New Year's Eve - 2024

 A very gloomy drippy (humidity was very high) start to this last day of the year.    We walked, I worked on cards and then we met Charlotte and Doug at Capital Grille for lunch - wow.....another fantastic meal!    This is definitely a "special" occasion place and what a way to send off 2024 but to share it with our good friends, Charlotte and Doug and savor each and every bite.

Mark. Pat, Charlotte, Doug

We all went to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater - they and we had received gift certificates to see a future play so we decided to go together and see The Buddy Holly Story.   This get together will be Sunday, January 12th.    Said our good byes and on home where we each took naps!

I worked on cards later, had some leftovers for supper and enjoyed a nice fireworks display across the street from us overlooking Sunrise Lake.

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R

WELCOME 2025

Monday - December 30

 Oh I love getting the mail these days (actually about once a week since we use a mail forwarding service) - bunch of cards/letters/pics today - happy news and sad news hearing what family and friends are dealing with since we last connected.

The day started out gloomy, but the sun came out around 10 and it was very warm and pleasant.   We said good bye to Ann and Duaine who headed north for several visits with friends.    We will miss them.

I played canasta and Lydia, Peggy and I beat Denise, Beth and Vicki + won the extra game just for fun.   Susan gave me a ride home in her golf cart and after lunch I got back to the cards.

Buddy and JoAnn arrived shortly after noon from NC.....sooo good to see them.  JoAnn's recovery from recent knee replacement is going well, but that's a LOT of sitting in the RV for 3 days of travel.

Buddy wanted to eat at the Boathouse tonight and asked us to join them.    So lots of fun catching up over a good meal on a nice evening.   So happy they are back here at CT.

JoAnn and Buddy

Liam and Connor have been in Nashville the past few days for the Iowa/Mizzou game this afternoon,   Oh my.......a heartbreaking loss for the Hawkeyes to the Tigers 27-24.    Watched the end of the game on the big screen at the Boathouse.

Liam and Connor with Owen and Sally (Patrick's cousins) in Nashville,

Cousin Sean is the offensive assistant for the quarterbacks at Mizzou.

Sunday - December 29

 Rained all night long - nice 'n gentle and so soothing on Flo's aluminum roof.   We had a little bit more this morning and then all done, but ended up with an inch!   Clouds and sun rest of the day.

We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert, then to Costco and finally to Connor's for lunch with Beth, John, Charlotte and Doug,.....love this place and Matthew was an excellent waiter.  This was our grand finale with the 6 of us till next December.    John and Beth are leaving this week for AZ for the winter and won't be back till April.    Looking forward to spending time together before we leave for the season, but Charlotte and Doug will be leaving April 1st.

Mark, Charlotte, Pat, Beth, John, Doug

Good bye hugs to these dear friends....on home for naps till we went to Duaine and Ann's for happy hour.    They had planned to leave today, but with all the rain and storms further north where they were heading, decided to stay put another day.

Gary and Brenda joined us and we sat under the tiki visiting.

Last night at the Lake House in Babcock Ranch, we were sitting at a high-top table (it was packed and those were only tables available)  Mark does not like high tops (back issues), but decided it would be ok, otherwise, a long wait.

Well.....today, his back has been really hurting - when he can't put his feet flat on the ground, not good.   So......no more high tops for him!    His cold is a little better.

Zoom tonight with 9 siblings - our niece Theresa and Richie are having their 3rd baby in May (Doris's daughter).   New Year's Eve plans for folks; traveling south for vacation, Joan and Joe enroute to Florida now, etc., etc.

 

Saturday December 28

 Warm Saturday and the park has several visitors including many youngsters (grandchildren visiting).   I made egg/sausage/cheese omelets and toast and then walked (Mark is feeling a little better) and I worked on New Year's cards (instead of Christmas) for mailing this week.

Made a batch of egg/tuna salad.   Read. played games on my tablet and a quiet afternoon till we picked Ann and Duaine up at 4 in the rain and off to Babcock Ranch.   Drove around (this place is so huge), stopped at The Lake House for dinner (still steady rain off and on).    After dinner we strolled thru the large Christmas lights with music display in Founder's Square - maybe 1/2 mile?   It was very enjoyable....

Drove back home as the rain became heavier.    Good night to hunker down in Flo.    Said our good byes to Ann and Duaine - we've sure enjoyed their friendship but tomorrow, they are heading back home (Santa Rosa Beach) with several stops along the way.    Their lot (2 down from us) wil be rented out by a couple for the next 4 months.

We plan to visit them in March after our little getaway to Pensacola.

Ann, Pat, Duaine, Mark

Ann and Duaine

This guy was huge and just one of many displays

Pat and Mark

Friday - December 27

 Cloudy all day but 81 for a high.    Mark is feeling yucky with his cold...I did some laundry and then played euchre in the library.    Todd and I beat Lydia and Anita 2 of 3 games.    Jim, Cindy and her sister, Kelly (visiting from Colorado) played 3-handed and Kelly was the winner.

On home, lunch, more laundry and then I drove downtown for a manicure with Alisa.   

We had planned to go to Babcock Ranch late afternoon with Ann and Duaine.  We were going to drive around and see all the new development (this place just keeps exploding), have dinner and then walk thru the Christmas light display which we heard was spectacular.   But with Mark's cold and not feeling up to par + Ann's eye issue, we canceled - MAYBE ?? tomorrow night?

So yesterday when Ann and Duaine came back from the pool, Ann suddenly had this piercing pain in her eye.   It became very irritated and red.    She was able to get into an eye clinic this afternoon and saw a retina specialist - it was a tiny little bug (maybe a noseeum) that was hanging out in there.    The Dr. got it out and she's on antibiotics for a week.

I enjoyed happy hour with Ann and Duaine - Mark is lying low!    Spaghetti for supper and I watched the 2-hour Christmas special for "Call the Midwife" which was excellent.   This is the start of the 14th season and it amazes me how they can come up with so many wonderful stories that warm the heart (and make me cry).    

Thursday - December 26

 Another busy day.....no time to unpack, straighten up Flo and she shed since we've been gone!   Mark got a haircut with Jose downtown at "The Barber Effect" and I rode along - we had a light breakfast at Peter's (LOVE their cranberry white mocha) and we shared a slice of blueberry coffee cake.    I sat with my I pad while he walked down the street to Jose.

Then off to Dixie Fish Co. to meet Beth, John, Charlotte and Doug for lunch.    Charlotte and Doug had never eaten here - all of us enjoyed our lunches (and Bloody Mary's - Charlotte and me).    Plenty of chatter and then good bye til Sunday.

John, Beth, Pat, Mark, Doug, Charlotte

Mark and I drove in our car as did John and Beth to see our hairdresser, Jewel's new home going up.   Still a long ways to go, but so happy for her after all she's been thru with Ian.

Stopped at Publix for a few things (we've got to start shopping at Aldi more as such a price difference!)   One example are 12 mini muffins from bakery which Mark likes - $6.49 at Publix and $2.99 at Aldi,    Grocery shopping is painful these days! 😒  Got Ruby gassed up and ran thru the car wash.  

On home and put away the perishables and then rested a bit.    Time to do some laundry and unpack + catch up on a big batch of Christmas cards - love all the cards, letters and pics AND, hearing all the news....new grandbabies, downsizing their homes, activities for their grandchildren, travels, not coming to FL this winter cause of all the hurricane damage to their home and the long process to fix, etc.

Mark is feeling a cold coming on so taking zyrtec and hoping he feels better tomorrow.   I had happy hour with Ann and Duaine - so pleasant sitting under their tiki.

The Danville Area Community College athletes Christmas card

Connor with the golf club!

Christmas - 2024

 Hope you all had a very happy, joyous Christmas!    We arrived back to Flo around 9 last night - our plane left Peoria 15 minutes ahead of schedule and arrived 1/2 hour early in Punta Gorda.    Nice especially after the 2.5 hour delay going to IL.

We've been on the go all day, so nothing has been unpacked....there's always tomorrow.

Started this Christmas Day with 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert and then to the Broadway Palm dinner theater to meet Beth, John, Charlotte and Doug for the buffet and matinee performance of "Another Night Before Christmas" - really cute and just 2 characters both of whom were excellent, especially, "The Guy"!

We all enjoyed the very good buffet, visiting and then the play.    Planning to be together again tomorrow.   Took several pics as there were some lovely decorated areas for photo spots

John, Beth, Mark, Pat, Charlotte, Doug

John, Beth, Charlotte, Doug, Mark, Pat

We visited our neighbors (2 doors down),  Ann and Duaine from Santa Rosa Beach.  They are just here for a few days and then renting out their lot for 4 months.    We always enjoy their company - they came to Port Clinton last summer and we hope to visit them in March.  Sat under their tiki with our wine and gabbed away (forgot picture)

Luke and Maeve before opening presents!

Christmas Eve - 2024

 Happy Christmas Eve to all.....as I write this, we are sitting at the Peoria Airport waiting for our flight back to Punta Gorda later this afternoon.  It's a chilly, dreary day and can't wait to get back to the warm sunshine.   But we've sure enjoyed our time here in IL with family and friends.

Anne was working in her office upstairs today.  Mark and I returned the rental car to the Bloomington airport and then had some returns to Lowe's for parts they didn't need with hot water heater installation.    The boys made a batch of Christmas Crack - good stuff!    Liam took us to the airport.   

Connor and Liam making Christmas Crack

 

Anne and all her boys

Here's to a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day with your families.   Enjoy the camaraderie with those you love as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.   

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S !

Monday - December 23

Cloudy, dreary day here in central IL - Anne is working from upstairs, the boys were still asleep when Mark and I left around 8:30 for Lowe's to pick up some parts to install the new hot water heater.    Then to Egg Republic for breakfast with the Monday Morning Friends - love this place and it was hopping this morning!    Great to be together again. 

Pat, Mark, Sigrunn, Pat, Ken, Brenda and Sue

The hot water heater installers

Liam, Grandpa, Connor

On home and the guys set to work.   Quite a job, but very proud of them!

The boys and I made the Rollo treats in the afternoon.   

Beggars - Gibson and Frankie

 We all went to Lucca Grill for dinner - a favorite for all and very busy - glad we had a reservation.   Had a very good, fun server, "Ira" and super great food as always topped off with spumoni and tiramisu.

Sweet grandsons

Liam and Connor

Ryan and his fiancee, Erin

Happy Birthday to my Dad Pete who would've been 107 today!    And Merry Christmas to  Dad, Mom and Patrick!    You are all so missed and loved!   But we enjoy our many memories of happy Christmases in the past.

Sunday - December 22

It's been a very happy day as this morning, Ryan proposed to Erin in Idaho and she said "YES"!!!    Exciting time for our family,

Fun weekend in Dixon and this morning we packed up our stuff, loaded up the car, headed to Starbucks for hot treats and on our way.   Stopped in Sublette to see Mom and Dad's grave and pretty evergreens and berries bouquet.

Onto Mendota to pick up Bob and Linda and off to Cindy's for breakfast.    Good visit and then took them home and visited in their very Christmassy home.    Then to Aunt Marian's at Stonecroft.    She was in the dining room for lunch so had a very quick visit with her, but did see her daughter Lori (our flower girl 55 years ago) and husband Mark from Arlington Heights.   That's when we got the call from Ryan with his big news......stopped back at Bob and Linda's cause I forgot my sunglasses and then on our way back to Bloomington,

We've been hanging out with Anne and boys all afternoon - lots to catch up on and all excited about Ryan and Erin.

After a delicious dinner, we opened presents and then had some excellent assorted cheesecake.

Connor, Anne, Liam

Saturday - December 21

 Burrrr.....baby it's COLD outside - 11 degrees when we got up this morning in Dixon, IL.    And checking where our kiddos and grands are, we have the coldest temp !     

   Today we were to meet my 2 cousins (sisters), Jane and Eileen for breakfast.    But Jane has a bad cold and Eileen has Covid and her retirement home is on quarantine.    Bummer as one year ago we had a plan but then we didn't come cause of my accident and recent surgery.

We picked up Marilyn (Mark's sister) and went  to Coffee Crush for breakfast - really like this place!   It is cold up here for our Florida bods!!! 

Mark and Marilyn

Took Marilyn home and we went back to the hotel - visited with Jim, Lydia, Mike, Theresa and Janet.    Everyone went their separate ways for awhile and then later, Beth, Doris, Lydia Jim, Mike, Theresa and I played SkyJo.   Fun afternoon and then it was time to get ready for 4:30 Mass.

Big gathering at St. Pat's with the mass intention for the deceased members of the Chamberlain family.  Back to the hotel and the huge meal - oh my, soooo much good food.    Annette's parents, Dave and Judy came and fun to catch up with them.   The noise level was off the charts - approximately 95 came with some missing cause of illness and others not able to attend.    Gift exchange for most of the kiddos and a few adults (not doing this as we don't need more stuff)!

A real special treat was doing facetime with our niece, Megan (Tom and Beth's daughter) who is in Japan (2nd year) teaching English as a 2nd language.   Beth took her Ipad all around the room and we got to chat briefly with Megan.

Another successful family Christmas and especially nice that the next generation (our nieces and nephews) are now in charge of it all!    Hats off to niece Katy who did an awesome job along with all the great food provided by others!

Forgot to mention yesterday (too focused on what "I" did).   Mark had lunch with Henry, former colleague at State Farm and long-time friend.    They went to Shannon's and had their special - cheeseburger, fries and chili....great comfort food.   Then Anne, the boys, and Mark went to Lowe's and bought a new hot water heater for Anne..   The boys got it to the basement, and the guys will install on Monday.

Friday - December 20

 COLD here when we got up and surprise, snow on the ground (wasn't expecting that)!!!    So, we bundled up and headed to Starbucks for the order Anne had placed over the phone.    Streets were slushy and we meandered in Anne's car "carefully".

Went to Westminster Village with our coffees and cheese Danish and a very enjoyable morning with Donna Rae.   She is so delightful and her apartment was beautifully decorated by her daughter-in-law, Tammy.   Oh my, I got emotional just seeing all her decorations thru the years, several I made.   Great visit and then bye bye till May.

Cheers to Donna Rae - very dear friend

enjoying her gingerbread latte

Back out in the cold and off to the airport to pick up our rental car.    I went back to Anne's, changed clothes and Mark took me to Brenda's for our Monday Night Friends Christmas luncheon.   It was lovely and so delicious (soup, salad, sandwich and peppermint/chocolate dessert) + wine and cranberry punch.

We missed Connie who recently passed away, Linda who did not travel with the snowy weather and Tamara who has health issues.   Lots of reminiscing and memories from our 50+ year friendship.

Monday Night Friends

Donna, Nadine, Ruth, Pat, Jody, Marsha, Brenda, Sue

Mark picked me up at 3 and we were off to Dixon for the Chamberlain family Christmas.    Always a BIG event and we missed last year cause of my injury.    Tonight we had pizza and other snacks, but tomorrow more will be coming for the big event.  

Watching the Notre Dame vs Indiana game tonight - thinking of Michael and his boys they're having a great time AND freezing!    The Irish won 27-17.

Davis, Drew, Michael

on a VERY COLD night

Annette went with Luke and his 6th grade classmates to the Biltmore a few days ago.    What a great experience and treat for these kiddos.

Luke (middle) and friends listening to the narration as they meander around the Biltmore.

Thursday - December 19

 Hello from Bloomington.....but what a trip to get here!   We had breakfast, loaded up the car and off to Punta Gorda (PGD) for our flight to Peoria.    What a zoo.....as many people coming into FL as were leaving to head north for the holidays!

And then after everyone had boarded, we were told there was a maintenance issue and it would take 30 minutes to fix (groans from the passengers) and then the pilot announced "after we finish our paperwork, we'll be off"....but then, there was a computer issue and so, another delay (more groans).....one lady grabbed her suitcase and left the plane???   So, this whole scenario ended with us leaving 2 1/2 hours late.    UGH.....we should've been landing before we even took off from Punta Gorda. 

Liam and Connor were waiting for us - so good to see them and catch up - Connor without his wisdom teeth is doing pretty well but certainly has quite the routine of meds, rinsing, etc.

Anne put in an order for Monicals so stopped there, picked up and on home.    Yakkety yak yak with the Campbells over yummy pizza, breadsticks, and monkey bread.

Michael and his boys are at Notre Dame this weekend for the big game against Indiana tomorrow night.    GO  IRISH!

Michael and Davis 

 

Wednesday - December 18

 Very warm today with clouds and sun.    16 for canasta - Donna, Linda S and I were far ahead and I'll be darned, Anita, Nancy and Linda came back to beat us in 4 games!   Denise has been bringing treats for the girls - red or green frosted mini chocolate or vanilla cupcakes on Monday and today, the pretzel, hershey kisses with M 'n M's

Mark waked while I was playing and afterwards, we had lunch, I did laundry and finished packing.   

Tomorrow we fly from Punta Gorda to Peoria for family Christmas gatherings (2) and other fun planned with family/friends.    We'll be back Christmas Eve.

BIG Dog in the park

Tuesday - December 17

Connor had 4 wisdom teeth pulled today - his oral surgeon was a former high school classmate of Michael and Anne (Tom Ocheltree).    He's home resting....

 Mark and I had a "Date" Day starting with coffee/blueberry coffeecake at Peter's downtown and big hug and Merry Christmas from Marika (our favorite barista).    We sat in the courtyard and so pleasant this sunny, warm day.

Then we were off to the beach.....decided to take a trip down there before all the snowbirds arrive and traffic gets really crazy.    Wise choice as saw very few people out and about on the street, beach, restaurants, etc.    We stopped at The Pink Shell, swanky resort on the north end of beach - it is beautiful but we had never been there to walk around and see the place.    Few people in the pool.   

The pool at The Pink Shell

Enjoying this view while listening to "I'll be Home for Christmas

Then we drove along the beach - still so much devastation, rebuilding, SAND everywhere and some new construction going on.   A very LONG ways to recover from Ian.

We parked (again, no problem finding a spot) and walked to the new Margaritaville resort - wow, this is huge and very nice!    Several restaurants, huge pool, spa, and indoor and outside, a very beachy vibe - even smelled NEW!

Leoma Lovegrove has a small kiosk at Margaritaville, the perfect

spot for her artwork

Decided to keep walking and had lunch at Snug Harbor on the water - wow, we had a great view on the Bay watching the boats come and go and excellent lunch.    Mark had a grouper sandwich and I had the blue crab salad with fried green tomatoes.    We finished with a very yummy piece of key lime pie.

Cheers!

Very pretty, creamy and delicious!

Our waiter Charlie asked if we were from the area or snowbirds?    He said he was from IL but has lived down here since 2012.....lo and behold, he came from Normal, went 3 years to Normal Community HS and graduated from Bloomington High.    He and his wife have 2 little girls, Dove and brand new baby girl, Sabel born Sunday.   Nice guy and great server.

Ran a few more errands and finally home at 2:15 - nap time!

Walked late afternoon - pleasant ending to a fun day!

Monday - December 16

 Warm 'n sunny....I walked and then played canasta (Denise, Cheryl and I lost to Sue, Terri and Eileen) But it was close!   Big group of 20 today.  

 Mark walked while I was gone and then printed off Christmas mailing labels (NOT his favorite job).

After lunch, I did more packing (warm woolies) and some laundry.   One more walk later in the afternoon.

We are heartbroken after yet another school shooting and loss of life.    Many prayers for the victims, those recovering and their families.    So very tragic especially at Christmastime.

Sunday - December 15

 We went to 9:30 Mass at st. Francis with Father Robert.    Then to the Fowler Street Grill for breakfast (small place, but good food - they do a LOT of carry-out orders).   Then to Target which was a zoo.   In and outta there and on home.

Nice sunny day reaching 80.   We both took a little nap (I did not sleep well last night)....then worked on computer stuff and started packing for our trip to IL (flying on Thursday).

Walked late afternoon, leftovers for supper and later, zoom with Mark's siblings (10 tonight).   Main topic was bank fraud and how some were affected - 0h my!    Tom, the banker explained how this very frequent mess occurs - very scary and what a nightmare for the innocent party.    Next weekend is our Annual Chamberlain Christmas in Dixon - big crowd planning to attend.

Enjoy your week ahead!

Saturday - December 14

 Breakfast, walked, put away laundry, vacuumed Flo, blew off our driveway, and then off to downtown for another fun outing with Beth, John, Charlotte and Doug at The Lodge.

Enjoyed our lunch (great BBQ and other goodies) and chatter.   Said our good byes till we meet again on Christmas Day.   

Charlotte, Beth, Pat, Mark, John, Doug

It's been a wacky weather day - sun, clouds, rain, wind, rain, sun, and on and on.....did not get as warm as predicted, restaurant was cold so afterwards, Mark and I went to "Take Two for Coffee" to get some hot drinks, 2 more stops and on home.

 Watched Navy beat Army 31-13......................Congrats to the Midshipmen!

And then a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Yeah....the fountain at entrance to our park is finally back up and working after a lengthy repair from Helene and Milton.

l

Entrance to Cypress Trail

Friday - December 13

 Beautiful day with plenty of sunshine, breezy and 76 for a high    After breakfast we walked and then played euchre in the library - just 4 of us today (Jo and I beat Anita and Mark 2 of 3 games which were all close)!

Quiet afternoon - read, worked on some computer stuff and gathered a few things to take back to IL next week.   And of course, always have the Christmas music blaring away in Flo and the she shed.

Walked later in the afternoon - kinda quiet here in the park,    Lots of folks have gone home for Christmas.

Thursday - December 12

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL and ANNE

 Our twins are 54 years old today!    Many happy and shocking memories from that day - 12-12-70 expecting one baby and then surprise.....Anne comes along!    What a joy they've been - so proud of  the lives they built, their parenting and successful careers.

Happy Birthday Anne

Happy Birthday Michael

with his sweet girl

We woke up to a chilly 42 this morning - that's burrr weather for SWFL, but balmy compared to most of the USA.   Our kids/grands are in IL, IN, IA and NC - Liam gets the prize for coldest with 5 degrees in Iowa City!

5 of us (Cindy, Nancy, Jo, Todd and myself) played RummiKub in the library this morning.   Fun as always and I won a few games!    Did 2 loads of laundry and Mark worked more on his computer and later we went for a windy walk in the park.    Then to Buckingham Farms for excellent lunch (crab cake BLT for him and BBQ chicken sandwich for me)!                                   Love Buckingham Farms!

Booger, the tortoise and long-time resident at Buckingham Farms strolled past us today

Maeve and her 3rd grade classmates made 2 appearances this week to perform

their Christmas program

Enjoyed good chats with our birthday kiddos

Hope your holiday hustle and bustle are well underway but don't forget the 

REASON for the SEASON!!!

 

Wednesday - December 11

 Rained a bit overnight - we walked, but humid and more rain coming.    The sun was shining for most of the morning.    Mark worked on his new computer with all the downloads.

I played canasta - didn't get to finish as we had our ladies luncheon, but close game at the end.  Off to The Rum Bucket - 20 ladies enjoyed beverages, yummy lunch, non-stop chatter and lots of laughs.

Margaret and I rode together and when we came out of the restaurant, it was pouring.   I ran to the car getting soaked, picked up Margaret and on back to CT.    Dropped Margaret off at her lot and home sweet home,   It was still raining just a little, but Mark and I had planned to run a bunch of errands, so....

TWO hours and a few rain showers later, we were finally back home.   But we accomplished a lot!   The wind really picked up, a cold front has come thru (my hand is talking to me) and much cooler temps overnight and tomorrow.

I was able to check a bunch of things off my lists today!    YEAH!!!

Tuesday - December 10

I walked this morning and Mark waited for the delivery of his new computer!   I did some laundry and then we were off to downtown - first dropping off our "giving tree" gift at the St. Francis office.

Met John, Beth, Charlotte and Doug at Bruno's, the new Italian eatery downtown - actually, it's been at a different location (much smaller) since 2014.    Charlotte, Doug, Mark and I ate in the former spot last spring.

After finding a larger space (former law offices badly damaged from Ian), the new Bruno's is WOW!    Very upscale but warm and homey with the natural brick walls, exposed ceiling, nice music, etc.    Food and service were top notch.   Upstairs they have a dessert area - for $25, all the desserts you can eat and from what I saw from pics and read about in the paper, this would be quite something!   Cal (owner and chef) and his wife Genevieve are very hands on.

Had a fun  visit as always with our good friends.....said our good byes, but Saturday, we'll be back together (trying to pack in as many get togethers as possible before John and Beth leave for the winter.)

John, Beth, Mark, Pat, Charlotte, Doug

We went to St. Francis for reconciliation service (confession) tonight.  

  

Monday - December 9

 Another beautiful day.    We walked and then I played canasta in the Omni Room.    It was a very close game but Susan, Eileen and I lost to Denise, Margaret and Sue.    While I was gone Mark repaired a leaking toilet seal.

Did more online shopping, worked on some computer stuff and enjoyed our mail which came today with the first 4 Christmas cards!

Walked again in the afternoon and visited with Anita and Jim who are in the process of moving into their new RV after theirs was destroyed from Helene while they were visiting in Asheville.

Went to 7:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul with Father O'Madagain for the feast of the Immaculate Conception - beautiful Mass with thee most spectacular cantor singing Ave Maria and other favorites songs about Mary that I remember and love so much from my childhood.

Sunday - December 8

 Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception in the Catholic church - since it falls on a Sunday this year (December 8th), the Diocese of Venice, FL is celebrating tomorrow with obligatory Mass.   The Peoria, IL Diocese is marking today as the day of celebration for this holyday.

After 9:30 Mass with Father Steve at St. Francis we grabbed a tag off one of several trees to buy a gift for those less fortunate.   Then we tried a new coffee shop "Take Two for Coffee and Donuts" - this place opened in April and along with all the coffees, they have several donuts to offer.   Now these donuts are the usual round shape, but very thick.   Mine was a Florida special with a tangy orange filling; very good and filling.   Mark had the traditional donut with white icing.

Bunch of errands including some Christmas shopping and getting my flowers for outside pots.

On home finally at 1:00 - we were both tired from all the errands, crazy shopping and long lines, so took a little nap and then refreshed and ready to organize our stuff.

Mark was wearing his Danville shirt today - while out walking tonight, a couple stopped and asked if that was "Danville, IL"?   We said, yes, our grandson goes to school there.  Mike and Gail are from Woodstock, IL and we had a nice visit.

Zoom tonight included all but Marilyn making 10 doing the usual chatter.

Michael, Brooke and Blair spent the weekend in NYC and had a wonderful time.....along with all the magical sights and attractions, they saw the Rockettes and Aladdin.    Grandma was envious!

.

Saturday - December 7

 We had a busy fun Saturday starting with a trip downtown to meet Beth and John, Charlotte and Doug at Peter's for coffee/breakfast.  Charlotte and Doug just arrived a few days ago from Annapolis for the winter.    Sooo good to see them and all be together (1st time since April).

We sat and chatted for a long while - the guys at one table, and gals at another.    We girls checked out Crooked Halo next door and then Leoma Lovegrove across the street - her art gallery is quite something!    Just walls and walls of very colorful paintings, signs, etc.

Mark, Pat, Beth, John, Charlotte, Doug

amongst all the colorful art with hefty price tags

This new place just opened in November after Ian destroyed her business on Matlacha.   

We all left and met back at Charlotte and Doug's condo rental for the next 4 months.   It is in one of the high rises on the way downtown - 26th floor and truly spectacular.    Beautifully decorated and oh my the views overlooking the Caloosahatchee River.    WOW.....more visiting after the tour and then bye bye for now.

Mark and I decided we were just a little hungry so drove back downtown to Scoops on First for ice cream.    On home, a little cat nap and then changed clothes and off to meet Steve and Connie at The Prawnbroker.    Excellent dinner at one of our favorites and great visit with these dear, long-time friends.

Steve and Connie

Friday - December 6

 After breakfast, Mark and I were off  to play euchre in the library.    6 of us today, so Todd, Vicki and I played Anita, Cindy and Mark and we won.    Then played a game of 4-handed as Anita had to leave and Mark sat this one out helping Vicki.   She and I beat Todd and Cindy!

On home for lunch and then I left for downtown and my mani/pedi with Alisa.   Enjoyed being downtown with lots of folks eating outdoors, shopping, music playing, etc.   One of the shops "Crooked Halo" was badly damaged (major flooding) from the hurricanes and finally back up and operating.   So many pretties for Christmas.   Went next door to Peter's and oh my.....several specialty holiday drinks (hot and cold).   I had an iced cranberry mocha latte - excellent!

On home.....Mark did a bunch of computer stuff while I was gone - we went for a walk just as Susan and JD (Missouri) were arriving in their big class A for the season.    Nice to have them back.    Also met Jim and Debbie from Long Island, NY who are leaving tomorrow for the holidays -  Long Island, St. Paul and Boston.

Mark suggested we go to Rib City for supper - YES!    Tonight they had a special ribs/shrimp + 2 sides.    Sooo yummy and plenty of leftovers.

Enjoy your weekend and all the hustle and bustle of December!

Thursday - December 5

 I put some laundry away and then off to play canasta - Susan, Margaret and I beat Anita, Peggy and Terry.  Fun morning.    Home to check in with Mark and then we were off to run several errands and lunch at Biggy's Place - a great diner serving breakfast and lunch.

More errands after lunch including getting Ruby washed and a stop at WalMart for piddlies and 2 Rx.

On home - while I put stuff away, Mark went for a walk.   CT is nicely decorated in and outside the clubhouse, main entrance, etc.    Later, we went for a walk together - another beautiful day but hate talking about the weather when it's sooo cold and snowy around a big part of the country,

Leftovers for supper and called it a day!

Wednesday - December 4

 Happiness is having a sparkling fresh clean Flo.    Anna and her partner with A-P Maintenance came to give Flo some TLC.    I was off to play RummiKub - Anita, Nancy, Cindy and I played at one table, while Todd, Vicki F, Vicki S and Denise played at another.    Decided next week we'll actually keep score - a fun time was had by all.

Mark went downtown for a haircut with Jose.   We went to Cracker Barrel for lunch while the cleaning ladies did their thing.

After they left, we walked and had a nice visit with Buddy and Cindy who are back as work campers and a definite "favorite" couple in the park.    And then home to see Brenda and Gary, our next-door neighbors who had just arrived!    Slowly, but surely, folks are coming back with more arriving late December into January.

I walked late afternoon, had supper, and watched the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

Tuesday - December 3

 The rest of yesterday (Monday) went like this.....Luke and Maeve came home from school and we left shortly after all the hugs with them and Mommy - such a fun Thanksgiving week!

Away we went with Ryan with our 1st stop at Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain where we plan to live one day (retirement community).    Wanted to see the new construction going on and how much it had changed since we were there in June.     Fortunately, Givens Highland was spared any serious hurricane damage but other parts were a different story.

The next town after Black Mountain is Swannanoa and oh my,,,,,,,,,,,we knew this town was hit very hard by Helene, but wow....just piles and piles of debris and so many buildings destroyed, vehicles overturned, trees down - another war zone.   So very sad for this little town but as we keep hearing, these residents are very resilient and continue making progress.

Onto Asheville and decided on PF Changs for dinner.    It was excellent and loved having the one-on-one visit with Ryan.    

Pat, Ryan, Mark

Then to the airport which was fairly quiet but our flight was almost full back to Punta Gorda.    We left 15 minutes early and landed 10 minutes early.   The parking lot was really empty compared to when we arrived a week ago on Sunday,    Found Ruby and on home crawling into bed at midnight!

Here it is December 3rd already.....slept in and then got the laundry going and the Christmas tunes cranked up - good to be back and got a few little decorations out - not much compared to ALL the stuff I've had over the years when it took me 5 days to decorate.  😕

We drove to Alva and had lunch at the Alva Diner where we ate breakfast a few weeks ago.   Some gals here at CT told me that their broasted chicken was sooo good along with mashed potatoes and gravy and the vegetable of the day!    So, that's what we had and it was very good!    Then to Publix for some groceries and on home.

It was only in the 60's today but plenty of sunshine.

We went for a walk late afternoon - more folks are arriving, but still plenty away for the holidays.

Blair cheering at her Liberty Knights basketball game today

and Annette took Luke and Maeve sledding in Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is all decked out for Christmas

Our sweet Snow Angel!

Philip was flying today with a flight attendant named "Connor Campbell"!!!!

Monday - December 2

 Cold and sunny, but nothing compared to the Midwest and other parts of the country.

Philip was up at 3:30 AM and off to the airport for Houston.   Annette took the kiddos and I got the sheets and towels washed.

Annette taught me Kings in the Corner - fun game (form of solitaire).    Mark took a nap as he had a migraine.    Later he played Kings Corner - I sure had beginners luck as I kept winning!   We also played 3-handed euchre with Mark winning 2 games.

Brooke stopped over to pick up some stuff and then the girls were off to get the kiddos.

Fun weekend with these gals

Brooke, Pat, Annette

(Missing Anne)

The 3 Bambi's in the back yard

Today was my friend Connie's funeral in Bloomington.   I wish I could've been there with my Monday Night Friends for her beautiful Mass and sad good bye.

Ryan is taking Mark and I to the Asheville airport tonight for our flight back to Fort Myers.

What a fun memorable Thanksgiving!     Till tomorrow....