Halloween - 2019

We had a memorable Halloween - of course, for a lot of people around the country, this 2019 Halloween will certainly be memorable with "Bessie" and all the snow, cold, tornadoes, fires, etc.    

I walked this morning, we switched vehicles with Jim as he wanted to borrow our truck to pick up some supplies from Lowe's.    We took off for Fort Myers Beach in his car.     Today we crossed off another item on my bucket list - parasailing over the beach.    The weather was perfect and our friends, Mike and Claire walked from their condo to where we were boarding the boat and took several pics.  

Mick and Chase were our drivers/instructors......we got our life jackets and harnesses on, in position for take off and as the parachute was billowing in the breeze, we were lifted up, up and away.    It was about a 10-12 minute ride.   Totally awesome.    They had asked us if we wanted to dip our toes towards the end!    "Yes"!    And so as we were coming lower and ready to dip, a coast guard plane was flying over and the turbulence affected the parachute and whoa....we were dunked instead of dipped!   A wall of water came over us. only lasted seconds, but yikes!    Chase was very apologetic when we got back into the boat as that was not part of the plan, but he said the plane was the culprit, but who knows!   Oh well...a good day to get soaked and fun experience!

Back to Mike and Claire's condo to change out of our wet, sandy, salty clothes.    We had delicious lunch at Junkanoo and fun visit.   We took them home and we stopped back at Times Square for a little shopping and on home after picking up some dessert treats at Publix for party tonight here at the park.

Mark, Pat, Mike, Claire

Here are some highlights of our adventure today...

Waving to Claire and Mike and walking to the shuttle

Shuttle delivering us to our boat - too shallow for boat to come in closer

Smiley face is billowing out

And we're off....

 Up up and away

AWESOME!

A coast guard plane flying overhead 

Oops - the dunk instead of the dip  

Back in the boat - wet, salty and happy!

Fun Halloween party here at Cypress Trail tonight!    Good food, music, friends!    Costumes were optional, but there were some very clever outfits and many who did not dress up 

(like us)!

And now, here are our favorite trick or treaters.....

Blair as Tinker Bell 

Maeve and Luke with their friends, Taylor, Maddie and Jack 

Philip (pirate), Luke (power ranger), Annette (witch) Maeve (princess)

   

Wednesday - October 30

Snow up north, record-breaking temps in AZ (COLD) and FL (HEAT), horrible fires in CA and on and on it goes......what is going on?

Walked and did the weights....ran some errands and then met John, Beth, Jim and Lydia at Connor's for delicious lunch (great food here)….there was a whole lotta yakkin' going on and then Jim went on back to Cypress Trail and rest of us shopped at Belk's in Gulf Coast Mall.    Actually, we girls shopped and had good luck buying sale items - "HUGE BLOWOUT SALE".....of summer stuff.   The racks are full of sweaters and coats, etc.....can't figure out who buys this here in HOT Florida?     Would think they would have summer merchandise all year long?    Anyway, we were pleased with our purchases and John and Mark parked themselves in comfy chairs and everyone was happy!    Said our good byes and took Lydia home.

John, Mark, Pat, Beth, Lydia, Jim

Had to have a picture of Grandma and Grandpa at Connor's for our Connor!

Quiet afternoon of reading, catching up on e-mails, etc.   

Our 3 sons traveled together today to the Charlotte airport - Michael going to Washington, DC; Philip, to Fort Lauderdale and Ryan to Germany and then Paris.... 3 jet setters always on the go somewhere!

Went for a bike ride tonight and......

the skies were ominous, but not a drop of rain!

and then later tonight, unusual clouds over the lake 

H A P P Y   H A L L O W E E N !!!

Tuesday - October 29

Same ole same ole for our Florida weather (90's, very humid and lots of sunshine) - and just crazy how it is around the country - cold, snow, rain,etc.....so strange for this early in the season.    Sure feel for the folks in California and all those deadly wildfires.

I walked and then we rode bikes for a little bit - left at 11 for North Naples and lunch at Coopers Hawk with Barb and Roger - excellent as always and so good to sit and visit for almost 3 hours.   Caught up on the kids/grandkids and had some laughs and tears sharing Patrick stories.

Barb and Roger

Back to Flo and settled in with our books till later when it cooled down and we rode bikes.  

 Met Mark and Brenda who are new owners from Ohio.

We talked to Kevin, the landscaper here in the park - he and his crew do a fabulous job, but with this extreme heat, it's hard for the irrigation to keep up - he said we are definitely in a drought.    Nestor brought some rain, but not near enough!

Monday - October 28

Got the exercise routine out of the way 1st thing this morning (some walking and weights).    Breakfast and then I was off for some shopping, errands and met Beth and Claire at McGregor Cafe - delicious lunch and refreshing sangria.    We sat for over 2 hours chatting away.    Although we were outside under an umbrella and big tree, there was a breeze and also a fan blowing on us, so not bad at all.

Claire, Pat, Beth

Mark had a good day doing paperwork and getting mostly caught up with that stuff. 

Rita, next door neighbor arrived this evening - flight was delayed last night, so she and her sister flew in today.   She looks so frail......she's very happy to be back and LOVES the heat!!!    Had a good visit with Dick while he was out walking Rusty, their dog.    Mark and I had a nice bike ride thru the park.

A flying Maeve - still not totally sure what her costume will be???

Sunday - October 27

We went to Publix, 9:30 Mass at St. Francis Xavier, Starbucks for a coffee/latte fix and on home.

Did some laundry and then off to the pool while Mark went to Lowe's - the pool was almost empty and felt so good, but didn't take long to dry off and be hot again when I got out.    I'm just not a sun worshipper like years ago, so 1 hour was enough for me.

Visited with Jim and Lydia late this afternoon - they are having fun getting their she shed spiffed up.

We had pulled pork BBQ sandwiches and salad for supper - went for a bike ride at 6:30 after watching "Sister Act' - an oldie from 1992, but good movie!    Ran into Jim and Lydia who were out walking.   This is nice time to ride/walk - pleasant temps felt GOOD!

Liam and Connor lost their hockey game 6-5 this morning. 

Have a great week ahead.

Saturday - October 26

Walked, rode bikes and lifted weights today - the heat is still on with no end as to when things will cool off.    So chilly up north - if we could only share some of our heat.    Oh well, it is what it is!

We caught up on a bunch of paper work this morning, especially Mark.     Went to the Boathouse for lunch.    Sitting under the Tiki Hut by the pool with a strong breeze out of the south made it very pleasant - of course, our beverages and good lunch hit the spot, too.

Mark worked on some outdoor projects this afternoon - I walked again; but for the most part, we were inside Flo or she shed.

Yesterday Annette and kiddos went to the NC Arboretum in Asheville...

Avery (boy) and Maeve - best buds

Today, Luke's class went to an exhibit of vehicles for various occupations and the kids could go inside, ask questions, etc.

 Some of the many vehicles

FedEx was a "must" visit since it's Uncle Ryan's employer 

Luke and classmates and Mrs. Cheu

We are happy to have our neighbor, Dick back.   He arrived this evening after a 4-day drive from Boston.    His wife Rita and sister will fly in tomorrow.

Friday - October 25

Fairly quiet day.......weather was hot and sunny with a very quick little shower!    Thought we were going to get more this afternoon  but didn't happen.    We ran a bunch of errands this morning and I got new tennies (specifically for walking!)   Allie,,.remember when we went to that Fitness store in Peoria and I got my last pair?    Well, today, we found "Run Florida" and talked about getting measured, fitted, etc. in Peoria.   The owner said "Peoria has an excellent store".    I'm trying a different brand this time.    Both pairs - very comfy!   Had lunch at The Mix Grill and on home.

Jim and Lydia arrived this afternoon and are all set up - we visited with them briefly and "welcomed" them back to Cypress Trail.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - October 24

Off to walk this morning - and already dripping at 8 AM.   Mark has gotten back to the weight lifting and nice to put the bench inside she shed and do "our thing' in the comfort of AC.    I started back with the weights after my walk and washed Flo's windows.

John and Beth came at 11:30 - soooo good to see these dear friends and catch up after 6 months!    A whole lotta yakkin' going on plus delicious lunch at Buckingham Farms.   Duh...forgot a picture!   Our new neighbors across the street (Buddy and Joanne) from Asheville, NC were having lunch, too, and my first time to meet them!

We sat outside this hot day but nice breeze on patio with roof - lots of visiting, laughs, tears, etc.   Patrick was with us in spirit for sure. 

Walked off and on today - but have to pace myself with this heat - currently at 5:30, it is 88 degrees but feels like 97.

While out walking, I stopped and visited with Ron Mattox who arrived today from Fort Wayne.    Ron's wife Debbie (our euchre buddy) passed away October 8th.    Sad story (slow-growing, very rare form of pancreatic cancer which she had for SIX years).   We talked and talked and I told him about Patrick. 

Buckingham Farms has the best muffins and today's special was "Banana Toffee".........wow!    awesome!!!    We just had a small bite, but we'll share for breakfast tomorrow! 

27 years ago today, Carol, (Mark's older sister and the oldest of the 13 Chamberlain children) passed away from MS.    Carol was 10 days shy of her 46th birthday.   😪

Wednesday - October 23

Hot and humid again but no sun for most of the day which helped a bit....Mark was off to run several errands including a haircut and back to Computer Medics to see about getting a new battery for his phone.    Had an interesting chat with one of the techs who said there was no explanation why Apple told them they were not to service any more Apple products (turns out it wasn't just phone batteries).    Of course, today all was well again and Mark left his phone.    Strange, but that's what happened!!!   I'm holding off for now....

I worked in the she shed and got clothes organized and other things put away - so nice to have "a place for everything and everything in its place"!!!

I walked in the park for a while and met Patti, our new activities director - we chatted about yoga, water aerobics, euchre, etc., and when these will start - some this fall, some in January!

The food trucks are back in business here at the park - Wednesdays, Fridays (evening) and Sundays.    Today was "Firebread" which was quite interesting.....the guy took a thin piece of dough, sprinkled herbs and spices on counter and laid dough down then, rolled it around a large rolling pin with long handle and finally on deep-fried.    There are all kinds of fillings - we had a Cubano which was delicious!    Some of the finished bread pieces are cone-shaped !

Hope these folks come back soon!

After lunch, we gave Flo a good sudsy shower/bath!!!   Ran some errands including picking up Mark's phone with new battery!   

Mark installed new bike seats so we hope to get in some good bike riding here in the park with comfy, padded seats!

New addition to our she shed with light shining on "old glory" during the night

Congrats to Liam who was named Assistant Captain of his high school hockey team!!!

Tuesday - October 22

Another hot one!    I left shortly after 8 for the beach and a day with Claire.    We sat in the cool comfort of their condo enjoying warm cinnamon rolls from Heavenly Biscuit and fresh squeezed oj.    We yakked and yakked and then put our swimsuits on and sat by the pool till we got HOTTER and then enjoyed the very pleasant pool temp.

Around 12:30, we went back to their condo, changed clothes and then took off on foot and enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Junkanoo.   We each had a mojito and then shared delicious white fish tacos and sweet potato fries.

Refreshing mojito really hit the spot this hot day  

Great lunch with my good friend...happy to be back in Florida

 Walked back to their condo where Mike had returned from golfing.    I sat and visited a bit and then on back to Cypress Trail.    Nice with much less traffic than the winter months when it will be CRAZY!!!

Back to Mark and Flo around 4:30 - we sat and yakked about our day - he got several jobs done on Flo (no washing of her as had been his plan - just too hot).    Good to be back down here!




'

Monday - October 21

Hot, steamy, sunny Monday.    We had a productive day getting truck, Flo and most of the she shed all organized.   Did several loads of laundry (did I mention how happy I am to be reunited with my washer/dryer???)  😊😊   Still have a bit more to do in she shed, but for today, we ran out of steam.

Took a break early afternoon and went to Computer Medics to get a new battery for my phone as it's just not keeping the charge.    Takes 3-5 hours so we ran some errands, got our flu shots and had late lunch at McAlister's.    The pharmacist at Target said their CVS was down to 7 doses for the adult shot and other CVS stores were currently out of the vaccine.    We also were put on waiting list for shingles vaccine.   Back to Flo for a bit and then at 4:10, Mark left to pick up my phone.

ARGHHHH.....they had not even looked at it and the tech wanted to know who told us it would be done today.    Apparently they got the word from Apple they were no longer allowed to change phone batteries?    Guess the guy we talked to didn't get that message!    So, got my phone back with original battery and I can live with it - just need to charge more frequently.

Went for a walk tonight but sure hasn't cooled down any.

Cypress Trail tonight

across the street from Flo

Sunday - October 20

We and Flo are "Home Sweet Home" settled in at Cypress Trail after leaving Lakeland at 7:30 and 2 hours later, here we are!    Lots to do unloading our stuff, but so happy to be back with my she shed, washer and dryer.   Landscaping looks lush and healthy - really grew over the summer!   
Lots of RV's in the park but still many more to come.

Went to 12:15 Mass at St. Francis Xavier and on home to dig in!    Tomorrow is another day.    Really hot and humid....had a few sprinkles but mostly sunny!

Sure enjoyed our time in Lakeland - plenty of stories, tales, laughs and tears for Patrick!    Can't believe it's one month ago today - so much of that time seems like a big blur.

Ryan got to see Liam's game today and they won 4-3 with Liam scoring a goal.    Auntie Karen and friend Judy were also there to cheer him on.

Saturday - October 19

Change of plans for today - after a stormy night with lots of rain (4" in parts of Lakeland) and being awakened with the phone alert that we were under a tornado warning for the next 5 hours, we were happy to see daylight but the rain was so heavy at times!    UGH!

Ron and Vicki had invited us to breakfast at their home - we decided we were going to stay put today and not venture onto Fort Myers with all the rain and strong winds in the forecast - wise decision.

Great breakfast of sausage/egg/cheese casserole, fresh fruit and muffins + mimosas!     Mark and I took off and ran several errands at the mall (I got a manicure) and did a little browsing some of the shops.   Back to Ron and Vicki's (the sun was shining now and most of the afternoon, but did still have a few occasional downpours - strange weather day from Nestor)!

R and V's friends, Ken and Marty came over and we gals played several card games - lots of fun with Vicki winning at everything!!!     Then we all went to J. Burns Pizza - very good and some leftovers!

Pat, Vicki, Marty, Ken, Ron, Mark

 We are back on Flo and the weather is threatening again

Ryan is in Bloomington this weekend - he got to cheer on his nephews at their hockey game late this afternoon.    Although they lost 9-5, the Campbell brothers scored 4 of the 5 goals - 3 for Connor and 1 for Liam!!!

Mark and I made the Morganton Day School newsletter as the mystery readers this past Monday at  Luke's school.

Fort Myers here we come!!!

Friday - October 18

Cloudy all day with rain showers occasionally - we left Cordele at 7:30 and for the most part, good travel day (340 miles with a stop along the turnpike for lunch).   We know this storm/depression is coming so hoping to beat it and we did arriving at Sanlan RV and Golf Resort at 1:30.

Got Flo set up and we were good to go!    This has been our Lakeland "home" whenever we're in town to visit my brothers and wives.  Nice park and also where Ron and Bob play golf sometimes.

It was 79 when we arrived but it seems ominous like "something" is coming - rain, high winds?/?   Not sure where "Nestor" will hit???

We left around 2:30 for Ron and Vicki's - LOVE their new home!!!   It is so spacious and just lovely!!!    We had a good visit with Vicki and me enjoying delicious sangrias.    Then we were off to Texas Cattle Co. which was delicious (Mark and I had the filet with 6 grilled shrimp)!    Excellent salad, bread, loaded baked potato - plenty of leftovers!

Awesome dinner  

Vicki and Ron

The rain started around 7....

Luke (up front in grey jacket) and classmates having a tour of the firetruck

Maeve's class got to join in the fun, too - she's 2nd from left

Enjoy your weekend

Thursday - October 17

Hello from Cordele, Georgia arriving at 3 this afternoon at the KOA Campground..     Good day of travel (350 miles) after leaving Fairfield Glade at 7:09 this morning.    Atlanta traffic was good going thru around noonish (actually taking the 285 bypass). 

Stopped in Jackson, GA for lunch and nice to have the temperature keep climbing all the way to 74.    It was 35 when we left this morning and heavy frost on Big Red's windshield.

We walked around the park and felt good to stretch our legs.    There are quite a few RV's and trailers and 5th wheels here for a weekday and the same for Spring Lake which was very full - Tuesday/Wednesday in mid October?

Liam.....an official member of the Sharks hockey team

(area high schools)

When I think there are no more tears left inside me......I read the tributes to Patrick posted on his obituary for the first time today and oh my........he was so loved and well thought of!   

 Bring on the tears.....

Keeping an eye on the weather as a tropical depression is coming to LA, GA and FL with heavy rain and strong winds this weekend.    If it should develop into a tropical storm, it will be "Nestor". Tomorrow....Lakeland, here we come!

Wednesday - October 16

This area of eastern Tennessee has been very dry but last night we had a wonderful gentle rain come down all night long!    Made for great sleeping on Flo.   Chilly and dreary all morning - I slept in, Mark made pancakes and bacon and we tidied Flo up a bit and did some correspondence.    Went for a short walk but not liking this weather.....and then, the sun came out around noon - much better!

There was a brisk wind with temps in the 50's - we picked up a few groceries and then visited with our fellow campers in the afternoon.     Bill and Nancy put on a nice wiener roast and Sandy joined us.     Topped off the hot dogs and fixins' with apple crisp and hot cider.

Sandy and Heather

Nancy and Bill 

Jen and Tom  

Pretty Spring Lake

We said our good byes after supper as it was getting colder and we are leaving fairly early tomorrow.    Great fall camping trip with Bill, Nancy, Heather, Tom, Jen, Vince and Sandy!    Till next year!

Today was the ceremony and  dedication of a tree and plaque in memory of Patrick at CCHS - here are some pics taken....

Dedication with Anne and boys looking on... (far right)

CCHS football team 

Planted near baseball field

plaque

What a nice tribute!

Tuesday - October 15

The Lukester spent the night on Flo

Mark and Luke met Annette and Maeve at 7:20 this morning and off to school they went.

Philip came to help us with getting Flo off the concrete pad (Brady's basketball court) and onto the gravel (Ryan helped with the set up last Tuesday).    Sure appreciated their help and at 9:30 we were on our way with a quick stop (and call ahead order of coffee, hot tea and breakfast sandwich from Drew's Diner).

Hello from Fairfield Glade, TN and the Spring Lake Campground where we are settled for the next 2 nights with friends from long ago (former boating and then RV connection).

Major back- up just before TN border which involved a semi on its side and cab completely ripped off.    Not a pretty site and hope driver is ok......we don't think another vehicle was involved but a crane, several wreckers and other emergency vehicles on the scene.    That was a 50 minute delay and then closer to our turn off we had another delay of 20 minutes cause of construction.     But we were on no set schedule and got to take back that hour for the central time zone.    We arrived at 2:30 and met our friends who were gathered on the patio - Bill and Nancy from Fairfield Glade, Heather from Crossville and her son Tom and daughter-in-law, Jen (nomads like us and formerly from Iowa City.)  Lots of chatter and then tie to clean up and off we go...

We all left at 4:40 for Vince and Sandy's who live about 10 miles away.     We were together in May and had such a good time - and back again for happy hour on the deck overlooking their lake (drinks and fresh smoked trout on crackers) and then a delicious meal (Rosemary chicken, roasted red potatoes, green beans, bread and topped off with apple crisp and whipped cream.).   We sat around the dining room table and laughed, reminisced, toasted Bill and Charmaine who are so missed this camping trip, and tears for Patrick.    It was a wonderful evening....

Jen, Tom, Sandy, Heather, Nancy, Bill, Mark, Vince

Back to Flo.....nighty night - rain is coming, but so good to be back with these dear friends!

Monday - October 14

Beautiful day in North Carolina.    Annette took Luke to school and Mark and I enjoyed our little overnight guests, Blair and Maeve.......

Good nights sleep on Flo

I did a load of laundry and we had BLT's for lunch at Annette's.   Brooke met her friend Kelly for lunch.    Said our good byes to Brooke and Blair and they went on home to Newton - back to school tomorrow.    The guys arrived home around 4ish from Iowa City.

This afternoon Grandpa and I were "mystery readers" for Luke's class - we read "Here Comes Trouble" and Luke said we did a good job!!!

 

Classmates

Luke and Mrs. Chue

We took Luke after school to Ingles for a few groceries for Flo and then home.    Philip was home and the kiddos were very happy to see Daddy after being gone (working and Iowa City guy time) for 8 days.   Annette had a delicious lasagna dinner with salad, garlic toast and stuffed mushrooms.

It was a beautiful evening - enjoyed a nice roaring fire and then brought Luke back to Flo to spend the night.

Tomorrow we are off to Tennessee camping with friends.

Glamour Girl