Saturday - November 22

 More rain overnight and the air is so fresh and love that piney scent.

After breakfast, Mark and I went for a walk - been sitting too much the past few days!   

The mailbox gets some seasonal beauty

Woke up to this scenery today

The carriage house (our home during our Thanksgiving stay)!

Annette invited their friend Randy to come over for soup/salad and play some euchre.    Mark and I won 4 of 5 games!!!    And the soup/broccoli salad were sooo yummy.

Then we left for Michael's and saw his new dock (damaged from Helene) and newly finished room above garage - very nice.    Big football Saturday and they had some friends come in to watch the game - we visited with Keith and Kathryn.    Blair showed us her new room and and then we were on our way back home.    Brooke and Blair were going to see the movie "Wicked For Good" this afternoon.

Grandpa, Grandma, Blair

Wrapped some gifts and watched football...  HUGE win for Notre Dame against Syracuse and then Iowa eked out a win over Michigan State - exciting Saturday college football!

The plan tonight was for Erin, Annette, Luke, Maeve, Mark and I to have dinner at Bones Jones which is a very popular place here at the lake but we've never been.    We got there at 5:20 and it was going to be a 1-1.5 hour wait!   😞 So we went to the camp and enjoyed our meals and the seasonal ambiance.  Fun time with family - missing Philip and Ryan.

Erin, Annette, Mark

Maeve, Luke, Pat

 

Friday - November 21

 It rained during the night and was a cool, drizzly dreary day.    Davis and his mashed potatoes were out the door before 7:30 and off to work.    Mark and I got our stuff together and left the house at 8:40 heading to Marcella's Sweetery - delicious scones, danish and coffee.   Today we met Marcella and on the 28th they'll celebrate their 1st anniversary.    There are about 15 homes in Davis's subdivision (first ones were finished in August) but it will be huge when totally completed.  The lots are nice 'n big, too.   We sure enjoyed our visit (those 1-on-1 times are so special), seeing his new home and the warm hospitality.

After breakfast, we were on our way - instead of I40, Mark took some rural roads - we passed many many churches out in the country!   Had some fog here and there. We arrived at the lake around 11:30, unpacked and delivered Annette's items from Costco.   A good day for naps and that's what we did.   

Annette invited us for the tree trimming and I was very happy to help with that as I haven't decorated a big tree in 10 years.    Mark came over and we had delicious sausage/vegetable soup and then he came back to the carriage house and I went to the basement with Annette and the kiddos to start the decorating.    Thankfully, they have pre-lit trees as lights used to drive Mark and I CRAZY......string them on the tree and then they didn't all light up!    Arghhhh!    Sure don't miss those days or all that frustration!

So many laughs and memories from past Christmases

 

Tah day....beautifully decorated tree

Along with the Christmas tunes, Maeve entertained us with Jingle Bells on the fiddle - taking lessons!    Good job!

Mark joined us for some 3-handed euchre with Annette and me each winning a game.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - November 20

 Mark and I left at 9:30 for Morganton and "Waterbean" our favorite coffee shop here.   Enjoyed our coffees and Mark had a bagel.    Then drove onto Winston-Salem where we shopped at Hobby Lobby and Costco.    

And then another 20 minutes away we were in King, NC (suburb) where Davis just moved last week into his new home.    We dropped off some things for the fridge/freezer that Annette had wanted.   We stopped at Dairi-O for soup (chili for Mark and tomato basil for me) and then drove to downtown King (a community of 7,000+) that was established in 1983.   Cute little town....

Hailey's Bakery has all the coffees and other pastries/whoaaa....our kind of place.

Stopped at Marcella's Sweetery - neat coffee shop (again) with lots and lots of sweet treats.  Planning to have breakfast here tomorrow.   Davis has so many neat things very close to home (he doesn't care for coffee)😞

Time for dinner and Davis chose "The Mercantile Chophouse" which has a butcher shop next door.   This place with very neat decor renovated in an old building is downtown King was very nice and delicious.    We all had steaks, au gratin potatoes (AWESOME), brussel sprouts (YUMMY) and whipped cream potatoes (oh my gosh)!    We were very happy diners.  

We are spending the night and after we got home, Mark set to work assembling new nightstands that arrived today.   Davis is having a potluck at lunch tomorrow and he's bringing mashed potatoes so he got to work on those.   He really enjoys cooking.   Grandma sat at the island and worked on the blog!  😃   He had scotch for Mark and wine for me - what a grandson!!!  😊

Such a fun visit with Davis and his new home is beautiful!   So happy for him.

Davis - chef extraordinaire

Wednesday - November 19

 Another good day of travel with perfect weather and light traffic (we avoided I75 and took other roads thru Georgia.)   Before leaving Statesboro, we stopped at Sugar Magnolia for a hot latte and then back on the road.

Loved this sign at Sugar Magnolia, a really neat coffee shop

As we were traveling thru Georgia, we came across many cotton fields with these very large bales of cotton wrapped in colorful plastic (lime green, orange, yellow and blue.)  

BIG bale of cotton

And we saw many fields of peach trees in South Carolina

Bare peach trees

 

Mark remembered the very good restaurant in Rutherfordton "The Copper Penny Grill" where we ate 2 years ago at Michael's recommendation.   As we were driving into the parking lot, I texted our friend Meg and told her we were here and "Hi".    We met Meg and Seward many years ago in Brewerton, NY as they stayed at Ess-Kay Yards on their boat, "Butterfly" and we've seen them off and on when we've been back.    They are from Connecticut but their daughter Rebecca and family live in Rutherfordton, so we've always talked about how close our kids are to one another (45 minutes).    

Well, lo and behold, Meg texted right back that they would be over shortly - "WHAT?"   Thought they were in Connecticut and here they were just a few miles away.    We had finished lunch when they arrived - what a nice surprise.    We had a good 45-minute visit and then said our good byes.    Tomorrow they head home.   What a treat catching up....

Mark, Pat, Seward, Meg

We hope to see them this winter as they'll be in St. Pete for 3 months or so...

Then onto Lake James.    I texted Erin to see if she was free and would like to help us unload all our stuff (we re staying at Philip's carriage house - formerly Ryan's bachelor pad).   She quickly said "yes" and what a big help carrying load after load up the stairs.

We sat and chatted with her - so nice to get to know her better as we've only seen her 1 other time since they got married (Drew and Tessa's wedding).    What a fun visit with our new daughter-in-law.

Said our good byes and we set to unpack and settle in.

Annette and Brooke are with the kiddos for after-school activities.    Philip and Ryan are out of town working.

Annette had us over for a wonderful spaghetti dinner with salad, garlic toast and wine.   So fun to catch up and see the kiddos.

Celebrating Grandpa's birthday

After dinner we drove to Michael and Brooke's for more visiting.    Blair was her usual chatty self and Millie was running around in circles (missing Jinx).    Sooo fun to be back with our kiddos.    We are tired, so back to our "home" for the next 2 weeks and call it a day.

Another nice surprise was hearing from Beeb that she and Frank (boaters we met in NY several years ago) and now live in NC were in Asheville today - so close to us.    What a treat to hear from both Meg and Beeb on the same day.    Nighty night!

Tuesday - November 18

 A beautiful day for traveling with sunshine and upper 70s.    We left CT at 7:45 loaded down with clothes, Christmas and birthday gifts and lotsa other "stuff"!!!   Stopped at the new Starbucks on Palm Beach Blvd. to give us a boost and onto I75.   Other than the Sarasota/Bradenton area, traffic wasn't bad.

Stopped in Hawthorne, FL at Dianne's BBQ for lunch and then I drove for 1.5 hours.   Switched drivers in Folkston, GA and got some treats at DQ.   Mark had a chocolate dipped cone and I had a mini peppermint bark blizzard.   Folkston is where I started the blog way back in 2008.

Arrived just before 5 in Statesboro, GA and happy to be out of the car and stretch the legs.    Pete and Barb, former residents at CT moved away a few years ago and built a home here in Statesboro.   It's a very nice town of 33,000+ and our hotel is in a great new area of shops, restaurants and businesses.  

 We traveled 460 miles today and 282 more to go till we get to Lake James.

Took this pic of our first decorated tree (besides in the stores) here in our hotel lobby...9 days before Thanksgiving!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Just about every ethnic food place is within walking distance from our hotel.   We both thought Mexican sounded good, so off to El Maguey - very good choice.   

Excellent Mexican fare (and margarita)😄

Monday - November 17

 I did a load of laundry, a bit more packing and then went to play canasta which Nancy, Sandy and I lost to Vicki, Anita and Deb.   On home, had lunch and then loaded up the car!    We are jam packed and will put the last few items in tomorrow morning.

Tonight was "clean out ye ole fridge" and we had several items to get rid of - made for an interesting supper!

Went to Ladies Wine Night hosted by Brenda - 13 ladies tonight and we chatted about this, that and everything!    Came home and watched some of Father Doug's funeral mass on YouTube.    I plan to watch more tomorrow as we're traveling.

Big day tomorrow....."back on the road again" as Willie would sing!

Sunday - November 16

 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Steve and then to Take Two Coffee.   They have wonderful cinnamon rolls - we always like to have our pastries warmed up, but this place does not have a microwave (just like Crafted in Bloomington)....so, still good but sure would like these just a tad warmer!  

On home - book work, another load of laundry and gathering "stuff" to take to NC.    And then we got out the bikes and had a nice ride thru the park - 1st time since August 21st we've been on the bikes.   Late afternoon we rode again and then Jim picked us up and off to downtown and Pincher's for yummy supper.    So pleasant sitting outside but breezy!    We all enjoyed our food and visiting.   Jim flies back to St. Louis next Saturday.

Zoom tonight with everyone accounted for.   Plenty of discussion - tomorrow Doris's 9-year old grandson Keegan is having surgery for a brain tumor (doctors are optimistic that it's benign).   Prayers big time for this little guy.    Keegan has a twin brother, Peyton.  Tom entertained Connor's golf team and coach for a yummy steak dinner tonight.   Sharon cut her hand using a potato slicer to make home-made French fries and needed 10 stitches.   

Enjoy the week ahead.

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!