Friday - March 31

 It's the last day of March and definitely going out like a "lamb" here in SWFL.   However, that's not the case in the Midwest where severe storms/tornadoes are predicted.

We walked this morning and watched so many big rigs leaving the park for the season - the end of March seems to be the most popular time for folks to head home.   We said good bye to neighbors Dave and Karen from Ohio.    They were renters and will be going to the Sebring, FL area next season,   Maybe we can connect sometime over that way?

We drove to Martin and Rog's new condo (our former next-door neighbors).    Had drinks and so good to catch up (hadn't seen them since mid January).    Then we all went to Cristof's and sat on the patio - delicious dinners and lots more catching up.    We sure miss them as neighbors!

Martin and Rog

Thursday - March 30

 Another summery day....we had breakfast and then off to downtown.   I got a manicure with Tamara while Mark ran some errands.

Home for lunch, quiet afternoon reading and playing games.   

Today is the 7th anniversary of Mark's Mother's passing.....she would be so thrilled with how her family is growing and thriving.    Challenges certainly happen, too, as yesterday Doris (sister) had her husband Rich placed in a memory care unit in Chicago area.    Such a sad day for her and all of us.    Another sister, Sharon had her surgery this afternoon in Louisville for fractured ulna and radius.   It was a major break with 6-8 week recovery.  On a brighter note, we have 2 more weddings (nephews) coming this year.

Our neighbor Dick and his friend, Monika came over for drinks, snacks and visiting.   We had a delightful 3-hour visit on the patio - lots of laughs and so many topics to cover!

Monika and Dick

Our Bloomington kiddos are back home after spending a few days away on spring break.   Anne, Connor and their fur babies were in Branson and Connor had a great time golfing.

Sooo close to a hole-in-one

Connor was golfing and hanging out with the bison

Anne and Connor

And Liam is back home after a fun time in Nashville with friends - Top Golf, Country Music Hall of Fame, zoo, etc.

Wednesday - March 29

 Another warm one....we went to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul and on home for breakfast.    We worked in the she shed organizing and figuring out what we're taking with us when we leave on the 14th.    Want to get as much done before Blair arrives.

We had a very nice and much needed rain shower pass thru around 2:45 and lasted 20 minutes.    Our irrigation system in the park is not working, so.....with all this heat, the rain was most welcome!

Tonight was our "end-of-the-season" party.    Big crowd enjoying the pool, music, drinks and cheeseburgers/hot dogs, corn-on-the-cob and baked beans topped off with root beer floats.    Everything was delicious!

Tuesday - March 28

 A balmy spring day but sure feels like the good ole summertime here in SWFL.   I was off to my last yoga session at 9 with Sue.    We students had all signed a card and gave her a monetary donation for thank you - she was great!!!

Home to change clothes and then we were off to run some errands.    St. Francis was requesting filled Easter eggs for their egg hunt.    We helped out last year and happy to do so again - ordered 120 eggs on Sunday, came to Flo yesterday and we delivered to parish office today!   Amazon comes thru again...

While out and about we had a wonderful lunch at Sweet Bean Cafe - we've had several excellent breakfasts here in the past, but never lunch.    They have a variety of regular coffee flavors, but no espresso machine.....so today, what a nice surprise to see they now have all the fancy coffee drinks.    Wish this place was closer to us - we were in this neck of the woods for my haircut with Kaitlin.     She got married since I last saw her (wedding was to be in October at Linville Gorge, NC).   They decided to move up the date to spring break and were married March 19th - it was 14 degrees for their COLD wedding (outside near a waterfall)!!!!    Yikes!

On home and took a little nap!    Then to play euchre for the last time this season - only 3 tables.   Cards were so so....no winnings tonight.    Mark did not play as his back was bothering him.

Connor just missed a hole-in-one today.....he's having fun on the golf course during spring break!

SOOOO close

Monday - March 27

 Whew.....a HOT one today!     Off and on breeze and very bright sunshine beating down on we Floridians.

After breakfast, I ran some errands/shopping and on home.    We had lunch and rested a bit till we walked to Mark and Brenda's to say good bye as they fly home to Ohio tomorrow.   We hope they'll come visit us on Catrina sometime this summer like last year.

Mark and Brenda

Tonight Jim and Lydia picked us up and off to PF Changs to celebrate Lydia who has a birthday today!!!   We had a very fun evening enjoying several different dishes topped off with dessert + chocolate raspberry martinis for the birthday girl and me!

The Birthday Girl and her phenomenal 6-layer chocolate cake

"Sisters" enjoying chocolate raspberry martinis

All of us at PF Changs

So sad and angry "again" at another senseless shooting in Nashville today - prayers for the families, classmates, and first responders and so heartbreaking for rest of us.   When will this ever end.....innocent and precious little ones (same age as our Luke and Maeve) and the 3 staff members.  😢🙏

Sunday - March 26

 Hot, sunny, windy today....we had a leisurely morning and then drove downtown and had breakfast at a new place (actually, a favorite - Mason's Lobster Rolls, but only discovered recently that they serve breakfast)!    We shared a big sandwich with some potato cakes (and coffees from Seed and Bean Market).    One more place (Mason's) that does not serve decaf much to Mark's dismay - that makes #4 downtown!!!    Excellent sandwich on grilled Texas toast.

Then to 11:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Augustine.   We ran a few errands and on home.    Nice quiet afternoon.....just so many things going on and family health issues (brother-in-law, Rich, sister-in-law, Vicki and now hearing that Sharon (Mark's sister) fell and broke her wrist/arm today!

We took a little spin around the park in the mini cricket...fun!

Our little toy (temporary)

Walked one more time tonight - depending on what direction we were going, it was either nice and breezy OR no wind and very humid.

Eight on zoom tonight - lots of things to share and plenty of laughs - thee best medicine!

Have a safe, healthy week!

Saturday - March 25

 Went to Reconciliation at St. Francis - a different experience as we gathered outside the chapel in the warm sunshine waiting our turn for confession - several of us were from the Midwest so comparing notes on where we were from, how long we're in FL, hurricane damage, etc.

Breakfast at Farmer's Market (71 years old and going strong - Fort Myers longest-running restaurant) for some good ole comfort food.    On home.

Allie and Owen came at 12:30 and we left at 1 for the Barbara Mann theater and "Million Dollar Quartet" in Allie's brand new car - Buick Envision Avenir.  We all had seen this musical before (Allie and Owen in Branson and their community players in Peoria and us in Chicago but way back in 2009 and 2010.)

It was excellent and so enjoyable (music of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis) and how they all came together on December 4, 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis.    Just soo much fun!

Then to the Boathouse for dinner - very busy place and although they said a 1-1.5 hour wait, it was only 1/2 hour.    People people everywhere!!!

Waiting for our table, we walked the docks "our ship has come in" - this beauty is on the

 market for $3.7 million (120')

Lots of laughs when we're together - friends since 1966

After dinner

Back at Cypress Trail - their new wheels (only 110 miles)

Said our good byes but looking forward to when they come visit us in Port Clinton this summer and have some fun on the water with Catrina

Prayers for the folks in Mississippi after that horrific tornado caused so much destruction and loss of life....

Friday - March 24

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

Grandpa and Brady (6 months)

Brady is 17

Our talented, cute, smart, athletic Brady is 17 today!!!    He's just starting the college visits and we wish him all the best. 

Mark I went to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul and then picked up a few groceries at Publix and on home.   I washed the car and Mark did some things in she shed preparing for Joe and Joan's arrival with the cricket.

Dennis and Jamie from IL (Mark worked with them at SF) stopped by with their 2 grandchildren who are visiting - Rawley 9 and Madeline 10.   Just 2 weeks from today Blair arrives (and Michael)!!!

Joe and Joan arrived, Jim and Lydia came over and what a big help the guys were in helping to get our new air conditioner in + make sure the mini cricket golf cart would fit in the shed - it does!    We will use it occasionally till it's time to store away for the summer.  Don't want to get too used to it - need to keep walking, but it will be fun!

Joan made a batch of her delicious muddled old fashions and we all had a nice visit on our patio.    Said our good byes - Joan and Joe leave for IL next Tuesday - sure have had some fun times with them

Joe helping with the installation of air conditioner AND getting rid of a nasty wasp nest

Joan is whipping up her specialty drink

Joe, Jim and Mark pushing the cricket into she shed

Pat, Lydia, Joan

Jim, Mark, Joe

Tonight was supposed to be our end-of-season party here at Cypress Trail but illness (Covid and flu) have postponed it till next week.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - March 23

Sunny, breezy, warm day - we were off to downtown and a haircut for Mark with Jose.   I got a latte and walked around checking the progress of some shops/restaurants still closed (not sure they'll ever reopen 😞 and others slowly working on it).   

We had a fun afternoon with my grade/high school classmates.  Shirley and Dick, John and Bev met Mark and me at Cristof's for delicious lunch and much chatter on the porch.  Shirley and Dick (Dixon, IL) stay in Naples for 2 months and we've gotten together for many years.    John and Bev from St. Louis have been visiting Shirley and Dick since Monday.   Bev, Shirley and I all went to St. Mary's grade school in Sublette.  We all (except Mark) went to Amboy High School; Bev, John and Dick are 2 years older than me and Shirley is 1 year younger.   We had so much fun laughing and reminiscing.

3 Sublettians

Shirley, Bev, Pat

Dick, Shirley, Bev, John

Dick, Shirley, Pat, Mark

After the heat of the day, the evenings are so pleasant -  nice walk in the park and part of it with Jim and Lydia catching up.   

I watched the first episode of "Call the Midwife" tonight.......Season 12 is off to a great start!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIBSON

Our grand dog is "3" today!

What joy he has brought Liam and Connor (and Anne)!

 

Wednesday - March 22

 Warm breezy sunshiny day....went for a walk in the morning and met Patty and Bob from Orland Park, IL who arrived February 28th - newbies in the park.    We had a nice visit and hope to see more of these folks next year as they are leaving for Wisconsin next week and have some warranty work done on their 5th Wheel.   Bob is a newly retired pilot with United.

Pete and Barb from Wisconsin but soon-to-be Georgia residents came over for drinks and snacks in the afternoon.    We had such a good visit at their place a few weeks ago....and more fun catching up with our families, update on new home they are buidling, daughter's wedding in June, and goings on in the park,.    They have been here at Cypress Trail since the beginning (late 2013).    Interesting to hear how it was back then...

Pete and Barb

Ryan was in Bloomington tonight (picking up Fed Ex packages) and had dinner with Anne, Liam and Connor!

Tuesday - March 21

 We're back in the 80's after a little cool spell.   I went to yoga from 9-10 and now only have one more session left.   I've really enjoyed this class and our instructor Sue from Ontario is planning to teach 2x a week next season!   Yeah!!!

We met Barb and Roger at PF Changs for delicious lunch - so good to sit and yak for 2.5 hours!    We'll see them again back in IL in May.

The girls

The guys

The bougainvillea was gorgeous in Cabo, but no shortage of this beauty here at Cypress Trail

We played euchre in the clubhouse tonight - only 4 tables but extra fun as both Mark and I won top prize.    Mark and Willie tied for men so split the winnings and Mary and I tied for women and split!!!    Only one more week of euchre - the season is definitely winding down!

Monday - March 20

 Woke up to brilliant sunshine, breezy and a nippy 52 degrees.   It rained during the night - all so fresh and pretty out!   The plants really appreciated the best "drug" of all - RAIN WATER!!!

We walked late morning and did some e-mails and texts + 1 load of laundry.    As much as we love to be on the go, it's really nice to have a leisurely day of nothing special going on,

Went to Publix late afternoon - Rx were not ready so back another time but had no problem spending $70+ for a few groceries!!!    

Walked with Gary and Brenda (neighbors) tonight.

A tragic story - 2 teens from Prairie Central High School (37 miles from our kiddos in Bloomington) were killed Sunday night in a sledding accident at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Colorado during spring break.    The boys were seniors and star basketball/football players.

Sunday - March 19

  H A P P Y   "21st"   B I R T H D A Y

D A V I S

Davis is a junior at NC State majoring in mechanical engineering.    Our favorite red-head has a dry witty sense of humor, loves to golf and cook and a real joy to be around!    

It was a chilly cloudy Sunday....we went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis, then to Panera for breakfast and a few other errands.   On home and chatted with the birthday boy and then walked over to Jim and Lydia's for an afternoon of rummikube (4 games) with Mark the winner.

Fun afternoon with these two

We had a nice much-needed rain shower this afternoon - love a rainy afternoon!

Zoom was with 8 siblings tonight and the main conversation was Doris giving an update on her husband Rich who has Alzheimer's and in the hospital.    He will going to rehab and then a memory care facility.    Lots of paper work and other logistics to work out with social workers.    We sure feel for her!

Have a good week!

 

Saturday - March 18

 Hot 'n sunny....we went to 7:30 Mass with Father Anthony in the St. Francis Chapel.   On home and walked over to the annual Saturday breakfast here in the park - always lots of choices for $8.   Sat with Gary, our neighbor.   On home and tidied up the place, did some laundry and caught up on bookwork.

Charlotte and Doug came at 4 for drinks and snacks - sat on the patio and yakked away till time to leave for BJ's.    We all enjoyed our meals and what a surprise as we were walking to our table, we were seated right next to Barb and Roger.   We'll see them next week for lunch!!!

Doug and Charlotte

So thankful our kiddos are back home after vacationing in Utah and Playa Del Carmen.    

Liam and Connor had their end-of-the-season hockey "Sharknado" party.    Liam received "most assists" and Connor, "most improved" - congrats boys!!!

St. Patrick's Day - 2023

H A P P Y   SAINT   PADDY'S   D A Y!

We had a very fun day meeting our friends Steve and Connie and then riding together to Coconut Point Mall where we met Sharon and Harry who came from Naples.    We started with coffee/pastries at Panera sitting outside.    Then we girls were off to hit the shops while the guys meandered along doing their thing.

I got a dress for our nephew's upcoming wedding, Sharon got a pair of jeans and Steve, some new tennies purchased at "Fit-to-Run" and waited on by our neighbor across the street, Liz who really knows her shoes!

We met at Tommy Bahamas for delicious drinks/lunch - so different than the Tommy's we usually eat at in Naples.    This is much smaller with no inside dining and a walk-up to order from much smaller menu.   However, still very good and all happy when we left.

It was so good to get together one last time - lots of news to share with these long-time friends.   On home with awful traffic but good to be back, put the feet up and relax - big day!

Shopping at Soft Surroundings

Coconut Point is HUGE

Sampling some boba tea (1st time for Connie and Sharon) - they loved it!

Pat, Mark, Steve, Connie, Sharon, Harry

Miss Maeve put on quite a show today for "Wearin' of the Green"....

  

Sweet little Irish lass

Green hair

Green nails

And after school...

more green!

A few more beauties from Cabo...

Bougainvillea was everywhere

Fresh flowers in the kitchen and bathroom every day and a pretty hibiscus on our beds each night

 

Claire, cactus, and beautiful blooms in the desert

The Lion King

 

 

Thursday - March 16

 Lovely day....we were off to Regional Radiology and my bone density test.   Then to run a few errands and on home.  

Did another load of laundry and worked on my vacation blog.  

We went to the fish fry here in the park tonight - cod, French fries, slaw, and assorted mini cheesecakes - very good!    We sat with a couple from Hilliard, OH (where we'll be going for our nephew's wedding in May); then chatted with neighbors, Brenda and Gary, Dick and his friend Monica.    Fun time!

Cabo vacation - March 10-14

 I could write a book about this trip with a gazillion pics but will try to condense and just hit the high points!

Friday - 3/10 - Mark took me to the airport (RSW) at 6:30 for my flight to Houston and then Cabo San Lucas.   The San Jose airport was absolutely nuts with so many spring breakers (college kids and families).    A real zoo, but trudged along and cleared immigration, customs and tah dah, there was Claire waiting at the bar in the warm sunshine.  So good to connect and off to find our transportation (Transcabo) where our van arrived a short time later.

Arrived at Live Aqua residences and Paul and Kathy were there to greet us along with a warm welcome from the staff offering us margaritas.    Taken to our lovely 4-bedroom home and settled in.  We are overlooking the Sea of Cortez and have our own pool/hot tub!   After drinks and snacks, we walked to Mai, the restaurant on site for a delicious dinner sitting outside.   Paul went with 2 friends to dinner at 3 Mermaids but joined us later for dessert/drinks.    A great start to our vacation!

We have arrived!

Our home

Saturday - 3/11- We had breakfast of croissants, fresh fruit and cheese and then left for our "Juan More Taco" tour downtown.    Karina, our tour guide gave us a short educational background of Mexico and its culture, food, etc.   We meandered around the streets sampling different tacos (5), and had yummy frozen desserts at "Michoacana".    Tequila tasting came next and on back to our home.    Kathy and I took naps and Claire read.   Our driver took us to Pedregal at the Waldorf Astoria for drinks and magnificent views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

Then to Cafe Martin for a wonderful dinner under the stars with interesting decor.   Claire and I shared a spinach salad and lobster risotto.

The CCHS Saints lost the championship basketball game but can be so proud of their 2nd place finish.

Juan More Taco tour

Pat, Karina, Claire, Kathy, Paul

ready to start the tour  

Relaxing after all those tacos

Paul and Kathy

Wonderful host and hostess

Drinks at the Waldorf Astoria overlooking the Pacific

Sunday - 3/12 - Leisurely morning on the patio before we left for breakfast at Mai - so very good .    Kathy took us on a little walking tour around Live Aqua and then we changed into our swimsuits and were off to Grand Fiesta Americana.    We walked up hills, many steps and all around this huge beautiful resort that was very busy.   We settled into our cabana, had snacks and drinks delivered and just relaxed.   Later we walked on the beach and met some of their friends.  

Back home to shower and off again to 5:00 Mass with Father Francis - delightful elderly priest with neat Irish/British brogue.   Mass was in a small chapel at the Hacienda Resort. Then our driver took us to Rosato's for another delicious alfresco dining experience.   

Back to Live Aqua and stopped at Mai for Spanish Coffee (Kathy and me) prepared tableside with flaming liquor.    Claire and Paul had other beverages.  

Congratulations to Liam, Connor and their hockey team winning the last tournament of the season at Notre Dame - they were 4-0 for the weekend!

Breakfast at Mai

Gorgeous view from Grand Fiesta Americana

Babes on the Beach

Enjoying the sand/waves

Dinner at Rosato's  

Monday - 3/13 - Today was our long-awaited boat ride (whale watching) on the Rissalena (37' catamaran).    What a wonderful day on the water - sunny warm temps, beautiful boat and cruising with folks from southern Illinois, Iowa (Hawkeye alums) and Alaska.    Saw lots of whales, enjoyed delicious beverages and lunch and just a perfect day with good friends!    Did a little browsing/shopping at the huge mall next to the marina and on home to start packing.

One more dip in the hot tub and then time to get ready for dinner at Mai.   Met Paul and Kathy's friends, Amer and Marta from California who joined us for dinner.  Another incredible meal....we closed the place down at 11. 

Wind-blown girls

The whales put on quite a show for us

Pat at the Arch

Claire at the Arch

All of us at the Arch (aka Lands End)

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos is an imposing and majestic rock formation, a natural arch at the very tip of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, in the state of Baja California Sur in Mexico.

We girls with Tony and Daniel (excellent staff)

Leaving the Rissalena - just a fabulous day!  

Tuesday - 3/14 - time to leave paradise!    We had a light breakfast, packed up the cart with all our bags, checked out and onto the airport.   Amazing that our gates were all next to each other (6 for Claire on United to Chicago; 7 for Paul and Kathy on American to Dallas and 8 for me on American to Charlotte).

We all arrived home safely with oh-so-many-happy-memories! 

I'm so grateful to have this experience and enjoy the beauty of Cabo, the friendliness of the locals, delicious food, etc.   

"Big" thank you Paul and Kathy