Friday - April 26

 What a fun day!   Mark was off for a haircut with Jose and Kay and I were off on a shopping expedition to Anthony's.   This chain is only in Florida, so Kay was not familiar with all the cute clothes and had a hey day!    I was her go-fer getting correct sizes, colors, etc. and took to dressing room and then putting those things she didn't want back on the rack!   We were there almost 2 1/2 hours!!!  Fun.....I bought a pair of shorts.

The shopper with all her new pretties!

Then we were off to Deep Lagoon to meet the guys or lunch.    It's such a pretty place and we really enjoyed our lunch on Wednesday, so.....the guys came and got a table but busy place and such a nice day, everyone wanted to sit outdoors.   We had a nice window seat inside but it was chilly!.

Jim and Kay

Came home and took naps!   Jim and Kay drove downtown and toured the Edison/Ford Museum.   They came over for drinks and visiting on our pati, then we took them for a ride in the Cricket around the park and finally, dessert on the patio.   Kay took some pics of the lake across the street and then we said good night!   Such a fun day!

Long-time friends and fellow Siublettians

Today would've been Anne and Patrick's 21st wedding anniversary!

Thursday - April 25

 A busy day with some emotion (no big surprise and you know I hate good byes) for me....I drove myself for the 1st time to the Sanctuary (Lee Health) and last PT with Chad.   

Some tears for me saying good bye to this guy - Chad has been so supportive and encouraging!   We had many good chats and I will miss him (not the PT, though)!  😂

I drove downtown for my mani pedi but first stopped at Peter's for coffee and pastries to go.   Stefan and Marika were sitting outside enjoying their coffee - they are such sweet folks and our very favorite coffee shop!

Stefan, Marika, Pat

Then to enjoy some pampering with Alisa for a fresh mani pedi.   She's been fun to visit with this season and does a great job....till October!

Alisa

I parked in the Luminary Hotel parking lot.   I paid inside the hotel for the parking, got in Ruby with my ticket to get thru the gate and waited for a truck and car in front of me to leave.   But, the gate would not open....2 guys who work at the hotel apologized that I was stranded (1st guy) and the next one said, "so sorry for taking you hostage".    Not sure what they did cause it wouldn't go up manually either.   20 minutes later, I was on my way!

Back home for a quick lunch and what a wonderful surprise......our friends from Arizona are on a long camping trip and lo and behold, are staying the next 3 nights right here in Cypress Trail (total coincidence)   AND, they are 2 lots away from us!   Soooo good to see them but only for a quick hug as Mark and I were on our way to next appts.   

Dr. Collins, my hand surgeon was very encouraged with how the hand looks and told me not to worry about the strange sensations (burning, tingling, vibrating, numbness, stiffness, etc.) that are still there after 5 months - always those same 4 words - "plan on a year".    I'm officially done with her unless I have some ? and so easy to reach her thru my portal.    Would highly recommend for any hand issues!

And then my last hurrah with Paul, OT - another wonderful paraffin wax dip and ultrasound along with other little thingys to exercise the palm and fingers.   I have so much respect for these PT/OT folks.   They certainly have helped me!   Paul was awesome!

Paul

Highly recommend this place

Dr. Mehalik, his PA, Michael Young, Dr. Collins and Paul

And finally back home....Kay invited us to their tiki hut, so we grabbed some cold beverages and spent 2+ hours visiting and catching up.    They gave us a tour of their new camper - wow...beautiful!!!   This is a brand new experience for Kay,,,,so far, so good!   Just so happy they are here!   

Jim, Kay and their new home

Leftovers for supper and then went for a walk!   Kay and I are on a shopping mission tomorrow!

Liam called tonight - what a nice treat.   He's getting ready for finals, moving out of the dorm and then he and Connor are running a 1/2 marathon in the Quad Cities on Mother's Day.   Best of luck!!!   Can't believe how fast his freshman year has gone!

Wednesday - April 24

 We had a very productive morning working in the she shed and inside Flo.   Things are shaping up and coming together.   We left before 11 for our dermatology full-body check-ups with Dr. Kagen - he pronounced us both with excellent skin!

 From there, we went to the Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House     for. lunch. It was so pleasant sitting outdoors by the water and all the boats and makes us antsy to get back to Catrina.   We thoroughly enjoyed our delicious drinks and meal. 

Great day for outdoor dining

Awesome lunch!

I had crab rangoon and seafood gumbo

Mark had the coconut shrimp with onion rings and mashed sweet potatoes

  We had a few hours till next appointment, but too far to go back home, so went to the Lakes Regional Library and read/played games on our I-pads.

Last stop of the day was at Dr. Freeman's office (my primary physician).   We caught up with the latest on my shoulder/hand and I'm good to go till October (hopefully)?

We now have 4 doctor appointments scheduled for October when we return. 😒

On home with heavy rush-hour traffic.   Another warm day - 88 and lots of sunshine.   Went for a walk around 7 when it cooled down a bit - more empty lots tonight.

Tuesday - April 23

 An early start to our day, leaving Flo at 7:10 AM.   Our first stop was Dr Langford for my appointment, Then to therapy with Chad.   I've not had him for several weeks, so he was. happy with my progress and gave me a new exercise. He asked if I had ever done yoga?   "Yes. but it's been awhile"   He suggested the child's pose. and had me try it with a good stretch of the shoulder. Sure beats climbing the wall.  

Mark and I were off to Charlotte Harbor (on the Peace River across from Punta Gorda).   The plan was to meet Allie and  Owen who are driving from North Port at Sunseekers, the beautiful new resort developed by Allegiant Airlines.

WOW.....WOW...more WOW!!!   It opened just before Christmas and now there are 20 restaurants (including a big food court called "Harbor Food Hall").  A boardwalk (Promenade) winds around the entire complex on the river.  There are 785 hotel rooms, two swimming pools, including the largest rooftop pool in the country, plus many shops and other amenities.  We enjoyed our al fresco lunch at Waterside Table - delicious and so pretty on this lovely day!

Pat and Allie started off with refreshing

"Lemon wine sangrias"

Pretty waterfall behind us - can't really see the water in this pic

Gorgeous rooftop pool

Guests pay $25 to enjoy

Non-guests pay $75

We walked around afterwards and of course, always a fun time when we're together.,   Had some gelato and Mark and I brought 2 desserts home for later.   The selection was incredible as we stood in front of the counter oohing and aahing.

Beautiful display of unique desserts

Alligator cupccakes

Flamingo cupcakes

Mark chose the Decadent Chocolate

I chose Allie's peach cobbler cheesecake (actual name)!

We said our good byes with hugs and the hope that we can get together somewhere sometime this summer!

Luke and his buddies on a canoe trip last weekend

Mommy and Maeve on her field trip today to South Mountain

Now that's a waterfall

Allie and Maeve

Had a nice chat tonight with our long-time friend back in Bloomington.   Donna Rae is 92 today!

 

Monday - April 22

 Had an early morning (5:45) thunderstorm roll thru with thunder, lightning and heavy rain.

We were off to First Watch on McGregor to meet Connie and Steve for breakfast.  Our last outing this season with these good friends and another delicious meal.    Despite Connie's broken ankle, my shoulder and hand issues +++ lots of therapy for both of us, we still managed to get together several times to eat, laugh and enjoy our longtime friendship.   Happy memories of visiting their lovely new home at Shell Point Retirement Community, meeting and eating at Sweet Bean Cafe, Backyard Social, our Valentine's Day luncheon with Jim and Lydia at Cooper's Hawk, Laishley's with mutual friends Ron and Lois, the wonderful sunset wine cruise off Captiva and a fun get together on Redington Beach with our friends, Cathy and Don.

Connie and Steve

Connie and I stopped into Jennifer's (very nice ladies store) and browsed a bit and then goodbye hugs.   Mark and I hung out at the shopping plaza where Jewel (hairdresser) works, and I did some shoulder exercises and we walked.   I also checked out Tami's Chique Unique Boutique consignment shop.

Off to 12:30 therapy with Paul - good session with paraffin wax treatment, ultrasound and some more new exercises (one with squeezing a sponge).  He did some measurements and was pleased with my progress.  And then we went home and started in with our stuff - a very productive afternoon!

Leftovers for supper and then a pleasant walk in our very quiet park.    Cypress Trail residents are continuing the trek northbound.

I watched the 6th episode of "Call the Midwife" tonight - another warm touching story!