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!

Tuesday - October 21

 Last night I started sneezing like crazy and blowing my nose.....where oh where did that come from?   Not sure if it's a bad cold or allergies?

This morning I had 2 appts. - haircut and manicure.    Alisa (nails) texted that she had the flu and felt terrible - could I reschedule?   Supposed to go there tomorrow IF she and I are both feeling better?    Then Salon by Design called that Kaitlyn (hair) was not coming in today but they could have another stylist do my hair.    Laurie did a good job so happy to have that out of the way.   Stopped at Starbucks for a hot latte and onto WalMart to pick up a Rx and few groceries.  I talked to the pharmacist and she recommended I take Allegra or Claritin.   Picked up some Claritin so hoping this will do the trick.   On home.

Mark got Big Red detailed and ran several errands.   I took a nap in the afternoon and we worked a bit more in the she shed, but going in and out....the heat is on and we're taking it easy.

I'm pretty sure it was a wasp that stung me Sunday.   Mark usd some wasp spray and thought he got it, but today, a friend (or same one) came along....we heard peppermint was a good solution to getting rid of them, so....

Got the critters out and set in their respective spots in the landscaping - Tillie and Trixie, the Turtles, Bonnie the Bunny, Freddie the Frog and Lizzie (small turtle Maeve made for us)!

Feeling lousy, so.....crawling into bed and hope I can beat this crud very soon!

Nighty night

Monday - October 20

We were off to downtown this morning at 8:45 for a haircut for Mark with Jose and I waited at Peter[s Coffee Cafe.   So good to see Marika, Stefan and Dani.    They are now serving German donuts!    I sat in the courtyard with my latte and blueberry coffee cake.   I had a nice chat with Albert originally from South America but now lives in Cape Coral.   He introduced me to Jonathan, our state senator.    Mark joined me with his new "do", got a coffee and ate 1/2 of my coffee cake (I did plan to share).😀

Nothing like a delicious pastry and coffee from Peter's

Today it was all about errands and we had a bunch.    Dry cleaners, WalMart, Costco, tickets at Barbara Mann and got Ruby detailed.  The highlight was lunch at "Fancy's Southern Cafe's" newest location downtown.   Twisted Vine was a nice restaurant till Ian came along and totally destroyed it.   It was vacant for a while and we were happy to see that Fancy's was opening their 2nd location.   Wow....it is absolutely beautiful.    One side is for lunch and the other,,, for dinner Thursday-Sunday with live music (a big white baby grand is elevated) and brunch on Sundays in the courtyard.   Our food was delicious and can't wait to go back!   There are so many good places to eat downtown and this is a great addition.

My chicken salad "salad"

Mark had the chicken fried steak, sweet potato souffle and green beans

On home, put our stuff away and glad for  a rest!    Did some laundry later.   91 today!😧

 We have 8 medical appointments coming in the next 2 weeks - 3 for Mark and 5 for me!😟

Congratulations to Blair who was chosen as a "Citizen of the Month" by her teacher for demonstrating respect and kindness.    Blar is 5th from the left in the striped shirt !!!  

Blair and her friend Abby are with Abby's parents in Orlando for a few days - they had a 4-day weekend!   Fun!!

Abby and Blair

They were "pink" ladies in the Halloween parade

We went for a short walk in the park - at 7, it was still steamy with no breeze.   Our phones said it felt like 91.

Sunday - October 19

 We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert.   Good to be back here.   Today is a big day for our parish as Father Steve will be named pastor by Bishop Frank Dwaine at the 11:30 Mass.   Big celebration planned with mass and reception.

Checked out the new location for "Take Two Coffee" on Broadway.    Nice new spot compared to where they were (connected to a church).   Enjoyed our coffee, donut (me) and cinnamon roll (Mark).   Filled up Ruby's gas tank and on home.

We worked between the she shed, Ruby and Big Red getting a little more organized.    And then.......I got stung by a bee or wasp?   Boy, that little sucker got me in the back as I was coming out of the she shed.    Mark put Cortizone cream on it right away, but took a long time for sting to go away?

HOT 88 today....by mid afternoon, we were ready to call it a day and stay inside.

Went for a short walk after supper - had the threat of rain, but just a few sprinkles.

View tonight from our neighbors, Buddy and JoAnn's lot across the street

Pretty pink clouds

Zoom tonight had 9 siblings - update on Lydia's recent surgery; Joan's ankle issue; Theresa preparing for Mike to go into Memory Care in next 2 weeks; Jim's plan to bring their RV to FL in early November; brother-in-law Darrell's 2nd cataract surgery tomorrow; football scores; how do we like our recliners, etc.

Wishing everyone a good week!

Saturday - October 18

We had a productive day....worked inside Flo (where it was nice 'n cool).   Cleaned and organized drawers and cupboards from things shifting while we're on the road.   

Shane with MAZ Enterprises started cleaning the pavers using a high power washer at 9:45.   He worked for over 3 hours but got the pavers nice 'n clean.    Shane said this happens occasionally, but never as bad as we were! 😞 He hosed down Flo, too.   He will come back next summer and clean under where Flo is parked - too much hassle to move her again, so....sounds good to us.   MAZ Enterprises does several maintenance jobs on RV's.

Before the power washing

Lots of splatters 

What a nice surprise to get a phone call from a long-ago friend, Carly.    We met Carly and Ross in Okeechobee several years ago at Water's Edge RV Park..    They were from California and just so much fun.    Carly and I went into town and did yoga together a few times a week with Miss Belle.   We kept in touch but the last time we communicated was October, 2023.    Wow.....Carly and Ross sold their RV and now live in Hernando, FL (about 3 hours away)......so, we definitely plan to hook up sometime this season,    Carly made my day!!!

This afternoon we worked in the she shed and emptied some stuff from Big Red and Ruby - still plenty to do, but we both ran out of steam around 2:30.   So happy to be back with my own washer and dryer!!!

Holy Moly....God did a real number at Lake James last night!

We started off our social season (😀) having dinner with Barb and Roger at Naples Coastal Kitchen in Bonita Springs.   New place for us and a new location as they had been in Naples.    Very pretty blue decor and food was really good.   Lots of choices.

Barb and Roger have been in FL for 2 weeks and will be heading home Monday till after the holidays.

Roger, Mark, Pat, Barb

Always fun to be with them and a great start to 2025-2026 in Florida

Friday - October 17

 We met Ron and Vicki at Fat Jacks at 9, an old timey diner - busy place with great food and prices.    Said our good byes and headed back to Sanlan RV/Golf Resort.   

Vicki and Ron

 We were pretty much ready to go - Mark just had to put power cord and water hose away.

And then 107 miles later, we were "HOME! - whew, it's a hot one!    

We settled Flo and noticed many white splash marks on our pavers like paint?    We had the pavers cleaned and sealed over the summer.    Mark called Shane and he came right out - something about the solution sits inside the ripply areas of pavers and then the white stuff?   A lady arrived and both of them worked on this.....what a job!   They are going to try a different solution tomorrow.   We shall see...........

But a nice treat to see my orchid with all these blooms as it was pretty far gone when we left in April.

Pretty blooms

Thursday - October 16

 We are in Lakeland and getting so close to "home sweet home".   We left Tifton at 8 and a short jaunt out of the park got fuel (gas for Ruby; diesel for Flo) and on our way at 8:20.

So good to see the "Welcome to Florida" sign at 9:20!    We stopped in Dunnellon for lunch at Burger King - that intersection was a zoo (heavy traffic and construction) so tricky to get Flo in and out and back on 75.   We took the turnpike and then rural roads arriving at Sanlan RV and Golf Resort at 1:50.    This is Flo's Lakeland, Florida home and we've been here several times.    My brothers golf here sometimes, too.

We drove to my brother Ron and Vicki's home - great visit (we had not seen them since March) and then to Frescos downtown and one of our favorite Lakeland restaurants!   Another awesome meal....said our good byes but planning to meet for breakfast tomorrow.

Mark, Ron, Vicki, Pat

Today is National Junior College Athletic Association Day

Our Connor is front and center representing golf at

DACC.

Wednesday - October 15

 We left the KOA in Blue Ridge at 8:55.    Sure enjoy this area and would love to come back and stay longer - they have a Scenic Railway trip that goes thru the Blue Ridge mountains (4 hour round trip).   It is very popular especially in the fall.   There are 2 trips each day.

Drove thru Atlanta - not too bad but not fun either.....everyone going so fast and so much traffic.   Had a big backup where 75 and 285 merged!    We stopped in Jackson, GA for lunch  with 2 choices of food trucks and chose "Ole Rudy's Bar B Que".    Ate on picnic tables under a shelter - we each had a pulled pork sandwich and we shared an order of coleslaw - all very good.

Good Southern cookin'

We arrived in Tifton, GA at 2:45 and settled at the Overnight RV Park which is similar to a Loves RV stop - very nice and about 1/2 mile off 75.

It was 46 when we got up but ended up a sunny 82.    We've sure been blessed with good travel weather.   We've been averaging around 300 miles each day which is more than enough!   With each of us having to drive, we say the rosary, listen to our own music and keep alert!

We walked around the park and met a nice couple from Titusville, FL who have been traveling since May.    They are headed home but first, stopping to see their 1-week old great grandbaby in Gainesville and then a daughter in Ocala.

There are around 40 sites here and its about 1/2 full tonight but the majority are from FL.

Tomorrow we'll be in Lakeland (FLORIDA) and visiting my brother Ron and Vicki.    Then onto Fort Myers on Friday!

Today would've been Mark's sister Sue's 68th birthday....she passed away October 12, 2020.   She is so missed....."Happy Heavenly Birthday, Sue"!!!

Tuesday - October 14

 A beautiful day in Blue Ridge - 76 with all sunshine!    I left around 9:45 for downtown (2 minutes away).   Mark wanted to stay put on Flo.   I parked ($5 proceeds are going to avoid euthanizing dogs)

First stop was Das Kaffee Haus for a latte and sat in the window seat of this charming place and sent some texts and e-mails.   Then to check out the shops - this is such a neat town full of shops and restaurants (there are 1700+ residents and "77" places to dine!!!).   I was especially looking forward to "Gather"" and "Blue Ridge Cotton Co." which were owned by Josh and Gary, former neighbors at CT.    4 years ago when we came here, it was during  covid and we were all wearing our masks.   We had a nice visit with the guys and loved their shops.    A few years later, they opened a shop in downtown Fort Myers in the Franklin Shops.    They sold their RV and bought a condo in FM and split their time between Fort Myers and Blue Rudge.   Unfortunately, I just missed them as they had been in the shop earlier.   Bummer.   I left a note....as of last Thursday, they sold "Gather" and combined the 2 shops into 1 "Blue Ridge Cotton Co." - nice!!!

 After a few hours of browsing the long 2-block area, I drove back to KOA and picked up Mark.    We went back downtown (very busy compared to when I was there earlier).    We found a parking spot and went to a favorite from 4 years ago "Cantaberry".    We waited almost 40 minutes for a table (several empty, but shortage of help which we have not seen in awhile).    The wait was well worth it - this is one of those places that everything on the menu sounds delish!    After lunch, we walked around a bit and then headed to the post office and Ingles grocery store.

On home....Mark took a nap and I played games on my I-pad.   We needed some R&R after 2 hectic travel days....now 3 more coming up.    The latte, shopping and lunch with my hubby were my kind of R& R.  

Tifton, GA is our next destination.

Monday - October 13

 Happiness is arriving at our destination and that happened today at 3:30 and another long day behind us.    We left Whispering Hills at 8:40 and a few stops including lunch (McDonalds) in Rocky Top, TN.

We had brilliant sunshine all day and enjoyed some fall color driving in Tennessee.   Shortly after we left, we had a glitch again of merging 4 lanes down to 1 around Lexington.   What a mess.   WAZE rerouted us and we got off I-75 and went 8 miles out of the way but drove thru a residential area, pretty horse farms and beautiful large homes.   Heavy traffic around Knoxville and then 30 miles from Oconee, TN on winding roads with the Oconee (Lake/River) on our right and beautiful trees and high cliffs to the left.   A bit hairy but very picturesque.   This  is a huge recreational area and the water was beside us for a long time.

We plan to spend 2 nights here at the Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA where we spent April 15-16, 2021.   It is such a cute little town,

We drove downtown (2+ miles away) to the Whiskey and Water; Seafood and Bourbon restaurant.    Trip Advisor gave it high marks and it was excellent - Mark had the stuffed flounder and I had scallops!    We drove around town a bit and on back to KOA.

My delicious scallops 

Luke, the rappeler at Sitting Bear overlooking Linville Gorge

So much beauty

So last night on family zoom, Mark's brother Jim was telling us that before Lydia had her spinal fusion surgery last Friday, the anesthesiologist came in to talk along with another guy who was a nerve specialist.    His job is to monitor on a screen what the Dr. is doing and guide him if he's getting too close to nerves.   WOW.....where was this guy when I had my shoulder replacement that resulted in nerve damage to my right hand which is no better.   Obviously, too late for me, but going to talk to my hand specialist, Dr. Collins on the 30th.

Very interesting!    Makes ya wonder how often nerve damage occurs during surgery???

Lots of RV's on the road - most are going south, but several heading north???

 

Sunday - October 12

 Stressful day of travel....we left the fairgrounds and South Bend at 9 this morning.    Traffic was heavy for a Sunday, but we kept on truckin'.    What a mess when we got to 465 South in Indianapolis - 4 lanes of traffic merged to 1 lane.   This back-up cost us 1/2 hour + some frustration.   😖

We arrived at Whispering Hills Campground in Georgetown, KY around 3:30.   We've been here several times and a really nice place and very large.    They are pretty full tonight - folks  must be heading south or returning home from football games.    Today is beautiful here with sunshine and low 70's.

Brady was with us on a visit here on July 30, 2015 as we were headed to Bloomington and a week with his cousins Liam and Connor.   

10 years ago and now they're college men

Luke belongs to an adventure club and they rappelled 200' this weekend.   Next outing, they are doing 1000' .  YIKES!    But he loves it, so that's all that matters and look at that incredible scenery.

  Luke is on the left.

We went to Mass with Father Jonathan in Port Clinton.    Another great homily,   Zoom had 8 siblings tonight.   Updates on Lydia and Janet's surgeries this past week.   Janet is doing well; Lydia has a long recovery and right now, the hardest is getting in and out of bed.   Tom talked about their big weekend at the Illini/OSU game with their family present and enjoying box office seats.

Michael and Davis are back home tonight - they had a much longer day of travel, but happy to be back at Lake James and Winston-Salem.

Have a great week - loving this fall-like weather but still not seeing much color.

Saturday - October 11

 WOW!!!    We are back on Flo after an awesome day getting the full Notre Dame experience with the Irish winning 36-7.  

We arrived at 9 AM at Embassy Suites and met Michael.    There was a cute coffee truck "Travelin' Tom's Coffee" outside the hotel, so I got a latte.  

White chocolate mocha - yum!

Welcome at hotel

 Michael, Mark and I walked around campus.  

Touchdown Jesus and us

 The tailgating was underway - a real mob on an absolutely gorgeous day.   We met up with Davis and Brady.   Brady's friends' parents had a big array of game-day goodies - sooo much yummy food and the ND fans were a lively bunch!    

The Embassy Suites is very close to the stadium, so really handy for us to go back and forth before the game started at 3:30.    Michael got us very good seats - 4 rows up from the 40-yard line.   And the seats were all nicely padded which Mark's back really appreciated!

Grandpa is showing loyalty to both grandsons! 

Mark and I have only been to one other college football game and that was in 1989 when Michael was a freshman at Iowa against the Oregon Ducks.   So, a thrill for us to come see Brady and soak up all this Irish hoopla!

Davis (NC State fan), Michael, Brady, Pat, Mark

We saw grassy areas to park for $50 and then this sign - OUCH, but in

the area where the tailgating was going on, the parking was $600.   And it was packed!

The mounted police directing foot traffic

The band

The crowd

Erin's best friend was at this sellout game!

So enjoyed the Notre Dame band....wow, wow, more wow!!!

A family of 5 (girl, 3 boys and baby girl @ 3 months) sat beside us - they are from Bloomington, IL and the kiddos go to Corpus Christi grade school (where our kids went when it was called St. Clare and then Liam and Connor).    The Mother is a Pre-K teacher at the school!   Small world! 

HUGE thanks to this guy for making today possible!!!

Leaving the game - Michael, Mark, Brady

By the start of the 4th quarter, the sun had gone behind the stands and the temp dropped....burrrr   

Just a phenomenal day!   Tomorrow we start the long trek to Fort Myers.  

Only 4 RV's here - Nevada, California, Texas and Florida (us).

Nighty night!