Wednesday - February 4

 HAPPY "21st"  BIRTHDAY

LIAM

Liam

Liam Patrick (our 3rd grandson) arrived the morning of February 4, 2005.    We remember so well Patrick carrying his brand new bundle of joy and first-born son down the hallway to meet his grandparents!  

How we wish Patrick could be here to see this young man.  Anne's a proud Mama for sure

  And now 21 years later, he's a junior at the University of Iowa majoring in Computer Science and Math.   He's also working part time and running/swimming/biking keeping in shape for marathons and triathlons.   He's got oodles of energy, loves to cook and has a fun sense of humor.    You make us proud, Liam!!!

Mark and I left CT at 8:40 this morning for our little getaway to Stuart (2 1/2 hours).    We stopped in LaBelle for coffee/breakfast at the Bridge Street Coffee and Tea Co. (aka Charlie's to the locals).   I drove from CT to Okeechobee and then Mark took over.    Parked downtown and I hit the Flagler Avenue shops.    It's been 7 years since we were in Stuart (visited here frequently when we had Daisy in Okeechobee).   Some of the shops are the same, a few different, but so enjoyed strolling and browsing.    Then we went to Sewell's Point for more good shopping (Mark stayed in the car with his I-pad or napped).   I was even offered (and accepted) a glass of wine at a new shop that opened a few weeks ago and still celebrating their "Grand Opening" with wine, cheese/crackers, strawberries, grapes, and little cookies + water to go!   WOW....pretty neat!

We had linner at "Waterfront" - pretty restaurant on the water....enjoyed our meals and then walked a bit, but chilly along the boardwalk.   Checked into our hotel and wound down for the day!

Had a great chat with Liam.....he's had a busy day starting with a 19-mile virtual stationary bike ride with Connor.   He had 4 classes, went for a run, fixed dinner and treated himself to some salted caramel/brownie ice cream!   

Tuesday - February 3

We were down to our lowest this morning at 31, but it warmed up nicely.   In fact, the sunshine felt so good and the best part was no wind!    We got to 67.

I got a haircut with Destiny at 9 and then Mark went to WalMart for a Rx and other stuff.    I left at 10:50 for Cristof's to meet Claire for lunch - no sitting on the patio today and they were busy inside.    As always enjoyed lunch and visiting.   

Pat and Claire

I did some laundry and tidied up the she shed preparing for Mark's sister Marilyn's visit.    She's flying in late Thursday night.   

We went to the 4:00 documentary of "Melania" - the 20 days leading to the inauguration.   It was excellent - she is such a beautiful, classy and fun First Lady.

Then to Bella Mia's for pizza in North Fort Myers - very good.   On home.    Tomorrow we are going on a little getaway to Stuart (east coast) and spending the night.    Thursday, we're meeting State Farm friends for lunch.   And then on back to CT.

Monday - February 2

 Today was our coldest temp of the season @ 32.    And breezy which always makes it feel colder!    I picked up Diane and Lydia so we didn't have to walk to the clubhouse.   Lydia is still using here wheeled walker and too darn cold to be out very long - she and Jim are getting acclimated to this weather after spending 2 weeks in Aruba and 2 weeks cruising.

We were off to play canasta - 32 ladies today.   Started out good with my partners (Beth and Becky) but we ended up losing badly to Margaret, Diane and Cheryl

Took Diane and Lydia home, chatted with Mark a bit (he finished wiping the wax off Flo) and then Jo Ann and Buddy joined us for what we thought would be lunch at Backyard Social.    We weren't sure of this place with the cold weather (big bar and then open area surrounded by food trucks).    Buddy and Jo Ann had never been so we walked around (some folks sitting outside in the sun, but inside was very chilly.)    At least 3 of the food trucks were not open and 2 others were not there?    So....we decided to go to BJ's which is closeby and always good food.    It was cold there, too.....arghhh.   Even the waitresses were complaining???   So we kept our coats on but we all had their special (different combos + a Pizookie) for $13.99    What a deal.   Soup and salad for all (delish) and then Buddy, Jo Ann and Mark had triple chocolate warm cookie in a little skillet with vanilla ice cream and I had a toffee crunch cookie with vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel...................WONDERFUL!!!!

We drove around a bit, stopped at Coffee Rush and on home....oink oink!    Fun time with these great neighbors/friends!

We got to 58 today...but warmer temps coming soon (I hope?)

We've received 4 more Christmas/New Year's cards the past few days....either mail is slow or folks are just getting around to doing their cards?   At any rate, always enjoy getting them.

Sunday - February 1

 Yikes....February came into Florida with cold and wind.   We had 34 this morning but the strong winds made it feel soo cold.    We went to 6;30 Mass with Father Steve - it was cold in church and we had our heaviest jackets on!!!

Stopped at Dean Street Coffee Roasters for coffee and a cheese Danish and on home.   I did some laundry.    The sun feels good though.    Two more very cold mornings coming up before it will finally start to warm up.

We met Mike and Claire, Herb and Dana at Dixie Fish Co., but decided not to stay as folks coming out said it was very cold (it's open air but with curtains and heaters, still COLD).   So next door is Doc Ford's but that was a 1 hour wait - onto Pincher's where they had plenty of room and nice 'n cozy.    We all enjoyed our meals and then to Mike and Claire's on the beach for games (313 and Left, Right, Center) which Mark won both games.    We had some delicious cake and ice cream.    Very enjoyable afternoon out of the brutal cold and wind.   On home.

Mike, Herb, Mark

Claire, Dana, Pat

Zoom tonight was 7 siblings - weather, Jim and Lydia are back from their cruise, restaurant week (we had never heard of this), etc.

Stay warm.....

Saturday - January 31

 Geez.....the last day of January!    2026 is off and running!   (Too fast for me)!

Rained some this morning and we were off to Punta Gorda to meet Allie and Owen at Leroy's Southern Kitchen - we've eaten here a few other times with them and always good.    It was packed today and food was delicious.  We then walked towards a wine/coffee/chocolate shop we've visited before only to find out it was gone???   Sign on the door said they are opening soon at Fisherman's Village.   We asked a lady nearby if she knew of another coffee/bakery in the area.    She suggested "Steph's Bakery" on Marion.   We walked there (it was cold and windy) and found it!    What a gem.    It only opened about 6 weeks ago and has a large variety of pastries and desserts + sandwiches, quiche, soups, etc.    Allie had a scone and rest of us, desserts + coffee.....neat place and very busy on a chilly Saturday afternoon.   Nice write-up in the paper (North Port) about Sergio and Steph Smith's new business venture hanging on the wall.    Also have a large variety of succulent plants for sale.

We sat and yakked and yakked.....then time to say goodbye.   We'll see them in February at their home in North Port.

Allie and Owen

Mark brought in my 4 pots of flowers and put in she shed.    The wind is blowing like crazy, it's cold and then rain started around 6.   UGLY night!   Our NC kiddos are getting lots of snow!