Wednesday - October 26

FOUR weeks since the monster Ian hit our area and changed countless lives forever....plus the loss of belongings and thousands of cars and boats.  

Off early again this morning for Mark's eye check-up.    Stopped at "Forever Grounded" (another cute coffee shop name) for a latte which was in a mobile coffee van parked near Lee Hospital and close to Collins Vision,

All is good with Mark's eyes but going to do an adjustment (10 second procedure) from his earlier cataract surgery - back to see Dr. on November 9th.

On home.   Mark is on an all-liquid diet today in preparation for his colonoscopy tomorrow.

We went downtown around noon with some errands along the way and then Mark got hair cut.   His barber, Jose was supposed to cut it last week, but canceled cause he was with his wife awaiting the arrival of their baby girl (very good excuse)!   They also have a 12-year old son, so....nice little pink surprise.

While Mark was getting his hair cut, I meandered around downtown and so depressing seeing some favorite restaurants, shops, etc. totally gutted and in shambles.  One of the upscale places has a nice courtyard for dining, but now a HUGE pile of kitchen equipment + all their pots, pans, big cookie sheets, etc., etc.    A very sad scene.    I stopped at the post office - opened the door and walked into a HUGE pile of plastic garbage bags.   Oh my.....the post office took a big hit, too and not going to be open any time soon.

I picked up some lobster rolls from Mason's - another amazing fact with no rhyme nor reason ......they had some water damage but opened shortly after Ian hit; next door is Starbucks and it's a disaster.    Mark can't eat these yummy sandwiches today (next time) but got some for Jim and Lydia.    All 3 marinas (Legacy, Yacht Basin and Edison Ford) have large cranes and starting to move boats - now that's something to watch.   Wonder where they are taking them?   On home and delivered goodies to Jim and Lydia....Jim was busy power washing his pavers - they are getting settled in!

Many heartwarming stories in today's paper about folks finding someone's treasure, keepsake, special memento in the hurricane and now thru facebook and other social media, these items have been returned to their owners.    There are unbelievable stories of how far and wide, thru canals, between houses, etc. these treasures traveled.    

Our neighbor Dick is an avid softball player with a bunch of guys around town - several teams.    He loves this wintertime sport but unfortunately, recently found out there will be no season as too much damage to the fields.