Wednesday - January 31

 Posted by Mark:

Took Pat downtown for Manicure and Pedicure.  Dropped her off at Peters for coffee first, I went on to Dick's Sporting Goods for wrist weights.  Some of her exercises need a weight in her hand, which her hand can't hold, so we're going with Plan B - weights on the wrist.

After Dick's I headed back home and waited for Pat's call.   After she called, I suggested we go to Mason's downtown for a lobster roll.   We did that, brought it back home and shared one for lunch.

Took a walk around the park this afternoon.

Tonight we played Lucky 13, but nobody at our table was "Lucky".  Buddy, Jo Ann, Jim, Lydia, Joe and Barb from Lot 107, and Pat and I shared a table.  We were all home by 8:30.

Tuesday - January 30

 Posted by Mark:

Therapy this morning.  Pat's hand was really bothering her so for the band exercises Jeff tied the band around her wrist instead of her holding it.  That gave me an idea when she told me about it.  They want her to lift hand weight which is difficult.  I suggested we look into wrist weights instead.  Jeff agreed that wrist weights would work just fine.

Tomorrow I'll pick some up at Dick's sporting goods.  She needs the weights to help the shoulder, but her hand just can't do it.  Got to be creative finding solutions.

For some reason her shoulder was very stiff today.

After therapy we stopped at Bob Evans for breakfast.

Did our walk this afternoon.  Pat met Susan our neighbor across the street.  She was painting her totem pole.

Monday - January 29

 Posted by Mark:

Pat informed me last night that it was time to give an update on all of her aliments so here we go:

1. Shoulder - It's progressing.  PT can be painful at time.  They are estimating 5 more weeks of therapy.  Pain is usually only when doing the exercises and therapy, unless she gets it in a position it is not used too.

2. Itching -  Thanks to the Gabapentin, that has been cleared up and has not returned as she is weaning off of the pills.

3. Numbness in fingers - 3 fingers still numb, stiff, sometimes black and blue. Always have the numb and weird feeling in them.  Still only using left hand for pretty much everything.

4. Ears - Still plugged most of the time.  Things sound muffled. Doing Debrox 3 times a day with rinsing.  Not sure it is doing any good, but will continue until Doctor visit 1 week from tomorrow.

Pat now calls me a nurse as well as a caregiver  😀

Our Day -  had a number of errands to run so took off mid morning.  Bank for rolls of quarters for Lucky 13 games.  Trader Joes for goodies for friends and some for us.  Party City.  Panera bread for lunch.  Car wash.  Ran past location of her ENT appointment next week so we know where to find it. Publix for soup and chili for tonight's meal.

Got home about 3 hours after we started.

Walked late afternoon with some visiting along the way.  Windy and chilly.

Said goodbye to Tim and Melanie as Buddy and Jo Ann were taking them to the airport to return to Asheville.

Buddy, Jo Ann, Melanie, Tim

Sunday - January 28

 Posted by Mark:

A bit cooler today, but still very nice.  Went to Peter's Coffee for drinks and breakfast sandwich.  Then to 11:30 mass.

At 1:30 went to Jim and Lydia's to play Skyjo game with them and their friends Nick and Lucy.  First we had to feast on some goodies furnished by Lydia and Lucy.

Good fun game of Skyjo, on the last round 3 of us went over 100 which ends the game.(you want the lowest number).  Only good news is:  I was not at the bottom....  I can't remember if it was Lydia or Lucy that won.   As you can tell we didn't take the score or game too seriously.

Lucy, Nick

Had zoom tonight with siblings.  Caught up on activities with everyone.

Saturday - January 27

 Posted by Mark:

I'd better tell the rest of the story on Brady's basketball game.  His team had some foul trouble so they had been doing lots of substituting.  The 5 starters were put back in the game with 4 minutes to go, they started pressing and other team starting missing shots and throwing passes away.  Brady's team ended up winning by 9 points.

While we are on sports,  Luke's 5th grade city team had their last game today.  At that level everyone gets to play an equal time.  Luke made his very first basket today.   He was excited and does plan to play basketball next year.  His team only lost 1 game as they have a number of taller kids on the team.

We met Claire, Mike, Dana, and Herb at Buckingham Farms for lunch.  Dana, Herb and Mike had never been there.  Everyone enjoyed their meal.

After checking out the place and Booger the Tortoise, we came back to our place for dessert and more chatting.

Claire, Mike, Pat, Dana, and Herb

 

Tonight we went across the street to meet Buddy and Jo Ann's daughter Melanie and her husband Tim.  Jo Ann also made fudge pie for a dessert.  It was very good.  It was very nice visiting under the tiki hut and the temperature was perfect.

Friday - January 26

 Posted by Mark:

We needed to get a dessert today from Buckingham Farms, so why not do breakfast also.  Made sense to me....   Then we went to Publix and Dollar Tree for some items.   Needed 3 things from Publix, but of course I come out with 10 - 12.

This afternoon I put the skirting back on the shed.  The underneath has dried very well.

Went for a walk, ran into Paul and Patty around the corner.  I helped her with setting up her wifi system with the new park internet.  Pat had a good chat with Paul catching up on their travels.

Tonight we went to an "Almost Abba" concert and dinner buffet with Charlotte and Doug.  I did not realize how many songs Abba had.  We had a good time.

Grand Bob told me about an app that carries Brady's games.  We are watching it right now.  They are behind at half time.  Hope they pull it out.

Thursday - January 25

 Posted by Mark:

Started the day with therapy.  For the first time I forgot to check I-75 traffic.  Wouldn't you know we go right in to stop/go traffic.  Took very next exit and went in the back way.  I went to Lowe's for a few items and got back just as Pat was getting done.

When we got home we took our walk as the day was warming up.

Called ENT office to get appointment for Pat's ears. What an ordeal to get an appointment.  Finally had to agree to schedule it over one of her PT appointments.  The appointment is not for almost 2 more weeks and it will be with the PA not the doctor. The ear continues to be all plugged up.

Played Euchre tonight.  Good turnout with 5 tables playing and one bigger table.  I won first place for first time ever and won 8 dollars (half the pot).

Wednesday - January 24

 Posted by Mark:

12 years ago Pat's dad passed away.  Boy where do the years go.  He would be amazed at the technology used today in farming and every day life.

Headed off this morning for Pat's annual physical with Dr. Freeman.   She was very late due to her hospital rounds, but I told Pat if she were the patient she would appreciate the doctor hanging around.

During her visit the nurse tried to get some of her ear wax out.  She must not have done this much as Pat ended up in EXTREME PAIN.   Dr. Freeman has now set her up with an ENT for follow-up on Impacted Ear Wax.

After her very long appointment we went to the European Bakery for a late breakfast.

I forgot to add yesterday that we tried breakfast at Eastwood Golf Course.  The kitchen is now run by the people from Farmer's Market Restaurant.  It was very good.

Mid afternoon we did a walk around the park, stopping to gab with a number of people.

We went up to the clubhouse and played a game called Lucky 13.  Similar to bingo but with a card deck. There were about 20 tables of 8 people each person putting a quarter in the pot.  The winner gets the pot for that round.   No winners at our table tonight, but a fun fast game.

Jim, Mark, Pat, Jo Ann, Buddy

Tuesday - January 23

 Posted by Mark:

Therapy for Pat.  I ran record 4 stops in the 45 minutes of therapy.  Liam's care package at UPS store as a part of his Birthday present, Publix for 3 items, Staples for a return and fill gas tank.  Back for Pat 5 minutes before she got done.

Had a good walk this afternoon.  Stopped to visit Joe and Barb down the street who are from Flora Illinois. Hadn't seen them since they got back.  Caught up on their summer activities.

At 4 p.m. we left with Buddy and Jo Ann for the Gatlin show at Parrot Key on Fort Myers Beach.  Traffic was not very bad.   Show was good as always.  

Buddy and Jo Ann watching their first Gatlin show.

Monday - January 22

 Posted by Mark:

After breakfast we did some good cleaning of Flo.  Ran some errands.  A return at hardware store, dropped off our old flag at the American Legion. Target for Starbucks fix, then a couple of items. Last stop was Home Depot for flowers.

We are set to entertain some folks this weekend.

On our way home Pat wanted to see if she could drive if we had an emergency and she was needed.  We went to a big remote parking lot.  She said it felt weird to have her right hand on the wheel but she did it fine as long as her hand was on the bottom of the wheel.  She's not ready for Fort Myers traffic, but if needed she could get me some where safe.   This way she could also add it to her list of "Things I can do now".   She also added "put on ear rings" to that list today.  Building that list is a good morale boost for her.

Defrosted the freezer this afternoon, a job that was really needed.

Weather today was nice and a bit warmer.

Today was the 8 week point for her surgery and recovery.

Took a walk tonight but it was getting windy and chilly towards the end.

Sunday - January 21

 Posted by Mark:

Woke up to 41 degrees this morning.  We decided to wait a bit to go outside for church, etc.  Headed out about 10 for Peter's coffee shop downtown.  Then we went to 11:30 mass.  It was 61 degrees when we got home.

Around 4 p.m. we went for our walk.  It was very breezy.  Stopped to see Jim and Lydia.  The got back from their 3 weeks of cruising.   Jim said they came back 2 days too soon.  80s by Wednesday.

We got the details on our friend Jerry's funeral.  We really wish we could be there for Sue, but wasn't meant to be.

Had family zoom.  Talked about the weather up north, Jim's 3 week cruise, and Theresa's move process.  Moving after 40+ years is a big deal.  Sounds like the plan is coming together.

Saturday - January 20

 Posted by Mark:

Pat started her day with her exercises and oatmeal.  I went to Hardees for my biscuit and gravy.  Weather was cool but sunny and not a cloud in the sky.  

We got a call around 12:30 from our long long time friend Sue telling us that Jerry passed away very peacefully at home about 1 hour  before with all of his family there.  We first met them in 1971. No matter how many heath challenges Jerry had thru the years he was always very upbeat. He set a great example for others.

Mid afternoon I went to hardware store to get some smaller washers for the door I fixed.  It sticks at times and I thing the parts are binding, so reducing the space needed.  I think that will fix it.

Went for long walk, then talked to our neighbors Gary and Brenda who had just gotten back from the Tampa RV show.   They liked the show but did not like the traffic.

We went to Fancy's Southern Kitchen tonight with other neighbors - Buddy and Jo Ann.  Good comfort food for a cool night.

Friday - January 19

 Posted by Mark:

Easy day today.  No where we had to be, one of those rare days.  Pat worked on our social calendar.  Texting and phone calls to set up lunches, shopping etc.  She may not be able to drive yet, but she is getting back in the groove 😀

I got in a couple of walks and caught up on some year end book work.

Rained on and off during the day but not heavy.  By late afternoon it was very nice so we did a nice walk around the park.

We made BLTs for supper.  Always a favorite - at least with me!

Thursday - January 18

 Posted by Mark:

Started the day with therapy.  For the first time I did not have any errands to run.  After that we went next door to Bob Evens for breakfast.

Back home I did some clean up after all of our water.  Also opened up under the shed to dry it out before mold sets in.   While doing that I found 5 left over boards from the shed floor.  We have some stains in the floor.  We can use these boards, or we may go with a rug in the shed.

Buddy and Jo Ann stopped by for a brief visit.  Made some future plans to go out to eat.

We left mid afternoon to run errands at 4 stores then on to Prawnbroker for early bird dinner with Connie and Steve.   Connie has been released from therapy for her ankle.  Our meals were excellent as always.

Steve, Mark, Pat, Connie

Wednesday - January 17

 Posted by Mark:

Florida sunshine is back (at least for today).   I had a haircut appointment so we headed down to drop Pat off at Peter's coffee shop first.  Marika was very upset because a fellow was in the shop yesterday and stole all of the money out of the tip jar.  They have him on camera actually doing it.   

I went to see Jose for my haircut and to catch up on what his new young daughter is doing.  She is almost 15 months old and her personality is really coming out he says.  Sounds like she may have Daddy wrapped around her finger.

After I picked up Pat we drove thru Dean historic district near downtown that Charlotte and Doug have been talking about.  They like walking in that area.  Nice quiet side streets.

Then a quick stop at CVS and on home.

Took a nice walk in our resort after lunch, at times very warm, and at times chilly defending on the direction we were walking.   Saw people airing out various items that got soaked in the high water.

I took some siding off the bottom of our shed and have a fan blowing air underneath to dry it out.  Have never had water under it before.

Tuesday - January 16

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had therapy today but not until 11:15 so no big rush getting around.  While she was at therapy I went to Publix and to Goodwill.  Pat came home with another new exercise.  

This afternoon was rain off and on.  Thankfully more off than on.  Hard to get a good number on how much we have gotten, but it is at least 4 inches.   If this keeps up I'll have to put out my own rain gauge!

We went out to The Saucy Meatball with friends from the park - Brenda and Mark.  Pat and I had never eaten there.   Everyone enjoyed their meal.  We caught up on their trip to the Canadian Maritime Provinces this summer with their Airstream.  It brought back memories of our trip there in 2012.

Brenda, Mark, Mark, Pat

Monday - January 15

 Posted by Mark:

We haven't floated away yet --  more about that later.

We both had a great night of sleep. Pat had a plan to meet Claire at Anthony's at 10.  I took her, then went to Walmart for prescription and to Lowe's for outside electrical GFI plug.   Original plug on the shed was not weather resistant.

Pat called at 1:15 to say she'd be ready in 30 minutes for Pick-up at Cristof's on McGregor.

 We got home as it was light rain.  Before 4 pm it became heavy rain and lasted until 8 p.m.   We have never had our pavers covered in water.

Back of our lot facing North.

Back of our lot facing South

Pictures were taken at 5:30 when we just had a river in the back yard.   When I went out at 8 p.m.75 % of our pavers were covered in water anywhere from 1 to 5 inches.  We will have to see what tomorrow brings after the water recedes.  In the 7 seasons we've been here never had this much water.

Water depth on pavers at rear of our lot.

So far the alligators have not moved in, but it's Florida never assume the coast is clear. 😀

Sunday - January 14

 Posted by Mark:

A very leisurely day.  For us in Florida it was chilly, cloudy, and raining.  Pat spent the day worrying about Liam and Connor going to Iowa City from Bloomington.  They made it fine, but Connor said they saw over 70 cars in the ditch in the 200 miles they traveled.  Connor heads back to Bloomington tomorrow. 

Had zoom with my siblings tonight.  Main discussion was weather related.  For some reason, no one seems to care about chilly weather in Florida 😀

Saturday - January 13

 Posted by Mark:

We think we are having a cold spell, then we turn on weather channel are realize we're 60 degrees warmer than up north, so we put on a jacket and deal with it. 😀

Did a late breakfast at Oasis diner downtown Fort Myers. I was getting hungry for a waffle.

Then we stopped at Flea Market.  Our excuse was:  "looking for a rug for She Shed".  Did not find any good ones, but enjoyed the looking around.

A couple we met at Rog and Martin's last night - Kevin and Melissa stopped by.  They boat on Lake Shelbyville with Dennis and Jamie.  We talked RVs and boats.  They have done multiple sections of the loop.   Maybe someday they will finish it up.

We went to 4 o'clock mass at St. Vincent de Paul.  Pat always likes the pastor there.  Then went to Rib City to pick up takeout dinner.   While waiting for dinner Jim and Lydia called to check in before their ship leaves for the last week of their cruising.  It's heading to Aruba.

On home for dinner.  Ribs were excellent.

Got text from Connor.  They won their hockey match 7 - 0.  He scored the 5th goal.

He will be taking Liam back to Iowa City tomorrow for Liam's 2nd semester at Univ of Iowa.  They will have a cold trip tomorrow.

Friday - January 12

 Posted by Mark:

Easy day.  Warmed up nicely but then warm weather brought rain.  Late this afternoon we headed down towards Fort Myers Beach to Rog and Martin's place.  They were celebrating his 71st birthday.  Traffic down was heavy.  Rained a lot while we were there. 

Had heavy appetizers and lots of chatting.

Happy Birthday Martin

Thursday - January 11

 Posted by Mark:

Big highlight for today - Pat was able to wear a top that does not zip, button, or snap up the front.  She is able to bend way forward, work the sleeves up both arms, then use left hand to lift it over her head.  Here is her end result:

Buttons are fake. Went on over her head.

This does a lot for her mood knowing that she has a much bigger wardrobe to choose from!

We went to Farmers Market for late breakfast with neighbors Buddy and Jo Ann.  Good chance to gab and catch up.

Buddy, Jo Ann

Therapy early afternoon with Jeff.  He gave her more new exercises.  Just keep pushing the limit. I went to Walmart for a few groceries.  Then we went to Dollar Tree to stock up on Valentine's cards and other cards she will soon need.

Euchre tonight at the clubhouse.  We're hoping for a good turnout.

Last night our Grandson Brady's team had a wild basketball game.  Both teams undefeated in their conference.  Brady's team - Patton had a great 1st half.  East Rutherford came back the second half. It was tied with 30 seconds to play.  Other team had the ball but Patton was able to deflect a pass and Patton recovered, passed the ball to Brady and he drove the lane making a left hand lay up just before the buzzer.  What a finish!  Proud Grandma and Grandpa.

Wednesday - January 10

 Posted by Mark:

Only thing on agenda today was for Joan and Joe to come pick up their Cricket.  Joan texted that they would get here late morning.   They let me know they were passing Babcock Ranch around 10 a.m.

Their friends Steve and Sue from Ohio came with them as they know how to 'collapse' the Cricket.

With all the help, loading it up was easy.  We did need to collapse it to fit in his 5.5 foot truck bed.

Then the guys swapped my shed Air Conditioner unit for me and they were good to go.

Sue, Steve, Joan, Joe

The tires on the Cricket left marks on the floor that Joan wasn't able to get off.  But one of the ladies had the great idea of "get a rug".   Pat loved the idea and is now on the hunt for a  4 X 6 rug.   Always good to have something for Pat to be shopping for.

Took a walk later in the day, but other than that, an easy day.

Tuesday - January 9

 Posted by Mark:

Nine years ago today my Dad died.  He would be very proud of the family he raised.  He left some awfully big footsteps to fill.

Therapy this morning.  Traffic was very heavy on I-75 so did alternate route.  I went to Bob Evens for breakfast while Pat worked away.

After therapy we went downtown to Peters for Pat. She had a coffee and muffin. Then she was off for a manicure.

On home to wait for Philip who was flying in from Detroit.  We never know where our boys will be each week.  Michael is in Charlotte all week.  Ryan is currently in Fargo, ND.

We went to Buckingham Farms for late lunch and catching up with Philip.   He and Annette still fighting their coughs which seem to linger.

Momma always happy when one of her kids stop by. 

Philip headed on to Fort Lauderdale and we headed home to wait for storm to pass thru. Very windy all day.  Hard rain about 7ish, but did not last long.

Monday - January 8

 Posted by Mark:

Off to Venice to meet Linda and Bob who were coming from Lakeland, FL.   Stopped at Black and Gold Coffee Roasters just off I-75 in Venice.   The ladies went off shopping and Bob and I headed to Venice Island Coffee shop with our puzzles and I-pads.  

Met ladies for lunch at Venice Café.  It has moved across the street and enlarged since Pat and I ate there years ago.   Everyone enjoyed their lunch.   A bit more shopping for the ladies, a nap in the car for Bob and I.

Said our goodbye, then Pat and I had a bit of ice cream nearby.

Six weeks ago Pat had surgery.  On the way back home it really started aching.  Pat is now a weather forecaster as her shoulder aches when bad weather (front) is coming thru.  

Weather all over the country sounds nasty for next 24 hours or so. Just heard 49 states under some type of weather alert.

Joan and Joe were going to come down to get their Cricket golf cart tomorrow, but we have moved that back to Wednesday.

Sunday - January 7

 Posted by Mark:

First I'd better give an update on the door.  Only needed to use a screw driver to get out a few times.

This morning early I did a google search.  Found a YouTube video that explained the  modifications to the door handle to improve and fix the issue with it coming off.  It involved adding 1 screw and 2 washers.  Did not have to take any other parts off.  I sent the link to Buddy to show him.  He showed up tonight with the parts because they were at a restaurant today in Punta Gorda and the Ace Hardware was right across the street.  Gotta love helpful neighbors.    

15 minutes of work and end result is better than original.

Went to church at 9:30 mass.  Shortly after we got home, Rog and Martin showed up and we off to Rum Bucket.   Used to be "The Hut", but under new ownership.  We all enjoyed our meal.  We ate inside as it was chilly for us Floridians!   (68 degrees)

Back to Flo for more chatting.

Martin and Rog

Took it easy the rest of the afternoon.

Zoom tonight with most everyone attending.  Lots of chatting on health issues and catching up with status of each family.  Joan's son John is dealing with some intestine issues and Jim/Lydia's daughter-in-law Mary has pain in back and side that has not yet been fully diagnosed.   

Saturday - January 6

 Posted by Mark:

Easy day today schedule wise.  Nothing on the agenda.  I did a late breakfast at Hardees for my biscuit and gravy.   Pat did her exercises. Late morning the rain started.  Then at times it really poured.  Our neighbor texted to have us look in the back yard to see the "river" flowing.   Water was running pretty fast to a standpipe a few lots to the south. 

After the rain was done I ran to Publix for a few things, when I got back bunches of dog walkers were out.

We went for our walk at 3:30 and ran into a few people who hadn't heard about Pat's shoulder.  Fun chatting with folks.

Cleaned up part of the fridge for supper tonight.

Then things got exciting.  I was talking to Michael on the phone and was also wanting to open the door to set up Pat's shoulder pulley system for her to exercise.  When I pulled on the door handle it came off in my hand.  Picture me holding the door handle which has broken off, inside the RV with door still closed.  I'm starting to get out the manuals on getting the door to open, when Pat says,  "Why can't Buddy just come over and open the door from the outside?"  Duh,  some times the best ideas are the most simple.

Buddy did come over and open the door.  Once we could separate the main door from the inside screen door we could take the cover off and see where it broke.  I'm able to open the door from the inside with a screwdriver.   Tomorrow we will take it further apart in daylight.

What should have been a simple quiet day ended with some good excitement.   Guess Pat won't be sneaking out to party tonight without me.  She'll need her trusty screw driver helper  🧰

Friday - January 5

 Posted by Mark:

Therapy this morning.  I did a Walmart run for a few items.  Traffic was light and Walmart not busy.   Good time to do this.  Pat had her session with Chad.  She said it went well.

Went home for a bit, then on to Buckingham Farms for lunch with Charlotte and Doug.  Good lunch and good visiting.   Will see them again on Monday.

It was good hearing that Beth is improving.

Had a lazy afternoon, then went for walk around 4:30.  Very nice out when we started but started to get chilly towards the end.

Tonight was leftovers and a taste of Chocolate cake we bought at Buckingham farms.

We're all settled in for the night.

Thursday - January 4

 Posted by Mark:

Appointment this morning with PA - Michael.  Very good visit. Pat can use her arm/shoulder as she sees fit.  If things hurt "don't do it".   Incision looks good.  Not concerned about the fingers,  give it 3 months for progress check. Wants her to see Dr. Mehalik in 4 weeks. Ease off of Gabapentin to every other night.  He thinks her itching problems are probably behind her.

After the appointment we headed to Punta Gorda to have lunch at Leroy's Southern Kitchen with Allie and Owen.  Good food and lots of visiting.  Then we walked a block away to see some yarn decorations by the PGICA in stitches group (Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association).

Then walked to coffee and chocolate shop for a dessert and more visiting.

Owen, Mark, Pat, Allie

From there we went to check out the Wine and Chocolate shop.   Of course we all had to buy some chocolates for later.

On our way home we got an update on our friend Beth.  She is now on an all liquid diet, but they want her to stay a few more days of observation. 

Tonight Amazon dropped off an exercise pulley which her therapist suggested yesterday.  They suggest and Amazon delivers today.  Talk about speedy delivery....  One more exercise added to Pat's list.

Wednesday - January 3

 Posted by Mark:

Did not have appointment until afternoon so no rush to get moving.   We finished sending all of our "2023 Year in Review" letters and emails.   Getting lots of nice notes back.  Pat loves them (me too).

Walked up to Farmers Market.  It was supposed to go until 1, but at 11:15 they were packing things up.  

Pat had therapy at 2:15.  I went to Steak n Shake for a snack.   She had rough session.  She knows from the other shoulder that she would have some of those sessions, but that doesn't make it any easier.

Forgot to mention that yesterday we found a new coffee shop "Summer Moon" off 41 mile north of Bell Tower shops.

Pretty Sunset tonight at CT posted by one of the owners.

Tuesday - January 2

 Posted by: Mark

Checkup with Dr. Olga for Pat.  Follow up on surgery, etc.  Blood work and will see her again in 3 weeks for her annual check-up and review the blood work.

While Pat was there I went to Plexiglass place to see about issues with Flo's front fold up window.  It is tinted plexiglass and has scratches and places that don't clean up.  They suggested trying some special cleaner as to replace it means I have to take out the 25 rivets.  They don't take it out of the frame for liability reasons.  If the cleaner doesn't work, it will be a job for the Airstream Factory.

Then I went to Walmart for a storage container for the Christmas decoration I purchased earlier.

We went to lunch (actually late breakfast) at the House of Omlets.   Both had breakfast choices.

At 12:30 we went to a movie.  Usually see one about every 2 years.  We saw "The Boys in the Boat".  We had both read the book years ago.   Really did enjoy the movie.  Could have done without the 25 minutes of ads and previews before the movie.

On way home stopped for a prescription pick up for Mark.

Got home about 7 hours after we left this morning.  Pat had many texts and phone calls to catch up on.  She made plans for us to meet her brother Bob and Linda in Venice next Monday. Her social calendar is starting to fill up on the days she does not have therapy.

Had BBQ sandwiches for supper.   We had made it together before we left this morning.  Neither of us cooks much, but together we can get the job done.

I was on the phone a few times helping my sister Joan and Joe navigate thru Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi.  They are on their way with their RV to Arcadia for 3 months.  They were trying a new route suggested by Jim, but he's on a cruise to Curacao so I was her backup plan 😀

They hope to make it from Sterling, IL to Tupelo, MS tonight.

Really sorry to hear our friend Beth is in the hospital.  Praying for a quick recovery.

New Years 2024

 Posted by Mark:

Happy New Year 2024!

We had a fridge full of left overs so we decided that today would be a 'stay home' day.

Lots of noise and fireworks last night but after 11 p.m. I was out like a light and never heard any of the noise at midnight.

Easy morning, chilly.  Did laundry and worked on our Year In Review letter.  Did not get a Christmas letter out, but will get a New Years Letter out.

This afternoon did more laundry and sent out many Email letters.  I did the computer work and Pat gave me the names.  Already getting back many nice responses.

Good long walk this evening.  Park is really buzzing with activity.

Tomorrow is Pat's annual visit with her doctor.  This week is either a Doctor visit or PT every day.