Halloween - 2024

 It's a very warm, sunny Halloween here in SWFL.    The kiddies will have no weather issues trick or treating tonight.   

I played canasta in the clubhouse....Lydia and I walked up together and we had a table of 6 and one of 4.    I have not played this in YEARS, but it's similar to hand and foot and even more so, to hand, knee and foot (just learned that in NC with Annette and her friend Annie).    Met some new gals and good to see others from euchre and around the park.

Back home for lunch, a load of laundry and not much else.   Mark did bookwork while I was gone.

So sad to hear Darla here in the park who passed away yesterday. had bladder cancer and just diagnosed in September.    Everyone stunned by how quickly these health issues can occur.

We went for a walk and then stopped at Big Papa's food truck in the clubhouse parking lot for supper....Mark had the brisket dinner and I had the BBQ sundae (layered beans, coleslaw, pulled pork and pickles).   We brought it back to Flo and scarfed down deliciousness!!!

Walked after supper - most of the park is at the Halloween party but we did not attend!   

Bye bye to October.....wow!    Only 2 months left in 2024!

Wednesday - October 30

 Breakfast with Connie and Steve at Sweet Bean Cafe....a favorite for the 4 of us and Jennifer is just the nicest waitress + maybe the owner?  manager?   Anyway, a great place to meet and catch up.   When we sat down, Jennifer said there was a group coming for lunch/meeting and we would have to be out of our little area by 11.    This was at 9, so plenty of time to yak and we took up every minute leaving right at 11.  😀    

Most of our talk was about the hurricane damage, how they evacuated to friends from their retirement community (Shell Point), etc.    Also our families, health, and that seems to be the main topics these days!    Good bye hugs and we'll be making a plan to get together again soon!

Quiche, fruit and grilled cinnamon bread - wonderful!

Steve and Connie

We had 11:30 dermatology appointments with Dr. Kagen and we both were told our skin was "excellent"!    Always good to hear that!

Stopped at Publix for a few things and on home.    We stayed inside Flo this afternoon....

We've been all over town past few days with all these appointments and the new construction is just crazy.    Lots of building was going on before we left in April - some of that is done, but most in various stages and lots more new including a huge complex for Lee Health.    The new apartments all over are just mind boggling!   Apparently more and more folks are moving to Fort Myers?

A quick little FL rain around 4:30 and then sunshine!   And then more train (minimal) at 6:20.   We walked up to the clubhouse for Lucky 13 and got alerts on our phones about rain starting in 5 minutes.    We were inside but others came in with wet clothing!   These showers came out of nowhere!

Lucky 13 is such a fun form of Bingo and definitely thee most popular activity here in the park.    Since there are many who haven't arrived yet, the crowd was much smaller than usual, but I was the very 1st winner and won $14.    Yeah!!!   

The winner!

So sorry and stunned to hear that Darla here in the park and organizer of Friday morning ladies euchre passed away this morning.....waiting to hear more details, but how very sad.

HAPPY   HALLOWEEN!

Tuesday - October 29

 We were off before 7:30 for our 8:30 dental appointments - we had about 5 minutes to spare....long ways to Dr. Baxmann + rush hour traffic!    Mark has Laura as his hygienist and I have Danielle.   All good with my teeth but Mark needs to have a crown replaced, so going back in a week.  😒

Went across San Carlos to Biscotti Cafe for breakfast (French toast for Mark and cinnamon roll for me) + our coffee/latte.   This is another favorite spot for breakfast or lunch.

Then we ran some errands and Mark had a little shopping spree getting 2 new shirts and a pair of shoes.   I got a pair of shoes, too....on home!    Lunch and then took it easy most of the day.   Mark went to Camping World to get some propane for our grill.   I went for a walk but it's hot 'n humid out there.

Mark grilled out Italian sausages - yummy!    Last night I made spaghetti!   Whoaaa....we're on a roll!    Probably NOT!   😋

We walked - always pleasant in the evening with less humidity.

Monday - October 28

 Cloudy and dreary, but warm all day!    We walked in the morning and then left for 2-hours of errands!   We were here 'n there picking up this 'n that dealing with all the traffic and it's still October!!   Back home to put stuff away, have lunch, do some laundry and take a nap!

Rhonda, here in the park was walking her 2 Australian Shepherds this afternoon.   We talked about our "hands" as she had "dupuytren's" surgery about the same time as I had carpal tunnel (March) with Dr. Collins.    She is still having lots of issues.....ugh!    arghhh!

Meant to mention that yesterday as we were beginning our descent into Fort Myers, the male flight attendant came over the speaker and said "we have a celebrity guest on board" and introduced Alison? who was one of the female flight attendants.   He said she was a runner-up on America's Got Talent.    She sang "You are so beautiful"....not bad and a nice way to end the flight.

Went for our nightly walk!

Friday-Sunday - October 27

 We are back from a fun, chilly weekend in Milwaukee.

Friday - we finished packing and left around 11 stopping at Gulf Coast Landings for lunch at Pei Wei (love our Chinese).    Then to the airport (RSW) for flight to Milwaukee (lots of empty seats) and family wedding.    Nice smooth 2 1/2 hour trip on Southwest and flying over Racine and Milwaukee were absolutely stunning with fall beauty.   For miles and miles, I just stared out my window at the gorgeous reds, oranges and golden trees.   That was a real treat!   We took a taxi to the Doubletree downtown.    Been a long time since we've been in a taxi and definitely not the yellow ones or what we usually see - several big black SUV's were waiting outside airport for passengers.   We were in the heart of rush hour and got dark much earlier than Florida.

Checked into our room and decided we did NOT want to venture out in the cold to get something to eat.    Doubletree had a restaurant (The Avenue), so shared a flatbread pizza and called it a day!

Saturday - we made a plan last night to meet Auntie Karen for breakfast.   Again, chilly morning, so we decided to have the buffet at The Avenue.    Met some of the other family and guests who were staying there.   Breakfast was excellent.    Auntie and I visited in the lobby and then walked across the street to Starbucks for some hot drinks.

Woke up to this pretty sunrise over the city

Leisurely rest of the afternoon watching Notre Dame beat Navy and then getting dressed for Hannah and Paul's wedding at Turner Hall.    Very thankful that Auntie had her car and gave us a ride as it was cold, windy and I didn't really want to walk 4 1/2 blocks in heels.   

So good to see so many family - siblings, spouses, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, etc.    Hannah's Mom was Sue (Mark's sister) who passed away suddenly on October 12, 2020,    Hannah is the youngest of Tom and Sue's 4 daughters.    So along with all the Chamberlains, there are lots of Henkels (Tom's family)!    Wedding, cocktail hour and reception were lovely.    6 bridesmaids in forest green gowns (all different) along with 3  nieces and 2 nephews of Hannah as flower girls and ring bearers.   A friend of Auntie's (Kathy) took us back to the hotel.   Auntie and some other family members were staying at Doris (sister) lake home.

Paul and Hannah

Sunday - it was 36 when we got up and left around 7ish for Milwaukee airport.    Had a nice lady Uber driver who wished she could be tucked in our suitcase and head to FL.  😀

Chili's at the airport serves breakfast - we shared tacos and breakfast potatoes - delish!    Then settled in at our gate with good books, games, etc.

Nice flight (very full) and a warm sunny 82 when we landed!    I got our bags, Mark got the car and we were on our way!   Love these family weddings!!!

We walked over to Jim and Lydia's to fill them in on the wedding festivities as they were unable to attend.    Back home to watch online Mass with Father Jonathan from Port Clinton.

Only 6 on Zoom tonight and mostly talking about the wedding    Our niece Megan (Tom and Beth's daughter) was back  from Japan where she's spending 2 years (1 more to go) teaching English to middle and high schoolers.   She's now on the long flight back to Japan.

WOW....last night many big stars (led by Luke Combs and Eric Church) performed at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte to benefit the folks in western NC who were so hard hit by hurricane Helene.    Several of the performers are from NC...... 82,000 strong attended and raised over $24 million!   AWESOME!!!

Have a great week!

.   

Thursday October 24

 Off at 8:10 for final doctor appointment this week with my hand surgeon, Dr. Sandra Collins at Florida Center for Orthopedics.  But first a stop at Starbucks.  

Dr. Collins asked if my hand was any better - "No" and then did a nerve test which showed slight improvement.   Nerves take a LONG time to heal, so.....one suggestion was eat more leafy greens and come back in 3 months!   Could possibly do some radiation therapy at some point?

Ran a bunch of errands and then met John and Beth at KJ's Steakhouse - had never been, but a very popular, busy place - maybe cause of their $8 burger which included fries and drink.  

Sooo good to see these dear friends and catch up - we yakked and yakked and enjoyed our lunch.   So much to chat about!

John, Beth, Pat, Mark

We stopped at Broadway Palms Theater and got tickets for a buffet luncheon/Christmas show on Christmas Day and we'll join John and Beth, Doug and Charlotte for some holiday fun.

A light supper and then walked and met Paul and Sue from Springfield, IL - had a great visit - they are in charge of euchre and will start that up in January - Thursday nights.

We are flying to Milwaukee tomorrow afternoon for our niece's wedding.    We'll be back Sunday, so no blog for a few days!   Enjoy your weekend!

 

Wednesday - October 23

 Jim came to help Mark with the heavy weights to secure the patio umbrella and so appreciate his help!    With my hand.shoulder, I just can't do it!    THANKS Jim!

I made a batch of BBQ for supper and then drove downtown for a mani/pedi with Alisa - always fun to chat with her and after 3 months, we had plenty to yak about!

Stopped for an iced pumpkin latte at Peter's - Marika looked so cute with her new hot pink dress and matching shoes.    She's such a sweetie!

Stopped for a bag of ice (LOVE getting free bagged ice here in the park) and on home.

Quiet afternoon spent reading and playing games on our Ipads.

Keep forgetting to mention that our great nephew Henry is home from the hospital and recovering.....what an ordeal that little guy had!

We walked in the evening - still pretty warm.   Nice chat with Liam tonight - he's enjoying his sophomore year!

Tuesday - October 22

 Big day leaving at 7:45 for 1st of 3 doctor appointments for me.   Mark was my chauffeur and 1st check-up was with urologist (Dr. Langford); she ordered an x-ray of kidneys to determine if there were any more stones as I  had 2 blasted from right side 2 months ago today in Port Clinton. 

 Then we ran some errands (Dollar Tree, Target, Starbucks) and off to next appt. with my primary physician (Dr. Freeman) all good here + flu shot; lunch at Cristof's (sat on the porch this pretty day) and then to Publix for Mark's flu shot.  Next up was my ENT appt. with Nicole, PA.   She cleaned out the wax in my ears; Stephanie gave me a hearing test (all good) and we talked about the buzzing (like insects swarming around) in my ears (part of the aging process and happens frequently - tinnitus)!    She's giving me a Rx to keep the wax away (baby oil didn't do the trick).    

Last stop of the day was at The Sanctuary (where I had shoulder therapy 2x a week for 5 1/2 months)..    I was able to get right in for the kidney x-ray and on home at 2:45.    We both took naps.

Got a notice that there's a new message on MyChart...........................well, the x-rays were read and posted that I have 2 more kidney stones (this time on the left side)   I yigh yigh!    I wonder what Dr. Langford will have to say about this???    Geez......I know I inherited these stones from my Dad and also the ear wax!  😒

More and more people are coming into the park each day.    Visited with neighbors, Heidi from Michigan and George from Chicago as we were walking and then Jim and Lydia were out and about using sister Joan's cricket (mini golf cart) till they return end of December.    Had a good chat with them!

Monday - October 21

 Warm, sunny and breezy....we left at 7:50 for Mark's eye check-up with Dr. Alessi (all good - vision is 20/20).    I set up an appointment for next April as a new patient.    We both will have all our doctors now in Florida.   Then to the European/American Bakery and Cafe for breakfast (a favorite)!

On home - Mark rested a bit with his dilated eyes away from the bright sunshine.   I worked in the shed and later, he organized his tools and then we washed Flo.    Windows are for another day.

Mark took Big Red for a good cleaning inside and out and after he got home, we put  the cover on just before the rain came.   Another quick Florida shower and the sun was shining the whole time???

Jim came over and visited a bit and then Mark and I walked - nice evening after the rain but only met one other lady.

Sunday - October 20

 Another breezy day....we went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis Xavier with Father Steve.   Nice to be back and see familiar faces.

Then to The Oasis (a favorite Sunday breakfast spot after church).    Dropped off an American flag from Catrina that was very faded at the American Legion.    Home Depot was next spot and walked in to "CHRISTMAS"......can't believe we're coming into November with the holidays just around the corner, but with the warm Florida weather, does not seem like Christmas!

Christmas at Home Depot

Got some fuel for Ruby and on home.    Mark set to work fixing Flo's hot water heater which was working on propane, but not under electricity.   Got that fixed but also working on hot water heating fluid which has a slow leak.   That issue is ongoing.

I tackled all the bins of clothing in she shed and organized (wintry clothes ready for travel north over the holidays, etc.) - think I have way too many clothes, but was a productive afternoon and hope to finish up that project tomorrow.

Jim and Lydia arrived at CT this afternoon - glad to have us back here together!

We went to Rib City for dinner - sooo yummy - ribs, slaw and BBQ beans + Texas toast!    Rained on our way there - sure wasn't expecting that!

Walked after we got home and visited with Rob and Jonelle

Zoom tonight with 8 siblings - we'll be together next weekend in Milwaukee for our niece, Hannah's wedding.

The Basilica at Notre Dame

and Northern Lights

I 

Saturday - October 19

 Warm 'n windy.    After we were on the go yesterday, we stayed put today and set to work organizing our stuff, taking stuff out of she shed, setting up patio furniture, 3 loads of laundry, etc.    Straightened drawers, too, as things shift and move around when traveling down the road.    Next up is organizing all our clothes!

Been texting with some of the neighbors - most won't be back till January.   

Walked in the park and very few folks out and about - probably all watching Saturday college football.   We couldn't get the Notre Dame game (don't have ESPN but got frequent reports)!   The Irish won beating Georgia Tech 31-13.   Brady is home for a week (fall break) - party at his house with family as his Grand Bob is a Georgia Tech alumnus.

Connor went to the Illinois/Michigan game today with friends and the Illini won also!

Friday - October 18

 Cloudy all day and very windy.   It was a long day for the nomads.    We were off at 9:30 for my haircut with Jewel.    I so enjoy our visits (and haircuts), but today, was very emotional as she told me that her husband, Mike had passed away in July.   We both had a good cry.   I've been going to Jewel for so many years, so knew all about Mike's heath issues and all the stress they went thru with Ian (losing their home and everything.....and now 2 more times evacuating with Helene and Milton).   She took 1 1//2 hours to cut my hair along with lots of chatter.   Jewel is a "Jewel"

Mark was patiently waiting in the car with his I-pad.   We had several other errands including picking up tickets at Barbara Mann Theater, downtown to get Mark's hair cut by Jose, getting Ruby cleaned inside and outside, and final stop at Publix.    While Mark was getting haircut, I walked to Peter's Coffee Shop to see Marika and Stefan and hear about the hurricane damage.   She was so happy to see me (and same for me)....we hugged and she said I was her first "Snowbird" back.  And then we talked about the 13" of water from Helene and 8" from Milton and the damage to their equipment, lost all their German home-made ice cream, etc.    The summer season was not good for them either....sooo hot and wet.   Tourists did not come to downtown Fort Myers.

I met up with Mark and we had lunch at Cabos Cantina - love their Mexican and it was very good, but extremely S L O W service.   Only one waitress working both inside and outside!

We were on McGregor Avenue today - one of the prettiest streets in Fort Myers with tall royal palm trees lining the street from downtown for miles towards the beach.     Wow....so sad to see piles and piles of debris and many of these beautiful palm trees uprooted from tornado that hit before Milton.    And many of the trees still standing were stripped of their palm fronds - just a few very skimpy and tattered hanging from the top.....not a pretty sight!   😔

It was after 4 when we got back to Flo.    We rested a bit and then went for a short walk.   

Last night we had dinner at The Boathouse (Fort Myers) - there is another Boathouse in Cape Coral or I should say "WAS" as last night after closing, it went up in flames.    This popular place was heavily damaged from Ian and closed for 9 months.    Then more damage from Milton and just reopened yesterday morning (they serve breakfast at this location) and 12 hours later, all gone.    How very devastating and huge loss to the community of this waterfront restaurant.

Thursday - October 17

Lots of sunshine, nice breeze and temps in the 70's for our final day of travel.    We left the Loves truck stop around 9:15ish and had a little over 2 hours to Cypress Trail - just the last 22 miles from Punta Gorda to Fort Myers we did I-75.   

Had a nice chat with Connor yesterday - he mentioned he would be voting for the 1st time in the coming election.   Wow....that reminded us that Liam, Connor and Brady will all be voting for the 1st time.   

Next week we'll vote, get our flu shots, and have several doctor appointments.  

Our landscaping  looks good EXCEPT for the bougainvillea which are kinda sad....hope they'll perk up.    With record-breaking amounts of rain this summer, that could be the culprit?  

Went to the Boathouse for supper - we shared the seafood sampler (shrimp, grouper and scallops) and then had the new dessert on the menu - pineappleupsidedown pie which was excellent!

Seafood sampler

Excellent dessert

Oink Oink

We walked around the park and visited with some neighbors and folks who recently returned to CT.

Update on Henry.....he has been diagnosed with mycoplasma - a bacterium that causes infections in different areas of the body.   Although he's still not able to eat, drink or swallow spit, he has a little more energy today.    Prayers most appreciated.

Wednesday - October 16

 Today started out sunny but then mostly cloudy and barely into the 70's.    We left the KOA in Starke around 8:50 and headed on good ole Highway 301 towards the Oakwood Smokehouse in Lady Lake where we met Joe, a high school classmate of Mark's who lives in The Villages.   First part of the trip, enjoyed very little traffic but that came to an abrupt stop when we reached Ocala, Bellview, The Villages, etc.    Crazy......

Had a great lunch and visit with Joe who was with Mark in the class of '65 from Newman High School in Sterling, IL.   They were also in 4-H together, so go waaaay back!  In May, Joe fell and broke his hip so not able to play golf all summer.   But he's doing well and ready to get back on the course very soon,  Joe's wife Maria passed away 6 years ago.    They have 2 daughters who live in Virginia and West Virginia.  Hopefully we'll see Joe at their 60th class reunion next September.

Joe

Onto Auburndale (1 hour, 15 minutes) and after fueling Ruby, I got to our site (they have 10 RV spots here at Loves), found someone in #9.    The staff had to come and ask the young couple to leave - unfortunately, there were 3 other available spots, but no power.    Still problems from the storm but strange that all but 3 have power??   Mark got Big Red some diesel and we got settled about an hour after arriving.   BUSY place right by the ramp for  I-4,   We took a nap, read and then off to meet brother Ron and Vicki and friends at the Miller Ale House.    Good dinner and visit!

Paul, Ron, Sue, Peg, Vicki, Pat, Mark

Yesterday when we were driving thru Folkston, Georgia, we had memories of being here in 2008 (January.....COLD) and I started the blog!    We were here for a week and also visited the Okefenokee (love saying that) Natural Refuge Center.

Tomorrow...Cypress Trail, here we come!

Tuesday - October 15

 Our day started with a trip to Waffle House (Mark loves waffles) - we hadn't been to one of these for a long time.    Good stuff and then back to get Flo and Big Red and away we went on another gorgeous day.    We avoided the interstate again today and once again enjoyed minimal traffic, good roads as we prayed the rosary, I listened to my oldies, etc.    

Stopped in Nahunta, Georgia - since we had a big breakfast, we just wanted a little something around 1:30, and by golly, in this little town, found a nice long parking spot for our caravan and walked across the street to the Frosty Freeze Creamery for some yummy ice cream treats.

Met lots of logging trucks today with huge logs.    Another unique town in South Carolina waas "Stephens Crossroads" but forgot to mention yesterday, the most unusual which made us laugh was "North", South Carolina.

Mark's sister Joan's grandson needs prayers.    Henry is 8 and lives in Arizona.   He's in Phoenix Children's Hospital with some scary symptoms and doctors are puzzled and have not figured this out.    After trips to the doctor, urgent care, on several different meds, Henry asked to go to the hospital?

We are at the Starke/Gainesville NE KOA Holiday Campground in Starke, Florida.   The temp when we arrived at 3:30 ws 83.   

Coming into Georgia, we saw first signs of Helene damage - lots of trees down, blue tarps, etc.   Then miles of everything ok and then more damage...Helene was selective here😞 

Helene/Milton update.....we had heard that 50,000 linemen were in Florida after Milton.   

  And after endless sad, heartbreaking stories and photos from western North Carolina, this morning I was reading (and watching the video) of the couple who lost 11 family members due to mudslides.....what a mind boggling catastrophe.   And tonight the NC folks can expect snow in the higher elevations.   

After supper we walked around the campground.

Today ended Connor's fall golf season - between yesterday and today he shot a 77 and an 80.   His team (Danville Area Community College) won the tournament!    Congrats to all!

Connor (pink shirt) and his golf team + Uncle Tom and Aunt Beth who hosted the team and coach for dinner Sunday night~!

Monday - October 14

Hello from Walterboro, SC (been here 2 previous times - 2014 and 2022) at the New Green Acres RV Park.    It's a pretty park with very long sites and nice 'n wide between sites +++ many very tall pine trees.

Traffic was heavy and after lunch in Columbia, SC, my logistics guy came up with an alternate route avoiding I-95 and all the "red" we could see on google maps!    So we had a very pleasant rest of the way (90 miles) thru the SC countryside (added 1/2 hour to our trip) - drove thru some interesting-sounding towns.....Swansea, Norway (saw first of many cotton fields here), Denmark, Cope, Lodge, Bells, etc.    Bamberg, SC has a population of 3,000+ but the entire stretch of downtown (about 10-15 buildings on both sides of the road) were all abandoned - nothin, zich, sad!!!

When we stopped for lunch at Love's, they had a McDonalds and a Chester's Chicken - decided to try Chester's for 1st time.....very good!!

We got to 85 degrees here in SC, but low humidity and nice breeze.   Opened Flo's windows and so pleasant.   

Went to Cracker Barrel for supper - always good and had some leftovers.

Some fun Halloween decor here in the park

Sunday - October 13

 Leisurely Sunday morning as we didn't go to Mass till 12 at St. Charles Borromeo.    Annie and I played a round of hand, knee and foot.   Mark and Luke went to Flo and got Big Red hooked up.   After Mass we all met at the Camp for lunch and played.some games of Sequence.

Back to Philip's to gather the last of our stuff.    Said our good byes....such a fun time these past 4 days/nights.    Luke and Maeve are off again tomorrow for Columbus Day.   Blair has school.

Mark and I worked on getting settled back in Flo - stored some bins in Michael's cottage basement and think we'll be ready to roll outta here in the morning.

Philip, Annette, Luke, Maeve, Michael, Brooke, Blair, Grandma, Grandpa

Had dinner with Michael, Brooke and Blair - delicious beef tacos and then said our good byes (till Thanksgiving) and outside to spend our last night on Flo.

 

Last night at Lake James

Zoom tonight included 9 siblings - most of the talk was about health issues and how important it is for the siblings to share their medical history.

Enjoy your week - cool weather is coming!

 

\

Saturday - October 12

 The perfect way to start the day - nice cozy fire to take off the chill in Philip and Annette's sunroom!

Warm 'n comfy

Mark and Philip were helping a neighbor with his docks - soo many docks in need of repair!    And with all the debris and other stuff in the water...Lake James authorities are banning pleasure boating for awhile?

Luke and I went for a nice long walk this gorgeous morning - Annie, Annette and Maeve walked in a different direction.  Enjoyed visiting with Luke one on one - he's really growing into a nice young man at 11.   Love hearing what he has to say.

Luke and Grandma enjoying nature

I got our laundry all caught up.    After lunch, Maeve, Mark and I went to Flo at Michael's to return clean laundry and get a few things - chatted with Michael a bit.    Brooke and Blair are at the camp.   Philip, Annette and Annie were visiting friends and watching some football.

Cheerleaders

Blair at the top - cheering on her Liberty Middle School football team

Drew ran a 1/2 marathon today in Cedar Rapids!   Congrats!

Maeve enjoyed some pampering - Annie did her hair and Grandma gave her a mani pedi

And she did this puzzle with very little help from Grandma!

Annette and Annie made a delicious dinner - jalapeno poppers for starters and then chicken enchiladas.  Their friend Steve came for dinner and then some rousing games of euchre.    Also had chocolate mousse desserts from Costco and Maeve surprised us with chocolate-covered strawberries and grapes!

Annie and Annette whipping up goodies in the kitchen!

Notre Dame and Iowa both won today - yeah!!!

 

Friday - October 11

 Last night was spectacular with the Northern Lights - I did not see them with the naked eye.....here are some that Annette got on her phone.    

The kids went to an open field at the camp and could see with the naked eye.   Here are some of our favorites...

Family photo

Below are 2 pics from Annie's phone

3 shades

purple beauty

And these beauties from Bay Village, Ohio

Lake Erie

Annette has been whipping up all kinds of goodies....breakfast casserole (biscuit and gravy style), chicken pot pie, minestrone soup, etc.    Today she made egg salad a whole new way.....baking the eggs in muffin tins (25-30 minutes @325), then putting in ice water and tah dah....easy peeling!   

A whole new concept!

Mommy and Maeve peeling the eggs

Maeve and an armful of Carlos

Annie

Luke

Mommy and Maeve

Start of fall color

Mark, Phillip and Annie got Annie's boat out of the water - damage from shattered windshield.    Annette, kids and I went to the camp and met Amy and her kiddos Miles, Max (twins) and Ivy.   Some played pickleball and some good games of SkyJo.   Beautiful day and the kiddos ran all over the place.

Maeve with friends - Aria, Olivia and Ivy

Miles - Luke - Max

The original plan way back before Helene struck NC, Philip and Annette were going on a little getaway to Asheville and we would have Luke and Maeve.   But that wasn't meant to be - tonight we have the kiddos while the big kids are at the camp which just opened today after being out of power for several days.

SkyJo with the kids and then bedtime!

Thursday - October 10

 Milton did a lot of damage in FL + all the terrible tornado damage on the east coast.    We were very fortunate at Cypress Trail with minimum damage - mainly vegetation debris and tiki hut roofs.   Glad the weather is good today for the start of the massive clean-up.    Mark saw some of our residents walking our property checking for any damage and they either clean up ir report it.   We are so thankful to have a great facility with caring neighbors and staff,

The kiddos were off to school early; Annie did her volunteer duty up in the mountains.   After lunch, Mark took Ruby to town for an oil change.   Philip, Annette and I played 2 games of 3-handed euchre with Philip winning both.    

Mark and Philip got their jet skies out of the water.....the boys have helped with so many docks ariund the lake.

Annette took Luke and Maeve to their golf lesson.  Philip picked up the kids and on home.   Annette had a meeting, Annie came home from her all-day volunteering(unfortunately not too organized).   Philip, Mark and I played 3-handed euchre and then watched the Northern Lights - pics coming tomorrow.

Luke and Maeve have a 4-day weekend coming - tomorrow is teacher's workshop and Monday, Columbus Day

Meant to include this photo from yesterday...

Beeb and Frank's picturesque barn

Wednesday - October 9

 A great winner in the weather department again here in North Carolina.   We moved our stuff from Michael's to Philip's and this is where we'll hang out the next 4 days and all depending on what Milton does as to when we return.    We were told today - do NOT come back till there is water, power and sewer at Cypress Trail.

Mark and I left for Millers Creek with a stop in Lenoir at the 1841 Cafe for lunch which was very good - #2 on Trip Advisor.    And then to see our friends, Frank and Beeb we met 3 years ago in Dunkirk, NY while boating.    Also saw them in Cleveland, OH and Port Clinton, OH as they continued their travels doing the Loop.    We sat and yakked the afternoon away on their nice screened-in porch which was a carport and converted,    WOW....they are doing a lot to their home since they moved from Hornell, NY in August of 2023.   

Frank and Beeb

Hope we can see them again in the near future sometime either at Lake James or meet 1/2 way - very  enjoyable afternoon.

Back to Philip's - their friends Annie and Michelle were there and we (and Annette) played "hand, knee and foot" - totally different version from the hand 'n foot I'm used to.    Fun.....Michelle went on home and rest of us enjoyed pulled chicken sandwiches, collard greens with bacon and green beans with bacon - Annie and Annette both love to cook, so......yeah!!!    Annie is staying with Philip and Annette for a few days till she returns to FL.

Blair, Luke and Maeve were back to school today!   Lots to catch up on.   Blair has a 2-hour delay start all week?

Tuesday - October 8

 A  gorgeous day and thankful all the volunteers, first responders, and many many men and women working in western NC to bring relief to those affected.   Nice weather with no rain is predicted for several days.

Brooke left at 8:30 to pick up friends Amy and Annie and they spent a long day volunteering at the McDowell Technical Center in Marion - Brooke said it was a hopping place.    

We took Blair into town and picked up Bob and Judy for lunch in Valdese at 100 Main - this is a favorite (Mark and I ate here last November when I had to come to the Valdese hospital for my CT scan on shoulder after my fall).    Lunch was excellent and so good to catch up with Bob and Judy.

Blair and her grandparents

Took them home and Mark dropped Blair and I off at Waterbean for treats (macaroons for her and coffee for me), while he went to Rural King to return some supplies.

This girl loves her macaroons - today's favorites were chocolate and raspberry

Mark picked us up and then to Blair's piano lesson with Miss Bonnie and on home to let Jinx and Millie out.

We met so many trucks heading west today with flatbed trailers full of water and other supplies.

Brooke got home at 4 - she was exhausted and showed us pics of all they were dealing with today.....working with 40 + other volunteers + the National Guard.

We took Blair to ballet class and then to Chic-fil-A which was a ZOO!    On home - back to school tomorrow!    Watched the Weather Channel....

Monday - October 7

 Mark and I left at 7 AM for Concord and his appt. with Dr. Justin (our nephew) to have his hearing checked, and making sure all was good with the hearing aide.    Everything (patient and device) are good to go!

We got to Kannapolis a little early so had our coffee fix at French Express Coffee House.    It was so good to see Justin and after the exam, he sat and chatted with us and we caught up on family stuff, hurricanes, etc.    He's a great guy!

Went to Trader Joe's in Charlotte and stocked up on goodies for Brooke and us.   Gas at Love's and lunch at Hardees and on back to the lake.

Kiddos were on the move today.....Michael flew to NYC and then Cleveland tomorrow; Ryan flew to Miami and Anne is walking the course at U of I watching Connor in a tournament.  Philip is to return home late tonight from Orlando......whoaaaa.....Milton is now a Cat 5 hurricane.    Soooo soooo scary for Florida.

Brooke, Blair, Olivia and Aria helped for 2 hours today at the Missionary Baptist Church sorting thru a ton of clothing and supplies to be delivered to the hard-hit areas.   A good experience for these girls helping others in such enormous turmoil.    They did many bags of toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, and other personal hygiene items.

Brooke made delicious dish called "Happy Shrimp" with angel hair pasta, asparagus and crusty bread - sooo good!

Brooke, Blair and I played Clue (Blair won) and SkyJo (Brooke won).    

The internet has been out all afternoon, so hoping this blog update goes thru.    Hearing about all the evacuations in FL with Milton coming on strong!    Holy Moly!

Sunday - October 6

 Foggy this morning when we went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo.   Saw lots of downed trees and so many buildings that were ruined (anything close to the Catawba River). Afterwards, we found a new coffee shop "Waterbean" which is a large chain around Charlotte and other places, but new to us.   This one in Morganton just opened in June.

We ran several errands and on home.   It turned out to be a very nice warm day.   I did 3 loads of laundry and helped Brooke load up 4 big bags of blankets, quilts, jackets, etc. to donate to Helene victims.   She delivered them to a drop off point.   

Mark worked on an electrical issue with Flo but had success!    Blair was with friends - no school till at least Wednesday which will make 9 days off.  I've been thinking of all the little people who don't have a school to return to.😞

Michael and Ryan watched the Bears/Panthers game at the camp.   Part of it has power, but mostly not.    Lots of power trucks out and about this morning.

Drew flew from Cedar Rapids to Charlotte to Orlando this morning for training with his job - only to find out it was canceled cause of impending "Milton" which we Floridians are keeping a close eye on......here we go again, less than 2 weeks after Helene!

Brooke and I went to the camp with Blair and 2 friends.    Annette and Maeve were there....I played Sequence with Annette and Annie against Amy and myself.   They won the 1st game and Amy and I won the 2nd.    Lydia and Jim...this is soft-sided gamed you gave Philip and Annette many years ago in FL

Michael grilled burgers and along with onion rings and fries, yum....good Sunday night meal.

Blair is having a slumber party tonight with her friends

Aria, Blair, Olivia, Ivy

Aria and Olivia are sisters

Zoom tonight included only 6 siblings and the main topic was hurricanes past (Helene) and future (Milton)!!!

                                         

 

Saturday - October 5

 Beautiful deep blue skies and a spectacular day in NC.....we left at 9:10 heading to Lake James.    So good to see everyone....got Flo settled - always appreciate Michael being there wherever we park Flo and Big Red - he and Mark put on their headsets and he's a big help around short spaces and curves.

We drove to Philip's as he was leaving for FL and going back to work.    Visited with Annette, Luke and Maeve and then back to Michael's as they were having friends over to watch the Ohio State vs. Iowa game.    Iowa lost 36-7.   😞  Ryan came home this weekend, too.

Happy Grandma with Luke and Maeve

Hearing so many stories of what people went thru and what they're seeing or hearing west of here.    Several homes lost in Morganton, too, and Ingles grocery (Starbucks) has been condemned along with restaurants, medical offices, etc.

Blair 'n Grandpa

Their friends left and we watched more football including big upset of Vanderbilt over Alabama.

I love western North Carolina

(posted by someone online)