Wednesday - October 21

Whew.....a very busy day starting with our leaving CT at 7:15 for Mark's primary check-up.   He saw a new doctor (Nancy Zurita).    We liked her very much (so young)!😄  Everything was good and he'll be back in 6 months.

Next up was coffee at "Coffee Rush" and then to Target for a few things.   Philip called along the way as he was traveling back to Memphis.  He still has a few weeks of training (simulator).

While at Target, I had wanted to get my flu shot (Mark got his with Dr. Nancy, but since my Dr. Olga is not in the Lee Health System, I couldn't get it).    Dr. Olga's nurse was not in yesterday, so....while at Target, it was not quite 9, so the gates at pharmacy don't go up till 9.    But, they went up at 8:55.....and after a guy asked how he could help me and I said "I would like my flu vaccine", he told me, "oh the pharmacist won't be in for 15 minutes!!!"     Arghhh

So, off to another CVS (closer to CT) and "Will", the pharmacist was busy but said he could help me in a minute which turned out to be longer.    I told him he was "3rd try to get this vaccine today" and about the last CVS and no pharmacist working.   He was shocked cause those gates should never go up till their employees (especially the pharmacist) are ready to start working!    Oh well.....Will gave me the vaccine and then we went home for a short time.

Next up was our dermatologist appts. with Dr. Kagen.    All good for Mark....I've had some nasty spots on my legs for years (long-time sun exposure from back in the day).     Dr. Kagen recommended some cream (last visit April 15th before we left FL).    Been using that for many weeks and no real change; in fact, sometimes very red and irritated.

So, today he decided on Plan B - a liquid compound chemo to use 2x a day for 2 weeks and then go back to see him.    Dr. said they could become very very red......we shall see - oh joy!!!

Since Riverchase Dermatology is across the street from Lakes Park where they have a huge Farmer's Market every Wednesday (Jim and Lydia enjoy this), we decided to walk around.   It is quite large with many vendors - mostly food but lots of other choices.    We found a hog dog stand and Mark had a chili/cheese dawg and I had a Chicago Style dawg - both very good.    So many people out and about this pretty day.

We were still hungry and so Cold Stone Creamery was near by and enjoyed some delicious ice cream treats.    The Cypress Compound Pharmacy was close by so stopped there hoping my Rx was ready and I only had to wait a few minutes.    We had never heard of a compound pharmacy (where they actually mix or make up the medicine).    It's a roll on so should be easy to apply morning and night.

And our last stop of the day was WalMart to pick up a few things + 2 more Rx.   What a nice surprise to run into Judy, a CT resident who we play euchre with - she's a lot of fun and just returned with 5 other gals from a trip to Savannah which they loved.    When we were in Muskegon, MI this summer with Linda (another CT resident), she told me she was going on a girls trip in October to Savannah, so....they are back and had a ball.   Finally on home for us.

Some big news to share..............Liam was all set to graduate next May 15th from U of Iowa.    But after checking with 2 advisors, he has enough credits and will graduate December 20th.    WOW.....so proud of him - 2 majors (math and computer science) in 3 1/2 years + working part time.   Since we'll be back for the Chamberlain Christmas the 19th, this will work out just fine!

Driving around today in several areas of Fort Myers, we were amazed at the new construction still ongoing and mostly apartments - many many new ones going up plus the never-ending road work.  

Went for a walk after supper and saw some familiar faces!

I watched the Dolly "I Will Always Love You" special tonight - 2 hours of absolute delight from so many stars singing her big hits plus all the wonderful tributes and memories.    I had my share of tears, too.    We all loved Dolly.   

 

Tuesday - October 20

 We left at 9:15 for my 10:00 appt. with my primary, Dr. Olga, but,.....she was running way late (1 hour 15 minutes).     She was very apologetic and all good with my check-up.

Lunch at Biscotti across the street from our dentist, Dr. Baxmann.    All good with Mark's teeth, but there may be some possible issues for me with 2 teeth (nothing hurts), so I'll be seeing an endodontist to check things out..ugh.   

Finally home at 2:30.    Did a load of laundry and made some appts. 

We went for a walk after supper - very pleasant out, but CT is still pretty quiet with lots of folks not here yet.

Sunday-Monday, October 18-19

 We are home from a whirlwind, fun trip to Lakeland, Orlando and Lake Wales.

Sunday - we left CT at 8:30 and stopped at The Rose' Cafe in Arcadia for coffee.   Onto Lakeland and met my brother Ron and Vicki at Grillsmith for lunch.    So good to be with them as it was April 15th when we were last together (the day we left FL for the season).    Over a good lunch, we yakked away and then went to their home for 2 more hours of visiting and some games of "Swoop" or as they call it in Lakeland "Tens".    Fun game.

Ron and Vicki

Next stop was Orlando and checked into our hotel on International Drive - so much traffic mainly leaving the Disney parks.    Michael and family are having a great time and they were back at the hotel around 6.    We ubered to Cooper's Hawk (1st time for any of them to eat at one of our favorites).    We had a nice round table and chattered away.   Big day for them and the many rides they enjoyed.  But before calling it a day, the kiddos (Blair, Brady and Davis) wanted to play mini golf at Pirate's Cove.   Rest of us were off to dreamland.

Dinner at Cooper's Hawk

Brady, Blair, Davis, Brooke, Pat, Mark, Michael

Monday - light drizzle to start the day.    We met the kids down in lobby for breakfast and then they were off to Universal for the day and we left for Lake Wales.   

Blair and her Mickey Mouse waffles

 Arrived at the Latte Lounge in a very old, unique former arcade building downtown.    Our good coffee buddies, Joyce and Butch recommended this place along our way home and just 20 miles from their home.    It was neat + the turtle brownie we shared.

We last saw these friends and former RVers from Champaign, IL on May 13th.   My goodness, so much has happened since then with 2 hospital visits for Joyce (6 days in Champaign and 21 days in Barnes, St. Louis).    She had some very serious health issues over the summer but now, doing much better, back to line dancing, etc.    They love coffee shops like we do and this was a good one + they told us about a neat one on a farm outside Fort Mead, FL.    So, that will be on the list to check out in January when we're back together.   Good bye hugs and on our way to CT with the rain.   

Us with Joyce and Butch at the Latte Lounge in Lake Wales

 Started out a light drizzle but at times, heavier and shortly after we arrived at CT, the heavens really let loose with a big downpour!    Next 4 days are to be sunny and low 80s.

We have several doctor appointments the next 2 days.

  

Saturday - October 17

 Dreary day with occasional rain.    We went to Starbucks for a latte and then Publix for some much-needed groceries for Flo's fridge and cupboards.   

Home to put our stuff away and Mark got Big Red cleaned out!    We are on a roll.   She shed is in good shape, too.

I had a nice chat with Aunt Marian (almost 98) - she is doing well and anxiously awaiting her 4th great grandchild (all girls).

Watched football in the afternoon and then went to 4:00 Mass with Father Steve at St. Francis.    Boy, it poured while we were in church and then continued thru the evening.    I love the sound of the rain coming down on Flo.

Michael and family had a great day at Disney.....

Ready to take on the day...

Brooke, Brady, Blair, Davis

And away they go!

Tomorrow we're taking a little road trip with1st stop in Lakeland for lunch with Ron and Vicki.   Then to Orlando to see Michael and family.

I will update the blog when we return on Monday.

It's 11:20 and just finished watching Notre Dame lose to BYU in a heartbreaker.....28-24.

Friday - October 16

 We are starting out the '26-'27 Fort Myers socializing with a bang today!    Met Jim and Lydia at McGregor Cafe for breakfast and then continued our chatter downtown at Peter's Coffee Cafe.    So good to be with them and catch up at 2 favorite places!

Mark, Lydia, Pat, Jim at Peter's

Said our good byes and Mark was off for a haircut with Jose and I had a mani-pedi with Alisa.   We enjoy catching up with Jose (Mark) and Alisa (me) after being gone 6 months.    Mark was done before me so got Ruby washed, picked me up, stopped at Williams Hardware and on home.   The car thermometer showed 96!    But much better temps are coming starting tomorrow!

Radar showed some nasty storms heading our way from the south, but only got a few sprinkles!    It mainly went inland.    Never fails when we get the car washed, it rains!   

Liam called on his way to Mizzou (U of MO).  He and Connor are meeting friends from high school who go to Mizzou.

Enjoy your weekend!