Wednesday - November 20

  A very soggy day here in Fort Myers.....light rain and drizzle this morning and then heavier all afternoon.  

I picked Lydia up and we went to the clubhouse for RummiKub.    She, Todd, Cindy and I played at one table and another group of 4 (Anita, Nancy, Vicki and Denise) at another table.    Fun time - Cindy won.    Then Lydia and I played Todd and Cindy in a game of euchre with Lydia and myself the winners - she was getting awesome cards!    On home in the rain....

Good afternoon to hunker down.   Worked in the shed for a bit with our clothes and trying to figure out what we're taking to NC.

Walked to the clubhouse (in the rain....) to play Lucky 13.    Fun as always and I won the .50 round bringing in $32.    Jim also won at our table!

Came home and had a good chat with Liam.....we'll see him on December 20th.

After we were home, the rain started again....tomorrow promises sunshine and a high of 71.

Tuesday - November 19

 A very sad day as this morning I got the news that my long-time friend, Connie had passed away - just 2 weeks shy of her 76th birthday.    Connie was a Monday Night Friend for 50 years along with going to the same church, kids in school together, etc.    She was a very devout Catholic and involved in so church and community activities.    She and Gary have 6 children and 6 grandchildren.   

RIP dear Connie 💗  

We walked, I made sausage/cheese omelets and then set to work....been putting off a "work" day for Flo for some time but today was finally "thee" day to wash windows, screens and sills.   Mark gave one side a good waxing, let it sit a few hours and then wipe off.   We are on a roll...............

Got the suitcase and bags out to start packing for our NC trip this weekend.    And the bins down from she shed to choose some warmer clothes!   I even wrapped a few gifts!

Last walk of the day at 4:30 - very humid.   Tomorrow, rain is coming followed by much cooler weather (coolest since March for Fort Myers)!

Mark grilled out Italian Sausages and I started checking out recipes for the sides I'm taking for Thanksgiving

These past few days my Monday Night Friends have shared so many pics of Connie thru the years and all the memories !  😢

This pretty bloom is at the entrance to our park - no clue what it is?

Monday - November 18

 We walked, ate breakfast and then while Mark was replacing the automatic air vent valve in the heating system, I was playing canasta - lost but still a fun time.

We were planning to visit friends John and Beth this afternoon but Beth is not feeling well.   Hope she's doing better soon!

Walked again in the afternoon to finish our 10,000+ steps.   We picked Mark and Brenda up at 5:30 and drove to BJ's for dinner....this place is always good  and enjoyed catching up with our fellow CT'ers over a great meal.    

Mark, Brenda, Pat, Mark

Sunday - November 17

 We went to St. Vincent de Paul for 9:00 Mass - big crowd and love their priest, Father Murchadh O'Madagain.   Beautiful singing, too.

Decided to try a new place for breakfast since we were in a whole different area of Fort Myers so off to the Alva Country Diner in Alva, FL.   We had to wait about 15 minutes but  instead of our usual eggs, pancakes, waffles, etc., we each had the chipped beef 'n gravy over toast (Mark) or biscuit (me) - hadn't had that years!    Really good along with home fries.

On home but came thru the country on a different route ending up near Babcock Ranch.   

A very pretty sunny Sunday and at 2, we walked to Jim and Lydia's to play 6-handed euchre with Todd and Cindy,   They've played lots of euchre but always 4-handed, so over the past few weeks, we've taught them 2, 3 and 5 handed and today,...6-handed!   Lots of fun and Lydia, Cindy and I beat the guys 2 of 3 games.    Enjoyed lots of yummy snacks under the gazebo and so pleasant with a nice breeze.

Cindy's selfie 

Cindy, Mark, Pat, Jim, Lydia, Todd

Walked later in the afternoon and chatted with Connor - he's dong well, but right now, dealing with a nasty cold!

Our neighbors 4 doors away moved to their home a few days ago but still staying here at CT till they are fully settled.   They invited us under their tiki for a glass of wine.    We will miss them....good visit and plan to see them when they are settled at Kelly Green.

Verna and Tom

Big group of 12 on Zoom tonight....usual discussion on health issues, Thanksgiving plans, Packers win over the Bears, etc.

Saturday - November 16

 61 degrees when we started our walk this morning - sooo pleasant!    The sun was shining and several folks in the park were having a yard sale selling all sort of treasures!    

I went for another walk after breakfast and then had a good visit with Jim and Lydia and a gal I had not met in the park, Cynthia from PA and her cute golden doodle, Skye.   Jim made me a delicious iced caramel latte.

On home for lunch, a nap and relaxing afternoon.    We opened windows in Flo and enjoyed the nice cross breeze.

I have 2 very dear long-time friends who are my age and both in hospice.....so many prayers being offered for their comfort and thankful they are both at peace and have a very strong faith.   

Went for a final walk at 5:15 (half time).   I watched the Notre Dame vs. Virginia game.....yeah for the Irish with their big win of 35-14.

Congratulations to our dear friends, Kathy and Paul who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary today.