April.

Beautiful roses from Luke and Maeve

We had a gift card to "Scoop Me Up" so, that was supper (delicious sundaes).   Since it was supper, not counting as a dessert!  😋

I so appreciate all the thoughtful texts checking on me from family and friends.    Other than an occasional little twinge or stretchy feeling, I'm feeling fine.     Just hard holding me back from doing things.  But I do have an awesome caregiver.....making the bed, doing laundry, washing dishes, etc., etc.   He's the best!!!

Friday - March 25

Cloudy morning.    Mark was off to Wal Mart to pick up order that Annette put in for the kiddos coming TONIGHT!!!!

Mark took the truck and I drove the car to Punta Gorda airport.    Left the truck for our NC crew coming this evening.   On home, walked, lunch and then off to see Dr. Scott Patterson at Riverchase Dermatology.  

   When he examined my cyst, lump, mass, whatever??? he was surprised how it moved around (below my scapula) so he gave me the option of letting it go or taking it out.   Since I've had it for quite a long time, we decided to get it outta there, have it biopsied and see what's what.   It was embedded in the muscle, so more difficult to get out.   I have 10 stitches + several internal.   Several restrictions in the next 2 weeks (stitches come out on 4/7) and then another week of "takin' it easy".   It was called a lipcoma cyst (fatty tissue) and should have the biopsy results in a week.

Tonight is our "end-of-the-season" party (Cheeseburgers in Paradise) under the big tiki hut.    We had planned to go, but just lying low and be ready for Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve to arrive later this evening.    Mark did a carryout of our sandwiches and drinks

Today's weather was sooo nice after a cold front came thru last night - low humidity, sunshine and breezy.

Blue Angel "Luke"

SEVEN years ago!

The kiddos arrived at 8:15................so good to see them!   Taking a break from the blog for the next few days.    Enjoy your weekend!

My sweetie pies getting ready for bed on Flo....

Thursday - March 24

 BRADY is SWEET "16"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATS on getting your license!

How can this guy be 16?    Brady is such a great kiddo always smiling, a super-smart student, loves his basketball and golf and a good friend to many!    What a blessing to welcome him into the family on 3-24-06

This has been a busy week of birthday celebrations for our family - 2 grandsons (Davis and Brady) and our grand dog (Gibson).

We started the day going to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul and then to Publix for a few things.    Later, I left for Cristof's and met Claire for lunch.    Our last get together here in Fort Myers.    Lots to chat about as we each had a list and over our delicious spinach/bacon/cheddar quiche and salad, we talked non-stop.    Umbrella tables were flying and finally put down with the very strong winds.    We were on the porch - delightful.   Love this place!    Hugged good bye till we see each other in May in Bloomington.    We sure had many good times together in Fort Myers this winter!

Fun lunch at Cristof's

On home and Lydia invited us over for some rummikube and iced lattes - can't beat that!    The winds are still very strong.   We sat under their gazebo and enjoyed the drinks and games.   I've been so lucky with this game winning again today!   Not sure why or how that is happening?

A few sprinkles but the rain really missed us.     The forecast was for rain all day and Claire and I planned a day on Fort Myers Beach but changed plans with the weather.    It was much warmer and windier but no rain till a little tonight.

So fun having Lydia and Jim in the park!

Liam and Connor enjoyed their visit to U of IL, but Iowa is still #1 for now.   Bummer they've had lousy weather for touring campuses this week!   Rain and cold!

BRADY - one cool dude!

 

Wednesday - March 23

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIBSON !!!            

Gibson is TWO!

The boys are enjoying the day with their buddies and Gibson will have a special birthday cake tonight!     There's a real mutual feeling of LOVE between these 4 guys!   The boys bought his new hat at the Iowa bookstore - little Hawkeye!     

We took some things off Flo this morning in preparation for Sandra to come and give Flo a good deep cleaning!   Mark had a doctor appt. at 9 and all good there.  I walked to the Farmer's Market and bought some bread from the European Bread Co.    Sandra and helper arrived at 10:45 to do their thing.

Mark and I took off for a few errands including lunch at The Farmer's Market (restaurant) which is a really good down-home, southern, comfort food and very popular.  

The waitresses were all wearing black t-shirts commemorating their 70 years in business!

GOOD place!

  On home and 10 minutes later, Sandra was done and I'm thrilled with my oh-so-clean Flo.  What a treat!       I am ONE HAPPY CAMPER!!!

I checked in with Dr. Kagen's office about ultrasound results on my shoulder blade/back and they finally returned my call.   Results were inconclusive so they want to remove the mass.    That will happen Friday at 1:20 and then have stitches but should have results of biopsy before we leave 3 weeks from today.    Glad they could fit me in.

Another breezy day but hot!    We called Liam to see what he thought about his college visits - Bradley in Peoria and University of Iowa.    Enjoyed both, but especially impressed with Iowa.    Tomorrow, they are checking out University of Illinois.

Spent the afternoon putting things back in Flo, making appts. for when we're back in Bloomington (doctors, hair, etc.)   Got in 2 walks but didn't make our 10,000 steps!

My bougainvillea has been struggling this winter......the red is finally coming around and little by little, the magenta is showing more blooms.     That cold spell was the pits for my pretties and many others in the park.    But many are beautiful and thriving - guess it depends on whether they were protected from that nasty cold, the soil is different , etc.?

 

Boy, Mama (Anne) and boys pulled out all the stops today for Gibson.

Party hats, big "2" balloon and a special cake!

Frankie is digging in while Gibson says "Hey, Connor, that's MY cake"!

               

Tuesday - March 22

 Lovely cool morning that turned into 90 degrees.    We were off to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul only to find an empty parking lot and then duh.....there is no morning mass here on Tuesdays!    Totally forgot when we planned our weekly Lenten Mass for this week.    So, we'll plan for Friday and since we were near Publix, stopped for a few things and then to Dunkin for drinks/donuts (haven't had one of these in a long time)!

On home to put away groceries and tidy up the she shed and put away clean laundry.    

We met Lee and Tamara (long-time friends - the guys worked together at SF and Tamara was Mark's secretary eons ago) at the Boathouse and then back to our place.   They moved to Bradenton permanently from Bloomington this past summer.    

Lee and Tamara

Always enjoy catching up with these two and today was another fun visit with a plan for this fall to be together again.     They left around 3 and we settled in Flo with good books and short naps.    Still really hot at 5:30 but windy, so time for a walk.    We did more visiting (Dennis and Jamie, and then Paul, Sue and their visiting family from Springfield, IL)

We had such a big lunch so just a liquid dinner!   😃

Liam, Drew, Connor

at a favorite breakfast spot in Iowa City

Monday - March 21

 A very pretty day in SWFL.....we walked and chatted with Brenda who always knows what's going on in the park.     She had lots of news and just amazed how lots and RV's are selling fast and furious!    Crazy and for big $$$.     She and Mark are leaving in their new Airstream on Sunday for home in Ohio,

My Mark had an appt this morning with Joel Hinman, our State Farm agent for our yearly review.   Joel told Mark he's #2 in the nation for adding new auto policies!    Awesome!

After Mark got home, I jumped in the car and was off to get a manicure with Andy and then stopped at Cafe Flore (new place I discovered but it's been open since February 2021?)   How did I miss this?    Got an iced latte and on home.

We read and just relaxed in the afternoon and around 3, went for a walk - very breezy but helped with the heat/humidity.   

So many fellow RVers in the park are heading home...a few new ones trickling in but that's probably just for 1 night as they are coming from the south going north!

Anne and boys are checking out colleges this week - hope they have a great time and will be interesting to see what the boys think - especially Liam!   Tonight they are in Iowa City with Drew!  

Sunday - March 20

The day started out cloudy and then had some drizzle (really???).    Of course, we just got the car washed yesterday (never fails).   There was nothing in the forecast and nothing on radar, but the rain came down!

We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis and then met our long-time boating friends from Michigan (Leon and Mark worked together at State Farm) for brunch at Cristof's.    Mark and I got there early and sat under an umbrella on the patio as the rain came down!    Crazy......but as with many FL showers, this was a quick one and soon the sun was shining brightly and the humidity kicked in.    We had so much fun visiting and all enjoyed their meal.    This is a favorite and their Sunday brunch is top notch.

Mark, Pat, Helen, Leon

at Cristof's

Back to Cypress Trail and visited on the patio.    We go way back to the mid 1980's and have been on many boating vacations together on Lake Michigan.    Their Andy and our Philip were best of friends back in the day.   It was great fun catching up.    They left around 3 as their little "Gypsy" needed to be let out to potty (they are spending the winter in their RV in North Fort Myers.)

Long-time friends

Jim and Lydia stopped by late afternoon - they had gone to the beach in Naples today and stopped at The Cheesecake Factory and brought Mark a piece of Linda's Fudge Cake (1,450 calories, but who's counting)?   Very sweet of them...

Several missing from zoom tonight (Theresa, Marilyn, Joan, Janet, Nancy, and Tom) but plenty of lively conversation!    Today is Doris's birthday!

Have a good week!

 

Saturday - March 19

 HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY to DAVIS

Can't believe this guy is now out of his teens, almost finished with his sophomore year of college and just a few days ago shot a 72 in golf.    So proud of this fine young man!  

 He's fun, smart, athletic and our favorite redhead!!!

We had a busy morning leaving Flo at 8:15.   I had an ultrasound on my back (a cyst, mass, fatty tissue???) that Dr. Kagen (dermatologist) wanted checked out.   The tech wasn't too concerned but radiologist will check and send results to Dr. early next week.   It's been there for a long while and my Bloomington doctor and dermatologist have never been concerned, but good to check these things out!   

We were close to the Sweet Bean Coffee Cafe, so.....wanted just a light breakfast since we had lunch plans.    They have delicious grilled cinnamon bread and lots of coffee beans but no espresso machine.    While I was getting the bread, Mark went a few doors away for our coffee/latte at Norman Love.    We sat outside and enjoyed these awesome treats - that bread is sooo good.    I ordered 2 pieces but he said it was my lucky day and they gave me 4.    Yeah...another treat for tomorrow.

Off to run more errands and then time to meet Allie and Owen for lunch at Stillwater Grille.    We've never been but they fly in fresh walleye every other day and that's something you do not see on any menus down here.   We get plenty of this great fish when we're on the great lakes, but that was last summer!    So, we tried it today (both lightly battered and pan-seared).    We all enjoyed our lunch and sat on the deck under a big banyan tree on this pretty day.    As always, we 4 have plenty to yak about.    After lunch we went to Norman Love (very close) to check out desserts as I wanted them to see the fabulous, beautiful concoctions for candies and special desserts - truly works of art.   They decided on gelato - Allie (key lime); Owen (salted caramel); Mark (rocky road).    I passed but not easy!   Ha...

Dining at Stillwater Grille

Gelato at Norman Love

Said our goodbyes till mid May when we've got lunch planned back in IL with Jane and Joe. 

  We called the birthday boy on our way home and had a good chat.    Wish we were at Lake James tonight for his birthday bash with family (celebrating Brady, too, who will be 16 on the 24th).   

Brooke was feeling nostalgic today - Drew will soon be graduating from college; Davis is 20 and Brady will be 16 and getting his drivers license on Thursday!    YIKES!

Life needs to S L O W down....

We walked in the evening - still pretty humid.    Visited with Jim and Lydia who were out walking, too.    

 

Friday - March 18

 Hot 'n sunny.....we went to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul, stopped at Publix for a few things and on home.    I left about 1/2 hour later to run some errands and then a haircut with Jewel.    Sad to say good bye to her till fall.   She's my favorite hairdresser and always enjoy our visits.     She always asks how Anne and the boys are doing!

Had a quiet afternoon in Flo enjoying the AC (think we hit 91 today - at least that's what the car said when I was coming home).   We did walk in the evening together and separately.   I had a good chat with Jim and Lydia.   We were kinda lazy nomads today!   😀

 Several lots selling in the park at high prices!    Unbelievable!

We had a good chat with Michael this afternoon who was driving home after a week in London.    This is his first overseas trip in 2 years.    Gas prices over there are $9 a gallon!!!

Liam and Connor are officially on spring break - next week, going on some college visits!   How did they grow up sooo fast?

Enjoy your weekend!

St. Patty's Day - 2022

 Happy St. Patrick's Day to all

We had a very enjoyable day in Naples.    Met Steve and Connie in the Target parking lot and off we went to spend the day with Harry and Sharon on 5th Avenue.    First stop (Harry and Sharon are in south Naples) was the 5th Avenue Coffee Co. and Diner.    Great coffee shop and pastries.   Sat and visited for awhile and then we gals hit the streets and the guys went to the zoo.

It was a gorgeous day and we strolled up and down 5th Avenue and Sharon and I had a retail fix with some new fashions.    Had lunch (sangria, wine, pizza) at L'Olivo Pizzeria (shared a small pizza) and then more strolling.    Mark picked us up at 5th and 3rd (welcomed a ride as we still had .06 to get to Tommy Bahamas.)    Love this place and as always, food and drinks were excellent.    

The guys enjoyed their trip to the zoo (1st time for Steve and Mark).    However, it was very crowded and hot, so they only stayed about an hour and then went back to Harry's condo.

A really fun day with these long-time friends (bridge brought us together back in the '70's).

Modeling the same pants at Chico's (just like we did 5 years ago with tops when we were last here)

Missing our friend, Sue

Cheers to friendship and a delicious lunch

Tommy Bahamas

Mark, Pat, Harry, Sharon, Connie, Steve

Wednesday - March 16

 Enjoyed a really nice rain last evening and even more during the night!    This morning everything is drippy - the humidity is very high at 90%.    I got sprinkled on a few times while walking. 

Mark got his biscuits and gravy fix and then a haircut this morning.     We met Laurie and Vinnie (PDQ owners just like Catrina) from Cape Coral at Buckingham Farms and then back here for dessert and visiting.   Vinnie and I had the special for lunch - "3 Little Pigs"  which was grilled wheatberry bread with pulled pork, honey ham and bacon + gouda cheese.   Very good.    Laurie and Mark enjoyed their patty melts.

We walked around the park and showed them what's all here.    They were impressed - 1st visit.   We had so much fun and really felt for them as this morning their daughter and 13-year old grandson left for a big move to Connecticut.    So hard to say good bye to kiddos, but they are happy for them and this new venture, too.

Laurie and Vinnie

Whew....that sun was intense today but nice relief when it went behind the clouds.    It was quite windy, too.

Did a load of laundry and enjoyed the cool AC till it was time to walk again....a little cooler late afternoon.

We enjoyed facetime with Anne and the boys,    Connor showed us his hardware that came out of his wrist - oh my......long plate the length of his finger + 4 screws.   He's a trooper!

4 weeks from today we leave Florida....lots planned between now and then.

Tuesday - March 15

 Rain was in the forecast today but didn't happen.    We walked and then left around 10:40 for Sanibel.    We were to meet Mike and Claire and travel together to have lunch with Paul and Marlys, but Claire was not feeling well this morning, so they canceled.   Mark and I met Paul and Marlys at Sweet Melissa's Cafe - the menu is so very different (rabbit, octopus, etc.) but wow!    Mark and Marlys had the duck and Paul and I enjoyed our sweet 'n spicy shrimp and grits.   The duck eaters loved their entree so we were all happy and then shared (between each couple) their signature key lime bread pudding with raspberry drizzle.

Oh my...

Mark, Paul, Marlys, Pat

at

Sweet Melissa's

We left this very neat place and drove to Paul's condo.    We had planned to play dominoes, but Mark helped Paul with some computer issues and then we just sat and yakked till 5:20.    Wow, time flies when there's so much to talk about!     Said our good byes and maybe we can see them again in May when we're all back in Bloomington.  It was a most enjoyable afternoon and these 2 are lots of fun and entertaining and kept us up-to-date on back home happenings.

Paul and Marlys

 Traffic wasn't too terrible coming across the Causeway and we decided to get something light for supper.    I had heard about Grimaldi's Pizza in the Bell Tower Shops but never been.    So, that's where we went - love these places with brick walls, red/white checkered tablecloths, etc.   It was very noisy, though so if there was any Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra, etc., etc., singing, we couldn't hear it.    BUT, the pizza and chianti were excellent - definitely a return place.

Good to be home.....Connor's surgery went well and he's resting.   Probably won't be going to school tomorrow?    

Connor with his big sling and Gibson just chillin' ...

Monday - March 14

 A pretty day of sunshine and 83.    We walked in the morning, did some laundry and then left for DeRoma's Gourmet Market and Restaurant.   Oh my............this place is in the Promenade Shops on the Bay (Bonita Springs).    Been to these shops but never DeRoma's but main purpose today was to meet Dick and Shirley (high school classmates of mine).    Shirley is also from Sublette.     They live in Dixon, IL and spend 2 months in Naples.    We had a great visit as always, lunch was wonderful in such a pretty setting and Shirley and I browsed the shops.    Mark and Dick sat in the shade and visited.

 DeRoma's has a huge indoor/outdoor area of seating and then this ginormous market - oh my, everything yummy and delicious looking.    Fun to stroll around!

Said our good byes till next year (God willing).    

At DeRoma's with Dick and Shirley

Pat and Shirley

LONG-time friends, classmates and Sublettians

On home, took a nap and then walked.    It was so good to be with Shirley and Dick!

So proud of Liam and Connor.    Their end-of-season hockey banquet was this past Saturday night.   Liam received MVP and was leading scorer for varsity; Connor was MVP and leading scorer for JV.    Their Dad is beaming down on them for sure with great pride!

Tomorrow Connor is having surgery to remove plate and pins from his July 2020 accident on skateboard.    No golf for 6 weeks but he can chip and put in 4 weeks.

News flash tonight - our nephew Matt proposed to Kara in front of the Biltmore and she said "YES"!!!     So happy for them - we had so much fun with them last summer on Catrina.    She will be a great addition to the Chamberlain clan.