Saturday - November 15

HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   ERIN

Erin and Ryan

Can't wait to celebrate and spend more time together over the next 2 weeks

 We walked and had a good visit with Al and Jo who are back from Tennessee and Brenda from Ohio.   One of our residents, Dan from Maine suffered a heart attack or stroke yesterday morning and on life support.    His children are to arrive today....so very sad.   We do not know Jan and Dan but walked past their home many times.   Oh my, in an instant how lives can be turned upside down and changed forever.

Big work day around here....Mark cleaned out his tool chest drawer by drawer!!!   I did several loads of laundry and started packing for our 2 week trip to NC leaving Tuesday.

Mark cleaning out each drawer in tool chest

Last night Connor was at the Notre Dame vs Michigan State hockey game at Notre Dame - hanging out with cousin Brady and CCHS classmate, Jose who is a sophomore at ND.

Connor, Jose, Brady

Unfortunately Notre Dame lost 4-1 to Michigan State

Had a nice chat with Erin, went for another walk and so happy for the Irish win but Iowa lost after leading most of the game.

Friday - November 14

 Warm sunshine all day long.   Mark and I walked and then played 5-handed euchre with Jim, Todd and Cindy with Todd, Mark and myself each winning a game.

Home for lunch and while Mark cleaned out bins stored under Flo, I was off to get a mani/pedi with Alisa.   I had some extra time so stopped at Starbucks for an iced latte.    Loved my pampering....Mark had a productive afternoon, too.

Home with some heavy traffic on a Friday afternoon. 

Yesterday the landscapers came to the park and dug up all the spring/summer flowers and planted impatiens - we'll have some blooming beauties in a few weeks.

As I was scrolling thru my phone, several "memories" came up in pictures and one set was titled "Eating my way around Fort Myers".    We laughed as there were several pics of us easting at various restaurants!   Holy moly!   😋😋😋

We left at 5:30 for my MRI at the Sanctuary.  I was told to be there at 6 for my 6:30 test.   I waited awhile and then had the test (forgot how LOUD all the various sounds  are, but I had headphones on and listened to some good ole 50s-60s music.)   Mary Ann operated the big machine.   I last had one in 2010 after my first shoulder fiasco (getting hit by the car in St. Pete, FL).   Mark went to Lowe's for a few things and then back to wait for me.  We stopped at Steak 'n Shake for steakburgers and on home.

Enjoy your weekend!

 

    

Thursday - November 13

 Mark walked with me to the clubhouse and I stayed for Rummikub and he continued walking.   Todd, Cindy, Vicki, Anita and I played 4 games with Todd winning 2, Vicki, 1 and Cindy, 1.   Always a fun time.   

Mark picked me up at noon and we left for Blossom and Brie in the country....what a gorgeous drive and we met our former neighbors, Rog and Martin.    First-time visit for them and they loved it....busy busy place.   I knew that a fellow canasta player was going with friends today for her first time, so thought I might see her.    Well, lo and behold, we did, BUT she knows Rog and Martin and they had been on the same cruise to the Mediterranean a few years ago!    Such a small world!    Delicious food (Rog and I had the quiche and mixed berry salad; Martin, the cuban and clam chowder; Mark, the smash burger with their coconut corn salad)/

Rog bought a bag of carrots (they are selling carrots or snacks) to feed the animals - well, the lambs and donkeys were very happy to see us and scarfed those carrots down quickly and loved being petted.    As we were leaving, Rodney, the owner visited with us and then gave us a tour of their container which houses all the various greens (hydroponic gardening) - wow, how interesting.

Martin and Rog

Said our good byes and hope to see them in January.....we sure miss having them as neighbors.

On home and we each took a nap after that big lunch and fresh air!    Walked late afternoon and another fun day in FL.

Thanksgiving fun at CT

Wednesday - November 12

Two years ago today I took my terrible tumble in NC.....not a good memory, but thankful it wasn't any worse.

Mark was off early to get his new crown.    So......at his last visit, Dr. Baxmann gave him the old crown to do with whatever?    Mark took it to the pawnshop and the lady said she would give him 220.   He's assuming she means "$2.20 but she's counting out $20 bills and $220.00 later, he walked outta there!   WOW....hang on to your gold!

I walked while Mark was at the dentist and then we both walked when he got home.   It is so pleasant and much warmer than yesterday.

Some IL friends sent beautiful pics from the Northern Lights last night - they only showed up as far south as Alabama, so nothing for we Floridians.

Because of the board meeting this morning, we couldn't play canasta, so 10 of us got together at 1:30.   I was at the table of 4 but Vicki and I lost badly to Scott and Linda.

Mark and I went to WalMart afterwards - Rx and other piddlies.  

The poinsettias and other Christmas flowers are out - November 12th.

 On home for supper and later, walked to meet Jim and we all went to the clubhouse for Lucky 13.   We played with 2 couples from Minnesota (Nick and Lucy and Kevin and Colleen).    While several of us stood with 2 cards left, only Nick won at our table.

Father Doug passed away tonight at St. Joseph hospital in Bloomington.....Rest in Peace, Father.    You will be so missed.  

Veterans Day - 2025

 

Honoring all our veterans, past and present for serving our country and keeping us safe

Thank you Ryan!

Fort Myers broke a record set on this date in 1982 for our low of 43 (felt like 36).    Sooo COLD across much of the country.   

Mark cleaned out some overhead lockers in Flo,  I did more online shopping and some light cleaning in Flo.    Then time to pick up our fruit tray at Publix for the veterans day luncheon - what a beautiful assortment of fresh fruit.    I got a latte (my first holiday drink at Starbucks), dropped off a bunch of bags at Goodwill and on home.

Kicking off the season...

Back to CT and took the fruit tray to the kitchen fridge in the clubhouse, picked up a bag of ice and on home for lunch,    Then off to Collins Vision where I had appointment with Dr. Jason Friedrichs to consult about eyelid surgery.   Last April, Dr. Alessi suggested I have this taken care of and we scheduled this consult for today.    

After hearing all about this procedure which Dr. Friedrichs definitely recommends, I saw the scheduler, Ivette and I'm all set to have this done on February 12th.    I certainly never thought I would need eyelid aka "Blepharoplasty" surgery😐

Two friends have had this done (Connie and John) and very happy with the results. 

 So.....after reading his credentials, Dr. Friedrichs is from northern IL and grew up with a blind father and that got him interested into eye care.   He did his residency in ophthalmology at the U of Iowa.  I should be in good hands with this Midwestern guy. He was in private practice in IL and joined Collins Vision in 2020.   His specialty is cataracts and eyelids.

We bundled up to go for our afternoon walk and met Steven and Colleen from Boston.    They are renting next door for 10 days and in Fort Myers for a funeral...they also have 2 dogs (Beans and Phil)  "Philip" when they mean business 😂

What a nice surprise to hear from Josh and Gary today.....they are the guys who lived across the street a few years ago and we hoped to see them in Blue Ridge, GA when we stopped on our way down, but just missed them.    They've been on a 2-week trip and have bought another lot here at CT and will use it occasionally to "get away" and use the shed for inventory as they have a gift shop downtown.    Can't wait to see them sometime in December.

Enjoyed listening to wonderful patriotic tunes on this Veterans Day 2025.

Praying for Father Doug, former priest at Holy Trinity in Bloomington (his hometown) who had a heart attack a few nights ago.   He's in the hospital in critical condition.   Father Doug is 87, but been very active golfing, traveling, etc.   He married Philip and Annette and baptized Connor.

Congratulations to Blair and her friend Abby who won their school speech contest and now going onto county.

We had orange chicken from Trader Joe's for supper - that stuff is so yummy!

Looking across the street tonight...

Snow-capped mountains at Lake James

Thank you Michael

Monday - November 10

 A breezy, cooler day but we laughed when our phones notified us that Lee County was under a "cold weather advisory" - tomorrow, our high will be 61.    Connor sent this pic of the snow in his backyard in Danville, IL.   Yikes, much too early for the white stuff, but also hearing about the big accumulation further north.

Connor woke up to this!  😌

We met Connie and Steve at the McGregor Cafe for breakfast - always good food (sat inside cause of the strong wind/temp) and a fun visit.    Looking forward to seeing them in December.

Steve and Connie

Stopped at Publix and ordered a fruit tray to take to the Veteran's Day luncheon tomorrow.   Then the post office and on home.    So....while we were downtown, saw that Chocolatte Coffee is coming soon to First Street - this is a good one but it's a jaunt for us on the way to the beach.    This new location is in a high-traffic area of many apartments (including a new one going up), so will be great for those downtown folks.    Then we were excited to see the old Bennett's Coffee Roasters AND Donuts is being remodeled.    We stopped and I got the nitty gritty....Bennett's which had thee BEST donuts was badly damaged from Ian and never reopened.    It became a real eyesore with broken windows, weeds everywhere, etc.    But a couple bought it and the remodel is underway.    They hope to open soon and new name is "Bare Roots Coffee House".   I talked to a nice gal who said there will be NO donuts, but healthier food like crepes and quiche and of course, coffee.   We wish them the best!

Mark got a haircut with Jose and I had a raspberry mocha at Peter's.  No matter how many new coffee shops open up (and they are getting more plentiful), Peter's is our favorite!!!

We walked later in the afternoon but so crazy windy!

Picked Jim up at 5 and off to Rib City (big favorite for all of us) - sooo yummy (ribs, cole slaw and BBQ beans).   And then we shared a huge slice of coconut cream pie (oink oink)!!! 

Great visit with Jim over our delicious ribs

Missing Lydia

Yummy pie

Stay WARM.....I'm sure we'll see the Floridians in hoodies, stocking caps, etc. tomorrow!!!😆

  

 

Sunday - November 9

 We are so blessed and thankful for our warm breezy sunshine when the folks up north have "snow" and cold temps to deal with....hopefully, short-lived???

After watching the Iowa game and all the rain and then the sad loss in the final seconds, I watched Notre Dame trounce Navy with the snow falling like crazy!   WOW...too early in November to be having this wild weather!

Off to church at 9:30 with Father Robert at St. Francis.   As we were pulling into the parking lot, a young couple with their cute little doggie on a leash crossed the street.   I kiddingly said to Mark "maybe they're going to church"??   And by golly, they sat in front of us with their little pooch who was in a carrier on Mama's chest like you would carry a baby.   So, the "Mom" had long blonde hair with lots of pink streaks down the back   And her bit of fou fou (reminded me of our grand dog, Millie) had pink ears (had to have been dyed)???    Anyway, the little pooch made not a peep, but sure got lots of inquiring glances???

We had a visiting missionary priest from Tanzania who is visiting from Iowa and currently studying.  He is very happy to be out of the Iowa cold and enjoying the FL weather.   Father Egidius Kataruga was hard to understand but handed out copies of his homily after Mass so we could read what he was trying so hard to speak in English.

On home, changed clothes and went to our new neighbor's, Matt and Chris from Pennsylvania who invited folks to come for Bloody Mary's under their tiki.    Nice crowd and we met several more new-to-us folks.   Matt and Chris are still working so will be coming and going.   Delicious Bloody's + lots of yummy snacks.   I was there 2 hours and Mark left to help Jim back their RV into their lot and get settled.    Glad to have him back in the park.

Took a nap (2 Bloody's required a nap 😀) and we had a nice quiet Sunday afternoon.    Mark went for a short walk, but I took the day off!  😄

Zoom tonight included 7 with a variety of topics....the 40 minutes flew by.

Saturday - November 8

 Busy morning starting with a walk which didn't last too long.....very warm and humid and this was at 8:15.   Mark had the brilliant idea (with age, comes wisdom 😀) of going to the mall and walk!   Yes!

But first, off to Peter's for coffee and treats - what a busy place this Saturday morning (all 9 tables in the courtyard were full and some inside).    But while I ordered, Mark grabbed one of the outdoor tables and we sat and enjoyed our breakfast as always.    Marika assured me she would have plenty of blueberry muffins and coffee cake when Jim (Mark's brother) returns in a few days. 😋

Next stop was to the Edison Mall and 2 big trips all around the mall up and down all the corridors.    Not many people there yet so very nice walking.  When we walked into the mall, they were playing Christmas music and several men were putting lights on the tree, setting up Santa's workshop and all the other decor.   This mall seems to be doing well as there are very few empty stores.

Trimming the tree

Our last stop was Publix and on home.

I made a batch of tuna/egg salad and we enjoyed our books/games this afternoon.   Went for a short walk after supper - still pretty humid!

It was really warm today (86) but much cooler temps next week especially on Tuesday.   Not gonna complain when we know what the folks up north will be experiencing.

On September 16, 1989, Mark and I went to our first college football game - the Oregon Ducks vs the Iowa Hawkeyes when Michael was a freshman at Iowa.    We lost that game 44-6.   And 36 years later, Oregon returned to Iowa on an absolutely miserable day of cold and pouring rain and then lost in the final seconds 18-16.    Whoaaaa......hard on the ole heart watching!   

Onto Notre Dame vs Navy   

 GO IRISH!!!

Friday - November 7

 HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   MARK

The Birthday Guy 

A fun day for this GREAT Hubby, Dad and Grandpa - our family is so blessed to have him as our Patriarch!    May he enjoy many more happy, healthy celebrations on November 7th,

We walked, had breakfast and then played euchre with Todd and Cindy and Dan (a newbie) - so much fun playing 5-handed.    Mark and I tied the first game and I won the second game.

On home for lunch.   Mark's phone has been blowing up today with texts and e-mails from family and friends wishing him a "Happy Birthday"!!!   😀

I went for another walk later in the afternoon but it's really humid.

Tonight we went to The Veranda downtown for a wonderful dinner   This is a favorite of ours and a special occasion place.  Tonight was excellent as always - ambiance, service and food!!!.   

Our chateaubriand 

On a very sad note, our granddog, Jinx passed away today.   He was an Australian Shepherd and so loved by Michael, Brooke, Drew, Davis, Brady and Blair.   Jinx would've been 15 on December 13th.

RIP Jinxie

Thursday - November 6

 Morning walk and then after breakfast, Mark was off to St. Vincent de Paul to check out being a volunteer.   This is thru St. Francis Xavier and a wonderful organization to feed and clothe those less fortunate.

I played Rummikub in the library with Nancy and Vicki.    Nancy and I were the winners.   On home for lunch and Mark was telling me about his visit to St. Vincent de Paul.   He had to fill out a 5-page application and they will do a background check!   Wow....all that to volunteer??

Mark's brother Jim started the long trek to Fort Myers from St. Louis today driving their RV.   Lydia is back home recovering from her recent surgery but doing well!!!   He plans to arrive Sunday.

We had spaghetti for supper and then walked - our neighbor, George 3 lots away arrived at CT today - George is from Oak Brook, IL.      

Wednesday - November 5

 Walked first thing and chatted with Matt - he and Kim arrived yesterday from Ohio   So good to see all these folks slowly coming back.

Back home, we set out to give Flo a good bath, washed windows and sills.   Yeah....she is sparkling!

We met John and Beth at Blossom and Brie.    Their first visit and they loved it!    Great lunch and so pleasant sitting in the dining room with the HUGE fans.   Then we walked around and checked out the animals!    Very enjoyable and look forward to more fun times in December when Charlotte and Doug arrive and before John and Beth leave for the winter.

Mark enjoying the rocking chair and his phone outside Blossom and Brie

 before John and Beth arrived

John and Beth

Liam called us tonight with the very good news that he has a summer internship with US Bank in Minneapolis!   Sooo happy for him and so nice to know several months ahead.  We really cracked up seeing Connor's tech savvy creation thru ChatGPT.

"Gibson" sporting his new shirt!   😊

We played Lucky 13 - 6 tables tonight and Mark and I both won!    Fun as always!

Tuesday - November 4

 After our morning walk, we left CT at 9:30 AND 12 stops and 3.5 hours later, we were back home!  WHEW!!!   Had a great breakfast at Ella Mae's Diner along the way, too.    Very productive outing.

Wrapped a few more presents and had a nice chat with Aunt Marian who is 97 today!   She's such an inspiration....also enjoyed visiting with her daughter Paulette who is visiting from Florida. 

A family gathering celebrating Aunt Marian

Mary, cousin Dick, Marty, Paulette and Lori (Aunt Marian's daughters) and Mark,

Linda and brother Bob  

While we were out and about...

Larry, great waiter at Ella Mae's (my 3 boat sisters from Port Clinton remember

 him from their visit last March)

Whoaaaa....the price of baseball bats (on sale)!

The outdoor decorations keep getting bigger and bigger!

Walked late afternoon and visited with Dennis and Jamie and then saw Susan.    She and Fred returned from Minnesota on Sunday.    More RV's arrived today!

Sandy who lives close by entertained 15 ladies for "Ladies Wine Night" under her tiki....so much fun and met 3 new gals (Gina from Peoria, IL; Tracy from ? and Karen from Greece, NY).   

So sad about the tragic UPS plane crash tonight in Louisville - praying for the victims and those injured...

Monday - November 3

 A brisk, breezy start to the day and perfect for walking!

I played canasta for the 1st time this season - Anita, Nancy and ahead all morning and then lost at the end....sooo close against Lisa, Marilyn and  Deb.    So fun to be with these gals again (we had 2 tables of 6).

Mark did bookwork all morning.    We had lunch, I did some laundry and then a quiet afternoon.    Walked later and checked out Todd and Cindy's new shed which arrived today.    A few days ago we got the grand tour of their new 5th wheel - very nice!!!

Mark grilled out some delicious burgers - really hit the spot with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion.

Sunday - November 2

 We were up early with the time change.    Mark suggested we go downtown for coffee at Dean Street Coffee Roasters in the Luminary Hotel before church.    Another gorgeous day....enjoyed our coffees and then to 9:30 Mass with Father Steve (newly named "Pastor" of St. Francis).   Today is the feast of All  Souls and Father gave a wonderful sermon.    At the end of Mass he recognized the 4 servers (3 girls and 1 boy) who serve regularly at the 9:30 Mass every Sunday.  They were given certificates from the Knights of Columbus.   But Father pointed out that we have over 600 students at our school, so where are all the other "servers"???

Onto Waffle House (favorite of Anne and Mark) for breakfast - this location (close to us) just opened in the spring before we left.   It was very good and I enjoyed their fall specialty waffle - cinnamon crunch!   Picked up 2 Amazon orders and then some stuff at CVS and on home.

Wrapped more presents, read, played some games and enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon.  

We walked late afternoon - gotta get some steps in earlier since it's getting dark now.

Zoom was with 7 folks tonight - tomorrow our brother-in-law, Mike moves into memory care.   Wishing Mike and Theresa the best as they navigate this big challenge and lifestyle change.  Lydia gave a good report on her back/shoulder

Enjoy the week ahead...

Saturday - November 1

Welcome 

NOVEMBER

 Oh what a glorious day!     We were happy campers knowing we had the entire day to stay home!    No errands, no doctor appointments, no out-to-eat, etc., etc.   Weather is perfect!

After breakfast we went for a long walk,   I remember so well 50 years ago today (All Saints Day - November 1, 1975).    Mark and I had taken Michael and Anne (4) trick or treating the night before at my parents and some neighbors.  And the next day, my Grandpa Gallisath died at the age of 83.

 I cranked up the music (no Christmas tunes yet) and wrapped several presents.    I can't believe we leave 2 weeks from Tuesday for NC.   Yikes, time is FLYING......

Tonight was all about "cleaning out the fridge" of all those styrofoam containers!   A little bit of this and a little bit of that.   

About had heart failure watching the Notre Dame game - wow!    But we came out winners against Boston College 25-10.

Ryan is back in the good ole USA after a week in France, Italy and Germany!

Halloween - 2025

 Hope you had an awesome "Trick or Treat" kinda day!!!

Mark had an eye check-up at Collins Vision regarding his field of vision.   He passed just fine and no concerns!    I went for a walk and then played euchre with Todd, Cindy and Judy at the clubhouse.   Judy and I won 2 games and then Cindy and I won 1.    Fun morning.

We worked outside putting some clothes away in Big Red and getting organized with my Christmas wrapping in the she shed.   I'm on a roll..🎄🤶🎄🎅🎄

So, we are done (hopefully) with doctor appts for the next several days.   Our friend Connie sent us this cute little ditty she saw on Facebook......sooo true!

They say once you retire you will travel more.

What they don't tell you, is, it's to doctors appointments!

The first food truck of the season came this afternoon - Big Papa's BBQ - this is a favorite.    We first did some walking in the park and then got our supper and brought back to Flo.    Mark had the ribs/potato salad/baked beans and I did the BBQ sundae (layered beans, cole slaw and pulled pork).    Halloween party going on tonight in the clubhouse - I'm sure there will be plenty of cute and clever costumes.

Cute holiday decor here at CT

Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve are in Georgia this weekend with friends....

here's Taylor, Maeve, Jack, Maddie and Luke

Miss Maeve, (aka T-Rex, the inflatable dinosaur) fizzled out - hot and tired!  😀

 Bye bye October 

 

Thursday - October 30

 Another busy, full day starting at 9:15 when we left for my appointment with Dr. Collins (hand specialist/surgeon).    I have certainly been to many visits in this building which is Orthopedic Center of Florida (Dr. Mehalik, shoulder surgeon; Michael Young, PA; Dr. Collins; Paul (PT for hand); and across the street, Nicole Keller, PA (ENT).    

The staff at Dr. Collins office were all decked out for Halloween and having a contest for best costume.    Dr. Collins was dressed like a little old lady - soo funny and her assistant, was in this "green" garb.

Dr. Collins and assistant

After discussing their costumes and other chit chat, we got down to business.    Dr. Collins said that Dr. Holt's nerve study showed some "slight" improvement in my median nerve.   She asked if I have neck pain "No" (Dr. Kagen, my dermatologist) asked the same thing.   So, Dr. Collins ordered an MRI of my neck to determine what's going on with the nerves in that area which could be affecting my hand.   I told her I was going to see Dr. Sullivan (neurologist) on 12/9.    She was glad to hear that and said my MRI results will go directly to him.    I'm scheduled for the MRI on 11/14 at 6:30 PM.

We had some free time before lunch so close by is Starbucks,    We got our coffees and sat in the car as it was freezing in Starbucks.

Then we were off to meet Connie and Steve at Dixie Fish Co.    It was such a beautiful day and so fun to be together with these long-time friends for the 1st time since April.    We had sooo much to chat about, plus enjoy our excellent lunch (Connie and I had shrimp burgers; Steve, a grouper sandwich and Mark, the crabcakes).   They invited us back to Shell Point (their retirement community.)    The cleaning lady was there, so we sat outside by the waterfall amongst the thick, pretty vegetation and yakked and yakked some more.    Said our good byes with a plan to check our calendars and come up with another date before Thanksgiving.

Connie and Steve

On back to CT with heavy rush-hour traffic.    We walked later - loving this cooler weather!

HAPPY   HALLOWEEN !

Wednesday - October 29

Whenever we have an appt. early in the morning, we make a plan on what time to leave (allowing for traffic, school buses, and what Google Maps shows for traffic on the interstate, etc.)  Today, was not pretty on 75, so Mark took backroads and we made it to my ENT office and appt. with Nicole Keller, PA with 5 minutes to spare.

She cleaned the wax out of my ears (inherited from my Dad) and less than 1/2 hour, we were outta there.    Next stop was "Summer Moon" coffee shop (we've been here before and it's a really cute place.)    I've had so many yummy fall coffee lattes, but I think today's was the best - "Autumn Moon" - lots of good spices but no pumpkin and not too sweet.   Delicious. 

   Went to Lowe's and Home Depot (on the hunt for hardware for our new table that Philip will build.)   Last stop was Costco and then headed north on 41 to Punta Gorda and lunch with Allie and Owen at Laishley's Crab House.   We sat outside on this gorgeous day and the place filled quickly.   Allie and I had the grouper Reuben, Owen, blue crab sandwich and Mark, the fish (grouper) and chips.

Lunch at Laishley's

Owen, Allie, Pat, Mark

Afterwards, we walked outside and around the building (waterside) to Harbour Scoops for a "kiddie" size favorite ice cream for each (they have a huge selection and all homemade.)   Great lunch, ice cream and visit with these dear friends!

Played Lucky 13 at the clubhouse with 6 tables.    Two winners at our table - fun evening!

Tuesday- October 28

 We had dental appts this morning with Dr. Baxmann.    Mine was a cleaning, but Mark had some more extensive work -  temporary 

crown and filling.   While he was still "in the chair", I had time to go across the street to Biscotti for a coffee/pastry.    Then Target and Dollar Tree.    When we pulled in the dental parking lot, we noticed a new building going up.    I asked Danielle, my hygienist what it was going to be - "a coffee shop"!   Whoaaa...that got my attention.   It will be a Dutch Brother's Coffee (chain that is popular out west as we saw several of these back in 2020 and just this past June in Idaho for Ryan and Erin's wedding.)    It has dine in/outside and drive-thru.     We made our next appointments and then after $$$$, walked out of there.

On home....did some laundry and tah dah, wrapped first Christmas presents!

Mark's mouth is pretty sore so he thought a chocolate milkshake sounded good for supper,   We went to Steak 'n Shake.    Been a long time since I was at one of these and not since all the changes - no waiters and you order from a kiosk and then pick up food at counter.   Steak 'n Shake originated in Normal. IL in 1934 - "In Sight, it Must be Right"!!!

He enjoyed his shake and chili mac.   I had chili 5 ways - all good!

I will see the neurologist on December 9.

Monday - October 27

 We went to Whole Foods this morning to return an Amazon package - they make it so simple!!!

Then to Dr. Kagen, our dermatologist for our 6-month check-ups.    Mark had a few spots on his arms zapped; otherwise, all ok.    Everything good for me, too.    I told him about the awful itching I get occasionally on my right arm (comes and goes).    Told him about the nerve damage in my right hand and he asked if I had seen a neurologist?   "No"....well, now another doctor added to the mix.    He said my primary, Dr. Freeman would recommend one, so....I'm waiting to hear from Dr. John Sullivan - maybe he can shed some new light on this nerve damage and the itching?

Went to Publix at Daniels/Six Mile Cypress (this particular store closed in June 2024 and reopened September 11, 2025 after a major remodel)    It is very nice and can't believe we've been back 10 days and this was out first visit to a Publix.    Geez....prices just keep going up and up - several items we noticed an increase from when we shopped in the spring.

On home...lunch and stayed in where it's cool.

Praying for the folks in Jamaica as "Melissa" approaches.   We heard on the news that there are over 800 shelters but as of this morning, only 26 were in use.    Apparently, these people would rather risk their lives than go to a shelter and worry about the looting that is expected to go on and return to nothing???   How sad....

We heard rain drops hitting Flo's roof around 4:15 and thought "YES"!!!   We badly need rain, but that didn't amount to diddly squat!    Then around 6, it got really dark in the west but didn't start coming down nice 'n gentle till 7:40.

Big Red's new cover to protect from the hot Florida sun

This past weekend, Luke was to do his big 1000' rappelling and camping 2 nights  But he came home from school sick on Friday, so had to cancel.    Bummer.   These kiddos are sure enjoying their adventure club.

The rain is wonderful!    Thank you God!

Sunday - October 26

 Sunny, breezy and very warm.   We went to 9:30 Mass with Father Robert.   Then Mark dropped me off at Shift Coffee downtown to get some coffees-to-go while he got Ruby gassed up!

On home and visited with Dennis and Jamie from IL (Mark worked with them at State Farm) who were out walking.    They just returned from a fall/color cruise from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale.   So, good to see them back here.

I made Mark eggs/ham/bagel for breakfast and then he started cleaning some of Flo's lockers (his stuff) while I dealt with clothes in Flo and she shed!    Clothes, clothes, too many clothes?    Did I really say that??? 😉

We had a long chat with Philip last night about the cabinet he's going to build for Flo between our recliners (we love these new chairs!!!)    He had some ideas we hadn't thought of...

Blair is ready to cheer!

Zoom tonight had only 5 siblings - Halloween talk, outdoor decorating for Christmas, home owners $$$ projects -  (makes Mark and I very glad not to have those issues)!   OUCH....

Enjoy your week!

Tomorrow starts our week-long medical appointments (7).    Looking forward to the 70s later in the week.

 

Saturday - October 25

 Another fun day after doing some projects in the she shed.    I sorted thru clothes and started a pile to donate.

We left at 11 for the post office and then to Nav-A-Gator (south of Arcadia and in the middle of nowhere on the Peace River) for lunch.    Our Champaign, IL friends (Butch and Joyce) came from their winter home in Frostproof (hometown of our friend Fran).   We usually get together a few times during the winter in FL and then back in IL.   

We love the Nav-A-Gator which has really good food/drinks and today it was a lively place as all the staff were dressed for Halloween (clever costumes).    Tonight there is a big party!

As always, loved our food (Joyce and I had the crab-stuffed grilled cheese) and we enjoyed our favorite drink here....Siesta Bay Cooler.   This place is a favorite of Mark's sister Joan and Joe's, too.

Cheers

We 4 all love coffee shops and finding new ones to enjoy....since we were in the boonies, thought this could be an challenge?    But good ole Butch came up with "Mudslide Coffee" 4.5 miles away (near Punta Gorda).    Cute little spot that's been there since 2023.   We enjoyed our coffees and more yakking.    Always lots of laughs!    They'll be heading back to IL on Thursday for the holidays - so till January when we'll find a good spot to meet 'n eat and of course, find a special coffee shop!

Joyce and Butch

On home but first, we drove around the new Bermuda Run RV Park about 1 mile from CT.  Lots of cars there today - maybe an "Open House"?   

Annette and Maeve at "Wicked" in Charlotte this afternoon

Lucky Ladies

Yeah for the Iowa Hawkeyes and their big win over Minnesota today.    Connor was there with Liam cheering them on!

Friday - October 24

 Lots of sunshine today, but also HEAT!!!    Oh well, supposed to cool down next week!

Another fun, busy day starting with euchre in the clubhouse with our buddies (Todd and Cindy from Colorado and Judy from Ohio).    We played 5-handed and Mark won both games.   Great to catch up after 6 months apart!

Mark, Judy, Cindy, Todd, Pat

We left for downtown to meet John and Beth for lunch at Ford's Garage - we had not seen these dear friends since last December.    So, a whole lotta yakkin going on over lunch and beyond.    We walked thru the new Fancy's downtown which they oohed and aahed over.   Then we sat in Peter's Courtyard and had German ice cream and iced latte.    More visiting and catching up with plans to get together again soon.  Their daughter Ashley got married 6 days after Drew, so plenty of wedding talk, too.

Marika at Peter's

John and Beth

Said our good byes.    Mark and I went to WalMart for a Rx, some piddlies and then he got his flu shot (I got mine with Dr. Freeman on Wednesday) and I got the TDAP shot.    Finally  home at 4:30!    Whew.....

A quiet evening at CT.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - October 23

 The medical appointments are done for this week!!!    We were off early again with a stop at Panera for coffee/pastries-to-go.   My 1st visit was with Dr. Langford (urologist) to discuss my kidney stone issues as I had not seen her since the April episode with kidney stone/surgery/stent in Illinois.    But first, we chatted about books we both like to read - favorite authors, etc.   She is such a delight and then we got down to business!    I will have a scan done in December and see her in February, so all good for now!

We had a few hours till next appointment, so enjoyed a leisurely lunch by the water at Deep Lagoon.   Nice breeze under the umbrella - great drinks/food.    Then to the Edison Mall where we walked and got in some steps.  And finally, I had 2 nerve studies done - 1st by Keith (electrodes like tiny shocks all over my hand and arm - also did some on my left hand).    The Dr. Jacklyn Holt came in to do more needle pricks.    She will compare today's results with those from February 2024 and see what's what.   I see Dr. Collins (hand specialist) next week.   Of course they asked if anything has changed - "nope, my hand feels like it did November 27, 2023 when I woke up from the shoulder surgery"  😔

Picked up a package at Amazon locker and on home.

Mark put new tire covers on Flo.   Quiet rest of the afternoon/evening.

Wednesday - October 22

Feeling much better today - good night's sleep and Claritin did the trick! 

Hot and sticky today...93.    We were off early at 7:45 for Mark's eye check-up with Dr. Alessi.   All good.   Collins Vision now has a $100 fee for no-shows!!!!

Then we had some time till my primary doctor visit, so went to Panera and then to Dr. Freeman's office.   I'm good to go till I see her in January.

We had a quick lunch at Jason's Deli before my manicure.    Alisa is at a new location having left Profiles downtown and now in a nail/hair salon on Presidential Way.    Good to see her again and catch up.

On home, worked in the she shed, did some laundry and I made a batch of BBQ.

Luke (7th) and Maeve (4th)

school pictures

We played Lucky 13 tonight.   Nice surprise to have 7 tables (when we've been out walking, we've seen very few folks, but that's probably cause of the heat)!   So really good to see familiar faces after 6 months and Mark and I both won!    We played with Bob and Marilyn from Texas, Dave and Sue from Michigan and Paul and Sue from Illinois.   Fun evening!