Travels of Mark and Pat: October 2020

Halloween - 2020

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!

Cloudy morning but nice for walking. Mark exercised and we caught up with computer stuff and a Christmas project I'm working on.

We had a bit of cabin fever around lunch time, so.......went to Chick fil A Love this restaurant and have been using curbside pick up a few times (especially in NC), but this Fort Myers location has got a great system of 2 drive-thru lines and staff (wearing cute black and white cow masks with red trim) taking orders or asking for name if you ordered online). It was very quick and efficient. Their dining room is not open.

The traffic was heavy and we wondered why we decided to come out on a Saturday afternoon. Duh! Drove around a little and on home.

Went for a walk - the sun came out late afternoon.

We got a letter from our FBOD (Future Board of Directors) saying we now have 6 cases of Covid here at Cypress Trail. They urge the residents to keep social distancing reminding us that has not been happening (2 instances last night of partying) and another one tonight when I was out walking......arghhhh! Guess these folks just don't care if they catch this awful stuff and then spread it???

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

Friday - October 30

Ahhh, the air felt so good this morning - a very pleasant walk in the park. We had a nice shower around 4 AM. It did warm up to 86, but not as humid

I did some laundry in the morning and Mark took a care package for Davis to the post office.

Visited with Dennis and Jamie who arrived yesterday. Mark and Dennis used to work together at State Farm.

We walked to Big Papa's BBQ food truck for supper.....Mark had the pulled pork dinner with corn casserole, beans and corn bread. I had the BBQ sundae - layered beans, coleslaw, pork and pickles. All delish and plenty of leftovers.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - October 29

This should be the last of our hot 'n steamy days for awhile.....we met friends, Steve and Connie at Keke for breakfast. First time for us to be indoors eating with friends since March 13th. Love this place and had a wonderful visit and awesome breakfast!

Connie and Steve

Connie who is an expert seamstress and quilter has made over 700 masks and says there is still a need!

We voted, Mark got a haircut. ran a few other errands and on home. Quiet afternoon reading, napping

staying indoors with the AC. Late afternoon we played some euchre on the patio and then went for a walk - much more pleasant. Had a nice visit with Carl and Margaret (Jim and Lydia's neighbors from New Hampshire) admiring their new landscaping finished today. And then we ran into Jim and Lydia, Paul and Sue and more good chatting.

Our neighbor, Dick from Massachusetts returned home tonight after his wife, Rita's funeral.....such a nice guy. Chatted with him about the past 2 weeks.

Our home and vehicles are all back together again!

So looking forward to the cooler temps coming tomorrow.

Wednesday - October 28

We each walked this morning going our separate ways at different speeds. We hit 93 today! Whew....full sunshine and humidity!

Philip and my car arrived at noon. His first time to see our FM home....(he liked it)! 😀 We had planned to pick up lunch from Red Roc (Mexican) food truck. We drove over there and no truck??? Darn....not sure what happened, but Plan B was Buckingham Farms and as always, sooo good! Philip had their specialty burger-of-the-day, Mark, the crab cake BLT and I had a White fish Reuben. We found a table under the covered roof with a nice breeze. Good visit and so appreciate his delivery of my car from IL via NC to here (2100 miles)!

Awesome delivery guy!

Picked up a rental for him at the airport to get back to Fort Lauderdale. He works (instructing) tomorrow morning and then on home.

Liam had some symptoms (sore throat and headache) today so (according to school rules), he was tested and Connor had to stay home till results were in. He tested negative for both Covid and strep. He has some sort of viral thing. Thankful for the negative results!!!

A fun zoom session with Claire and Kathy, but never long enough!

Across the street tonight!

Tuesday - October 27

More heavy rain came around 1AM today.....woke up to 95% humidity and sunny skies. I walked, Mark exercised and the day was on... Mark says where we are has had 4.5" of rain the month of October with almost 1/2 of it these past few days!

Walked, gave Flo a good washing and I did the windows. Happiness is a clean home! 😅😀

Mark got his full list of appointments for the cataract surgery - 7 in all. Extra one for me was a physical and EKG. But not required here in Florida unless he sees a cardiologist regularly! Won't know about Covid test till closer to the time.

Welcome back Jim and Lydia who arrived this afternoon! We walked over for a short visit and left with homemade chicken noodle soup (frozen) and strawberry and zucchini muffins! Now that's what I call special! Thanks Lydia! So good to have you guys back at Cypress Trail.

Monday - October 26

We hit the 90's today.....off to Mark's eye appointment with Dr. Collins to see the status for cataracts. We were were over 2 hours, but he is all set for 1st surgery on January 21st. He needs to see a retina specialist first, though, and that appt. will be November 5th. When Mark was 8 or 9, supposedly he had some sort of scarring in his eye (nothing he's been bothered with), but shows up on tests and Dr. just wants to make sure all is good before the cataract surgery. I bought a new pair of sunglasses while at Collins Vision - yeah....no more prescription lenses.

We ran a few errands and picked up lunch at McAllister's Deli and on home.

For the 3rd straight day, we've had a late afternoon downpour! And then another downpour tonight!

Philip drove my car from NC to FL today......he's delivering it on Wednesday! 👍

Sunday - October 25

Had more rain overnight and 99% humidity when I walked this morning. Few more folks out walking (with dogs), biking, riding in golf carts, etc. but everyone keeping a wide berth when passing which is good. Had a nice chat with Paul who just arrived yesterday from Springfield, IL. We always enjoyed playing euchre with Paul and Sue, but we both agreed that won't be happening anytime soon.

Last night I read on Facebook that 2 couples (Maine and North Carolina) have decided not to return to Cypress Trail this year cause of Covid. And so it goes with many more stories to come. But as Paul and I both agree.....why not be where it's warm and sunny since the #'s are not good anywhere?

Mark fixed a nice breakfast of ham, eggs and toast - what a guy!!!

We attended Mass via Boston with Father David O'Leary. Walked to the food truck (Cajun Gringo) and picked up a shrimp po boy to share! Delish!!! Love our food trucks!

Hmmm....good things come from this truck!

Pretty flowers in the park

Rain was in the forecast for today (not unusual for little showers to pop up with all the heat and humidity). Our friends, John and Beth were coming for a visit and of course, that's when the heavens opened up BIG time....wow - what a downpour. They sat in the car for a bit and then finally, it stopped and felt like a sauna! We visited under Flo's awning and had so much fun catching up. It's been a long time. What a treat on this Sunday afternoon! Of course, never enough time!

Beth and John

We did Zoom with Mark's siblings so good to all be together including our brother-in-law, Tom. We discussed niece, Lisa's wedding next October 2 and what will be going on with Covid at that time?

Stay safe and healthy this week folks!!!

Saturday - October 24

Steamy one - went for a walk but definitely need to go earlier than 9 AM.....

We did a bunch of little piddly projects outdoors, in she shed, etc. This afternoon, I went for some short walks - not many people out and about! Too hot and also, we've had another case of Covid reported in the park.

We sat on the patio late afternoon with our wine and played some 2-handed euchre - I got trounced! And then the sprinkles came followed by much harder rain. We were under the umbrella, so....kept dry but it was a really nice shower!

Our little NC kiddos had fun at Camp Lake James this afternoon decorating Halloween cookies...

Blair, Luke, Maeve

wonder how many went into their tummies?

Luke is proud of his creation!

Nice decorating there, Maeve!

Friday - October 23

With this warm weather, little sprinkles were popping up here and there today, We had a bunch of errands this morning including a stop at Java House downtown for our coffees and pastries! So good to be back here with Mike.....however, employees and customers were not wearing masks. We did see 2, but all the folks coming and going....nope! Mike has added more outdoor seating, so we ate outdoors.

Stopped at Publix for a few things and did a WalMart pick-up which has a much friendlier site to order from than Publix.

Back home, unloaded out stuff, lunch, worked in the shed, did 2 loads of laundry and took a nap! This FL lifestyle is tough duty!!! HA! 😀

We went for a walk, picked up dinner (bang bang shrimp and blackened mahi tacos) from food truck. Sat on the patio with our gin and tonics and watched the live video of our friend, Donna Rae's grandson's wedding in the Chicago area. How neat! 2 weeks in a row we've been watching weddings live! Love this technology! Our dinners were really good!

Yeah - another food truck

Dynamite Street Eatz

Bang bang shrimp - 👍👍👍

We walked part of the park - definitely more empty lots than folks who have returned. None of our neighbors are back. Today, Dick (next door) buried Rita in Rockport, MA. My sister-in-law, Linda, her son, Jason, Vicki and I shopped and had lunch (lobster rolls) in Rockport back in September of 2011. Dick will return in a week. Rog and Martin on the 1st and JoAnn and Buddy in January.

Saw this on Facebook.....here at Cypress Trail today, Mama piggy and her 5 babies (only 3 shown) were just strolling around the park!!! When I first saw the picture, I thought it was someone's yard art!!!

Piggies in the Park

Crazy,,,,,,saw a pig this summer at the campground in Coos Bay, Oregon

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - October 22

A typical Fort Myers day - sunny and warm with the palm trees swaying in the breeze.

We had sausage/cheese omelets and toast and then off to CVS for our flu shots. Walked in, waited, and got the shots just a few minutes later, Mark's brother Jim said he and Lydia went to 5 different Walgreens till they found one that had the vaccine as there seems to be a short supply in their area. Our pharmacist said they are giving 10-15 flu shots a day.

Picked up some piddlies at CVS and Mark brought me home. He went on to Galloway Ford for an oil/filter change in Big Red. I made some big-time waves getting more stuff put away, clothes organized, etc. Also made a batch of BBQ. Just a little bit more in the she shed to organize, but I ran out of steam! There's always tomorrow...

We rode our bikes late afternoon but pretty sticky and humid, so it was a short ride! Time to get back in the biking/walking groove. Mark hopes biking will feel good on the back?

The days are really warm (the locals say this is unusual for October), but the mornings and evenings are so pleasant! We went for another walk around 6 and then sat on the patio. It was delightful!

Wednesday - October 21

We were up early and departed Timberlane RV Park at 7:41. We wanted to beat the rain which was predicted for most of today in FM. However, we had nice sunny skies and arrived at 9:45. Oh, so happy to be back with my she shed, washer and dryer.

We got Flo settled, wiped down the outside doors of she shed (Tilex Mold/Mildew remover is thee best)! It was a steamy 81 as we were working away. Got our patio furniture and umbrella set up and then took a break for lunch. The Firebread Food Truck was here - YES! They have awesome stuff made in the cone shaped dough to hold whatever goodies you desire. Mark had the Cuban and I had a chicken gyro. Both were excellent! We will definitely support these various food trucks which are scheduled 3x a week here at Cypress Trail.

Gyro and Cuban

Our landscaping looks so healthy and has really grown!

Kathy, Claire and I did Zoom and I sat on the patio. It was so pleasant....just delightful out late afternoon/evening.

Pretty fountain changing colors across the street on Sunrise Lake

Great to be "back home again"! We are "happy" campers!!!

Tuesday - October 20

Most of today was good for traveling - sunny skies and temps in the 80's; but then.....came the rain and a real gulley washer this afternoon on I75 - yikes, came fast and furious and very hard to see. Later, we had another downpour but didn't last too long.

I drove on Route 19 and then Alternate 27 for 89 miles - great road and not much traffic. A little construction but just a few miles. Did our usual rest stops for Mark's back and had lunch in Bronson, FL.

We picked up Cracker Barrel for early supper just off I-75 and 64. Good ole comfort food (meatloaf for Mark and chicken pot pie for me - both excellent). Something we will do more often as there's a Cracker Barrel not far from Cypress Trail. So, then off to the Timberlane RV Park near Bradenton. The young gal in the office escorted us to our site and hoped we would beat the rain. But didn't happen - another gully washer. Mark did a great job of getting settled and we waited till things calmed down to hook up electrical and water. And then....enjoyed our yummy dinners.

So, just 85 miles to "home" tomorrow - we did 382 miles today! More rain tonight!

Monday - October 19

We arrived in Cottondale, FL at 4:15 this afternoon - good day of sunshine and got to 87 degrees. Cornersville, TN to Cottondale = 365 miles. Happy to be back in the Sunshine State.

So, here we are at the Hitchinpost Corral and Campground RV Park in rural Cottondale (pop 895)

When we read the reviews which were very favorable, everyone said the owner, Vonda was the friendliest, nicest campground owner you would ever meet. Well, she met us at the entrance and what a delight. She even rolled out the carpet (green) in front of Flo's steps. There are trails around the campground and we took one of them - not too long for Mark. Again today, we stopped at several rest stops for him to walk, rest, etc. Had lunch in Flo in Clanton, AL.

We were surprised that the Welcome Center just inside the Florida border was closed. Since just about everything in FL is now open, but then supposedly 950 new folks are arriving daily becoming Florida residents, so....that's a lot of people + all the snowbirds coming back!

More on Sue - I forgot to mention that Sue was a very good seamstress and knitter. She made hundreds of masks (adult and children) and gave to nursing homes, family and friends.

Sue also did lots of canning and this past summer, she and daughter, Cory canned over a hundred pints of green beans + tomato juice (makes thee best Bloody Mary's) and pepper relish.

Still the good ole summertime in North Carolina

Sunday - October 18

BIG day of travel starting at 7:03 AM when we left KK and arrived 489 miles later in Cornersville, TN. I drove 120 miles with 10 miles of serious construction with one very narrow lane on Route 24 and very rough road! A little unnerving, but got the job done!

Along the way, we watched Mass on the I-pad from Boston with Bishop Robert Reed. Lunch on Flo in Paducah.

Had some rain north of Nashville but here in Cornersville (pop 1,291 south of Nashville), it was 73 when we arrived!

After settling Flo and not having to unhook from Big Red, we walked around the Texas T Campground, - this was a very long day for us so needed to work out the kinks and stretch! This first day is under our belts, so now planning to go much easier. We stopped at several rest stops so the driver could walk and rest his back.

After a big day, we would "normally" check out Trip Advisor for best places to eat where we are and go have a nice adult beverage and good meal....but not gonna happen these days. So.....Flo's cook has to "do her thing".

Kamp Komfort closes November 1st, but busy place last night as it is tonight here at the Texas T. Folks from Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida, New York, Illinois and several fromTennessee.

Connor's fall ball season ended this afternoon - he played 4 games this weekend and won 3.

11 siblings did zoom tonight - so good to see everyone and catch up. Not the same without Sue, but she was probably smiling down on all our conversations. And another tidbit about Sue. I mentioned all the cookies she made and found out from her daughter, Hannah's eulogy that last Christmas, she made 27 different kinds!!!

My sweeties from NC

Saturday - October 17

A very sad day as we said our final good byes to dear Sue.....we left for Amboy and the funeral at 8 this morning. The skies were dreary, it was chilly and the winds were strong. Beautiful funeral Mass and music for Sue, emotional eulogy from her youngest daughter, Hannah and then onto the cemetery.

Sue and Tom live in the country and how ironic that the long procession led by the hearse would pass by their home on the way to the cemetery. Everyone slowed down as we passed by. It was brutal at the cemetery with the winds blowing at over 40 mph. Fortunately, most of us were able to huddle under the tent. Sue's final resting place was Holy Cross Cemetery on the outskirts of tiny Harmon, IL (pop 112)

It was extremely hard not to give hugs to Tom, his girls, their hubbies and rest of the siblings. My heart was breaking for all - and in "normal" times, the clan would've gathered somewhere for food, drink and memories as we gave comfort to one another with laughter and tears. But not so, as covid prevented this from happening. Everyone returned to their vehicles and went on home.

We love you, Sue.....thank you for being so special to each and every one of us.

Stopped for a quick lunch at Culvers in Princeton (great tenderloin, Linda)! On home and Mark got Big Red hooked up to Flo, but first picked up our last carry out from Busy Corner (chili and pie) - first time for chili this season. I think Door County Cherry is one of my new favorites, but Coconut Cream will always be #1.

So after 7 weeks here at KK, we are moving on tomorrow morning heading towards Fort Myers. It was a nice relaxing stay, but sure missed the gatherings with family and friends. Thankful we could see a few dearies this past week. The cataracts are gone and Mark's back is kinda/somewhat better. Not sure how the driving/riding will be, but we'll take our time as we're on no set schedule.

Friday - October 16

Burrrr.....29 for a low this morning! The sun was shining throughout the day, but breezy so did not feel like 55 for the high!

We had sausage, eggs and toast and then Mark went into town for a session with Larry (trainer) . We'll hope these exercises really help. Mark got Big Red washed and cleaned out inside. Came back to KK and did more organizing.

Today was our nephew, Justin's wedding to Jessa at St. Columbkille's Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. We have attended every niece/nephew's wedding and so sorry to miss this. It was originally planned for May 16th and then postponed till today. A few months ago, the aunts and uncles chose not to attend with such a large group. Tom and Beth (youngsters in the family) did attend but not the reception. But, with modern technology, we were able to watch from the comfort of Flo as it was livestreamed. So, "almost" felt like we were really there. We wish them the best and look forward to celebrating when this awful Covid is behind us.

Congratulations Jessa and Justin

Our thoughts are in Dixon, IL and Sue's visitation from 4-7 today. Mark and I chose not to attend because of the crowds.....we will be at the funeral tomorrow morning which is for family only.

Thursday - October 15

Happy Heavenly Birthday to our dear sweet Sue who would've been 63 today....

RIP Sue - you will be so missed!

We love you!!!

https://www.thejonesfh.com/obituaries/Susan-Henkel/#!/Obituary

It seems as the days go on, our hearts ache even more as so many memories come flashing back. Sue's grandbabies, Eric and Oliver 4, Kara 2 and Evelyn, 3 weeks were adored by their Grammy. Evelyn was the 52nd great grandchild in the family. I'm so sad that these babies will grow up without their loving Grammy.

Big change in the weather as yesterday it was 81 with the very strong winds - today hit 55 and a low tomorrow morning of 30.

We had a busy day of going to town - coffees at Gloria Jeans and then Mark dropped me off for mani pedi with Lisa while he went to his appt. with NP at orthopedic office. Sandy told him another injection was in order and he will have that in December. Possibly need another down the road? He was surprised as no one had mentioned more than one, but whatever it takes. He says the back is around 50%, but he's aiming for 100%.

We ate lunch from Panera in Big Red and then I had appt. with VisionPoint for the eyes. Dr. Pinter is very pleased and thanked me for letting him do the surgeries. He's a peach and I'm so thankful this is behind me and everything was successful.

We picked Liam and Connor up from CCHS, picked up their hockey jerseys and on home. Visited with Anne, said our good-byes with virtual hugs and 6 weeks till we're together in NC for Thanksgiving. Geez.....6 weeks from today!

While we were in town, we got a text from our next-door neighbor, Dick with update on his wife, Rita. She was diagnosed a year ago with stage 4 lung cancer and they just returned to Cypress Trail from Massachusetts 8 days ago. Last night she started hospice, went into a coma today and died this afternoon. Dick said "I'll be back in MA for her funeral when you arrive in FL". My heart breaks for these dear people.

Back to Flo and hunkered down as it is really chilly out but the sun did shine this afternoon. Till tomorrow...

Wednesday - October 14

Another crazy windy day - each day seems to get stronger with today's gusts at 41 mph. We were off to town. Mark dropped me at the laundromat, helped get all the clothes inside and 6 wash machines going. Then he left for appt. with Larry Strong (trainer) and did his back exercises with Larry's helpful hints.

I went next door to Gloria Jeans and got a delicious white chocolate almond latte (new and so good)! Back to the laundry and whoaaa, walked in and heard this very loud noise coming from one of my machines (only 1 other guy doing his laundry). Once the machines start, the door locks and so there was no way I could check what in the heck was making so much very loud banging - like nuts and bolts and screws and bricks and more. The custodian was there cleaning and I asked him what to do? He said "WHAT have you got in there"? I laughed and said I was pretty sure the noise wasn't coming from my clothes, but he said "must be the machine - a bearing going out, but can't do anything till it's done". So kept clanging away but quiet when it was spinning. Finally, after several more minutes and one more BIG crash, it was done! So I opened the door and first of all, the little soap pod fell out totally intact....(not good) and then pulled out clothes that felt almost totally dry followed by dripping wet clothes???? The guy came over and said "Yup, I think it's the bearing". He put an "out of order" sign on it and I had to find another machine and start all over again.

Got the other stuff dried, folded and waiting on last load to finish when Mark arrived back. Well, this new machine got stuck with 1 minute left? Of course, we tried pushing all the buttons, but the 1-minute screen lasted well over 10 minutes and totally frustrated us. What is going on with this batch of clothes??? Mark pressed firmly on the door and tah dah....finally shut off and got out my clean clothes, dried, folded and on back to Flo. I can't wait to get back to our she shed and my own washer and dryer!!!!

Put the clothes away, had lunch and then back to town around 1. Stopped at storage to get some bags for FL and our funeral clothes. Few other stops, picked up the boys from CCHS, took them home and then to WalMart for grocery pick-up.

Here they come....

The winds were totally CRAZEEEE....and so much dirt/dust flying in the air.

Where we pick up WalMart order on Bloomington's west side, there is an antique shop nearby and this cow is always standing out front, but not today...

Poor Bessie...the wind was just too much!

Did Zoom with Claire and Kathy, supper and then a nice quiet evening!

Since hearing the devastating news about Sue's passing on Monday, so many thoughts and memories keep popping up. As I said, she was extremely generous and so giving and sharing with whatever she had (very crafty and loved cooking/baking). Sue was an excellent cook and baker and every Christmas season, she would start her cookie baking in November and freeze her goodies for giving during the holidays. We were always blown away by the amount of cookies she made each year and gave as gifts to co-workers, clients, neighbors, etc. And of course, she would bring gobs to the Chamberlain Christmas which we devoured with "Oh, Sue....these are sooo good" as each of us had our favorites. She was known to set aside a plate of a certain favorite for a niece or nephew (1 time for me - a "to die for" turtle cookie). I will always remember how thoughtful that was, but that was Sue! She also made thee best pies, fried chicken and much more.......

Last year, Sue made 125 dozen and at least 10-15 different kinds. As a niece wrote on FB, "I will never eat another cookie without thinking of Aunt Sue".

I mentioned the other day that Sue was 9th out of the 13 siblings (10 girls and 3 boys). Carol, oldest, died in 1992 of MS (October 24th) and now Sue passed away on October 12th (28 years and 12 days apart). Thinking that the sisters (+ Mom and Dad) are so happy to be reunited in heaven cause if there were ever 2 very special angels, they would be Carol and Sue.

I have 2 brothers and no sisters, so when I married Mark, I instantly had 10 sisters and what a joy they are. We have so much fun together and each is special in her own way - all my brothers-in-law are pretty darn great, too, as are my 2 sisters-in-law. So blessed to be part of this large Chamberlain clan!

Tomorrow we have doctor appts. (back and eyes) and had planned to take off with Flo and start the long trek to Fort Myers. But the new plan is to leave Sunday.

.mnbnm,.,mnbm,.7890-

memories, cookies,

Tuesday - October 13

Sunny, chilly morning but warmed up to 73 later in the day. Very windy again.

I cleaned out the fridge and defrosted the freezer. Mark worked outside organizing back of Flo. Around 1:30 I picked up pie slices from Busy Corner, went into town and picked Liam and Connor up from school, took them home, visited with Anne and then off to Donna's and 8 of us Monday Night Friends had a great Tuesday Night Supper in her beautiful backyard on a gorgeous evening. It was so fun to be with these gals again.....long time.

Tonight was the first time I've been out and about after dark in a long time and sooooo neat to have no more halos around headlights, street lamps, etc. since my cataract surgeries! YES!!!

Came home and played 3 games of euchre with Mark and me against Nancy and her neighbor, Dennis. They won 2 of 3. Good time.

Sue's visitation will be Friday night and funeral on Saturday. The wonderful tributes for her are abundant on Facebook - she was one very special gal!

Monday - October 12

A chilly, dreary, drizzly Monday and the weather reflects the overwhelming sadness we are feeling. This morning we heard that Mark's sister, Sue passed away - she just didn't wake up this morning. We are devastated, in shock and disbelief that this wonderful, kind, generous, with-a-heart-of-gold lady is gone.

Sue was 9th of the 13 Chamberlain children and would've been 63 this Thursday, the 15th. She and Tom celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary September 29th. They have 4 daughters,3 son-in-laws, 2 grandsons and 2 granddaughters. Sue returned home last night after being with daughter Katy and helping out with their new baby Evelyn and big brother, Oliver 4. Sue texted the siblings that she would not be doing zoom cause she hadn't seen Tom in 2 weeks. We certainly understood that.....and then to hear this tragic news this morning.

Mark and I went into town - he had appointment with Larry Strong (personal trainer) to see what exercises he should be doing to help his back along (injection has been very SLOW working). I picked up Starbucks and apple fritters and visited Donna Rae for a short time. It was so good to see her and catch up. Mark picked me up and we were off to East Peoria first stopping at Busy Corner for lunch and pie to go. We met Allie, Owen, and Jane (Joe was not able to join us) and kept our distance in Veterans Shelter in Fondulac Park. It rained on our way there but then just off and on drizzle. But the chilly temps and strong winds were not pleasant. We ate our lunch near some tall evergreen trees for a bit of protection. Great visit with these folks and then we said our good byes and came back to KK.

Jane, Allie, Owen enjoying our pie

The sun came out in the afternoon but still crazy windy and cold! Between phone calls, texts and e-mails it's been a busy, sad afternoon. No other details at this time..... with 2 large families (along with all of Sue's siblings, Tom has 8 brothers/sisters). We all wonder what the restrictions will be for a visitation/funeral?

Sunday - October 11

Awesome fall day.....breakfast and then Mass with Father Richard Fitzgerald at Holy Cross in Boston. And then something we've been wanting to do since we returned to KK, lunch or supper at Green Gables. So, today, made that happen picking up our cheeseburgers, corn nuggets and cheese balls and then had a little picnic at Lake Bloomington. We sat near the water and the trees were spectacular.

Thee best lunch

Just one of many stunning trees

Off to Lexington for 3 ball games.....Liam won 7-6, Connor lost 7-6 and then the big showdown when they played each other with Game 7 (Liam) beating the Raptors (Connor) 8-1. But really fun watching the brothers both play 2nd base and Connor also played left field and pitched.

Batter up - Connor

Liam, his teammates and Gibson cheer him on

Connor pitching to Liam who hit a fly ball but runner tagged 3rd and scored, so

Liam got an RBI

The Campbell Kids

Connor caught a fly ball in left field and threw to 1st base for double play as runner was trying to steal

The brothers and their BFF

Liam's season is over; Connor has 4 more games next weekend.

Congratulations to our niece, Lisa and John who got engaged last night! So happy for them and look forward to hearing all their wedding plans.

Zoom with the siblings - missing Sue, Sharon and Tom. Lots of lively discussion as always!

Enjoy the week ahead - rain coming our way tomorrow!

Saturday - October 10

We got Blair's things all packed up (she had LOTS) and after breakfast, we drove to Busy Corner to pick up some pie slices and then to Anne's. Brooke and Blair left for NC around 11ish (forgot picture). Philip then arrived after taking Annette and kiddos to Peoria airport to fly back to NC. He will be driving my car for the next few weeks and then get it to Fort Myers.

We all went to Connor's ballgames in Lexington - won both 7-6 and 5-4. Philip left before the 2nd game and we all enjoyed sitting outdoors on yet another glorious fall day. The trees are just gorgeous.

Anne, Mark, Philip at the ole ballgame in Lexington

Back to Flo----- very quiet tonight after our little guest has left. We will miss her - 6 more weeks till we're in NC. We are just chillin' tonight!

Luke and Maeve on the plane ready to fly off to Charlotte.

Friday - October 9

Today started out really hazy with lots of smoke smell in the air......Anne found article that this was from the wildfires and central IL could be affected for the next few days.

But the day turned out to be spectacular - breezy, sunny and low 80's. We 3 left around 9:30 and went to Anne's for short visit with she and Brooke. Then to the Sugar Creek Nature Center - what a fun place and the trees were gorgeous.

Grandpa and Blair in the tree house

Makeshift teepee

Blair is showing Grandpa some fancy dance moves on the stage

Grandma and sweetie pie

Climbing the big tree

Poor Mr. Bear...

Fun day with Grandma and Grandpa

This picture was taken November 24, 2009

and here, 11 years later, is Blair in the same window of corn crib - now with flower boxes

Miss Blair

We had lunch at McDonalds in McLean and then drove around Funk's Grove, the cemetery, etc. Soooo pretty outdoors today.

Back to Anne's and Philip and Annette were there. Those 2 + Brooke are helping Anne with all possibilities for remodeling her kitchen....lots of decisions to be made. We pondered all the pros and cons of this and that while Grandpa picked up Liam and Connor from school.

Annette and Philip are going back to her parents in Princeton tonight.

Grandpa, Blair and I drove to Flo. KK is a happening place tonight with 14 new campers coming.

We walked around the campground, played on the swings, checked out the license plates and posed for some pics.

What a busy 4 days we've had.....Blair's last night at KK. Tomorrow, she and Mommy are heading home to North Carolina. We will miss "Chatty Cathy" big time - she keeps us on our toes with a vivid imagination, all her dance moves, inquisitive nature and is such a girlie girl!

Have a fun, safe weekend - it's going to be a beauty weather wise!

Hello Kitty is following the mask mandate

Thursday - October 8

Boy, I could get "high" on this perfect weather day after day......just a delightful autumn!

After our big day yesterday, we all slept in and then up and off for more fun. We went to the Rader Pumpkin Farm, This is such a fun place and grows more each year. Unfortunately, the corn bins were closed cause of Covid.

Blair enjoyed all the activities.......