Wednesday - November 30

 My oh my....the end of November!    Where oh where has this year gone?    A very frigid day with strong winds gusting to 35 mph......wind chill was 9 when I got up.   Busy day here in Bloomington starting with 8:00 Mass at Holy Trinity with Father Stirniman, then ran  errands including some groceries, a mani with Thoa (Lisa's sister), more errands and then lunch with Brenda at Schooner's remembering so many years ago we would meet here when it was called The Wishing Well with Ryan and Kassie (our little surprises) and would order the "poor boy" sandwiches.    And now our little kiddos are 37 - a really nice memory (and still yummy) from long ago.

Brenda and Pat - friends since 1979

The cold weather made me sleepy, so naps were in order for Grandma, Gibson and Frankie while Anne worked from upstairs.    Liam and Connor had swim practice after school.   

Some good ole comfort on this very cold night (sweet 'n sour meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans) - going down to 16 overnight!

Mark had the YAG procedure done this afternoon on his right eye (distance) to correct a film (13 zaps).   The other eye will be done next Wednesday.

Off to Springfield tonight for the boys hockey game - got several blankets to keep warm as these hockey rinks (in the stands) can be COLD.

We got home at 11:15 from the game....Liam scored a goal but we lost to Sacred Heart Griffin 7-5.   Some really aggressive playing - not little guys anymore!   The same 2 teams will play each other tomorrow night but in Bloomington!

Nighty night!  

Let the frenzy and fun of December begin!!!

Tuesday - November 29

A very fun day of our traditional Christmas shopping/lunch with Linda and brother Bob (he does not shop).    Usually Bob and Mark hang out but since Mark isn't here, Bob just went along for the ride.    We met at Starbucks for peppermint mocha lattes and then browsed at numerous shops with strong winds all day.   Lunch was at Biaggi's - sooo good with Adam, our server who waited on me last time I was here!

More shopping in the afternoon and then good bye till we are together again at their home on the 16th.

Mark got an early start to his day and was back in Fort Myers by 10:15 this morning.   He had several projects to work on + a trip to Publix.

Anne was sent home from work this morning as one of her co-workers tested positive.   UGH......she has her cruise coming up so praying she stays healthy!    She worked rest of the day from home and also tomorrow.

The boys had swim practice after school and later, Anne met 2 friends at Biaggi's for dinner.

I was reading tonight that the downtown Fort Myers post office won't reopen till February.    That facility, along with the Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel post offices were all destroyed by hurricane Ian.

Monday - November 28

 I think we all slept well last night after our big day of travel.   Anne is working in the office this week (1 week per month).    I dropped her off at State Farm by 6:30 and then back home.  I'll be using her car today.   Boys were up and going with breakfast, dressed and took the dogs to the "Barking Lot" (doggie day care) at 6:50 and then off to school with backpacks and swim gear for practice after school.

Speaking of Gibson and Frankie, they were oh-so-excited as were Liam and Connor last night when we got home!     The feeling is so mutual with all the love between these 4 "boys" + add Mama Anne to the mix and there's even more affection!

I met our "small" group (Pat, Brenda, Sigrunn and Ken) for breakfast at Shannon's this morning.    Missing Sue and Jerry (in hospital) and Marty.    As always, a great breakfast and of lots of chatter with these long-time friends and former neighbors.   Praying for Jerry....

I went back home and later ran some errands till Claire and I met for lunch at Destihl - DEEElicious as always and we had so much to yak about.    Great way to spend this dreary chilly afternoon.  We'll do another outing next Sunday and Monday!

Claire 'n Pat

After lunch I ran several more errands, picked Anne up from work, went to the airport to get rental car for her and on home.    She had a doctor appt. and then brought home more yummy favorites from Mandarin Garden for supper.    The boys had swim practice after school and went to the intercity basketball game at the Shirk Center.    CCHS is in the championship game.

Mark put in a long day - 600+ miles and tonight is in Titusville.   Much shorter day tomorrow.

Meant to clear something up about this flower business......I mentioned Brooke's beautiful endless roses.    But duh....they are really camellias and just sooo pretty.    She has several trees/bushes which bloom in the spring and fall.

Camellias

Thanksgiving-Sunday, November 27

 Hi all...I'm back in IL this Sunday night after a big day of travel.

A very fun, busy holiday weekend with family (25 strong) + 4 dogs, lots of euchre,  football, pickleball, cornhole, and oh-so-much yummy food.

It was very dark and raining at 5:30 AM when Anne, Liam, Connor and I left Lake James.   We had some heavy rain and a little fog thru the mountains and then rain off and on with very short bursts of sunshine.    I would call this an UGLY day weather-wise, but listened to some great Christmas tunes and then Connor's favorites.   Anne and Connor did all the driving.     Had lunch at Jimmy Johns and Anne picked up Panera for supper.

Mark is staying with Philip and Annette till tomorrow and then heading to FL with the boys golf clubs for when they come visit in early January.

For the first time in 7 years, Mark and I will not be at our “December” home (Eastland Suites in Bloomington).    I’m staying with the boys and later this week, Anne is going on a cruise with her friend, Sue to the Bahamas.

I’m looking forward to hanging out with the boys, friends and family + 3 hockey games and other fun events!

Here's a few pics...

Maeve rolling out the pretzels for raspberry/pretzel salad

and wearing Blair's outgrown apron

Maeve showing Grandma her classroom pet lizard, Raptor

WOW.....this was off the charts in beauty - sunset Friday night at Lake James

Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve

So nice to be back in the central time zone but this Grandma will be off to dreamland early tonight!!!

Have a great week...

 

Wednesday - Thanksgiving Eve

 Whew....what a busy day in the kitchen (Annette, Maeve and Grandma + a little from Luke), yard work, blowing off the driveway (Luke), and the guys working on all that wood again for the 3rd and final day.    Some played pickleball in the afternoon.    Gorgeous day with mid 60's and all sunshine!4ed

Anne, Liam and Connor arrived around 1:30 at Michael's.    Brady went to a Charlotte Hornets game in Charlotte with his basketball teammates.

At 5:00, we all (+Mike and Theresa) gathered at Philip and Annette's to celebrate Mark's 75th (surprise).    Fun evening with awesome presents + sweet 'n sour meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn,  crispy brussels sprouts and tah dah....his favorite dessert -  chocolate lava cake with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream!!!

Some pics from today...

Luke chillin' after blowing off the driveway

Maeve on roller skates

Posing by the tree/fire

Dad and his kiddos

Cheers to the Birthday Boy!

Have a blessed and HAPPY THANKSGIVING tomorrow...we'll celebrate with 25 family members including Mike and Theresa, Brooke's parents, brother and family!

No blogging for a few days....enjoy your family time!  💓

Tuesday - November 22

 Cloudy and chilly....we were up and packing our stuff to move to Philip's.   Got the sheets and towels washed and bed remade for next guests (Brooke's brother, Scott, Leigh, Caroline and Cooper) who will arrive Thursday.

Settled in at Philip and Annette's around 10:45 and then we 4 left for Luke and Maeve's school and big Thanksgiving feast - sooo much good food.    Nice to meet their teachers, friends, other parents, see their classrooms, etc.

Back to Philip's where he and rest of the family visited friends at Fonta Flora Brewery, Mark went to Michael's with Mike (brother-in-law) for more tree work, burning firewood, etc.    Grandma took a nap.    When the kiddos came home, we played some games.

Michael, Tessa and Drew picked Mark and me up and off to Las Salsas for Mexican - met Brooke and Blair (she had been at piano practice), Bob and Judy.   Then to Brady's basketball game - oh my!   What a thriller but lost by 1.    Brady scored 7 points.    We were down by 16 at one point and expected to lose by 20 or more.   Davis joined us at the game on his way home from Raleigh.

Monday - November 21

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, MILLIE

Miss Millie

 Crisp, clear and sunny day!   Did laundry and worked on some online Christmas shopping.    The kiddos (Brady and Blair) are back in school, Michael is working in his office, Drew working virtually here and Tessa doing school work.    She will graduate from Iowa on the 18th. Mark and Mike (brother-in-law) burned a bunch of old firewood.

Mark and Mike keeping the fire going and chatting!

Watched the World's Cup soccer - go USA....but ended in a 1-1 tie against Wales.

Blair had gymnastics and dance after school.

Millie enjoying her birthday cookie

We sang Happy Birthday to her

Had corned beef and cabbage for supper and more rousing games of euchre.   Mark and Brady finally stopped Tessa and Drew's winning streak.    Then they beat Brady and me and "finally," we came back to beat them!!!

Sunday - November 20

 Windy and chilly Sunday - we went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo with Father Ken.    Then downtown to the Thornwell Book Store/Coffee Cafe.    What a cute place (small book shop with nice coffee bar and delicious scones made upstairs at the Ugly Duckling Bakery.)   Mark had cinnamon and I had a lemon blueberry - very moist and yummy.

Picked up a Rx at CVS, shopped for our Thanksgiving groceries at Ingles and on home.  Drew picked up his girl, Tessa at the Charlotte airport (flight was 1.5 hours late due to de-icing in Cedar Rapids, but machine broke down, so....)

Michael went to the camp with some guys to watch football and then lots more games this afternoon while Brady and I played euchre against Tessa and Drew with those guys narrowly beating us 2 of 3.

Michael and Brooke prepared an awesome dinner of BBQ ribs, baked potatoes with all the toppings, green beans and salad.    Then more cards with Michael and Mark losing 2 of 3 to Drew and Tessa....these kiddos are on a roll!

Tessa and Drew

Deeelicious ribs!

Saturday - November 19

 Clear, sunny and cold!    Blair was little "Susie Baker" this morning making Snickerdoodles and Oatmeal Scotches'!    Both delicious!

The "Baker"

A leisurely morning - Michael cut up a tree that had fallen a few weeks ago.    He played pickleball with friends and after a delicious lunch of hot chicken salad (my friend Marsha's recipe and a family favorite), Mark and I went for a walk - it was so pleasant at 51 and we  took off some of our layers.   No wind was the best part.

Grandpa resting on "our" bench with my friend Sue's pretty painted rock.

Michael left for the Charlotte airport to pick up Drew who's flying in for 2 weeks from Dallas.    

 The Christmas ideas are starting to come in and shopping has begun!!!    Yeah....long ways to go, but always feels good to get a start!

Off to watch Blair cheer for her 4th-5th grade teammates.    We bundled up and not too bad sitting in the stands with blankets wrapped around us, plus several layers, earmuffs, gloves, scarves, etc.    We sat with Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents).   The game before ours (which was to start at 4:15) was way delayed + a very serious injury to one of the little boys caused a real back-up.   The little guy was taken off the field by ambulance (back injury?).    So overall, almost 2 hours till we were able to leave the game (1/2 time cause the cheerleaders decided to stop - could be the weather???)    We grandmas and grandpas were more than ready to go home.

The family cheerleader

Cheering her heart out all bundled up (lavender jacket)!

Burrr....Brady, Bob, Judy, Mark

Brady, Mark and I stopped at Moondogs downtown to pick up 3 pizzas which Michael had ordered.    Lots happening downtown with the Christmas parade this afternoon, lighting of the STAR, carriage rides and much more.   It was very pretty and festive.

On home - Ryan joined us, enjoyed the pizza - Michael very happy with the Iowa win and Bob, ecstatic over big upset (Georgia Tech over North Carolina).    

Judy and I played electronic monopoly with Blair (she was the winner).    Good to have Drew home....

Drew and his "America Needs Farmers" sweatshirt!

Friday - November 18

 Crisp clear morning and nippy throughout the day - Mark and I are still trying to stay warm.    Ha!   We had breakfast and then off to Black Mountain.    Ran a few errands and met our Cypress Trail neighbors, Buddy and JoAnn who live in Candler, a suburb of Asheville.    It was sooo good to see them and catch up and of course, they wanted to know all the nitty gritty of Fort Myers after Ian tore thru and left such devastation.

We had a delicious lunch at The Veranda (a favorite) and it was so busy - lots of folks waiting when we left at 1.   They will be back at CT on December 30th for 2 months.

Buddy, JoAnn, Mark, Pat

Mark and I had a few more stops and then visited Mike and Theresa (Mark's sister) at their new home.    Love it....could easily live there.    And in such a pretty setting.

Theresa and Mike

Kitchen table that Philip designed and built with saw blade under glass

Back to Michael's and around 5:30 we left for the Camp.    Piled on more layers and enjoyed seeing the kids friends,  good supper and then watching the line dancing.    Plenty of heaters plus a roaring fire kept us toasty.

Blair in lavender jacket loved the line dancing

Blair's dance instructor, Miss Keisha  (in front with black and white shirt) led the dancers.

Enjoy your weekend and stay warm!

 

 

Thursday - November 17

 Burrrr.....it was chilly and windy when we left the hotel this morning.   Drove downtown and found "Morning Times" (one of many coffee shops) and enjoyed our coffees, Mark's breakfast croissant and my marshmallow/cinnamon crunch scone upstairs in this neat old building.

We had a few stops (Total Wine and Duck Donuts in Durham and Trader Joe's in Chapel Hill) and then on our way.  

Duck Donuts are soooo yummy - we all remember our first experience back in 2007 having these  in Duck, NC (Outer Banks).    Made fresh to order.

Watching the donuts getting golden brown

And while still hot, the donut lady ices them and sprinkles toppings

And tah dah....ready to devour!!!

  Stopped in Morganton to drop off a Rx at CVS, get the car washed and I got a Christmas drink at Starbucks.    Got to Michael and Brooke's around 3:15, unloaded the car and settled in.    Michael is in NY, Brooke and Blair at gymnastics and Brady at basketball practice.    We drove over to see Luke, Maeve and Annette and give them some donuts.   Philip is working in Fort Lauderdale.   Their house looks great all decorated for Christmas...inside and out!

Good ole Frosty

Maeve flies around in her pretty 

pink bike

And Luke on his 10-speed

Brooke made a delicious chicken dish with fresh asparagus for dinner.    Fun to catch up and hear what's all going on in their busy lives.

 Blair is all sweet 'n cuddly in her pretty soft bathrobe

Brady - can't wait to see him back on the basketball court

Brooke's endless roses still have so many blooms in mid November!

Michael got home around 9 from NY - this was his view today from the

 87th floor of the One World Trade Center

Sooo good to be back in North Carolina!

Wednesday - November 16

Unbeknownst to us, effective in March, all Hilton hotels are now dog friendly.    We usually stay at Hamptons or Hilton Garden Inns.    Last night there were 2 dogs yapping away in the evening, occasionally overnight and then started in again this morning!    I asked the desk clerk and she (a dog lover) is not crazy about this new perk for the doggie lovers, but that's the way it is and there's no particular rooms/floors the dogs are on.   It costs $75 per dog to spend the night.    Apparently all the chains are now catering to these pet owners.   But why can't the owners control the barking???

We were up fairly early, and noticed last night that Waffle House was very close, so that's where we had breakfast and then on our way on I-95 by 8:40.   

Mostly cloudy all day with some off and on sunshine. traffic was heavy at times and lots of RV's (not all going south though) and many Floridians heading north.   We shared the driving, arrived in Raleigh around 2ish and settled in.  

Davis came to the hotel at 3:15 and he drove us around in Little Navy - toured the NC State campus (huge with 36,000+ students).    Brooke is an alum of NC State, too.

He showed us his apartment and played a few tunes on his guitar.  

Strummin' his guitar!

  Then to Cloor's for old-fashioned good food that is a favorite of Davis's - we had polish with kraut, gyro, and Philly cheesesteak + chili fries and regular - all delicious!

Davis has a bunch of stuff to do tonight including a fraternity meeting, homework, laundry, pack, etc.    Tomorrow after classes, he's going on a weekend mountain retreat with his fraternity brothers to Beech Mountain north of Banner Elk, NC.   So we said our good byes but we'll be together over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Grandma, Grandpa and Davis

My cousin Geri and hubby, Henry live in Cary (suburb of Raleigh) and thought maybe we could meet them for breakfast.    We didn't know Davis's schedule till we got here, so short notice, but just in case?    Geri and Henry are still working and Geri has a meeting in the morning.  

Burrr....it's chilly outside tonight!    Going to take we Floridians awhile to adjust to this big weather change!

No dogs here tonight at the Hampton.....at least that's what gal at the desk told Mark.

Tuesday - November 15

  We had bagels for breakfast, loaded up the last of our stuff and left Flo's driveway at 7:36. 

Cloudy most of the way till around 2 when the sun came out a bit.    We had a brief little shower, but overall, weather was good.  Stopped in Lutz, FL for a Starbucks fix and lunch at Arby's in Baldwin, FL.

Arrived in Richmond Hill, GA (south of Savannah) at 3:10 and ready to call it a day!   Overall, not bad.   I did about 75 miles and Mark, the rest.    Maybe we'll be more equal tomorrow?  😀

Checked Trip Advisor for a place for dinner - the #2 (Marker 107 at a marina) is not open Sun thru Tues. so....we chose #4, "Fish Tales" on the Ogeechee River at the Port McAllister Marina.   We sat outside under the tiki hut (with jackets on although it had cooled down to the 70's after a high of 82).   It sure felt much cooler.   Food was delicious (both of us had a cup of she crab soup - on my....and shared a white fish sandwich with hush puppies - more oh my).   Mark topped it off with a piece of chocolate cake - 👍👍    

Fish Tails - funky place with delicious Low Country food

We had a  nice visit with a couple and their son.    The couple are from Montana and here visiting their son and family.    They will be moving to GA to be closer to the 4 grandchildren!!!  On home and noticed it sure gets dark earlier here along the east coast versus Fort Myers.

Tomorrow onto Raleigh to visit Davis - 338 miles.

 

Monday - November 14

 Breakfast and then Mark was off to downtown for a haircut with Jose.   I worked on the final packing and gathering stuff for our trip to NC tomorrow (2 weeks for Mark and 3 for me).    Also did some laundry and loaded up the car.

We are ready to roll outta here tomorrow morning......can't wait to see all the kiddos (big 'n small) over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Sunday - November 13

 Sunny start to the day but the clouds rolled in later in the morning.    We went to 9:30 Mass with Father Anthony at St. Francis and then to Ella Mae's in the Luminary Hotel - but so many people waiting and plenty of empty tables inside and out - a definite shortage of help!  

So, off to the Oasis - popular place with all tables full and busy busy with plenty of staff.  Sat next to a couple originally from WI but now living in Pelican Preserve.   Lots of talk about Ian, favorite restaurants, sharing new restaurants, entertainment at the Florida Rep and Barbara Mann, etc.

Skies were really dark when we came out of the restaurant but just had just a few sprinkles and that was that! 

  I talked to one of our neighbors (roofers from TX) this afternoon and asked how much longer they thought they would be here?   He said, "I don't know - maybe 6 months"???

Did some laundry and enjoyed a quiet Sunday afternoon.   At 4:20 we were off to pick up Jim and Lydia for dinner at University Grill where we met John and Beth.   So fun to all be together and catch up over a wonderful meal.   

Jim, Lydia, Pat, Mark, John, Beth

 And then......

We drove across the street to the Barbara Mann Theater for a concert put on by the Gulf Coast Symphony to benefit those affected by hurricane Ian.   WOW....WOW....WOW, a great variety of musical talent with the symphony, the Mastersingers, and individual performances by Mark, Heather and Alex (16-year old junior at Bishop Verot High School who has been playing the violin since he was 5.).    He played Orange Blossom Special and was accompanied by the orchestra.    TALENT++++

Peter Busch and Allyson Rae were the emcees (he is the news anchor and she's the meteorologist for NBC2).    They did a great job (Allyson lost her home in the hurricane).    Heather gave me chills when she sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Climb Every Mountain".    And Mark Sanders was so talented - what a voice.   The orchestra played a variety of pieces starting the concert with the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful and ending with "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's 9th symphony along with a tribute to Frank Sinatra, big band sounds, etc.  So, a very enjoyable evening with all of these performers donating their time and talent and all monies going toward the hurricane relief fund.    THANK YOU!!!

Our little Fashionista!

 

Saturday - November 12

 Very foggy this morning but by 8:30, the sun was out with blue skies.    Yesterday we noticed some water on the floor underneath Flo's bench seat?    Could not figure out where it was coming from......so, this morning, Mark took the bench apart and Dennis (friend and former colleague from SF) came over as he's experiencing a water issue in their 5th wheel.

The guys diagnosed it was an issue with the hot water heater.    We have water but not HOT water, so thankful we have the she shed and can shower out there.  

I had a scheduled mani/pedi downtown with Tamara this morning, so a good time to get outta here!   My 1st stop was going to be Peter's for a coffee and muffin.    But the place was dark with a sign on the door "We need a break.    See you Monday, Stef and Marika"  Bummer!!!    So, I walked to the Luminary Hotel and enjoyed a latte and slice of their delicious banana bread.   And the Christmas decorations in the lobby were beautiful including this tree

Christmas tree at the Luminary Hotel

There was so many people out and about - some in costume, others in regular clothing, a few kiddos, but mostly young adults and some my age?   They were all gawking in their phones and I finally figured out they were on a scavenger hunt?    I asked someone who had no idea but had heard, something to do with "Alice in Wonderland".    After my pampering and walking to the car, still saw lots of these scavenger folks out and about.

Came on home and Mark explained about the water problem.....we shall see what develops in the next few days.   He has a call in to Rick, handy man who used to live in the park.   We had lunch and Mark kept reading about Airstream's water heaters online.

A mix of clouds and sun in the afternoon, warm and breezy.    I did some laundry and a little more packing.    Mark went to Williams Hardware for some parts (no luck) to maybe connect for hot water?    Then to North Trail RV for some ideas from their servicemen?    No help!    He borrowed a tool from Jim.   Mark gets an A+ for persistence and so nice to have a brother and friend(s) in the park to help out!

While he was gone just before 3, the heavens opened up and we had a major downpour!   WOW....fast and furious.    Mark was just a few miles away and didn't get a drop!  

We both got phone calls and e-mails from the Red Cross today asking us to please volunteer in their "mobile feeding" again.     But we're leaving Tuesday, so maybe when we get back?  We definitely would like to help out some more and the need is so huge!

We picked up pizza and salad from Grimaldi's and took to Connie and Steve's home.   They provided the wine and dessert (yummy lemon bars) and after lots of visiting and catching up, we played 8 rounds of dominoes with Connie the winner; Mark and I tied and Steve came in last.    Fun evening!!!

Mark, Steve and Connie - hadn't played Mexican Train in a long time!!!

Friday - November 11

 A SALUTE and THANK YOU to all veterans today who served and so bravely protected our country.   We especially remember Ryan who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

So nice to wake up to sunshine and blue skies after 2 gloomy days of rain and wind.   We had breakfast and then walked.   Saw where 3 nice trees came down and hopefully, will be able to salvage (fell over from the roots like a tornado).    Met Leslie and her little pooch and we walked along together and caught up.   She and Mike are from Maine and bought a house in North Fort Myers.    Boy, folks are coming and going all the time!

We met Allie and Owen (thank you for your service, Owen) in Punta Gorda for lunch at Leroy's Southern Kitchen (downtown).   New place for all and very good and popular - definitely would come back.   Good home cookin' with Reuben, pulled pork, meat loaf and a roasted beet salad.   Enjoyed our visit as always and we'll see them in December in Peoria when we return for a family Christmas celebration.

Owen, Allie, Pat, Mark

Stopped at Publix on the way home to pick up a Rx and carrot cake for tonight

At 4:15, we walked up to the clubhouse for the big "Welcome Back" party for all residents.   They served burgers (with all the fixins), potato salad and baked beans.    Delish.....and then we were to each bring a dessert.   WOW....what a spread!     It was so good to see familiar faces and ready for another season.   The duo "Gypsy Blue" performed and we really enjoyed their music, BUT, it was very loud.    No way you could visit and hard on the ole ears, so we left along with several others.

 We sat with Jim and Lydia, Vera and ? and Dale and LaDonna (formerly from Cleveland).  Dale is a retired Marine and their big RV is called Marine #1 and quite decorative.    They had 2 granddaughters born within 24 hours of each other in October - one in NC and one in PA.  

 Liam and Connor are going to be on the CCHS swim team which starts in a few weeks.    The practicing before then will be good for Liam's knee according to the doctor.

Michael is back in the US and spending the weekend with Brooke and Blair visiting Davis in Raleigh (football game tomorrow.)     Ryan is in Pensacola for the Blue Angels Homecoming and end of season.\

Enjoy your weekend...

and nighty night from Cypress Trail

 

Thursday - November 10

2.5" of rain for us with lots of water standing around the park and in ditches when we were out and about.    Sure feel for the folks on the coast and all the damage caused by Nicole.   

We had breakfast and then when the rain let up a bit, we took off for the Barbara Mann theater and got some tickets for upcoming shows (you can save $20 per ticket if you pick up at box office versus phone or internet orders)!   Crazy!     We found a unique little coffee shop (+ breakfast/lunch) at University Park which is a big business complex.   New area for us but enjoyed our coffees.    Dropped off a few things at Goodwill and on home.    Just when you think the rain is done, we have another downpour.    Winds have died down - just breezy now.

Got the critters back put back in their little spots and hunkered down inside Flo.   

We started out for a walk and ran into Dennis and Jamie and caught up with them and then Alan and Linda and Millie (dog) who just arrived yesterday.  They've sold their home in IL and building a new one at Babcock Ranch.   And then it started to sprinkle and there went the walk.   We all scrambled on home.  Off and on all afternoon, we've had some heavy downpours!

Leftover pizza for supper...so sad seeing all the destruction and lost homes along the beach on the east coast.    Just hearing that the damage Ian started 43 days ago was now finished off by Nicole.    Very heartbreaking!

Holy moly.....Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks from day - by this time we'll all be happily stuffed!!! 🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃

Wednesday - November 9

 Cloudy and windier as the day went on.    Had some brief showers over night.   Another early morning off to Collins Vision for Dr. Collins to check Mark's eyes and confirm he has a film from the cataract (common occurrence but he wasn't aware of) surgery.    Easy procedure 1 week apart to do a 10-30 second procedure on the eyes.    He set up those appts. for November 30th and December 7th with a final follow-up on the 13th.

Had a delicious breakfast at European American Bakery Cafe - love this place with all their specialty coffees, big yummy bakery and lots of good choices for breakfast/lunch.    Only downer, it's always so COLD in there even though we bring a sweater or jacket!

On home.   I started gathering warmer clothes from the she shed to start packing for NC and then IL (me) after Thanksgiving.

Congratulations to Liam and Connor - last night was their golf banquet.   Liam was named "Most Improved" and Connor received the MVP award!   Way to go guys!    We are so proud of your scholastic and athletic accomplishments!

Brooke sent out an e-mail about our Thanksgiving dinner and weekend meal thoughts!   As always, there will be plenty of delicious food for all.

Mark and Jim drove separately to the tire place in North Fort Myers.    Left Little Navy to get the new tires and Mark rode on home with Jim.    Only took 2 hours and they called to say it was ready.....off the brothers went and almost $1,200 later, (choke choke) I have 4 spanking new tires!

We put the critters (Tillie, Trixie, Betty and Freddie) in the back of my car just in case....

Been watching the Weather Channel broadcasting from Daytona Beach Shores where my Aunt Dee (94) lives on the 20th floor of a high-rise condo.    Already seeing some damage from Nicole and 11 buildings have been condemned (so close to the water and suffering from structural and erosion damage)!   WOW.... It's been 37 years since a hurricane came ashore in Florida in November.   And to think it was just SIX weeks ago tonight that Ian hit our gulf coast!  

Also been texting with my cousin, Paulette who lives on Cocoa Beach with hubby, Marty (very close to the water).    She's in IL now awaiting the birth of a new grandbaby,   Marty is home and planning to leave for IL on Sunday.

Soup and grilled cheese hit the spot this stormy night.    Keeping the folks on the east coast and beyond in our prayers tonight/tomorrow!

Tuesday - November 8

 We had 22 miles to travel this morning for my hair appointment and that took 1 hour, 20 minutes.    The traffic is really craaaazy!!!!     This was my 1st visit to the new location (temporary but probably for a year) and had a new stylist (Kaitlyn).    So sad to hear all their stories and that Jewel (my long-time stylist) lost her home and all belongings.   Not sure if/when she'll be back - January at the earliest but she may just retire.    Jewel LOVES her job, so that will be a tough decision.    She and her husband Mike are living in a travel trailer in Bonita Springs.    The owners of the Sanibel Outlets are planning to raze the entire mall.   😔😖 😞😠😩😢

While I was getting my hair cut Mark had a nice hot breakfast at Eggcetera next door.    Afterwards, we stopped at Aldi and picked up some nonperishables for the Ian benefit we're going to Sunday night.

Then to Chocolatte for my latte and pumpkin muffin.  Drove downtown to check out a few things- glad to see Ford's Garage is up and running, but the big stack of mangled boats remains although crane is slowly removing some to a barge.

This afternoon we each got a text message and e-mail that our 8-12:30 stint on Thursday with the Red Cross has been canceled due to "Nicole".    We were to work in the warehouse as nothing available for the "Mobile Feed".

Went for a walk in the afternoon and had a great catch-up visit with Mark and Brenda.    Heard all about Mark's scary heart attack and all that transpired.   So thankful it wasn't any worse and his cardiologist diagnosed his attack as "OGK".....Only God Knows!!!

So glad to hear Liam is on the mend - at least nothing real serious.    He has sprained ligaments, wearing a brace and no hockey for 10-14 days.   His sports medicine doctor (for ISU hockey) said he would do a different treatment if Liam was in hockey finals and needed to get back on the ice.   

I think we're starting to see/feel the 1st signs of Nicole as it was very windy here this afternoon and stronger winds coming tomorrow.    Mark brought in Flo's awnings and the flag in preparation for what's predicted?   Also stacked up the patio chairs behind she shed.

Read tonight that 358,000 cars were damaged or destroyed from Ian in Florida and the Carolinas.   UNREAL!!!!

One week from today we are off to North Carolina!

Monday - November 7

 H A P P Y    B I R T H D A Y !!!

Mark is "75" today!    Cheers to our "Rock" and thee best Hubby, Dad and Grandpa!

He's also a great role model, friend, mentor, supporter, advice giver, etc., etc.

We had sausage/eggs and English muffins for breakfast.   I gave blood this morning at the Big Red Bus thru One Blood here in our Cypress Trail parking lot.    They gave me a nice gray fleece blanket, a $20 gift card (my choice of several places), 2 packs of cookies and a drink - they take good care of their blood donors.    Raj did a wonderful job and so pleasant to talk to.   It's HIS bus and he's quite proud of it and planning to head back to school for his masters and then become a PA.

I felt a little woozy when I got home - took  nap with my new blankie, drank plenty of water and by noon...good to go.

A lady from Galloway Lincoln came to pick up Little Navy for an oil change.   I have a navy Lincoln Nautilus to drive (love this concierge service) but early afternoon they called that car was ready.   The same gal brought my car back and all shiny clean inside and out.  They are also suggesting I get new tires (50,000+ miles), so Mark set that up for Wednesday!   😧

Liam is really hurting after unfriendly meeting of his knee and the goal post.    He went to Prompt Care and they took x-rays    They think it's sprained but taped it and tomorrow, he will see orthopedic doctor.   He's taking ibuprofen and staying off it as much as possible.

And now our eyes and ears are all about Nicole and the worry genes kick in as to which path she'll take???    How can this possibly be happening to Florida again???

Mark finally talked to our neighbors (3 guys from TX) who've been here for at least 3 weeks and no idea when they'll be going home - they are roofers and that will be a very-long repair process.

Jim and Lydia picked us up at 5:30 and we were off to Connor's (a favorite for all) - delicious dinners and great conversations.

Signature dessert

Strawberry shortcake with butter pecan ice cream

Pat, Birthday Boy, Jim, Lydia

 Michael is flying to Germany tonight till Friday.

Mark really appreciated all the texts, e-mails, cards, phone calls, face time with Luke and Blair and then a very sweet video from Maeve singing "Happy Birthday" in Spanish to Grandpa.