Halloween - 2021

 Beautiful sunny Sunday but I'm feeling icky poo with this cold.    We went to Mass at 9:30 at St. Francis but then on home and I just laid around all day.    I watched an episode of "Call the Midwife", slept, read and didn't do much of anything.    We had invited Jim and Lydia for euchre this afternoon, but cancelled as I sure don't want to give them this crud!    I haven't had a doozy of a cold like this in a long time!

I did some online Christmas shopping this afternoon     Mark did carry out from Mucho Taco - delicious!

A little witch and "Ant Man"

Blair as "Mal" from Sleeping Beauty

and then the grand dogs...

Frankie as a hot dog

and

Gibson as a dragon

Mark zoomed with his siblings - missing Doris, Marilyn, Joan, Janet and Nancy.

By bye October.....

 

Saturday - October 30

 Rained during the night and this morning.    Mark was off around 7:00 for North Fort Myers with my car to get the new tire.   He had a few errands along the way, including breakfast and also stopped at Winn Dixie and got a few groceries (using $20 voucher we had for getting the boosters).    Hitting that object in the road that we never saw, ended up costing $365 by the time they put all the extra fees on top of new tire.   ARGHHHH!!!!!!

Last night I started sneezing and my head was full of crud plus a scratchy sore throat?   How did all that come on so fast??    Took a Zyrtec, slept well and today, much better.   I think its my sinuses going haywire.

Did some cleaning on Flo but then enjoyed this pretty day.   Opened the windows and turned off the air.   It was very breezy but we finally rode our bikes for the 1st time since we've been back at CT.

Anne and 9 boys (friends of Liam and Connor) went to the IL vs. Rutgers football game today in Champaign.    Patrick's cousin, Sean is the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for Rutgers and sent tickets for today's game!   

Anne and her boys at the game

The campers are rolling in each day and good to see familiar faces back in the park.

We walked in the afternoon, visited with Jim and Lydia and enjoyed an iced latte prepared by Jim with his new Nespresso machine!    Wow.....this could become a habit!    Ha....I can just bop over there when I need a "fix"!

The CCHS Saints lost their soccer game last night - 4-1.    But today they came back to win 3-2 and take 3rd place in the state tournament.

Mark grilled the shrimp we bought last Saturday and along with a big salad, made for a delicious Saturday night dinner. 

I'm back to sneezing, blowing my nose and that el yucko feeling tonight!  UGH!    ARGH!!!!

Congratulations to Liam who will be inducted into the National Honor Society on 11/21.        Very proud of him!

Feels so much cooler tonight!    Have a fun, safe and spooky

H A P P Y   H A L L O W E E N

 

Friday - October 29

 It was a busy day....after all the rain last night (1.5") we were off and running at 9 (several errands, Island Java Cafe, haircut for me with Jewel, lunch and visit with Steve and Connie at McGregor Cafe and then back to their home for more visiting.)    It was a really fun day and we didn't get back to Flo till 3:30.    

Forgot to take pic of Connie and Steve - next time as we plan to meet for breakfast sometime in the next few weeks.    We go way back to the early 70's when we played in the same bridge group!    Always enjoy our time together!

Low 80's today with strong winds but much less humidity - very pleasant!

My new tire came in today - yeah! (was supposed to be Monday), so we'll take care of that tomorrow!

Gabriel came and trimmed our rubber plants!   Looks much better!

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - October 28

 Happiness is waking up after a great night's sleep and feeling "good" !   Mark's arm still hurts a bit, but the blahs and tiredness are gone!

We and very high humidity went for a walk - rain and possible storms coming this afternoon.

Yesterday Kevin (head landscaper here in park) stopped by to look at our very tall rubber plants (they've exploded upward and outward) and dwarfing our bougainvillea.    Gabriel will be coming to do a big trim so looking forward to that.

We met Glen and Paula (long-time boating/RV friends originally from Bloomington/Normal) at Cristof's for delicious lunch on the porch!    Love this place and we were last here on Easter Sunday for brunch with Jim and Lydia.   So fun to sit and catch up in such a pretty setting.   We last saw them January 22, 2020.

Glen and Paula

Back home and waited for the call that the truck was ready for pick-up.     Wow....looks awesome and big thanks to Anne.    Of course, Mark wasn't home 10 minutes when the rain started!!!  

Big Red

Thunder, lightning and torrential rain this evening....the whole shebang as many storms are passing thru Florida

Wednesday - October 28

 Warm and sunny, but we nomads are feeling the effects from our booster shots yesterday.    The sore left arm pain started last night and continuing, plus woke up feeling kinda blah, tired, etc.    We are just taking it easy with our books, naps, etc.    We did walk to the clubhouse parking lot to check out all the vendors (produce, bread, salsas, cheese, meat, doggie treats, etc.) + the food truck was "Crabcake Hotline".    Didn't buy anything - just wanted to be back home!

Last night the CCHS soccer team played Mendota (south of my hometown of Sublette) and in double overtime + 5 penalty kicks, CCHS squeaked out a 3-2 victory and onto state in East Peoria this weekend.    Mendota had been undefeated.....

This afternoon we took Big Red (I drove the car) to a detailing place (Christmas gift from Anne).    They will work on it tomorrow.    Had some ice cream at Sidecar Treats and on home.    Peter's German Ice Cream and Coffee was closed (shorter hours thru November 6th for personal reasons).

We were wondering how things are going at Winn Dixie today as yesterday Samantha (pharmacist) said we were getting almost the last of the vaccine she had available.    There are 20 doses in one vial and today she had a long list of people coming in, but there would not be enough???

Zoom with Claire and Kathy tonight!    Good to catch up as it's been quite awhile!

Tuesday - October 26

 Muggy Tuesday....we stayed indoors till time to leave for Mark's eye check-up (after the January cataract surgery).    I dropped him off and ran some errands.   He had a good check-up and goes back one year from today.

We came on home, had lunch and I wrapped a few gifts for the grandkids (things I brought from Bloomington and will take to NC at Thanksgiving).    

So, onto this afternoon..........................I drove to Winn Dixie as Mark's eyes were still dilated for our boosters (scheduled for 2 and 2:30).    About 1.8 miles before we got there (Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers), I apparently hit something - didn't see anything, but felt a thump and swoosh.    I quickly drove in the Winn Dixie parking lot, parked and we went inside as it was 1:50.  The pharmacy was closed from 1:30-2 for lunch and we were 1st 2 in line as the line kept getting longer and longer.  Shots were the top priority but Mark brought the Lincoln manual inside and while waiting, called for roadside assistance.    A guy came in his little car to put the spare tire on, the bad one in back of car and all this time, Mark could be with him in the parking lot as it was close to 2:30 by this time and we were still waiting???

Long story short, we didn't get the injections till after 3.    It was a crazy place with one pharmacist running ragged filling Rx's, answering the phones, etc.    She had a young gal waiting on customers, but people were also there for flu shots (some walk-ins, but waiting like us or just leaving).   Samantha (pharmacist) was extremely apologetic and said it has been crazy busy (one guy was there to pick up a Rx that was called in last Wednesday but still not filled today)!!!    I was not impressed with Winn Dixie and how they handled these appts. (Publix was much more organized last winter) ; however, not these gals fault as just not enough help.    One thing about Winn Dixie, though, they give a $10 voucher for the store to use in the next 2 weeks.   So, we have $20 in groceries coming.

Had several conversations with other folks waiting.....one lady said she knows 5 people who were not vacccinated and died from covid.    She decided she better get vaccinated so came for her 2nd vaccine, but decided not to wait.

Onto the tire place which was close by to check and sure enough I had hit a bolt?    Put a hole in tire that was the size of Mark's little finger + a nail was embedded from some time?    Thought they could patch tire, but nope, and it will be next Monday before they get new tire ($275) to match the others!     We can drive with spare for as many miles as we want, just not over 45 mph.    He emphasized how important it was to NOT go over 45.

Finally on home at 4 and settled in - temp reached 91 today!     Thankful we didn't have an accident with the tire and as Mark says "no biggie with the wait for the shots."    He always calms me down!!!    😄

Last Saturday, the Fresh Catch Fish Co. from Punta Gorda came to the park selling a huge variety of fresh and frozen seafood, casseroles, sausages, seasonings and much more.    We bought the salmon pasta casserole which we had for dinner tonight - it was excellent!!!     Also got some shrimp which we'll have this weekend.    They are coming every Saturday and looking forward to tomorrow and Market Day with several different vendors coming in the parking lot.

Monday - October 25

 A nice gentle rain fell throughout the night and then a stickyMonday to get the week started with 93% humidity - whew!    Walking was not pleasant but doing what I gotta do and it's time to get back at this!   We were supposed to get more rain today but was mostly sunny, warm and humid.

We ran a bunch of errands and on home for lunch, read and naps.

Liam and Connor are back in the swing of their new hockey season.    Liam's team won 3-2 and he scored a goal yesterday.    Connor's team lost but he scored 2 goals!   Wishing them a succssful, fun, safe year on the ice!

Had some light rain while we were eating supper but didn't last long.    

Sunday - October 24

 No sun today - a little drizzle in the morning and 84 but really humid and feels like 91.

We went to 9:30 Mass with Father Anthony at St. Francis Xavier, then to Publix for a few things we forgot a few days ago and finally to Dean Street Coffee Roasters in the Luminary Hotel.    We sat and enjoyed our coffee in the lobby - this is such a neat place with Ella Mae's Diner, great coffee shop, the rooftop bar with beautiful view, etc.

On home and did a bunch of e-mails, computer stuff, made a batch of BBQ, did a load of laundry and mostly a nice quiet Sunday.

When we bought Catrina back in 2009, the name was "It is Well" which didn't really mean anything to us.    We found out it is a song sung in churches with a very emotional story of how it came to be.  Our choir sang it this morning - beautiful!    Actual title is "It is Well with my Soul"

29 years ago today, Mark's oldest sister, Carol passed away from MS..........she was only 45.

We went for a walk around 6 and had a few sprinkles, but around 8ish, started coming down nicely!

Zoom tonight with 10 siblings missing Nancy and Janet.

 Have a great week!

Saturday - October 23

 Sticky, muggy, humid, sultry and not a leaf stirring....all of these describe this morning's weather when I went walking!    Today was Flo's turn for a good scrubbing and Mark got to that task and I rinsed and then washed the windows.

Been discussing the hot weather but folks who've been here since early October, say this is MUCH better than the 95-97temps and super humid conditions earlier in the month,    At any rate, we're all looking forward to some cooler stuff coming.

Chatted with our neighbor Dick who arrived several weeks ago (during the REAL HOT spell).    We talked about how much he enjoyed his Busy Corner pie when visiting Kamp Komfort this summer. 😉

Neighbors (Rog and Martin) on the other side of Flo were off to get their booster vaccine this morning.   So, we got on the internet and scheduled ours for next Tuesday.

Yesterday I mentioned that Mark and I would celebrate Christmas in FL for 1st time, but that's not true as we were with Philip, Annette and kiddos back in 2013 when Maeve was a new baby.    This will be the first in Fort Myers at our home.

We had a delightful afternoon visiting Jim and Lydia in their beautiful new RV....it is so spacious and well laid out!    Lots of chatter including coffees from their new Nespresso machine and rugelach (yummy chocolate and raspberry pastry) that is a Jewish pastry.

Today is Mark and Jim's sister, Marilyn's birthday so we 4 called to wish her happy greetings.

New home on wheels

Gorgeous and spacious interior

Happy Campers

Friday - October 22

 Mark was off around 8:30 for a Biscuits and Gravy fix, got Big Red washed, filled with diesel and then picked up an order from Home Depot.    I had a doctor appt., got my flu shot and then got my car washed.    Back home to tackle more laundry and sort thru clothes.

Here we are heading towards late October with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner.    Sure feels like the good ole summertime in FL...and it is summertime all year long here....just takes a while for we northerners to adjust!

During the summer, all our streets here at Cypress Trail were repaved - wonderful!!!    We walked over to say Hi to Jim and Lydia who arrived with their new big Class A this afternoon after 2 delays (yesterday and today) on the interstates.    Good to have them back here and planning a tour of their new "home on wheels" tomorrow.

Mark and I had planned to have dinner at the Vesuvius Food Truck in the parking lot, but they canceled!!!    Arghhhh.....so Plan B was to drive downtown and eat at Capone's which we hadn't been to in a while.    I had salad/pizza/wine and Mark had a sausage/pasta dish/wine - everything was very good.    Walking back to the car we passed "Scoops" and Mark got a dish of raspberry sorbet, stopped for gas in my car and on home.

Another big day but think we finally have things where we want them in the shed, Flo, truck and car!    Tah dah....

Family news....

Drew called last night to tell us he accepted a position with KPMG in Chicago starting next June.   We are so excited and proud of him.    He is thrilled!!!

Anne, Liam, Connor and Auntie Karen are coming to Fort Myers for Christmas.   This will be Mark and my first FL Christmas.    The boys want to golf and my wheels are a'spinning with all kinds of fun stuff to do, where to eat, etc., etc.    Super excited!

And here's our little darlins'...they were visiting their Pa and Nana in Princeton a few weeks ago and enjoyed Tanners Apple Orchard 

"Little Miss Poser"

Luke and Maeve at Tanners

Luke's soccer team won 1-0!    Yeah...

Maeve is so proud of big brother

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - October 21

 Hot 'n sunny but so good to be back in Cypress Trail and the land of palm trees, pretty flowers, my she shed (washer and dryer), Publix, etc., etc......Along with 1,588 miles we were in 8 states to get here!   

We both slept very well (early to bed and slept in this morning)!     Off to downtown for Mark a haircut; but first, coffee time at Java House only to find that it is no longer there and now called "Peter's German Ice Cream and Coffee".    The inside hs been totally redone (50's tables and chairs) and a big assortment of ice cream (looks like gelato, but special recipes from Germany that the owners' friend, Peter shared with them along with delicious pastries.(

I had the blueberry muffin which was bursting with berries and Mark enjoyed a breakfast sandwich.   Coffees were great and Coral who we remember from previous owners, still there and told us the rest of the story.    Met the delightful, very friendly new owners with neat German accents and they just opened 3 weeks ago.

I sat inside reading while Mark was gone and texting back 'n forth with Lydia.    She and Jim were stuck in bad traffic on I 24 cause of vehicle on fire.    Long delay....they plan to arrive tomorrow afternoon.

We walked to the DMV to order some new specialty plates for my car.   But after getting there (.08 of a mile round trip) we needed an appt, and would you believe the earliest we could get is November 18th (the day before we leave)?    I asked the man if that was cause of Covid, but "no, people don't want to wait 5 hours"!!!!!    Crazy.    So, we shall return 11/18 at 10:50 AM and order my Blue Angel plates which came out a few months ago.   Bummer they can't be ordered online but now we have a date.

Stopped at Publix (boy food prices just keeping going up)!    On home to unload the groceries and get to work.

Set up the patio furniture and umbrella and ready to do some serious laundry!    YEAH!!!    Also got the critters set outdoors..Betty Bunny, Trixie and Tillie, the turtles.    And unloaded the car and truck

It was a good productive 1st full day back in the Sunshine State!    Went for a walk tonight and had a nice chat with neighbors, Tom and Verna from Michigan.

Wednesday - October 20

 We are HOME SWEET HOME!!!    Arrived at Cypress Trail at 2:15 and our neighbor Martin was standing with the hose watering the pavers to prevent tire marks!    BIG thank you!    It is 90 degrees of HOT!     We did the basics - parked Flo, hooked up water and electric, cranked up the air and just chilled a bit.

Mark put gas in "Little Navy" and picked up a cinnamon roll and apple fritter for breakfast (both excellent).  We left Big Tree at 7:50 and traveled on I 275, I 10, very nice 4-lane road (301) and I 75.   Although we had to slow down 45-55 going thru some towns, there was not a lot of traffic on 301 and road was nice 'n smooth.

Mark chose a Pilot truck stop to park Flo and then he would come with me in car to get some lunch.     But, this Pilot (near Ellenton/Palmetto) did not have any parking for trucks, RV's, anything - strictly a fuel stop.    So we meandered thru residential neighborhoods and finally parked in Wal Mart and just picked up some sandwiches and ate on Flo.     It's not easy pulling a big rig thru town when you don't know where you're going!!!    

We are so ready to be done with heavy traffic, construction, crazy drivers.    Along with lots of RV's and campers, there were several auto transport trucks hauling cars to FL to be ready for their owners when they arrive - BIG business!!!    And of course, trucks, trucks and more trucks!

Since we left KK, we have driven just under 1600 miles to get here!    We are tired and although there's lots to do.....there's always tomorrow!    Nighty night!

Tuesday - October 19

 Hello from Big Tree RV Park in Jacksonville, FL.  I left Little Cedar Creek at 7:39 driving first into Ridgeway to mail a card and then met up with Mark/Flo/Big Red and today we traveled on I77, I26 and I95.      

We stopped in Walterboro, SC for a break.    Mark parked Big Red/Flo at WalMart and we went in the car for a donut and tea for Mark at Dunkin' (no longer Dunkin' Donuts) and a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato for me.    Then put gas in Little Navy and diesel in Big Red.   Diesel prices were better than yesterday in VA.

Along the way Mark had the brilliant idea that we stop in Darien, GA at one of our faves "Skipper's Fish Camp" where we've eaten numerous times when passing thru and/or with Catrina.     The food is always so fresh and delicious.    We sat on the covered porch overlooking the water with many shrimp boats and enjoyed our awesome low country lunches.

Shrimp 'n Grits (Mark)

Loaded baked potato with shrimp, sautéed onions and peppers, cheese and bacon (me)

Plus hush puppies for both of us!

DEEEElicious!!!

 We crossed from GA into FL at 1:49 and happy to be settled here (311 miles).    Another pretty day for travel and the temp was 82 when we arrived.    Several RV's/campers heading south but what was really surprising was the number of FL plates in SC and GA.    It was a constant flow of these Floridians heading south to home....but where had they all been?

We walked around the park and sat on our patio and read till it got buggie.   While walking around, we came across this...

An Airstream named "Miss Daisy"!

 

About Little Navy......when we were with Blair in Iowa City, she brought up "Little Navy" and unbeknownst to Mark and me, this summer when Luke and Blair were on Catrina, they thought since we have "Big Red", we should call my car "Little Navy"!!!    So, that was brought up in Iowa and we had a good laugh!    Love their imaginations!

  Cypress Trail....here we come - 325 miles to "home".

Monday - October 18

 We left in fog this morning (and a chilly 39 degrees) especially in low lying areas and higher elevations + our little lake where this picture was taken.    Fortunately it burned off pretty fast.

Where oh where is our little chapel?

We stopped for gas and diesel in Bastian, VA and then lunch at Taco Bell in Troutman, NC (we really wanted Bojangles, but they had no inside dining and long drive-thru lines?)    I got my fall color fix with some pretty scenery in WV and VA......those are 2 gorgeous states!    Since I was driving, no pics!

The day was full of sunshine with not a cloud to be seen and pleasant temps in the low 70's    We had a total of 354 miles to cover and I followed Mark/Big Red/Flo all the way.   And then we had a major backup just beyond downtown Charlotte.   We went 4 miles in 1 hour and eventually saw that the entire northbound lanes were closed down.   Mark's WAZE app told us there was a major crash up ahead.     A tanker full of flour was traveling in the southbound lane, veered hard to the left hitting the 4' concrete barrier and flew over it into the northbound traffic hitting 5 other vehicles.    The cab and tanker were separated and landed on their side.    The driver was killed and another person critically injured.    Such a horrific scene to come upon and I cannot imagine the horror of seeing that tanker flying over that wall???     This happened 2 hours before we came thru and our southbound traffic went from 3 to 1 lane because emergency vehicles and wreckers were there trying to help.    A very big and tragic news story tonight.

We are at the Little Cedar Creek Campground in Ridgeway, SC (pop.  219) tonight.    We went for a walk around the creek past the campers (small place) but there is a phase 2 just up the road.    Then it was time for some adult beverages.    A long day ending with a very tragic story.....

Tomorrow....FLORIDA, here we come!

Sunday - October 17

 Clear and chilly today but both of us slept very well.    And how exciting to see this gorgeous sight...our little chapel in the Sunday morning mist with the trees miraculously changing overnight???  Actually the sun made it "appear" to be golden cause rest of the day, the they were green!!!!

West Virginia beauty

Bill brought some great bagels and cream cheese (we also enjoyed these in the spring) from Shippensburg and made for a great breakfast treat!

We set out with Bill at 10:00 for some good hiking here at the campground which is much bigger than it first appears.    It is very spread out.    It is a spectacular day.

Inside of the "Chapel by the Lake" which has services at 11:00 on Sunday,    Today they had 15 in attendance.    They average around 50 weddings per year.

The guys walking along

"Lucy" the resident goose

Entrance to this large area where camp retreats are held with 2 very nice cottages and 

at least 20 small cabins.   Unfortunately with Covid, many events have not happened the past 2 years.

Bill's cabin here at the campground

We had several questions wondering about this and that as we were walking around.    We had a nice visit with the manager (she and her husband were brought here 8 years ago from another church in Alabama.    She was delightful answering  our ? about this 300+ acre facility, the history, etc.   

More picturesque beauty

Bill going into his cabin

Colorful fountain

We had a nice fire and roasted our hot dogs and then had dinner and more conversation on Flo.    This has been such a fun, relaxing weekend.     Always enjoy being with Bill but sure missed Charmaine, Nancy and Bill.  

Bye bye from a very memorable campground

Rippling Waters Church of God

There are no Catholic churches anywhere near us and the internet is very spotty to attend Mass online, so we shall soak up this beautiful area and be ever so thankful for all His blessings and this special weekend with Bill.

Saturday - October 16

 Fall is definitely in the air today with temps in the 50's-60's as we traveled east.    I did not have  good night's sleep - sooo many planes flying (wondered if we were being invaded by something?    Or if the military were practicing some sort of mission?)    But surely not at midnight???    Mark was sound asleep so didn't want to wake him, and so I just listened to all this noise in the sky?    I love the roar of the jets but not at this hour!!!    And then this morning Mark tells me it was UPS planes (we had passed their headquarters in Louisville near the airport) and they are taking off rapidly coming in and then leaving early in the morning just like FedEx (and Ryan) do out of Memphis!!!!!    

We left in bright sunshine around 9 and had 275 miles to our destination at Rippling Waters Church of God Campground near Romance, WV.     We stopped for diesel in Waddy, KY and lunch at Wendy's in Grayson, KY.    I listened to my oldies and we chatted over the phone off an on saying our rosary-on-the-road.

Our friend Bill W from Shippensburg, PA arrived at Rippling Waters about 1/2 hour before us.    He's staying at one of the cabins nearby - very nice 2-bedroom, kitchen, living and bath along with a loft which we can't figure out how to get up to???     We sat on his porch and visited (I first took a little nap)!   Went into Sissonville for carry out from Top Spot Country Cooking - great comfort food and enjoyed dining in Bill's kitchen.    We are sure sorry Bill and Nancy G are not with us and wish them the return to good health in hopes we can be together in the future.

Mark attempted a fire but just didn't take (maybe wood was too wet).  We sat around with more visiting, wine, etc.   This is such a pretty campground but disappointed at the lack of fall color - it's supposed to be their "peak week"!

Sweet little chapel on our lake

This tree is outside Bill's cabin and the ONLY bit of fall color

The chapel at night reflected off the lake

We are all tried after big day of travel, fresh air, etc.....nippy overnight coming and looking forward to a pretty sunny Sunday.

Friday - October 15

 Today would've been Mark's sister, Sue's 64th birthday.    Sue is Sarah, the Bride's aunt and Godmother and so she and Daniel chose this special day for their wedding with the blessing of Sue's hubby Tom and 4 daughters (Katy, Molly, Cory and Hannah).     

The rain started at 8:45 and just been a nice steady drizzle.    I slept in and then we had breakfast sandwiches.    Good day to hunker down till we get dressed and head to Louisville for the wedding.    Mark took a nap and I caught up on paper/computer stuff.

Around 1:30 we drove to the Cedar Grove Coffee Co., but they were pretty full and no available tables.    So, unto Starbucks and enjoyed warm chocolate chip cookies and coffee/tea.   The rain kept coming down but finally stopped around 2:30ish.   

We were off to the wedding at St. Raphael's.    Beautiful ceremony and then off to the reception at Whitehall.... beautiful estate with lovely gardens in the back.    That's where we all gathered for drinks and it was beautiful and "dry".    Just before we were going under the large tent, it started to rain and rain and rained soooo very hard.    It was crazy.....thought the rain had been done for the day - WRONG!                             

 

Daniel and Sarah

Great buffet, toasts, and comradery.     Danced a few slow dances and then left for home (Flo is 20 miles south of Louisville).   Another fun family wedding!    Welcome to the clan, Daniel

Tomorrow we are off to West Virginia..............

Thursday - October 14

 We had 197 miles to travel today when we left Charla Rose this morning.    But first got the news from from Mark's brother Jim that their daughter-in-law's father passed away late last night.     Jim and Lydia were to leave this morning for Louisville, too and the wedding and then onto Fort Myers.    We were so very sorry to hear this and send our sincere sympathy and love to Michelle and her family.     Several weeks ago I had mentioned on the blog that Michelle's Dad had wandered off from home and found in Arkansas.   Very sad....

So Jim and Lydia have canceled their weekend plans and will head to FL after the funeral sometime next week.

No rain today which was nice and other than a 1/2 hour delay just 12 miles from Sellersburg, IN where we had planned to have lunch at Cracker Barrel, it was a good trip.    Lots of stop 'n go during that major back up which was all about construction and down to 1 lane of traffic.

Can't beat the good ole comfort food of Cracker Barrel and after we filled our tummies, back on the road.   We arrived at KOA South, Shepherdsville, KY around 2.    A very friendly Karen checked us in, Mike escorted us to our site and we settled in with a nice patio complete with round table/4 chairs, a glider, fire pit, etc., all on concrete pad!    Pretty awesome and not the usual campground amenities.

Nice place for happy hour

It was 84 when we arrived and we had sunshine from Indianapolis on.    Read a bit, took a nap and later walked around the campground which is large and very nice.    Karen told us they have 35 checking in today and 75 tomorrow.    Lots of Halloween decor here (last night at Charla Rose, too).    The office and many sites go all out with their ghosts, goblins and ghoulies.

Giddy up horsey

Cute inflatable camper

Today the CCHS Golf team was recognized with a decorated cake and congratulations for their state tournament participation !    Way to go guys...

The Campbell Kids are 2nd and 3rd from the left!!

Congratulations Saints!

Late afternoon we heard more disappointing news - our friends, Bill and Nancy from Fairfield Glade, TN have cancelled out on our camping trip this weekend in WV.   Nancy is having some health issues - we sure will miss them.

We walked thru the park and enjoyed one of the nature trails.    

Strolling thru the woods

Lots of chokeberry bushes along the trail

What a nice day/evening this was - enjoyed all the RV's and campers just rolling in from all over the country.     Tomorrow, rain is back in the forecast but sure hope it doesn't dampen the wedding festivities which start at 4 PM.

Wednesday - October 13

 Hello from Hillsboro, IN - change of plans for today!    We planned to leave KK tomorrow for our trip to KY, WV and FL.     Mark saw the weather was bringing lots of rain to Bloomington tonight and tomorrow.    He and Flo left late morning and avoided the very heavy stuff.    I left for town around 9, stopped at Holy Cross Cemetery to chat with Patrick.    I'm always amazed at what folks leave at a gravesite.    Along with pretty fall flowers from Anne, there was a bunch of loose change, 2 small crosses and a Swiss Army knife?    I stopped at storage to put a few things away and then breakfast and great visit with Claire at Panera.   We said good bye with 2 dates on the December calendar to get together.

And then off to get my nails/toes done with Lisa.    While I was there, oh my.....what a deluge from 12:45-1:15.    Sooo thankful Mark had left ahead of this and I would wait for it to pass thru.    I left Bloomington around 1:45 and had rain off and on, but nothing heavy.    Mark was well ahead of it and just had a little bit of rain.

We are settled together at the Charla Rose Campground in Hillsboro, IN and have a nice dent into tomorrow's travels and hopefully, no more rain where we're going (south of Louisville).

We are back on eastern time so enjoyed a glass of wine and then some of our leftovers (those Styrofoam containers had invaded the fridge - including a bunch of leftover tenderloin from Mark's visit to Busy Corner Monday night).    He had "Ron's Famous HUGE tenderloin" - their #1 seller (coconut cream pie is #1 for pies).

Sure thought we would see some fall color before we left the Midwest but everything is still very green?    Maybe cause of the very warm weather?   Just a few weeks ago it was so dusty and dry, but all this rain past week or so has sure changed that!

Mark got a call today (and I got an e-mail) from an Airstream dealer in Springfield, MO wanting to know if we wanted to sell our Airstream?    Sell Flo?????    No way.......but the market is really hot now and this is one of the dealers we had contacted back in 2018 when we first started shopping.   

Michael sent this Lake James beauty from tonight!

5* Sunset

Tuesday - October 12

 One year ago this morning we got the call from Mark's sister, Theresa that their sister Sue had died very unexpectedly.    She just didn't wake up.    What a devastating loss for our family.    She would be very proud of her family (Tom and the girls, sons-in-law and 4 grandbabies) and how they are doing with such a huge void in their lives.

After all the rain yesterday and last night (1.5"), today was absolutely gorgeous with clear blue skies and mid 70's.   We were off early to Eureka to do the laundry.   I got the 3 washers going and then drove to Caleri's for streusel blueberry muffin and pumpkin coffee cake with caramel/nut topping - we shared both which were excellent along with our coffee!     Got the clothes folded, loaded in car and back to KK.    

And then we were off again to Mackinaw to meet brother Bob and Linda at the Garden Gate shop and Tea Room at the Depot.    Linda had never been here and she loved it.  The guys stayed in the car while we shopped.    We both had good luck with Christmas gifts and a few other things and then the guys joined us for delicious lunch.

Linda and I then drove up the street to "Beth Anne" - very nice ladies clothing and accessories shop.    More retail therapy.    Back to meet the guys and followed them to Eureka and Braker''s Market for lots of bakery items, frozen foods, dips, chips, etc., etc., etc.....love this place!    Last stop was at Scottwood Floral which is once of my favorites - just beautifully decorated for fall and Christmas.    A few more purchases here and then said our good byes.    We'll see them in early December.    It was a great day!

Mark and I came back to Flo and unloaded our stuff and got the refrigerated and frozen stuff put away.    And then, off to town....one more visit with Anne and the boys.    We ordered Jersey Mike Subs, Anne was off to a meeting for hockey parents and we enjoyed hearing all the tales of the boys state golf tournament.    Of course, we were entertained by Gibson and Frankie, too.    Said our good byes to these guys.....till December!    I HATE good byes!!!    Golf season is over and now onto hockey!!!

And finally back to KK and settled in after a big day!!!    One more day before we head out of here!

Till tomorrow...

Monday - October 11

 Rain, stormy day here in central IL,   we were off to have breakfast with the Monday Morning Bunch at Shannon's and always fun to catch up (forgot picture).    Pat and Brenda had their grandchildren (Brooklyn 7 and Graham, 4 with them).   Had not seen Marty (former next-door neighbor) or Ken and Sigrunn since we were back.    Sue and Jerry rounded out our group of 11.    Ken and Sigrunn's grandson, Jake graduated from the University of North Carolina this past spring..  He is quite the runner and competed in his first marathon yesterday in Chicago.    He came in 114 out of 33,000.   Amazing!!! Said our good byes till December  (I'll see Brenda and Sue tonight with the MNF's) and then Mark and I spent an hour at storage organizing and getting out clothes to take to FL and put more stuff away.

It was really raining when we left, but had 2 more stops - Mark dropped me off at Kroger for a few groceries and he went onto Goodwill to donate a bunch of stuff.    Back to KK at 12:30.

It was a very stormy, rainy afternoon with heavy rain beating down on Flo at times!   I finally got back to watching "Call the Midwife" series which started Season 10 here in the US a few weeks ago.    Since I never know where we'll be when PBS is showing them, I am doing them on demand.   Of course, this new season was off with a bang - LOVE these shows sooo much!

I went into town late afternoon and met the MNF's (7 of us) at Destihl.    Lots of chatter and all glad to be inside as another storm was coming.   WOW....very heavy rain and glad we were not driving in that awful stuff.   

Tamara, Ruth, Sue, Nadine

Brenda. Pat, Marsha

Yesterday was Brenda's birthday - Ruth treated us to a 1 lb. chocolate cake that was scrumptious!

Anne and boys were out of power for over 2 hours tonight....quite the storm!

Sunday - October 10

 We started the day going to 8:30 Mass at St. Mary of the Visitation.    Stopped at Pullman for 2 pieces of their wonderful coffee cake (best we've had) to go and then coffee at The Poindexter made for a very tasty breakfast.    Back to the hotel to say good bye to Michael and family.    We packed up the car and left Iowa City around 10:15.

Had some rain driving in Iowa, but by the time we arrived back at KK (1:15), it was very warm - mid 80's and sunny.   Unpacked and I organized our closet and lockers deciding what's going into storage and what goes to FL.    

We had so much fun in "Hawkeye Land" this weekend and BIG thanks to Michael for all the time and effort he spent putting it together.     Great events and eating and of course, the tailgate and big game.    Ryan is back home; Philip is driving; Annette, her kids, Michael and family are flying as I write this.     We sure missed Anne, Liam and Connor, but what a thrill for them to be in the state golf championship!

The next 3 days are busy before we leave Thursday.    It's been a whirlwind month here and went so fast!    Packed in lots and of course, plenty of good eating.

Missing 3 siblings on zoom tonight - Joan, Nancy and Tom.    Chatted about Doris's husband, Rich is 75 today, Sarah's wedding (Sharon's daughter) on Friday.    Also knee updates from Doris (replacement) and Janet (meniscus), Janet's daughter Bridget's miscarriage, our trip to Iowa, the boys golf tournament, and Tom and Beth's cruise in the South Pacific (ship is only 1/2 full - 174 passengers, so that's nice).

Take care and enjoy your week!

Saturday - October 9

 Oh what a day to be in Iowa City with an experience unlike anything we've ever seen....Iowa Hawkeye FEVER!!!     Iowa is playing Penn State and both teams are 5-0.   Totally mind boggling!!!

 We started the day by going to The Encounter Cafe (close to hotel and recommended by Drew - he knows his G and G like coffee shops).    It is owned and operated by the Mennonites and such a neat shop with excellent breakfasts and coffees.   Philip and Annette joined us as we were finishing our meals.  The day was off and running.

Around 11ish Mark and I started the trek to the tailgating (others were ahead of us)....unbelievable all the yellow and black EVERYWHERE and every sort of apparel imaginable.    80,000 plus in this sellout crowd +++ all the others not going to the game.     Absolutely CRAZY    Food, food, so much food and drinks.   

Annette and Philip

Grandpa and Grandma

Pat, Brooke, Annette

Drew, Tessa, Brady, Davis

Our boys

Philip, Ryan, Michael

Grandpa and Brady just chillin'

Michael, Drew, Brady Davis, Brooke

Blair

Michael's colleague, Kevin made some awesome black cherry mules

complete with the copper mugs!

Michael, Kevin, Ryan, Pat, Philip, Annette

Kinnick Stadium

Childrens' Hospital

So moving and emotional watching that "wave" from the crowd to all the children high up .

Mark and I brought Blair back to the hotel to watch the game....we were all tired and very warm (a gorgeous day but in the 80's).   Mark went to get some custard for he and Blair and took Blair swimming for a short time.

Just before the game... (hospital in background)

What a game.....outstanding and a nail biter right to the finish with Iowa winning 23-20.    And then the mobs on the field...

Hawkeye fans are delirious after this win!

Celebrating at the VUE - Ryan, Mark, Davis, Brady, Michael, Philip

 

Brooke, Blair, Pat, Annette

Connor got an 87 today and that ends the boys golf season!    Really proud of their performance and opportunity to make the state finals.    Onto next year!!!