Travels of Mark and Pat: April 2024

Tuesday - April 30

Good travel day with mostly cloudy skies but we are oh so happy to be off the road. We were on Highway 301 for 24 miles and I-95 rest of the way covering 333 miles. After 2 big days, my shoulder and hand are ready for a break - sore and stiff!

We left the campground at 8:35 this morning. I enjoyed my oldies, Mark, the peace 'n quiet and we prayed the rosary. Stopped for gas (Ruby) and diesel (Big Red) in Yulee, FL with another stop in Yemassee SC for lunch at Love's truck stop (Hardees). We arrived at 2 at the Midpoint I-95 RV Park in Sellers, SC - nothing fancy but got good reviews and not a lot to choose from in these parts.

Took a nap and then went into Dillon, closest big town at 6000+. Dinner at La Oaxaquena Tienda and Taqueria (authentic Mexican only open a little over a month.) Food was good but sooo cold in there we both got sweatshirts from the car. Dillon has a super Walmart, so we walked around a bit and then drove to Sellers - not much here and sure has fallen on hard times - post office was about it. On home...

Can't believe it's the last day of April! Tomorrow we head to Raleigh and start Davis's graduation festivities!

Monday - April 29

Our day started with an early rising and a light breakfast, stowed our stuff away and I was off to my last therapy with Jeff at the Sanctuary, my "home away from home" for the past 5 months. He took measurements, went over all my at-home exercises and we chatted about his trip to Alaska last week celebrating his girlfriend, Annie's 40th birthday - it was COLD up there!!!

And then time to say good bye (few tears for me) - I know Jeff and Chad would've liked for my shoulder to have more mobility but....just not happening. They assure me with continued exercises, it will improve! 📿📿🤞🤞 Happy to be done with the pros and all the therapy, but will miss Chad, Jeff and the great receptionist staff.

Jeff

While I was gone Mark finished up final check list for she shed , Big Red and Flo......he met me at the 7-eleven on Luckett and away we went north on I-75 - "I will follow him" just like the song was sung by Little Peggy March back in 1963!

Stopped at the Wesley Chapel rest stop - sandwiches on Flo and "back on the road again" - just like the song - a favorite from Willie Nelson

Traffic on I-75 was pretty heavy at times - we did a total of 309 miles to the Cary State Forest near Bryceville, FL at the rate of $21.16. What a deal and only 10 sites here (4 occupied and a few tent campers).

Tomorrow we are headed to Sellers, SC which has a population of 146 😕😕😕

Sunday - April 28

Hot 'n sunny Sunday....we decided to get some work done this ,orning outside putting things away and finish up the she shed. Then to 11:30 Mass at st. Francis Xavier with Father Steve. We had a craving for Pinchers crab rangoon, so off we went for appetizers (crab rangoon and orange honey shrimp) and crab/corn chowder. All excellent! And the grand finale for our last eating out meal for the season in Fort Myers was to go chocolate and carrot cake - oink oink.....nice to nibble on as we're traveling the next few days! 😋

Stopped at Publix for a few groceries, put gas in Ruby and on home.. Mark got Big Red hooked up to Flo and I got the flowers out of the decorative pots and loaded into Ruby.

Went for a walk in the evening and finally met fellow Airstream owners, Ron and Sheree from Dayton, OH. We kept missing each other when we were out and about. They invited us in their tiki for a glass of wine and a fun visit. This fall, we'll reconnect!

Sheree and Ron

Good visit on Zoom - missing Janet, Marilyn and Tom H,

Tomorrow I have my last PT with Jeff and then we are heading north for Davis's graduation Thursday.

Despite all the therapy sessions and other doctor visits, we have so enjoyed a great winter at Cypress Trail. Till mid October...

Saturday - April 27

A very pretty summery day with a nice breeze. We set to work with Mark finishing up things outside and in the she shed, plus a trip to Home Depot to buy a dolly for moving things as I'm not a lot of help with heavier stuff. I did 4 loads of laundry and worked on things to take with us. Had a few sprinkles around 3:30.

Kay and Jim spent the day in Naples and were so impressed with the beauty of that area, the ginormous homes, lovely landscape, etc.

The 4 of us went downtown and had dinner at Firestone Grill - soooo good and 1st time for us this year. Since we didn't have a reservation, we sat outside which was very pleasant. Lots of kiddos walking around for prom. Love seeing all the pretty dresses.

After dinner we walked around and then went to The Beacon (12th floor of the Luminary) for dessert. Love the views and our desserts were excellent. 3 of them enjoyed the chocolate mousse (with cracker jacks and pretzels) and I had the pina colada cake.

Yummy!

At the top of the Luminary

Mark, Pat, Kay, Jim

(sun reflected off Mark's jacket)

As we were leaving downtown, the Burroughs House and the Heitman Home were all lit up and lots of prom kids were out and about - what a beautiful setting by the water on this gorgeous evening

And then we dropped off these dear friends with good bye hugs and "hoping" to see them in Port Clinton this summer. They have so many exciting adventures ahead of them and we wish them safe travels and fun times!

What a great way to end our season with their visit!

Luke came in 2nd place (behind an adult) in a 1-mile color run at school

and then got colored!!!

Annette and Maeve walked it

Friday - April 26

What a fun day! Mark was off for a haircut with Jose and Kay and I were off on a shopping expedition to Anthony's. This chain is only in Florida, so Kay was not familiar with all the cute clothes and had a hey day! I was her go-fer getting correct sizes, colors, etc. and took to dressing room and then putting those things she didn't want back on the rack! We were there almost 2 1/2 hours!!! Fun.....I bought a pair of shorts.

The shopper with all her new pretties!

Then we were off to Deep Lagoon to meet the guys or lunch. It's such a pretty place and we really enjoyed our lunch on Wednesday, so.....the guys came and got a table but busy place and such a nice day, everyone wanted to sit outdoors. We had a nice window seat inside but it was chilly!.

Jim and Kay

Came home and took naps! Jim and Kay drove downtown and toured the Edison/Ford Museum. They came over for drinks and visiting on our patio, then we took them for a ride in the Cricket around the park and finally, dessert on the patio. Kay took some pics of the lake across the street and then we said good night! Such a fun day!

Long-time friends and fellow Siublettians

Today would've been Anne and Patrick's 21st wedding anniversary!

Thursday - April 25

A busy day with some emotion (no big surprise and you know I hate good byes) for me....I drove myself for the 1st time to the Sanctuary (Lee Health) and last PT with Chad.

Some tears for me saying good bye to this guy - Chad has been so supportive and encouraging! We had many good chats and I will miss him (not the PT, though)! 😂

I drove downtown for my mani pedi but first stopped at Peter's for coffee and pastries to go. Stefan and Marika were sitting outside enjoying their coffee - they are such sweet folks and our very favorite coffee shop!

Stefan, Marika, Pat

Then to enjoy some pampering with Alisa for a fresh mani pedi. She's been fun to visit with this season and does a great job....till October!

Alisa

I parked in the Luminary Hotel parking lot. I paid inside the hotel for the parking, got in Ruby with my ticket to get thru the gate and waited for a truck and car in front of me to leave. But, the gate would not open....2 guys who work at the hotel apologized that I was stranded (1st guy) and the next one said, "so sorry for taking you hostage". Not sure what they did cause it wouldn't go up manually either. 20 minutes later, I was on my way!

Back home for a quick lunch and what a wonderful surprise......our friends from Arizona are on a long camping trip and lo and behold, are staying the next 3 nights right here in Cypress Trail (total coincidence) AND, they are 2 lots away from us! Soooo good to see them but only for a quick hug as Mark and I were on our way to next appts.

Dr. Collins, my hand surgeon was very encouraged with how the hand looks and told me not to worry about the strange sensations (burning, tingling, vibrating, numbness, stiffness, etc.) that are still there after 5 months - always those same 4 words - "plan on a year". I'm officially done with her unless I have some ? and so easy to reach her thru my portal. Would highly recommend for any hand issues!

And then my last hurrah with Paul, OT - another wonderful paraffin wax dip and ultrasound along with other little thingys to exercise the palm and fingers. I have so much respect for these PT/OT folks. They certainly have helped me! Paul was awesome!

Paul

Highly recommend this place

Dr. Mehalik, his PA, Michael Young, Dr. Collins and Paul

And finally back home....Kay invited us to their tiki hut, so we grabbed some cold beverages and spent 2+ hours visiting and catching up. They gave us a tour of their new camper - wow...beautiful!!! This is a brand new experience for Kay,,,,so far, so good! Just so happy they are here!

Jim, Kay and their new home

Leftovers for supper and then went for a walk! Kay and I are on a shopping mission tomorrow!

Liam called tonight - what a nice treat. He's getting ready for finals, moving out of the dorm and then he and Connor are running a 1/2 marathon in the Quad Cities on Mother's Day. Best of luck!!! Can't believe how fast his freshman year has gone!

Wednesday - April 24

We had a very productive morning working in the she shed and inside Flo. Things are shaping up and coming together. We left before 11 for our dermatology full-body check-ups with Dr. Kagen - he pronounced us both with excellent skin!

From there, we went to the Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House for. lunch. It was so pleasant sitting outdoors by the water and all the boats and makes us antsy to get back to Catrina. We thoroughly enjoyed our delicious drinks and meal.

Great day for outdoor dining

Awesome lunch!

I had crab rangoon and seafood gumbo

Mark had the coconut shrimp with onion rings and mashed sweet potatoes

We had a few hours till next appointment, but too far to go back home, so went to the Lakes Regional Library and read/played games on our I-pads.

Last stop of the day was at Dr. Freeman's office (my primary physician). We caught up with the latest on my shoulder/hand and I'm good to go till October (hopefully)?

We now have 4 doctor appointments scheduled for October when we return. 😒

On home with heavy rush-hour traffic. Another warm day - 88 and lots of sunshine. Went for a walk around 7 when it cooled down a bit - more empty lots tonight.

Tuesday - April 23

An early start to our day, leaving Flo at 7:10 AM. Our first stop was Dr Langford for my appointment, Then to therapy with Chad. I've not had him for several weeks, so he was. happy with my progress and gave me a new exercise. He asked if I had ever done yoga? "Yes. but it's been awhile" He suggested the child's pose. and had me try it with a good stretch of the shoulder. Sure beats climbing the wall.

Mark and I were off to Charlotte Harbor (on the Peace River across from Punta Gorda). The plan was to meet Allie and Owen who are driving from North Port at Sunseekers, the beautiful new resort developed by Allegiant Airlines.

WOW.....WOW...more WOW!!! It opened just before Christmas and now there are 20 restaurants (including a big food court called "Harbor Food Hall"). A boardwalk (Promenade) winds around the entire complex on the river. There are 785 hotel rooms, two swimming pools, including the largest rooftop pool in the country, plus many shops and other amenities. We enjoyed our al fresco lunch at Waterside Table - delicious and so pretty on this lovely day!

Pat and Allie started off with refreshing

"Lemon wine sangrias"

Pretty waterfall behind us - can't really see the water in this pic

Gorgeous rooftop pool

Guests pay $25 to enjoy

Non-guests pay $75

We walked around afterwards and of course, always a fun time when we're together., Had some gelato and Mark and I brought 2 desserts home for later. The selection was incredible as we stood in front of the counter oohing and aahing.

Beautiful display of unique desserts

Alligator cupccakes

Flamingo cupcakes

Mark chose the Decadent Chocolate

I chose Allie's peach cobbler cheesecake (actual name)!

We said our good byes with hugs and the hope that we can get together somewhere sometime this summer!

Luke and his buddies on a canoe trip last weekend

Mommy and Maeve on her field trip today to South Mountain

Now that's a waterfall
Allie and Maeve

Had a nice chat tonight with our long-time friend back in Bloomington. Donna Rae is 92 today!

Monday - April 22

Had an early morning (5:45) thunderstorm roll thru with thunder, lightning and heavy rain.

We were off to First Watch on McGregor to meet Connie and Steve for breakfast. Our last outing this season with these good friends and another delicious meal. Despite Connie's broken ankle, my shoulder and hand issues +++ lots of therapy for both of us, we still managed to get together several times to eat, laugh and enjoy our longtime friendship. Happy memories of visiting their lovely new home at Shell Point Retirement Community, meeting and eating at Sweet Bean Cafe, Backyard Social, our Valentine's Day luncheon with Jim and Lydia at Cooper's Hawk, Laishley's with mutual friends Ron and Lois, the wonderful sunset wine cruise off Captiva and a fun get together on Redington Beach with our friends, Cathy and Don.

Connie and Steve

Connie and I stopped into Jennifer's (very nice ladies store) and browsed a bit and then goodbye hugs. Mark and I hung out at the shopping plaza where Jewel (hairdresser) works, and I did some shoulder exercises and we walked. I also checked out Tami's Chique Unique Boutique consignment shop.

Off to 12:30 therapy with Paul - good session with paraffin wax treatment, ultrasound and some more new exercises (one with squeezing a sponge). He did some measurements and was pleased with my progress. And then we went home and started in with our stuff - a very productive afternoon!

Leftovers for supper and then a pleasant walk in our very quiet park. Cypress Trail residents are continuing the trek northbound.

I watched the 6th episode of "Call the Midwife" tonight - another warm touching story!

Sunday - April 21

Started the day going to 9:30 Mass at St Francis Xavier. then across the street to Xavier Hall for pancake. or waffle breakfast, along with bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and cinnamon rolls. Quite a feast. We sat and had a nice visit with a couple who have been long-time parishioners and have children in high school - freshman and sophomore.

On home and started working in the she shed with all the clothes, sorting etc. Bins to stay in shed, and more stuff for Flo - (still have to organize closet)

Jim and Lydia stopped by with the cricket, which we will store in the she shed for Joan and Joe.

Had a yummy chicken casserole that Vicki had brought along with applesauce, biscuits and lemon cake. Then for a walk in the park. Still pretty warm out there.

Busy week ahead with therapy, doctor appointments, one breakfast and two lunches with. friends AND organize our stuff here and there!

Family zoom tonight missing Theresa and Sharon. Plenty of lively conversation on several subjects plus wishing Jim and Lydia safe travels tomorrow as they leave Cypress Trail and to Doris as she heads to Lake James, NC on Wednesday.

Enjoy your week!

Saturday - April 20

We started organizing stuff in the she shed and truck getting ready for when we leave on April 29th. We have a long way to go but... little by little day by day.

Today we met longtime friends, Lee and Tamara in Venice. They drove down from Bradenton, and we enjoyed an almost 3-hour lunch/visit outside Cafe Venice - GREAT friends, weather and meal! We had not been with them since January 29th. 2022 so a whole lot of yakkin! Our waiter, Chad is from Peoria, IL.

Mark, Pat, Tamara, Lee

Back home, did some laundry, took naps and enjoyed the AC as it hit 91 today.

Tonight is Liam and Connor's prom - only a high of 49 with strong gusty winds and a freeze warning overnight! 😰

Anne and her boys!

Connor and Haley

Jaycee and Liam

Mark and I walked around the park - visited with Jim who was also walking and then...

Lydia enjoying the Cricket borrowed from Joan and Joe

Friiday - April 19

Another very warm day. We were off at 8:30 with Mark driving Big Red and me in Ruby to Galloway. Ford/Lincoln for maintenance on both vehicles. They gave us a loaner car, and we were off to Starbucks for our coffees and we shared a cheese Danish.. Then to hand therapy with Paul. I'm down to only one session left with him. He did a paraffin dip and ultrasound both heavenly!!!! I much prefer the hand therapy vs. shoulder - that climbing the wall is NOT fun!!!

We met Beth and John at the Shrimp Shack for delicious lunch and a great catch-up visit. We've missed seeing them (only 2x this winter) cause of health issues! Till October....hopefully, we all will be on the upswing.

John, Beth, Pat, Mark

Blair went on a school field trip today to the Science Discovery Center in Charlotte.

Galloway called that the car and truck were ready so we headed over there. I came home and Mark went to Walmart to pick up 2 Rx. Mark went to brother Jim's to do some computer stuff (mesh point)

Congratulations to Luke who was invited to join the National. Junior Beta Club for academic achievement (3.5 gpa).

Sooo many things I haven't been able to do since the accident, since I'm right handed. But very recently, I can hold a fork, a pen (writing is still not pretty, but then never was that good 😞), button and unbutton buttons, zip zippers, squeeze toothpaste, etc. Turning a door knob is still a challenge.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - April 18

This is Pat and I'm baaaack after a 5 1/2 month break from the blog. Thanks to Brooke, I am using voice text to computer so not having to type - at least for awhile. Another milestone today was driving for the first time since November 1, 2023. Whew....all went well and glad that 1st outing is behind me!

Another busy day starting at 8:30 with Jeff for therapy and then meeting Ron and Vicki at Farmers Market for breakfast. and saying goodbye after a really fun visit.

Leaving Farmers Market with a delicious piece of pineapple upside cake (they have thee best desserts)!

I had a noon appt. with Jewel for a haircut. Always good to visit with her and catch up on the latest with her new home being built on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian took everything (home and possessions) away. We got Ruby ((my new wheels) cleaned inside and out at Eager Beaver car wash. I had an afternoon appt. with Dr. Langford and on home. at 3:15 Good to be home and take it easy after a go go go day. Another very warm day.

What can I say about Mark my caregiver extraordinaire? He's been there since the day this nightmare started on November 12th. He's seen me thru 2 surgeries. had to do all the driving along with helping with therapy exercises, cleaning, laundry, cooking, blogging, my tears, etc. etc. It's been a challenge and he's been a trooper through it all. A HUGE GINORMOUS THANK YOU! He's a keeper! 😊

Wednesday - April 17

Posted by Mark:

Pat was able to remove her wrist brace this morning. Will only need it at night for next 2 weeks. (Does that mean she'll be doing the blog soon. 😀😍)

No appointments today. Just spend the day with Ron and Vicki.

Picked them up at 9 a.m. Headed to McGregor Cafe for breakfast.

Vicki enjoying her Bellini.

From there we dropped the ladies off at Wilford & Lee and we went to total wine and target.

After the ladies were done we headed to the beach. We drove to Salty Sam first to show the pictures they had of the marina damage. From there we hit many streets on Fort Myers beach to show the damage. All the way to Lovers Key and back.

On the way back to Flo we stopped at Sun Harvest for ice cream cones.

At home we played some Euchre. Ron and I won first game, Vicki and Pat won the sccond.

Neighbors Ann and Duaine stopped by to meet Ron and Vicki and talk about Australia and Germany. Everyone had a good visit.

Ann, Duaine

For dinner tonight we went to the Rum Bucket. Another good meal. Decided we had to try the bread pudding.

Ron and Vicki ready to dig in.

Delicious Bread Pudding.

Took Ron and Vicki back to hotel, and home for us to call it a Big Day.

Tuesday - April 16

Posted by Mark:

Started the day with PT at 9 with Jeff. Then we did a couple of errands until 11 appt with Dr. Mehalik.

Pat talked about her slow progress. He explained you don't judge progress based on the type of surgery you had. You judge it based on the type of injury you had. Some reverser shoulder replacements are done because the rotator cuff is gone. That recovery is fast. Pat's was damage to bones and muscles. Her recovery will be slow. Surgery is the same for everyone, but damage is different, thus recovery is different.

He suggested she mark a spot on the wall based on how far up her arm can go. Mark it every month until it's been a year. Progress will be made, it will just be slow.

Always good to get the professionals perspective.

After we got home Ron and Vicki arrived for 2 days of fun. We sat outside and caught up then played 4 games of Euchre. Ron and I won the first three games. Vicki and Pat won the last one.

They headed to Hyatt to check in.

We picked them up to have dinner at Coopers Hawk. Excellent meal for all. It was their first time for a Coopers Hawk. They were impressed.

Mark, Pat, Vicki, Ron

After dinner we dropped them off at the hotel and back home to settle in.

Monday - April 15

Posted by Mark:

Tax day. Hope you have yours all filed.

Easy morning. Pat did not have hand therapy until 2 p.m. I worked on the truck starting to prepare for traveling again. Wanted to install a hitch anti-rattle. Got the idea from brother-in-law Joe. Thanks, Joe.

Annette sent us a lovely photo for Maeve. They had gorgeous weather today.

Maeve at the pool.

After therapy, we headed to Massage Envy for Pat's one hour massage. I ran errands. Then on home fighting the evening rush hour traffic.

Tonight we had drinks under our neighbor's tiki hut. Ann and Duaine usually rent out their lot, but this week they stopped by to use it. He is originally from Champaign, IL.

Ann and Pat went to ladies wine night just down the street at 7.

Sunday - April 14

Posted by mark:

Started the day with mass at Saint Francis Xavier. Then went to breakfast at Fowler St. grill excellent breakfast but large portions.

This afternoon Jim and Lydia came over to play games. Lydia and I won at Euchre. Pat won at rummikub Very nice weather.

For dinner we went to Rib City. Ribs as always very good.

Jim and Lydia after a good meal.

Zoom tonight with family. Caught up on past week. Tom talked about his unique interviews.

Everyone up north is enjoying their warm weather.

Friday/Saturday - April 12 - 13

Posted by Mark:

Another big family day. Headed to Luke and Maeve's school to see the fifth graders presentation of various United States historical figures. Luke was Christopher Columbus.

Philip, Luke (Christopher Columbus) Annette

Mark, Luke, Pat

From there we stopped at The Grind coffee shop for coffee and shared a sandwich.

Took some pictures of the beautiful spring flowers and trees.

Flowering Crab

Pansies

Azaleas

Then home until we headed to Brooke's place to catch up with her. A good visit until she had to leave to pick up Blair. Hope we did not gab too long and make her late. Running with kids is never ending.

Back home to help Annette prepare for family dinner to celebrate Maeve's First Communion. Great dinner and I forgot to get pictures as she opened her gifts.

About 5:30 a friend sent all the Lake James friends a text to come to camp to celebrate her husband's 60th birthday party. It was actually a surprise party for Annette's 50th. Philip's friends had this all planned out. As expected Annette did not want to go, but we all had individual reasons we wanted to go. My reason was: Oh, I helped Keith with his deck so I should go see hime. My sister Theresa said "let's just go for 30 minutes to be sociable." Annette agreed with that logic. (Whew, surprise was still happening.) We all headed to the camp at 7:15 to surprise Annette when she and Philip arrived. She was shocked.

Annette, Philip

(We even snuck her 50th wine glass to the party)

Saturday - April 13

Philip took us to the Charlotte airport for a 10:40 Spirit flight back to Fort Lauderdale. He was heading to Houston, then on to Boston tonight.

We had a nice uneventful flight. Landed about 12:30. Came across alligator alley and stopped at McDonald's in Naples for a bite to eat. Home about 3 p.m.

Unpacked and took it easy the rest of the evening. It was a whirlwind fun family weekend.

Thursday - April 11

Posted by Mark:

Started the day with nice breakfast casserole made by Annette. Later on in the morning we played 2 games of Euchre. They were both close games, but Philip and Pat won both games against Annette and I.

Annette made minestrone soup for lunch and invited Michael, Theresa and Mike over also. Gave us a good chance to catch up with them.

We went to Morganton to pick up Blair from school. First we headed to Dollar General for snacks and treats. From there to Tumble Mania for gymnastics. We were able to go inside and watch her.