Tuesday - March 3

 Today would've been Mark's Mother's 100th birthday!!!    Congratulations on this milestone "Heavenly" day.

And today marks 16 years since our accident in St. Pete, FL when we were hit by a car crossing Pasadena Boulevard - lots has happened since that scary day!

I walked to Kevin and Kathy Connors to pray the rosary.   There were 8 of us and so pleasant sitting under their tiki and Kathy even provides blankets (didn't need them today).   The birds are singing, the sun is shining and no wind - beautiful day in Fort Myers.

Mark and I met the "sisters" at Buckingham Farms for breakfast.    Sooo good and we walked around the farm and saw "Booger" who did not want to come out of his little shed.

Mark with the sisters

We girls played euchre (Donna and I won both games) and RummiKub won by me.

We left around 3:45 for Salty Sam Marina with Chris driving - the "sisters" loved looking at the big yachts (4 of them were ginormous).    And then we all enjoyed our dinner and the Gatlin Show.    They put on a fantastic show and Donna, Teri and Chris were singing along and whoopin' and lovin' all the great music.

                                                                     Sister fun at Gatlin

We went back to their Air B 'n B and Mark met us there and we are back home!

Another really fun day!   Nighty night

Monday - March 2

 Another fun day starting with good bye hugs (this was sad and teary-eyed) for Buddy and JoAnn across the street who are headed home to Asheville, NC after a 3-day stop at Disney (JoAnn LOVES roller coasters)!

Pat and JoAnn

Buddy and JoAnn

\

Buddy, Pat, Mark

Normally we would see them later this spring, but when we're in NC, they'll be in Alaska.

Another fun day with my crazy boat sisters!    Mark and I were off to downtown - Peter's for coffee and shared a chocolate muffin; Mark got his hair cut with Jose and I sat in Peter's courtyard with my Ipad.     Mark went on home and I walked to Ella Mae's Diner and met Donna, Teri and Chris for late breakfast.    We sat outside and and enjoyed our yummy meals.

Walked around downtown

Chris modeling pretty scarf she eventually bought

Teri, Chris, Pat, Donna

 and then back to CT for games - Teri and Chris won 2 of 3 games of euchre from Donna and me.      And then I won at RummiKub.

Rousing game of RummiKub (a favorite for all)

Time to eat again....so off to Connor's (Mark is enjoying all leftovers from past few days.)    This is a favorite steak/seafood place - Patty was our server and another wonderful meal (with more leftovers).  

Teri and Pat

Chris and Donna

  Mark met us at the 7 Eleven and they went back to their Air BnB and we came home,

Sooo many laughs today!!!

Sunday - March 1

 WELCOME

to

MARCH

Oops, forgot to post the blog last night!    We didn't get home from Buddy and JoAnn's till after 10, so....guess I was too tired to send it off?    Thanks Anne for the reminder!

But today's a brand new day and my "Boat Sisters" arrived about 1/2 hour early - 7:44 from Columbus, OH.    They will be zombies after that very early flight.

Had some rain early this morning - we'll gladly take anything we can get!    Mark and I walked and had breakfast.  It was very humid.  He did some bookwork and I'm just chillin' till my "boat sisters" arrive.    

And then the girls arrived around noon - sooo good to see them.    They had been up since 2ish this morning.    We sat on the patio and yakked and yakked.    Chris sat outside in a recliner and got a little shut eye while Teri, Donna and I continued yakking.

And then we 4 played RummiKub with Chris the winner.    So fun to be together again.    At 3:50 we left for Pincher's and early dinner.    Got a table right away and sat by the water.   All enjoyed our drinks and food.    They were off to check into their VRBO and see what they might need at the grocery store before they crash tonight (coffee for sure)

My sisters are back!

Donna, Pat, Chris, Teri

We'll meet up tomorrow whenever they are up and navigating!   

Zoom tonight with 8 siblings - Theresa is back home from NC; Jim and Lydia are back to CT from St. Louis;  

Enjoy your week ahead

Saturday - February 28

Had just a few sprinkles around 6 AM.....we need rain so badly, but just not happening!

I did some laundry and we picked up neighbors Chris and Diane from Connecticut for lunch at Blossom and Brie.    We had such a nice visit and great brunch/lunch.   They really enjoyed this unique farm-to-table experience.    After eating, Diane and I walked around to see the animals.    Chris is having some painful back issues.....he'll be seeing an orthopedic doctor till they return to CT.    

Rodney, the owner of Blossom and Brie, gave Chris and Diane a tour of his hydroponic container where all the fresh greens are grown - amazing set up.

Mark, Pat, Diane, Chris

On home and Mark and I took a little nap before we were off to 4:00 Mass with Father Robert.   Afterwards we went downtown to The Luminary and the 12th floor "Beacon Drinkery" for some yummy adult beverages (old fashions) and shared an appetizer of Asian chicken sliders (sooo good).   It was a very busy, loud place....we definitely bought the age level up a bit!   😉

JoAnn invited Joe, Barb and us for her wonderful chocolate cake and peppermint ice cream.  We had a 3-hour visit under their tiki - such a fun time and Monday, Buddy and JoAnn will be headed home to Asheville, NC.  😒   Joe and Barb are from Flora, IL and leaving later  in March.   Hate that folks are talking about when we're all leaving!   

Pat, JoAnn, Barb

Buddy, Mark, Joe

Connor and his DACC golf teammates, coaches, etc., are in Scottsboro, Alabama for the start of their golf season.    We wish them all the best!

My brother Bob loves to put puzzles together - his son Jason had this picture of our family farm made into a 1000-piece wooden puzzle and Bob just finished this week!

Dinges family farm - 1965

Tomorrow my 3 boat sisters (Donna, Teri and Chris) arrive from Ohio.    I cannot wait to see them - lots of fun coming up this week!

Friday - February 27

 Beautiful balmy sunny very busy Friday starting with 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul with Father Murchadh.    Back home for euchre in the library.   Estelle and I beat Diane and Mark 10-9.  Exciting game!

JoAnn and I went to Gomez Mexican Grill for yummy lunch....we've been planning this for several weeks - Buddy does not like Mexican, so we girls decided to do our own thing!    We both love their food and margaritas - fun time!   On home and they came over to play dominoes.    Today we played with the colored numbers versus dots - a little more strategy but still fun with the double 12s. (thank you Joan, Mark's sister).  We only got thru double 5s with JoAnn, the winner.   She is officially the DQ (Domino Queen) till we can meet again next season.    They are leaving CT on Monday...😔

Tonight we met Charlotte and Doug at University Grill for dinner - very busy place and another excellent dinner.   Then to the Righteous Brothers concert at the Barbara Mann Theater.   They put on a really good show - Bill Medley (one of the originals) will be 86 this year.   Amazing as was Buddy Heard who replaced Bobby Hatfield 11 years ago.    Bobby died in 2003.    So, it was an enjoyable evening EXCEPT for 3 very loud, rude and obnoxious people behind us (one gal in particular who giggled, screamed, laughed and whistled throughout the show!!)    She was carrying on when rest of the crowd was quiet??  ARGHHH!

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - February 26

 We were off early (7:15) in rush-hour traffic with Mark driving Big Red and me in Ruby for Sam Galloway Lincoln/Ford dealer - maintenance on both today.    They gave us a very nice BIG Lincoln Navigator as a loaner with just 1200 miles. 

Next stop was Chocolatte for my free coffee (birthday treat and I had 2 weeks to use with tomorrow the last day).    You can order any size, any drink - what a treat.    Mark had a breakfast sandwich, too (we shared a bit) and his Americano decaf.    Then my appointment with Dr. Langford, urologist - she is so nice and all good with the kidneys (as long as the stones I have lurking around stay put)!   She''ll do another ultrasound later this year,    We discussed books as she's given me some really good recommendations.

On home.   Flo and the she shed were in need of some TLC, so straightened things up and did a load of laundry.   Mark left for his yearly exam.  

At 3:15 we left to pick up our vehicles.

It's been 2 weeks since mty eye surgery - I'm down to just one application of ointment on the lids (nurse Mark handles that) at bedtime.   

Euchre tonight was only 4 tables but Mark won 1st prize!   Steve and Barb tied for 2nd place,   Fun as always!

Tuesday-Wednesday, February 24-25

 We are back from our little getaway and had so much fun!

Tuesday - we have the rosary in CT every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:45 AM.    Kathy and Kevin Connors from Stillman Valley, IL have been doing this for quite sometime.    I had never gone, but with Lent, time to do some extras.    There were 9 of us and with the chilly weather we all gathered inside their 5th wheel with a nice cozy fire versus under the tiki where they normally meet.   Nice gathering and meeting some new folks.

Walked home and Mark and I left shortly for Venice with a stop at Black Gold Coffee Roasters.  Then downtown and met brother Bob and Linda at our usual parking lot and at 10:00 got prime spots.  Linda and I set off on foot to hit the shops - love Venice and this is our usual yearly tradition (did not meet last year though)?   Anyway, we both boosted the Venice economy and had so much fun!   Bob and Mark kept out of the cold in a coffee shop and then sat in the car with the sun shining.    It was chilly walking around.

Linda and Pat

While we were shopping at Lisa's Classic Rose, the sales lady took our picture and then posted it on Facebook!   Whoaaaa...what a surprise - we both love this shop and bought the above clothing + a few other pieces.

Met the guys at Cafe Venice (a favorite and had a delicious lunch).    A little more shopping and then good bye as they left for Lakeland and we were off to North Port.    We'll see them in a few weeks when they come to Fort Myers.

North Port was 20 miles away and arrived at Allie and Owen's around 3:30.    So good to see them and sat and yakked till time to go to dinner.    New place in Englewood that was recommended to them and oh my....a real winner - "Chophouse 285" very good!!!    Back to their home for more visiting and icing of my eyes and then off to dreamland.

Owen and Allie

Chophouse 285

Wednesday - we were off to the K and K Bakery/Coffee Shop in North Port.    Allie and Owen had never been here but oh my............beautiful looking pastries and desserts plus all the coffee choices.   We enjoyed our treats and visited for a while and then back home.   We finished packing up our stuff, loaded up the car and after good bye hugs, were off for Wellen Park.    We'll see Allie and Owen on the 12th.

Very delicious cinnamon roll

We met long-time boating friends from Racine, WI.   We were all at Reefpoint Marina on Dock E-12.    So many memories from years past and thankful we've kept in touch.    We left Reefpoint in 2006.    Ken and Cathy who hosted us today spend the summer at Reefpoint on their boat and rest of the year in their beautiful home in Wellen Park (huge new development that will eventually have 50,000 residents).    It's new with lovely homes, all the shops, restaurants, businesses, etc.    We met at The Banyan House downtown - lunch was yummy and then to Ken and Cathy's - got the tour of their "WOW" house and after dessert (incredible chocolate concoction) Cathy took we girls on a tour of 3 model homes in the neighborhood (all totally furnished) - so much fun and more "WOW". 

Pat, Cathy, Barbara, Carol

Mark, Ken, Bob, Mark

Mark C, Mark W, Carol, Barbara, Cathy, Pat, Bob, Ken

Mark and Barbara live in New Bern, NC but spend the month of February on Anna Marie Island.    Bob and Carol live in Hawthorne Woods, IL.    God willing, we'll be together again next year.

Wellen Park is home to spring training for the Atlanta Braves (brand new stadium).    There was a game today and when we left, oh my......got caught in all that traffic.    Then a bad accident on I-75 near Punta Gorda really delayed us.    But lots of happy memories with family and friends!

Nighty night! 

 

 

Monday - February 23

 Brrrr...back to the cold and wind (of course).   And today was really chilly with the strong wind.   But we could be out east.....yikes!    Cannot imagine those blizzard conditions.  

 We picked Jamie and Dennis up at 10:15 and we were off to Punta Gorda for lunch with State Farm retirees (18).   We met at Laishley's and all enjoyed a fun visit and lunch indoors!    Mark hadn't seen some of these folks in many years.    Thanks to Barb for organizing and getting us together.    We've been to Laishley's many times but never have we seen it so crowded as today.   They have a large outdoor seating area and even with the cold/wind, there were some die hards sitting out there.    But the inside is large and when we left, people were everywhere waiting.    Despite the weather, folks are vacationing in Florida and going out to eat!    HA....

Enjoyed visiting with Jamie and Dennis on the ride up and back - they are just around the corner from us here at CT, but we don't see them very much.    

So, we hunkered down this afternoon - sun was shining, but geez....after several days in the 80s, this feels brutal!

So sad and shocked to read online that Father Jerry Kaywell from Sacred Heart in Punta Gorda passed away this morning.    He's been the pastor there since 2004 and was so loved.    He was 72 and no other details at this time.   So many tributes online expressing shock and disbelief for this wonderful man who was such a true servant of Jesus.   We've been to some of his masses over the years - wow.....very charismatic and excellent homilies.    Before entering the priesthood, he was a singer, musician, entertainer and won a Grammy award.     

Brought the flowers in tonight - not taking any chances with this cold!    When we returned from Punta Gorda, the flowers here in the park were already covered.

Mark and I are going on a little trip north tomorrow (Venice and North Port) to visit family/friends.    We'll be back Wednesday - so taking a little break from the blog.

Jim and Lydia stopped by - they are excited about their move to Shell Point coming up - but  bittersweet, too, leaving CT.   

Sunday - February 22

 Very warm and breezy today....we went to 9:30 Mass with Father Steve and then home for light breakfast.    Did some laundry and later we left for Cooper's  Hawk where we met Charlotte and Doug for "brunch and bubbles".   They serve brunch now on Saturdays and Sundays.   It was packed and so good to be back with our Annapolis friends.

Brunch was excellent but first we all had the most delicious Bloody Mary's (maybe my best ever) with a skewer of lots of yummies.    Doug chose an order of 5 salted caramel donuts which were phenomenal!!!    Then the entrees (Charlotte, trio of beef medallions. Doug and I had the caramelized French Toast with fruit (maybe best French toast I've ever had) and Mark had the candied bacon BLT.   We were all very happy!    After our visit and awesome meals, we said our good byes till later this week when we'll be together again.

Mark, Pat, Charlotte, Doug

When we went into the restaurant it was 88, sunny and windy.   When we came out 1.5  hours later, it was 70, very cloudy and windy.

We went to Costco for some wine and a few other items and on home as the rain started.   The chilly weather is returning for a few days here in SWFL.....

So excited for the USA men's hockey team and winning the gold medal!    Awesome game.

Joan and Joe arrived home (IL) safely in their travel trailer this afternoon after a whirlwind trip!!!

Zoom tonight was just 6 of us - Theresa talked about getting her NC home ready to put on the market; they started digging for Tom and Beth's new home in Ohio; Jim and Lydia are starting to clean out their shed and prepare the lot for sale as they will be moving to Shell Point.    We're all happy that Joe and Joan are home.  

Enjoy the week ahead.

Saturday - February 21

 Another very nice warm day but very little wind so that was pleasant.    Doris came at 9 and the 3 of us went downtown for breakfast - we had planned to eat at Ella Mae's Diner but oh my....all the streets were blocked off for the big Edison Festival of Lights parade which is tonight.   So we went to Farmer's Market and although very crowded (think all the folks who couldn't get in downtown, came here)?    Anyway, not too long a wait and always such good food.   Doris always treats her siblings on their birthday - so this was a belated celebration for Mark from his November birthday.    And I enjoyed the treat, too.

The siblings celebrating Mark's belated birthday

Back home and walked over to Jim and Lydia's for games - 5-handed euchre won by Lydia and me and then Five Crowns won by Doris.   Fun afternoon and then Doris was on her way - wanted to go to church this afternoon.   She'll be leaving tomorrow for The Villages and a family visit and will fly home on Tuesday.    We sure enjoyed her visit.

Blair competed this weekend with her competitive cheer in Greensboro, NC and her team won 1st place AGAIN!    Way to go girls!

Blair and big brother Davis

Yay...we WON!!!

Friday - February 20

 A very warm (87) sunny day to celebrate my birthday and it's sure been a great one!    

Mark and I ran a few errands this morning including my free coffee at Starbucks (today only).    I played euchre with Estelle and Diane - I taught them 2 and 3-handed and we had so much fun and so many laughs!

Euchre buddies

Pat, Diane, Estelle

When Liam and Connor visited in December, they loved one of the many authentic Mexican food trucks we have and so Mark suggested we try one today.....however, no fish or shrimp and since it's Friday during Lent???    So, off to Culvers for their yummy cod sandwich which we shared and an order of cheese curds.    On home.   More icing and enjoying my birthday messages.    

Today is a popular day as my brother Bob celebrates (he's 6 years older), friends Kay (a special one 😊) and Fred and cousins, Dave, Amy and Michelle.

Tonight 3 of Mark's siblings and spouses joined us for my birthday dinner at Blossom and Brie....we had so much fun and sad to say bye bye to Joan and Joe who are driving home tomorrow (2-day trip) and preparing for trip to the Cleveland Clinic and pre-visit for Joan's upcoming ankle surgery on April 10th.    We wish them safe travels and so enjoyed our time together this winter in Florida.

Mark, Pat, Lydia, Jim, Joe, Joan, Doris

Thank you for the phone calls, e-mails, texts and cards from family and friends!   It was a wonderful day!!!

Thursday - February 19

 HAPPY   HEAVENLY   BIRTHDAY

Sweet memory from November, 2016

Patrick would have been 61 today.   We sure miss him and sending love and hugs!

Mark and I were off to Dr. Friedrich's (eye surgeon) office for my follow-up.  He was pleased with how they look and the blurriness and swelling is all normal.   Today I change from the antibiotic ointment to Aquaphor several times a day to keep the incision moist and another gel at night time.   I'm to continue with the icing 3x a day.

On home and got the ice mask on.       Doris arrived at noon flying in from Chicago early this morning.    So good to see her and had a nice chat before Jim and Lydia picked us up and off to Fancy's for lunch.   This is such a pretty place and other than it being chilly inside, we all enjoyed our lunch.

Jim, Mark, Doris, Pat, Lydia

Back to CT and shortly after, Joe and Joan arrived with their Cricket (mini golf cart) which we'll store for them.    Mark, Joe and Jim switched the air conditioners around in the she shed and then some of us enjoyed Joan's delicious brandy old fashions.   We sat around the patio and visited and later Doris wanted to head back to her hotel as she had been up since 2:45 AM for her early morning flight.    Soon everyone else was leaving by 4:00.    Tomorrow we'll all be together celebrating my birthday.

Joan doing her muddling of the oranges and cherries

Siblings:

Jim, Doris, Joan, Mark

We played euchre tonight - 5 tables but no winnings for this household!  

 Fun time as always though!

Wednesday - February 18

 It's Ash Wednesday and the official start of Lent.   We picked up Lydia and off to St. Vincent de Paul's 9:00 Mass.   The church was packed with standing room only.

Mark took us to Jim and Lydia's and we were off with Jim to furniture shop for their new home at Shell Point.   Mark worked on tax stuff while we were gone.    First stop was Rooms to Go and while Lydia and I started browsing with Andy (salesman), Jim went to Starbucks to bring back some treats.

We were with Andy a few hours and several tentative purchases were made for their living room, 2 bedrooms, dining table/chairs, so a big success.    So many things to look at and consider.   

Then to Panera for lunch.   It was a fun outing and glad I could be with them as they made all these decisions which Mark and I will be going thru someday.

Quiet afternoon.    Luke and friends went caving (spelunking) in Tennessee this past weekend covering 3 miles exploring!    Here he is with his fellow cavers (if that's the correct term)?

Luke is 3rd from left in back

Mark's sister, Doris arrives tomorrow for 3 days of family fun!

Tuesday - February 17

Happy Mardi Gras

We were off to Cracker Barrel for a hearty, hot breakfast with some leftovers (me).    Then to Publix and on home.    After we put the groceries away we went for a walk.    Stopped in to visit with Jim and Lydia.  They are excited about their new home coming soon at Shell Point (CCRC - continuous care retirement community).   We will sure miss them here at CT, but know this is a really good move for them - our time will be coming in NC.   

The brothers discussing ???

On home and a quiet afternoon in the AC....this afternoon is big Mardi Gras party here in the park.    Claire and I were to get together today for some girl fun, but she's still a bit under the weather.    There's so much sickness going around - Covid, bronchitis, terrible long-lasting colds and coughs, etc.   

We walked later in the afternoon and I did more planning of get togethers with friends - calendar is very full but doing my best to see those near and dear to us!   😄

Monday - February 16

 80% of Florida is in a drought - very serious so we were happy to hear the rain coming down on Flo around 2 AM but only got 2/10".    But this morning and all day, everything so fresh, sunny with a high of 79.

Mark and I walked around 9 - haven't been doing much of that lately!    Then he set to work on the taxes and I played canasta (wore my sunglasses for part of the time).    My partners (Cheryl and Linda) lost to Barb, Margaret and Patti.    First time I've played in a while and will be 3 weeks till I can play again....arghhh

Back home, fixed lunch, did some laundry and more icing, icing, icing!!    My left eye looks better than the right which is a little swollen with some bruising.

Today was the Mardi Gras parade at 4:00 here in the park - always fun and today there were 15 golf carts and 2 bikes decorated throwing out beads and candy.    We sat with our neighbors, Buddy, JoAnn (and granddaughter Autumn) and Gary and Brenda.

We were supposed to get together with Barb and Roger today, but Barb is still dealing with Covid.

We had orange chicken with vegetable rice from Trader Joe's for supper - sooo yummy!

Sunday - February 15

 Nice sunny Sunday, but very windy.    We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert.   We had planned to go downtown for coffee/light breakfast, but....oh my, police were everywhere including a SWAT vehicle on all the streets going downtown and blocked off with barricades.    Not sure what was going on???    But decided to get away from that area and went to Starbucks on Palm Beach Boulevard.

On home and back to the icing....I've got a little bruising going on and starting today, have an anti-bruising cream to use 2x a day.

So sad to hear that a good friend (Lisa) of our NC kiddos who lives at Lake James passed away after a long valiant battle with cancer.    Lisa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 10-12 years ago, then in remission for 8 years when it came back very aggressively.    Lisa was only 60 and she and Andy have 2 sons and 2 daughters.   I met her at the camp - lovely lady.

Jim stopped by this afternoon and he and Mark discussed various cruises and cruise lines.

Ten siblings on zoom tonight - Doris had an accident with her 1-year old Lexus (hybrid) and then a fire started and car was totaled.    Quite the story.     Janet is subbing for another math teacher and has a terrible cold; Tom and Beth are in Orlando (Tom's last official business meeting with the bank before retirement); Joan talked about her little getaway to Marco Island and Theresa talked about Mike and her visit to a reptile museum which she really enjoyed.

So, that's it for me.....nighty night!    Enjoy your week   Doris will be joining us here in Fort Myers Thursday-Sunday.   

Valentine's Day - 2026

 Day 2 after surgery - more icing, resting and being well taken care of by my nurse (Mark) again,,, who's been with me thru 2 shoulders, kidney stones, broken bones in my foot/ankle and now the eyes!    He's so patient and kind!!! 💘 my funny Valentine!!!

We met our long-time friends (since the 70s) for our 3rd outing this week at Cooper's Hawk.   Been a long time tradition of getting together on Valentine's Day and past several years have been at CH (usually in Naples, but so happy we have one now in Fort Myers).

And a wonderful lunch with wine was enjoyed by all....sad to say good bye to Don and Cathy who will fly home to Colorado tomorrow....God willing, we can continue our Valentine's Day tradition next year.

Mark, Pat, Connie, Steve, Cathy, Don

Stopped at WalMart and on home.

Arghhhh....here we go again with the USPS.    I mailed Liam's birthday card to Anne since he was going to be home a few days after his birthday (February 4th).    Anne kept saying it had never arrived....till today!   Mailed January 23rd from Fort Myers to Bloomington and arrived February 14th.  😟😟😟

Lucky Luke got to fly today thru the Eagle organization.

Friday - February 13

I'm back blogging squinty eyes and all.    Had a good night with my head elevated and icing when awake 20+ minutes each hour.   Also, no bending, lifting (more than 10#) or stretching.    

Sunglasses are a must and trying to stay out of the sun, but they feel good indoors, too.

Mark played euchre today with Marsha, Arlene and Estelle.    He and Estelle won both games.   On back to Flo and we left a bit later for Blossom and Brie where we met Steve, Connie, Don and Cathy.    They loved this wonderful place in the country - great ambiance, food and even got a personal tour by Rodney (owner) inside the container where they grow all the greens.    They were very busy and along with a private event in the barn, the restaurant served over 250 today for lunch,

They walked around outside seeing the animals.   I sat in the shade and Connie joined me.   Such a gorgeous day to be out in the country.

We all came back to CT and enjoyed sitting on our patio with laughs, reminiscing (where we've celebrated Valentine's Day since 2008 - Steve, Connie and us) and later with friends, Sharon, Harry, Sue, Jerry and Don and Cathy.    We had dessert and enjoyed our memories.

Don, Mark, Steve

Connie, Pat, Cathy

I really appreciate the kind notes from family/friends asking how I'm doing with the eyes!   And big thank you for the chocolates and coffee gift card!

Sad to hear that 2 of my dear friends here in Florida have Covid!    UGH...that stuff just won't go away!

Have a great weekend and...

HAPPY  VALENTINE'S  DAY

Thursday - February 12

I did some laundry and walked to the library to play rummiKub, but NO one showed up!    Bummer....sooo much going on here in the park, outside the park and sickness!    

Remainder posted by Mark:

Early afternoon we left for St. Mark's surgery center for Pat's scheduled eyelid surgery.  This is to improve her vision.  It was a short surgery but she was there for 2 1/2 hours total.  

Surgery went well and she is resting tonight.  Using ice packs at least 20 minutes every hour.

Only restriction is no lifting over 5 pounds for a week.   See Doctor in one week.

She should be back doing the blog tomorrow.

Wednesday - February 11

 Mostly cloudy today but in the 70's....I had a mani/pedi with Alisa at Profiles downtown.   After parking Ruby, I walk right past Peter's, so stopped in for a latte before the pampering!

On home, we had lunch, folded some laundry and then we were off to Captiva.   Stopped at Boops (ice cream, coffee, dessert spot connected with the Bubble Room) for 3 slices of orange crunch cake,    This is really good stuff and I first heard about it a few years ago from Paul, my hand therapist.   So, one slice for Claire, JoAnn and us!

Then to The Green Flash to meet Connie, Steve, Don and Cathy for linner.    Don and Cathy just returned from their Panama Canal Cruise - we were all long-time friends thru bridge.    Don and Cathy moved to Colorado a few years ago but so happy they are back for Valentine's Day.

Lunch was sooo good and memories of being here on Catrina several years ago (we think 2014).   

Final stop was Captiva Cruises (Steve and Connie's son, Brad is part owner) for our sunset cruise aboard the Lady Chadwick.   Today was mostly cloudy and 7 degrees cooler on Captiva than when we left CT.    But by late afternoon, the sun came out and it was perfect with deep blue clear skies.    So much fun to be together....last year when Don and Cathy visited, Steve and Connie were sick so the 6 of us were not able to all be together.

Steve, Mark, Don

Connie, Cathy, Pat

Don, Cathy, Pat, Mark, Connie, Steve

Beautiful ending to our day

Tuesday - February 10

Mark was up at 5 AM to see Marilyn and Jim off to the airport.   We got the she shed back in order converting Marilyn's Motel back to Pat's laundry room!   

Sharon texted about coming over to play games this afternoon.    She and Darrell arrived and we played Swoop (Mark won) and SkyJo won by Sharon.    Another lovey day to be outdoors.   We left at 3:30 for Cooper's Hawk and joined by Jim, Lydia, Tom and Peggy.   Wonderful meals enjoyed by all.    We had a 4:00 reservation and that's the time to go as not crowded at all.   A few hours later....another story!    Said out good byes to Tom and Peggy - they have 2 more days in Fort Myers, so have fun things planned.    Back to CT and said good bye to Sharon and Darrell who fly home Thursday afternoon.    Sure have enjoyed these family visits.   Next up is Doris (another sister) coming in next week.

Peggy, Sharon, Lydia, Pat

Jim, Darrell, Tom, Mark

Monday - February 9

Whoaaa...we are loving this weather - cool mornings and evenings and delightful 70ish afternoons with lots of sunshine!

Mark, Marilyn and I were off to downtown and after we had our treats at Peter's (coffee, muffins and German donuts), Mark left for his haircut with Jose and Marilyn and I went for a long walk around downtown - beautiful morning!    After Mark's haircut we headed home and 1/2 hour later, we left for Rib City and lunch with Mark's family....11 of us met for yummy ribs or other BBQ and sides.   Lots of chatter and fun .

Then to CT and all gathered on our patio for visiting and dessert and Joan made her awesome orange crushes.   What a fun afternoon laughing, reminiscing and catching up.

From Left:

Jim, Joe, Joan, Sharon, Darrell, Mark, Marilyn, Pat, Peggy, Tom, Lydia

Tom (our brother-in-law) and Peggy from IL are enjoying SWFL after 5 days in Key West and then their country and western music cruise to the western Caribbean and now several days in Fort Myers.  

Tom and Peggy  

Sharon (sister) and  Darrell from Louisville, flew in last night and will be in Fort Myers till Thursday night.    

Sharon and Darrell

                                  Joan (sister) and Joe came from Arcadia

Joan and Joe

Jim (brother) and Lydia from CT

Jim, Lydia, Marilyn 

Marilyn from IL who's been with us and flying home tomorrow.

Marilyn with her latte and German donut

Pat, Marilyn, Mark

Marilyn, Mark and I played 3-handed euchre - I won 3 games and Mark won 1.    Lots of fun and I was thrilled with the really good cards I got (sooo unusual for me) 😃

Said our good byes to Marilyn who flies home tomorrow.    Jim will take her to the airport EARLY.   We've sure enjoyed her visit!    She has a list of things she wants to do when she comes next year!  😂