Friday - November 29

 Cloudy cold morning....Annette fixed yummy breakfast sandwiches.    Theresa and Karen came over to teach Luke, Maeve and Annette "BANG"......Theresa and I had not played in years, but it all came back!  Fun, wild and wooly game!

Later, we played "Easy Money".   Karen and Theresa went on home, Annette made chili for soup supper coming tonight.     Most of the family played Pickelball - burrrr......

Maeve and I made ham and cheese sliders.   Mark and Annette beat Philip and I  2 of 3 games of euchre.    Then we gathered up our stuff and off to Michael's for more pigging out.

Appetizers, poker, euchre, football, soup (5 kinds) and the sliders, plus salads and several desserts made for a great supper on this cold night.

Said good bye to Mike, Theresa and Karen who are leaving for IL tomorrow....we wish them safe travels.    Sure enjoyed having them with us.    Mark and I will see them 3 weeks from tonight at the Chamberlain Christmas.

Thanksgiving - 2024

 Rained during the night but Thanksgiving Day was beautiful, sunny, breezy and in the 50's.   Annette fixed one of her yummy egg dishes and Mark and Philip set to work preparing the pipes outside for winter by blowing out the water in irrigation lines and outside shower.   Mark and I walked later - felt so good.   

Pretty fall tree along our walk

Annette gave Maeve a lovely French manicure and made stuffing.  

Pretty nails

 

Maeve's school project - "A" all the way!

Well done, Maeve

  Later in the afternoon we went to Michael and Brooke's for a huge array of appetizers, cards, football, trampoline (younger kiddos) etc.   

At 6:45, we had the big turkey feast - what a spread!    All delicious (5 turkeys, ham and many sides).   After the clean-up, several played poker and we had 2 tables of 4-handed euchre going.   And then brought out the desserts.....oh my!    OINK   OINK   OINK!

A very fun busy, noisy, yummy Thanksgiving with 23 humans - Michael, Brooke, Drew, Tessa, Davis, Brady, Blair, Philip, Annette, Luke, Maeve, Ryan, Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents), her brother Scott, Leigh, Caroline and Cooper, Mark's sisters Karen and Theresa and hubby Mike, Mark and I, and 5 dogs (Jinx, Maverick, Millie, Ally and Bud)!   

Ready to chow down!

Mark's brother Tom and Beth entertained Anne, Liam and Connor plus 2 of Connor's golf team buddies and roommates from Canada!    So thoughtful of Tom and Beth

We are very thankful for so many blessings!    Life is GOOD!

 

Wednesday - November 27

Brooke and Brady were off early to Morganton but she left fried eggs, cooked bacon, cheese and English muffins for the rest of us to make sandwiches!   Yum!    Tessa was off for some last-minute grocery shopping.  Michael and his boys took off at 10:45 for Mimosa golf course and a 12:10 tee time.

I stripped the bed and got our sheets and towels washed and bedroom/bath ready for the next guests arriving tomorrow.   We packed up our stuff and off to Philip and Annette's.   So good to see them and Luke helped carry our stuff in,

I mentioned that Philip is making mangers - well, he has quite the assembly line going in his workshop....mangers in various stages and using all that wood from Grandpa C's old barn.    When all done, he and friends will have made 10 total.   WOW....Grandpa would be so proud!

Little elves building mangers for gifts for their family members

Tamara and Bill and Randy

Since Helene, Lake James has been really dirty with a variety of colors?  

  This looks like heavy cream poured into a lake of coffee!!!!

Drew's dog, Maverick (a good ole boy almost 2 years old).

Maeve and Grandma were busy in the kitchen making raspberry pretzel salad, sweet potato casserole and rollo pretzel treats.

Mark, Philip, Annette and Maeve went for a pontoon ride in the afternoon - Luke and I stayed home.    Too chilly for this Grandma on a dreary day.

Congratulations to Mark's youngest brother Tom who was named President of the Iroquois Bank in Danville, IL.   Way to go Tom!!!

Played euchre with Philip and I wining the 1st game; Mark and Annette, the 2nd...and they won the rubber - so close....

Delicious dinner of shepherd's pie and corn casserole topped off with rhubarb pie compliments of Theresa.    Ryan joined us for dinner and then we played 5-handed euchre with Ryan winning 2 games and I won one.

H A P P Y   T H A N K S G I V I N G!!!

 

Tuesday - November 26

 Mix of clouds and sunshine today, breezy and 60 for a high.    Mark took Blair to school and then had his biscuits and gravy fix at Hardees.   

Leisurely morning for me....reading, hearing more wedding plans from Tessa, talking Christmas with Brooke, etc.    Drew went to Uncle Phil's to make a manger and the back of it is wood from Grandpa C's barn - really special!

Manger Philip built for Michael and Brooke

Jinx has new non-skid slippers to keep him from sliding on the hardwood floors (he has arthritis) and his tootsies warm.   Jinx will be 91 on December 13th.

Mark and Michael worked on some outside projects - fixing a garage door and something with his truck.

This afternoon I went to Mark's sisters, Karen (Auntie) and Theresa and her hubby, Mike to the Biltmore for their Christmas tour.    Theresa made yummy sandwiches for along the way.    We first went thru the chihuly exhibit which was phenomenal - the glass works of Dale Chihuly.

Mike, Theresa, Auntie, Pat

Just a few of the many fabulous displays.    Then to the Biltmore and fortunately we could get in earlier that what our ticket time was since the crowds were not that bad.

There's nothing quite like the Biltmore - America's largest home - but Christmas time is really special and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We got home just before dark - very fun afternoon.    The guys are playing poker at Philip's tonight (Mark, Michael, Philip, Ryan, Drew, Davis, Brady, Annette and Brooke's dad, Bob.   Annette also fed them chili.    We girls (Brooke, Tessa, Blair and myself) hung out at home with a good supper and of course, wedding chatter!   

Sunday-Monday - November 24, 25

 Sunday - finished the packing, loaded up the car and off to PGD (Punta Gorda) airport.    Parking is a big issue here and with all the holiday travelers, we knew it would be crazy busy.  We did find a spot in the Blue Lot even though the sign said it was full!    Very busy, but not bad going thru TSA security and then we waited..........long afternoon but we had our phones and I-pads, walked some and people watched.   Our flight to Asheville was 45 minutes late taking off but arrived just 20 minutes later than scheduled.

Michael had his car waiting in parking lot and away we went to Lake James.    Big hugs for Michael, Brooke, Blair, Drew and Tessa along with lots of oohing and aahing over her beautiful diamond.

Michael poured me a glass of wine and Mark, a scotch and then we caught up with everyone, hearing about wedding plans, Thanksgiving week things going on, Blair's activities, etc.

Off to bed....

Monday - up early as Grandpa and I said we would take Blair to school.    We left the house at 7:10, got her to Liberty Middle School and then we went to Waterbean, a really neat coffee shop we discovered when we were here in October (after Helene and after their power came back).    Waterbean just opened June 28th (our anniversary).

Then to Food Lion for our groceries and contribution for all the food we'll consume this week!!!   😄😋

It's a gorgeous day with a high of 68 and lots of sunshine.   I walked in the afternoon - Mark's foot (bottom) is hurting?

Blair had cheer practice after school.    I folded 2 large loads of laundry, Brooke made delicious corn chowder and Drew picked up Brady from the airport!    The kiddos are trickling in...

Saturday - November 23

A gorgeous "fall" day in SWFL......we love it!

Mark took Jim and Lydia to RSW (Fort Myers airport) for their flight to St. Louis.    We'll see them 4 weeks from tonight at our family Christmas.

I walked,, finished packing, did 3 loads of laundry and Mark has Flo sparkling!   Great polish and waxing job!    I watched Iowa beat Maryland 29-13.

So many have left the park for the holidays...

We went to 4:00 Mass at St. Francis Xavier with Father Steve.   Then to Pincher's for crab rangoon (there is none better)!!!   Also had their wonderful corn chowder (good night for soup) and shared key lime pie - all delish.

On home....

Tomorrow we fly to Asheville and a week with our NC kiddos.   I will be blogging off and on!

Friday - November 22

 Another very pretty day...we were off at 8:50 for Starbucks 

Yeah....the Christmas cups are here!

Then to my hair appointment with Jewel.    Always enjoy visiting with her and we talk non stop.    She's been thru sooo much with hurricanes losing her home and everything from Ian, losing her husband Mike in July and then having to evacuate with Helene and Milton!    ARGHH!   She's a trooper.    Her son-in -law is building her a new home and she'll soon be moving into a camper for the next several months as FEMA is taking away her trailer.

Jewel and Pat

While I was getting my hair cut, Mark did some walking around the parking lot and called our friend Leon.    We had not had an update from him as to how Helen was doing - we knew she went into hospice in late October.    Helen died on November 5th.....she was a wonderful person and long-time friend thru boating going back to the late 1980's.   Leon has been having his own health issues too, but right now he's doing pretty good adjusting to life without his dear Helen of almost 55 years.

Next stop was Dixie Fish Co down by the beach.    We meet John and Beth and so thankful she's finally out and about after surgery, etc.   Dixie is always sooo good and we love sitting by the water.    Great lunch and visit and made plans to be together (to eat, of course) when friends Charlotte and Doug arrive from Annapolis in December.

Mark, Pat, John, Beth

Said our good byes and we came on home.    Mark set to work with the waxing and polishing - one more go 'round tomorrow to finish up!   

Jim stopped by - we are taking he and Lydia to the airport tomorrow for their trip back to St. Louis for the holidays.

BIG news.................Drew and Tessa will be married October 4, 2025 in Cedar Rapids, IA.

 

Thursday - November 21

 A beautiful fresh crisp breezy start to the day!    We walked with sweatshirt/jacket and warmed up to the low 70's.

Mark was off to get his new crown at Dr. Baxmann's office.   I went to the first "Chair Yoga" here in the park led by my neighbor, Dawn (7 sites away).    It was a good class and wil help with balance, stretching, etc.    With so many traveling for the holidays, next class will be January 2.

Then I went to the Omni Room for canasta - more fun, but not in the cards today for a win (my partners were Vicki and Donna but we lost to Denise, Michelle and Jo).

On home and later Mark returned with his new crown and a little bit of shopping.    He set to work with the waxing and polishing of Flo and should finish tomorrow.

Walked later in the afternoon.   We had Mandarin Orange Chicken and fried rice from Trader Joe's - soooo yummy!    Brooke had told us about this

Wednesday - November 20

  A very soggy day here in Fort Myers.....light rain and drizzle this morning and then heavier all afternoon.  

I picked Lydia up and we went to the clubhouse for RummiKub.    She, Todd, Cindy and I played at one table and another group of 4 (Anita, Nancy, Vicki and Denise) at another table.    Fun time - Cindy won.    Then Lydia and I played Todd and Cindy in a game of euchre with Lydia and myself the winners - she was getting awesome cards!    On home in the rain....

Good afternoon to hunker down.   Worked in the shed for a bit with our clothes and trying to figure out what we're taking to NC.

Walked to the clubhouse (in the rain....) to play Lucky 13.    Fun as always and I won the .50 round bringing in $32.    Jim also won at our table!

Came home and had a good chat with Liam.....we'll see him on December 20th.

After we were home, the rain started again....tomorrow promises sunshine and a high of 71.

Tuesday - November 19

 A very sad day as this morning I got the news that my long-time friend, Connie had passed away - just 2 weeks shy of her 76th birthday.    Connie was a Monday Night Friend for 50 years along with going to the same church, kids in school together, etc.    She was a very devout Catholic and involved in so church and community activities.    She and Gary have 6 children and 6 grandchildren.   

RIP dear Connie 💗  

We walked, I made sausage/cheese omelets and then set to work....been putting off a "work" day for Flo for some time but today was finally "thee" day to wash windows, screens and sills.   Mark gave one side a good waxing, let it sit a few hours and then wipe off.   We are on a roll...............

Got the suitcase and bags out to start packing for our NC trip this weekend.    And the bins down from she shed to choose some warmer clothes!   I even wrapped a few gifts!

Last walk of the day at 4:30 - very humid.   Tomorrow, rain is coming followed by much cooler weather (coolest since March for Fort Myers)!

Mark grilled out Italian Sausages and I started checking out recipes for the sides I'm taking for Thanksgiving

These past few days my Monday Night Friends have shared so many pics of Connie thru the years and all the memories !  😢

This pretty bloom is at the entrance to our park - no clue what it is?

Monday - November 18

 We walked, ate breakfast and then while Mark was replacing the automatic air vent valve in the heating system, I was playing canasta - lost but still a fun time.

We were planning to visit friends John and Beth this afternoon but Beth is not feeling well.   Hope she's doing better soon!

Walked again in the afternoon to finish our 10,000+ steps.   We picked Mark and Brenda up at 5:30 and drove to BJ's for dinner....this place is always good  and enjoyed catching up with our fellow CT'ers over a great meal.    

Mark, Brenda, Pat, Mark

Sunday - November 17

 We went to St. Vincent de Paul for 9:00 Mass - big crowd and love their priest, Father Murchadh O'Madagain.   Beautiful singing, too.

Decided to try a new place for breakfast since we were in a whole different area of Fort Myers so off to the Alva Country Diner in Alva, FL.   We had to wait about 15 minutes but  instead of our usual eggs, pancakes, waffles, etc., we each had the chipped beef 'n gravy over toast (Mark) or biscuit (me) - hadn't had that years!    Really good along with home fries.

On home but came thru the country on a different route ending up near Babcock Ranch.   

A very pretty sunny Sunday and at 2, we walked to Jim and Lydia's to play 6-handed euchre with Todd and Cindy,   They've played lots of euchre but always 4-handed, so over the past few weeks, we've taught them 2, 3 and 5 handed and today,...6-handed!   Lots of fun and Lydia, Cindy and I beat the guys 2 of 3 games.    Enjoyed lots of yummy snacks under the gazebo and so pleasant with a nice breeze.

Cindy's selfie 

Cindy, Mark, Pat, Jim, Lydia, Todd

Walked later in the afternoon and chatted with Connor - he's dong well, but right now, dealing with a nasty cold!

Our neighbors 4 doors away moved to their home a few days ago but still staying here at CT till they are fully settled.   They invited us under their tiki for a glass of wine.    We will miss them....good visit and plan to see them when they are settled at Kelly Green.

Verna and Tom

Big group of 12 on Zoom tonight....usual discussion on health issues, Thanksgiving plans, Packers win over the Bears, etc.

Saturday - November 16

 61 degrees when we started our walk this morning - sooo pleasant!    The sun was shining and several folks in the park were having a yard sale selling all sort of treasures!    

I went for another walk after breakfast and then had a good visit with Jim and Lydia and a gal I had not met in the park, Cynthia from PA and her cute golden doodle, Skye.   Jim made me a delicious iced caramel latte.

On home for lunch, a nap and relaxing afternoon.    We opened windows in Flo and enjoyed the nice cross breeze.

I have 2 very dear long-time friends who are my age and both in hospice.....so many prayers being offered for their comfort and thankful they are both at peace and have a very strong faith.   

Went for a final walk at 5:15 (half time).   I watched the Notre Dame vs. Virginia game.....yeah for the Irish with their big win of 35-14.

Congratulations to our dear friends, Kathy and Paul who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary today.

Friday - November 15

 The humidity was back this morning.....got our walk in, did some laundry and then we were off to play euchre in the library.    Mark helped Vicki as she had never played.   Anita and Dan were partners against Todd and Vicki.    Cindy and I played 2-handed and a good time was had by all!

Walked home, had lunch, folded some laundry and then we walked to the clubhouse at 4 for our "Welcome Back" party here at CT.    They had a huge crowd and so pleasant sitting under the tiki (also a lot of folks inside the clubhouse).    We had brats, burgers, potato chips, baked beans and then ice cream with sugar or chocolate chip cookie and all the toppings!   Delish and fun evening!    We sat with Jim and Lydia and caught up with their news.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - November 14

 We walked this morning and oh my........the air was so fresh with low humidity and only 71.  It felt so good and fellow walkers agreed!!!

 We met Allie and Owen at Buckingham Farms for a delicious breakfast for all and a great visit before they headed home to North Port.   Also did a little shopping inside!

Owen, Allie, Pat, Mark

Came home and had a quiet afternoon.   We left at 3:30 to pick up dessert at Publix (triple berry cream tart) and onto Rog and Martin's home.   They were our next door neighbors here at CT for a few years before getting out of RVing and buying a condo.    We had such a nice visit + wine and snacks followed by delicious dinner (stuffed peppers, veggies and rolls).    Great to see them - we miss having them as neighbors.

Rog and Martin

Wednesday - November 13

 The high humidity (97%), Mark and I walked together this morning!    Ha.....but better weather is coming with pleasant temps and low humidity!    And then, there's another threat of a hurricane, tropical storm, whatever coming to FL next week...................geez....it's almost mid November.   PLEASE stay away, Sara!

Scary to hear this morning from Anne that Busy Corner (our favorite go-to-place when we're at Kamp Komfort) had a fire and closed temporarily.    Fortunately, no one was injured and not too serious, but......they have hundreds and hundreds of pie orders for Thanksgiving, so hope they are up and running well before then.

 

There are so many "Vicki's" here in the park + "Sue's" + "Lisa's" - and there's 2 "Larry and Sue's" and another Mark and Pat.    Also other siblings like Mark and Jim, parents and adult children, etc.

I played rummikub and so fun with Anita, Denise, 2 Vicki's and myself.   

Allie and Owen came at 2ish and so good to see them.....sat and yakked on Flo.   They went to their hotel to check in and we picked them up at 5 to go to University Grill for delicious dinner including chocolate/raspberry martinis for Allie and I (favorite after-dinner drink)!

Allie and Owen

Here we are at University Grill

Cheers from the "Martini Girls

Then off to the Manheim Steamroller Christmas show at Barbara Mann theater.    Wow - WOW - WOW.....excellent show and so entertaining.   I've always wanted to see this group and my, what a treat!     Took Allie and Owen back to their hotel and we all called it a night!

Fabulous concert!

They are on a 48-city tour and Fort Myers was their #2 stop after St. Pete, FL....If you get the chance, don't miss this phenomenal show!!!

 

Tuesday - November 12

 One year ago today I had my bad fall hiking in NC.....oohhh, still so fresh in my mind how that all happened and now here I am one year later.   Happy the shoulder has come as far as it is - 90%  and still hopeful and praying my hand will be free of the nerve damage!

Drippy walk (96% humidity) this morning and then we were off to Peter's Coffee Shop....downtown is a mess with the big boat show coming this weekend.   Couldn't get into the parking lot without a special card?    And lots of trucks on the street unloading beverages/food to all the restaurants.    We enjoyed our breakfast/coffee (Mark had a croissant with ham, egg and cheese and avocado toast for me) - all delicious.    It was very pleasant sitting in the courtyard out of the hot sun.

A few more errands included dropping off a bag of stuff to donate to "Blue", a very nice thrift store.    On home.

I love all the activities here in the park....and Mark is happy just doing his thing (not into games except for euchre and Lucky 13.)

Monday - canasta; Tuesday - free; Wednesday - rummikub and Lucky 13; Thursday - canasta; Friday - euchre    but nice to have Tuesdays free.

We walked late afternoon - much more pleasant than this morning.    Visited with Ron, Brenda (she and Mark just arrived last night from Ohio) and said good bye to Tom and Verna who are leaving CT on Saturday as they bought a home in Fort Myers.

Monday - November 11

THANK YOU

to Ryan and all the brave men and women who have or are serving our country!

 These November days are just rolling along and unseasonably HOT here in SWFL    We walked but at 8:30, the humidity was at 91%. 

Mark left to pick up a package at Amazon and then get some ice.    I played canasta and was on the winning team at our table.

 Beth. Michelle, Deb, Anita, Pat, Margaret, Vicki

Vicki Michelle and Pat were the winners

Did some laundry and tried to stay cool throughout the day.  Mark had some Flo projects that kept him busy.

Tonight Lydia and I went to "Ladies Night Out" under the big tiki on the clubhouse patio.    So fun to meet several new gals - we all took a beverage and snack (lots of yummy appetizers).    Lydia drove here little cricket and we had a very enjoyable evening.

Sunday - November 10

 Congratulations to our grandson Drew (Michael and Brooke's oldest) and Tessa on their engagement!    Last night Drew asked the BIG ? and Tessa said "YES"!!!    We are thrilled to have her join our family!   Let the wedding planning and fun begin!

Drew and Tessa

Maverick says "The humans are getting married!

We had a leisurely morning.   We went to Ella Mae's Diner for delicious breakfast and then to 11:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert. 

Home to fix the orchids with burlap and jute string thanks to Jim and Lydia.    Vacuumed Flo and the she shed with new Dyson and then relaxed on another hot 'n sunny day.

Love my orchids

Enjoying my fall mum plant even though it feels like the middle of summer!

And Izzy the turtle compliments of Maeve

Brooke told us about this wonderful ice cream!!!

It is deeeelicious!!!

Tessa's bling!

Only 7 on Zoom tonight - we talked about the engagement, Joan is visiting in NC now, travel plans coming for Mike and Theresa, radon mitigation systems, etc.

Enjoy your week.

Saturday - November 9

 Steamy walk this morning but we got in some good steps and then home for English muffins with peanut butter.    Today we had planned to meet friends, Allie and Owen in Punta Gorda for lunch.    But Owen is not feeling well, so they cancelled.    We will be together next Wednesday when they come to visit!    Did 2 loads of laundry and Mark attempted to fix my vacuum cleaner (dead battery?)

 Several years ago Ryan gave us a Dyson vacuum cleaner for Christmas - I love it and it's been a favorite household appliance ever since.   But we've had to replace the battery more often recently, so decided to buy a new one.   We ran some errands and had lunch downtown at The Lodge - always good and so pleasant to sit outdoors with a nice breeze.    Mark found a good deal at Best buy on a Dyson, so ordered online, picked it up, then to Trader Joe's, Publix and on home.

Walked at night, leftovers for supper and called it a day!

This colorful fella is just a few doors away

My BBQ tacos - soo good!   Plenty of leftovers!

Friday - November 8

 Hot 'n sunny Friday.    We walked and then I made breakfast sandwiches (English muffins with sausage, egg, cheese).    Mark left to get a haircut with Jose downtown.   I went to play euchre - small group but we were able to play 3, 4 and 5 handed throughout the morning.   Fun time!

On home for lunch and finished cleaning the pavers!    Yucky job but glad its done (according to Mark)!  😌

We met Steve and Connie at Courtney's.   Many years ago when Mark and I were living on Daisy at Siesta Bay (which was destroyed during hurricane Ian), Connie mentioned this place (on Summerlin on the way to Sanibel).    But we never did eat there.    Then Jewel (my )hairdresser said how good it was and Dale and Betty (owners) were just the best.    Dale is the chef and makes everything from scratch.    So tonight, we finally tried it and wow!    A nice big menu and everything we had was delicious.    Connie and I had the crab cakes, Steve, the veal oscar and Mark, the veal parmesan.   All happy!     As always lots to chat about, laugh and enjoy a very fun evening!

Connie, Steve, Mark, Pat

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - November 7

 HAPPY  BIRTHDAY  MARK!  

Our Patriarch

So blessed to have this guy head up our family - thee best hubby, dad, grandpa!   He's a keeper!!!

A fun day for the birthday boy!    I was off to play canasta (2 tables of 6 and 1 table of 4) and later Jim and Mark picked Lydia and me up at the clubhouse and we were off to Capital Grille for a wonderful lunch.    Alyssa and Nicole were our servers and did an excellent job, we all enjoyed our meals and then topped off with complimentary champagne and dessert for all.    So fun to sit and visit with these two - even though we live close by in the park, so nice to just sit,, relax and chat.   Capital Grille is such a top notch place and so happy Fort Myers has one which opened June 24th.

Yummy cobb salad with sliced tenderloin

Jim, Lydia, Pat and Mark

complimentary champagne and dessert

the "Happy Birthday" was chocolate!

Jim drove and after he brought us home, Lydia helped me with the arranging the orchids in the tree - so pretty!    

Mark loved the phone calls, texts, e-mails and gifts (including delicious chocolates from Jim and Lydia that their son Paul made).    All of our kids and grands checked in + 2 of his sisters called and sang "Happy Birthday"!

Wednesday - November 6

 Today was extremely humid - we went for our walk but whew, 95% humidity is not fun to walk in.

Back home for breakfast and cool down and then I walked to the clubhouse to play RummiKube.   I first stopped at Farmers Market and met Lydia.   I bought a beautiful orchid (2) and she will help me attach to trunk of palm tree where they will bloom!    Lots of people have orchids in the park on their palm trees and they require very little care, so......I asked the lady to hold my orchids for me and went on to play RummiKube.   Just Anita and I showed up, but we played 3 games (I won 2) and had lots of fun visiting - hearing about their awful ordeal of losing their RV in Asheville during Helene and all they went thru...wow!    

I called Mark asking him to pick me up as I had my pretty orchids and the RummiKube and it was very windy.   He came to my rescue and on home for lunch.   He worked on the pavers while I was gone.

Orchids before they go on the tree

Nice quiet afternoon including 2 rain showers that went thru.    We had Lucky 13 tonight - big crowd of 8 tables and holy moly, I won the first game again - $17 tonight!  FUN!

Tuesday - November 5

 An early start to our day leaving at 7:10 with light drizzle.    I had an 8:00 appt. with Dr. Mehalik and they called me in at 7:58, took x-rays and I was outta there at 8:15.    Dr. said I'm at 90% and he gave me an A+.   Still some issues with the shoulder but overall, "you are where you should be with this reverse shoulder replacement from your traumatic injury"

Dr. said "Nothing can hurt your shoulder"....."I could run over it with my car and it would be just fine"!!!!    Well......

Unfortunately, no real progress with my hand and he's not sure what/if any there will be.    But I'll let Dr. Collins deal with that!

We went to Sweet Bean Cafe for delicious breakfast.    At a table nearby, Denise Carlin and friends were dining.   Denise is running for Superintendent of public schools in Lee County. 

We ran a bunch of errands.   Mark got his temporary crown (1.5 hours) and I did some walking and shopping in Target.   It rained off and on (heavy at times)!   Just a yucky day.   More errands after the dental appt. and finally home at 2:10 - SEVEN hours from when we left!

We both took a nap!!!

It's such a toss-up scheduling all our Dr. appts., and the traffic.    Early morning appts., are good as today was awesome - in and out but then we have the rush-hour traffic to deal with.   If we have a later appt., the doctors get backed up and we wait!   Ahhhh...decisions, decisions!

No cleaning pavers today....too bad the rain couldn't take care of that messy task!  

 

Monday - November 4

 Trying to beat the heat so we were walking by 7:30, but still humid!   Did a load of laundry and then ready for canasta at 10 in the clubhouse.

Two tables of 6 played and my group (Vicki H, Sandy and myself) ended up winning after being down quite a bit!   Our opponents were Lydia, Vicki F and Nancy.  Nice way to end the morning!

Came home and Mark said "let's walk, so we did, but it's hot!    short walk, lunch and after resting a bit, we set to work power washing our pavers and she shed.    We are borrowing Jim's power washer and this will take awhile - messy job and I was splattered with dirt!   But eventually we'll get the dirt and grime cleaned from between the pavers!   

Today is my Aunt Marian's 96th birthday!    WOW.....she's doing so well.   Big party for her this afternoon.

Cousin Dick, Aunt Marian

Kaylee and Leia (great nieces)

It's amazing as we drive around town, the number of homes that are still boarded up with plywood from Helene and Milton.   I guess they want to be sure hurricane season is over (especially with more threats coming?) before they remove this protection!

Sunday - November 3

 Hot and sunny Sunday.    Enjoyed the extra sleep and then off to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis Xavier with Father Robert.

We had breakfast at First Watch - hadn't been there in a long time and since it was close to Publix, worked out well.    I LOVE their carrot/pecan pancake ($7.49) and what I usually get.   Mark enjoyed his waffle ($10).   Crazy that 1 pancake and 1 waffle are that much and then put bacon/sausage on top and ouch!

Went to Publix for a few things and on home.    We walked later in the afternoon but stayed inside for most of the day.   

Played 4 games of 2-handed euchre with Mark winning all 4........................arghhhh, he's so lucky!!!!

1 more walk, supper and then zoom....9 on tonight!

Have a good week!

Saturday - November 2

Another very summery day.....we walked, had breakfast and I washed Ruby. 

A quiet day here on Flo.....and then we got alerts on our phones about rain starting?   WHAT???    Nooooo, Ruby is sparkling and I sure didn't know rain was n the forecast.   We played 2-handed euchre (Mark won 2 games) and then went for a walk, but the sprinkles started so we headed back home.   Later we tried it again and Jim was walking past so we walked together (very humid).    And then the sprinkles began again.   We parted ways as he went home and we sat under the clubhouse overhang.   

We can go for days of no rain but if we go thru a car wash or I wash Ruby (1st time this year), the rain will come!    ARGHHH     UGH!!!!

At 7:15, the rain came down heavy for about 45 minutes.   Unreal!!!

Been watching the Iowa/Wisconsin game....Connor and friends are with Liam at the game/

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep tonight!

Friday - November 1

 It's All Saints Day and 49 years ago today, my Grandpa John passed away - 11/1/75.   I remember that day so well.

I played euchre (Friday morning group which had been ladies, but now opening to the guys).   Started out with just 3 of us - Anita, Judy and myself, so we played 3-handed which was new for them but a fun variation.   Anita had to leave, but  Cindy and Todd (newbies to the park from Colorado) came to play.   Todd and I beat Judy and Cindy.   Then Judy had to leave, so the CO folks wanted to learn 3-handed, so that's what we did (I won).    So much fun playing and explaining 2-handed, 3 handed, 4 handed, 5 handed and 6 handed!    All different but unique!

Anita and her husband Jim are full-time RVers and were in Asheville when Helene hit.    They had to evacuate at 3 AM and their campground was heavily damaged along with all but 3 RV's.    Their home was totaled....what a story she had to tell.

I walked home and met Mark and we went to Buckingham Farms for delicious lunch - this is my very favorite for breakfast/lunch.   Mark had a patty melt with broccoli salad and I had the special - salmon Caesar salad.    Both winners!

On home and stayed inside Flo - got to 88 sunny degrees today.

We took another "warm" walk in the afternoon, then supper and onto 7:00 Mass for the Feast of All Saints at St. Vincent de Paul with Father Murchadh O'Madagain (wonderful young Irish pastor).

Last night Philip and family were visiting friends in Georgia, but Luke and friend, Jack had fevers, so not able to trick or treat!  😩

Philip, Luke, Annette, Maeve

Sweet little witch

Enjoy your weekend!