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!

Friday - January 30

 We left CT with Donna and her suitcase for Ella Mae's Diner downtown - so good as always and very busy!   We walked thru the hotel and stopped at Dean Street Coffee Roasters for our lattes (Donna and me) and Mark's decaf Americano.   We all enjoyed our delicious breakfasts and visiting before............time to take Donna to the airport.

RSW was a zoo this late Friday morning - sooo many travelers.   Good bye hugs and as much as I hate good byes, knowing I'll see Donna, Teri and Chris in a month makes me feel much better.   Donna is so much fun - always has us laughing and such a gracious guest.    She loved "Donna's Den" and we loved having her these past 3 days.

Bye bye Donna

After we left the airport and had some time before my 1:00 eye appointment, so we drove to Six Mile Cypress Slough and walked.    Such a neat place that we've heard about (Jim and Lydia have walked this), but we had only driven around the parking lot.    Lots of people out on this beautiful day - the sun was shining, it was 70 and no breeze.    The boardwalk is either trex or wood - great for walking and enjoying all the natural beauty - a real paradise for bird watchers, the various vegetation, and nature lovers.

Then to Collins Vision for a  visual field test.   I then chatted with Yvette (counselor) about my upcoming eyelid surgery (February 12th) and she went over the details and gave me a bag of stuff (antibiotic ointment, cooling mask, silicone gel, and scar gel) plus all the instructions!    I "guess" I'm ready to go!   Yvette had this same surgery just before Thanksgiving - she looks great - she's only 51.

On home....Mark wiped the wax off one side of Flo....she's nice 'n shiny.   Other side, another day!    We had a nice visit with our neighbor Diane (renting 3 doors away) and made a plan for dinner later in February,

Walked late afternoon - tonight is the annual "Beer Fest" in the park, a very popular event.   Mark and I are not into beer, so.....they are serving philly cheesesteaks.   The residents bring beer in from their hometown, state, wherever or whatever is their favorite - hundreds of different brands will be available for taste testing!

Enjoy your weekend!   Another big storm coming.....cold and wind for SWFL.