Tuesday - April 15

 Just a short blog update tonight - we had a LONG day of travel but arrived at Lake James (Philip and Annette's home) around 4ish  - tired but happy to be here.

It is VERY windy and definitely concerns about wildfires.    We celebrated Luke and Annette's birthdays - delicious dinner.    Michael, along with  Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents) partied with us.   Brooke and Blair came later after Blair's dance lesson.    Philip missed the party as he's working in California.

Celebrating Luke's 12th (one week later)

Grandma and Grandpa with the 3 Littles

Maeve, Blair, Luke

 

Monday - April 14

 Hello from Jacksonville from 2 tired nomads.    We left Flo at 9 to run several errands before our dermatology appointments with  Dr. Kagen.   We both had full body scans and all good, but Dr. did zap Mark a few spots on his arm.  

Finally back home and it was 1:00 till we finally left CT in our little caravan - Ruby and me following Big Red and Mark pulling Flo.    Traffic was heavy and 3x in the southbound lanes and once for we north bounders, traffic was a parking lot!   UGH.....patience.    I said some rosaries and enjoyed my oldies.   The prayer list continues to grow as today, heard about more folks dealing with health concerns.

We are at a Loves truck stop near the airport - we've stayed at these before and they are really nice and convenient.   They usually just have 7-10 spots.    This one only has 5 sites.    We walked into Bojangles (connected to Loves) for supper-to-go.   Tomorrow....Lake James, here we come!

My foot handled the trip ok - but happy to be out of the boot for the night!

Nighty night!

Sunday - April 13

It's Palm Sunday and we went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert.    Mark and I used the side entrance and much closer for me than walking down the long aisle.   

Came home and worked in the she shed putting stuff away, getting Ruby and Big Red all packed up.    Jim came over to help with the heavier items - patio table and Joe and Joan's cricket (mini golf cart) which we are storing for them.   THANKS Jim....much appreciated.    I spent most of the day inside Flo with my foot elevated.   Slowly getting acquainted with my new boot (think I need to come up with a name???)   

Mark has to pace himself with his back - keeping fingers crossed he's ok for the trip - me, too!

Been watching the Masters - wow very exciting!!!

Dennis and Jamie stopped by to say good bye and see how I was doing?   They will be heading back to IL next Monday.

Zoom tonight was with 7 siblings - Tom and Beth are flying to Copenhagen tonight but were on zoom with us from O'Hare waiting for their flight.    Joe and Joan are in Cozumel    The usual chatter about travels, health, etc.

Saturday - April 12

 Beautiful sunny Saturday.    We left at 9:15 for Venice to get my boot.    The gal at the medical supply center was so nice and gave us a 10% discount since we had to drive from Fort Myers.     I've got 5 velcro straps to deal with!😕

Lovely clunky boot

Pink toes peeking out

We drove a few miles to the Blu Island Bistro for some donuts to go (we had these delicious concoctions last week when we were with Lee and Tamara.)   They are freshly made, dipped in a cinnamon/sugar mixture, then drizzled with icing and topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries!    Brought some back for Jim and Lydia, too.  Good stuff!    On home.   I rested a bit, iced the foot and did some laundry.    Mark set to work getting Flo and Big Red hooked up and started loading up stuff from she shed.   I hate that I can't help more, but sure don't want to fall.   

Jim came over with 2 pieces of delicious cake - he and Lydia went to the Farmer's Market in Cape Coral and their favorite - The Cake Lady was there.    We're gonna be roly poly's with all this yummy food.

Just in the past day or so, we've heard of 4 friends who are having serious health issues....lots of prayers out there....the list continues to grow.

We watched a video of an earlier mass this week from Port Clinton with Father Jonathan - great to be back with him.

Friday - April 11

What a day this has been,,,,,,,,,,,started at 3:00 AM when I had another severe attack with the kidney stone.    Just when I thought it was gone....nope, came back with a vengeance and almost went to the ER.  But eventually, the pain went away and I was able to get a few hours sleep.    At 8:30 when we left Flo for Peter's and coffee/pastries.    Said good bye to Marika - such a dear and our very favorite barista.

Mark got a haircut with Jose and I got a mani-pedi with Alisa and said good bye to her.   We stopped at Oasis Urgent Care and saw Jose, (different Jose than Mark's barber) the PA about my foot.    They do not have an x-ray machine there but he gave me the orders to go to Regional Radiology for an x-ray and MRI of foot and a CT scan of my left kidney which I had told him about.    

We got the x-ray done but no MRI till April 21st (we'll be long gone).    They said I could come back at 4:15 for CT scan.   I got a haircut with Jewel and more good bye hugs.   But sure enjoyed all this pampering in between the medical stuff.   So, we went to get some ice cream (had planned to meet Connie and Steve for this treat, but those plans fell thru with all these appts.)   

We hadn't had lunch and found 2 Scoops and Sprinkles nearby = very good.   While we were eating our ice cream, Jose (PA) called with results of  x-ray and said "I'm sorry, Patricia, but you have 2 fractures in your foot/ankle   He sent us to Orthopedic Specialists of SWFL to get fitted with a boot, but they cannot do that as I've never been there and would need a doctor visit first???   So, then I was told to go to a medical supply center for a boot.    We tried an XS (too small) and a medium (too big).   They were out of smalls, so tomorrow we're going to Venice to get my lovely black walking boot.    I wasn't expecting to hear 2 fractures;  yes, it is swollen and black 'n blue but doesn't hurt unless I walk and that's very minimal.    In fact, last night we dug out our orthopedic bag of goodies (stretch bands, pulleys, hand, shoulder and elbow braces, AND.....a cane which I got way back when I had bursitis.    So, the cane and I were all around town today!

After the CT scan, we made a plan with Connie and Steve to meet for early dinner at Citrolla's for some wonderful Italian.    We wanted to see them one more time before we leave, so this worked out great. 

Kimmie (great waitress), Steve, Connie, Pat, Mark

  And finally, on back to Flo arriving at 6:50!    Big day  

Tonight Luke had a dance at school with his 6th grade classmates - wow....the Lukester is all grown up!

Handsome Luke

Luke and friends all decked out with boutonniere's for their limo ride to the dance!

Wednesday-Thursday, April 9-10

 Wednesday -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNETTE

Philip and the birthday girl

Looking forward to hanging out with Annette and all next week - need some new pics, too.    She's a gem and so happy to have her in our family!

 Well.....no blog last night so lots to catch up on!    Had a fun day with Bob and Linda shopping at Victoria (the guys stayed put in the car).    As usual, a busy place, but nothing like when the snowbirds are here and so crowded.    We both made some purchases and then to Seed to Table (huge grocery store that is so fun).   We had lunch there and then did serious damage buying lots of goodies.

Stopped at Sun Harvest for ice cream cones (puzzles for Bob) and on home.    Linda and I played RummiKub on the patio and at some point, my back (left side) started hurting.    LONG story short, I was dealing with a kidney stone and this is my 4th episode.    We did go out for dinner (Rib City) and came back to the Hyatt to play SkyJo.   But just one round and I was hurting, so Mark and I came back from Flo.    It was a rough night but somehow I slept pretty good and this morning, felt good!   I pray that little sucker is long gone???

Thursday - We met Bob and Linda at Buckingham Farms for breakfast and then good bye and they headed back to Lakeland.  

Linda and Bob

  Mark had left his jacket at Rib City last night so thankfully they had it and we picked it up and on home.

I did some laundry and then we left for Dr. Collins office and a check of my hand.   Same story - 'hang in there" and she wants to do an extensive nerve study this fall when we return and see exactly where the nerve damage originated and what progress has been made!

Off to WalMart for a Rx and some piddlies.   As I was coming out of the store into parking lot, I tripped over curb and went down hard............banged up my right knee and hurt my ankle.   Dear me......Mark bandaged up the knee and I've been icing the ankle and he wrapped it.   

Till tomorrow....

 

Tuesday - April 8

 LUKE is 12

 Happy Birthday!

This young man is very busy these days - besides being a top-notch 6th grader, he is a real outdoorsman in North Carolina.   He's active in his adventure club where he's white water rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, camping, hiking, etc. with friends OR now enjoying golf and gets to play on his birthday this afternoon!!!  💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙   

We haven't seen our NC kiddos since Thanksgiving, so REALLY looking forward to next week when we arrive in NC.

We had some rain during the night and on and off this morning.  Bob and Linda drove down from Lakeland arriving around 11.    We visited in Flo and then left for Blossom and Brie and lunch on the farm.   They had another large crowd for a Tuesday and so many snowbirds have gone home.    Mark drove us to Anthony's and Wilford and Lee for some retail therapy.    We took them to their hotel and we came back to Flo for a bit.

Then 1/2 hour later, Mark and I both drove to the hotel.   We all went downtown to the Luminary Hotel and the Beacon Social Drinkery for drinks and appetizers - nice, but boy, after all the heat, it was much cooler today especially on the 12th floor rooftop.

Mark, Pat, Bob, Linda

Stopped at Dollar Tree to buy a deck of cards and onto their hotel to play euchre with the guys winning 2 of 3 games.   Tomorrow is another big day,

Had a good chat with Luke and family on our way home.

  

Drew and Tessa

celebrating 4 years of their 1st date (2021-2025)

just like Grandpa and me  (1965-1969)

Monday - April 7

 We were off at 7:50 for our dentist appointments (1 hour away), but able to pick up a few things at Target and Dollar Tree beforehand.   I had a complete set of x-rays taken of my teeth (18).   It has been 6 years since I had this and definitely do it different now.    I have Danielle for my hygienist and Mark has Laura.   Mark will need a crown replaced and cavity taken care of when we return in October.

Drove across the street to Biscotti for pastries and coffee.    Then ran some more errands and on home.

We left again at 1:30 for my eye check-up with Dr. Nicole Alessi.   This was my 1st visit with Collins Vision so now all my doctors are in Fort Myers.    All good with the eyes and enjoyed very pretty young Dr. who said as she was walking out the door "Welcome to our family":!   How nice was that!

Mark though an ice cream fix was in order, so off to Love Boat on Six Mile Cypress - soooo many choices but we enjoyed our chocolate chunk (Mark) and heath bar crunch (me)

Another hot day but this should be the last with some rain coming tomorrow.    Did some laundry after we got home.   

Walked tonight....park continues to empty out.

I watched 2 episodes of "Call the Midwife" and the start of the 14th season.    These shows continue to amaze me with their wonderful heartbreaking but also happy stories.

Sunday - April 6

 We went to 11:30 Mass with Father Robert at St. Francis.    Then to the mall to walk and ended up eating in the food court (Chinese) - 1st time we've done that.   Lots of people at the mall on this hot Sunday and good to see as so many malls are struggling.

One of the interesting shops was a tattoo parlor (or fine body art) - a young lady was sitting in the chair having her arms all decorated - and many more customers waiting for their time to get tattoos/body art!!!!    Whooaaaa...not my thing but sure popular and don't get it at all!     Arghhhh

On home and a short time later, we walked to Jim and Lydia's to play euchre (Mark and Lydia won both games) and then SkyJo with Mark and I tying for the win.   Fun time and good for Lydia to have a diversion as she's staying close to home with her new hip recovery.   

On home.   We said good bye to next door neighbors, Gary and Brenda as they are heading home tomorrow (near Kansas City).

10 siblings on zoom tonight - our niece Jennifer is in the hospital with a touch of pneumonia and sore on her leg (hopefully out tomorrow);   Beth is back from Japan with her daughter Megan and she and Tom are leaving next Sunday for 2 weeks in Europe (mainly Germany); Joe and Joan are going on a scuba diving (Joe) trip to Cozumel; Karen is having internet issues and been on jury duty this past week; Lydia gave update on her new hip, etc.....   

Have a great week!

Saturday - April 5

 They say this is our last  day in the 90's - tomorrow only 89!    Ha!    At any rate it was HOT and WINDY.  Anna and Rosa arrived at 9:10 to clean Flo and we took off for Venice.    We usually don't come to my favorite Florida town on the weekends....it was very busy with parking an issue, stores crowded, etc.    But, we did find a parking lot with plenty of spots and got some extra steps, browsed a few shops and bought 2 shirts for Mark.   

Then we were off to meet Lee and Tamara who drove down from Bradenton.   So good to see them and catch up at the Blu Island Bistro.    First time here (a favorite of Allie and Owen).   It's connected to the Island Sun Motel and serves breakfast and lunch.    We sat outside (very breezy but pleasant).    We all enjoyed our lunch (Lee had a patty melt; Tamara, the burger special; Mark, a grouper reuben and a cuban for me)!    All excellent and we agreed, a definite place to return to.    Lots to catch up on and almost 2 hours later, we said our good byes.   Hope to meet again this fall.

Mark, Pat, Tamara, Lee

Came back home and chatted with Jim who was walking in the park.   Stopped for a bag of ice and settled in our newly cleaned Flo - she's sparkling and smells so good!

We had a good chat with Liam while we were in Venice - he's "in training" for an olympic event (31 miles total) of swimming, running and biking!   WOW.....WTG....we wish him all the best for this event on June 1st in Cedar Rapids.

And another nice surprise when Connor called early this evening.    He's doing well with classes and golf.   The weather in IL is another story - rain almost every day and cold - not fun on the golf course.   He's coming down the home stretch of his freshman year at DACC.   What a treat to hear from both Campbell boys!!!

We walked at 7 - whew....still pretty darn hot!   Cooler weather coming next week.

Friday - April 4

This very warm weather is more typical of June than April so say the weather folks!   Another mid 90s day for SWFL.

We played euchre one last time for this season with Estelle from Columbus, OH.   3-handed is always fun - Mark won 2 games and 1 for me - but last game was very close.

Euchre buddy - Estelle

Cajun Gringos was the food truck tonight - we walked up to the clubhouse parking lot and shared a blackened fish bowl (full of fish, black beans and rice, onions, tomatoes and a few jalapenos (for Mark).  It was sooo good and perfect amount for two.

Very good Friday night supper!

My 3 pots of impatiens were doing so well, but all of a sudden, they started looking really sick!   WHAT?   Gave them a boost of plant food, but sadly they did not survive.   The past few years, I took them back to NC and gave to Annette and Brooke.   I sure would like to know what happened?

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe from all the awful storms/flooding!

6 months from today is Drew and Tessa's wedding!  💑

Thursday - April 3

 We hit 95 today!    I walked to the library to play rummikub with Anita....we each won 2 games and then she won the tie breaker.   Sad that this is my last time to play this fun game here at CT till next season.

Mark picked me up at 11:45 and we were off to Salty Papa's Shrimp House and met Rog and Martin, our former neighbors here at CT.    So good to catch up over our awesome lunches - their shrimp (prepared any ole way you like it) is thee best and freshest!    Mark and I shared  1# of fried shrimp (20) with 2 sides.   Rog had oysters and Martin, the jambalaya.

Said our good byes till fall - we sure miss them as neighbors!    They will experience their 1st Florida summer in their condo as last year they went back to MO for one final summer on the water before their closing.

Rog and Martin

After lunch Mark had the great idea that we walk at the Edison Mall (we'll get some steps and be COOL).   So that's where we headed and oh my, just delightful in the coolness.   Have not been here in a few years - forgot how big it is and very few empty stores which is a good thing unlike other malls.    We did 2 rounds around the entire mall and came on home after getting Ruby fueled up.

I made a batch of egg salad and we enjoyed the AC.  Walked in the evening and met Eva and Fred from MA who arrived today for the month of April.   Nice chatting with them!

Wednesday - April 2

 Hot 'n humid Wednesday.    We walked (drippy, drippy)!    Took showers and off to Blossom and Brie in North Fort Myers to meet our Racine boating friends from 15+ years ago for lunch.   Ken and Cathy still spend the summers at Reefpoint Marina on their boat.

Carol and Bob, Cathy and Ken came from Venice for an afternoon in the country.   This is such a unique place.   We all enjoyed our lunch and then walked around to see the animals, but really HOT!

Normally Barbara and Mark from New Bern, NC would've been with us; their timeshare on Anna Maria Island was badly damaged by the hurricanes last fall (Milton and Helene), so they did not come to FL this winter.    Hopefully we can all be together next year!

Connie, Steve, Mark and I love Sweet Bean Cafe towards the beach here in Fort Myers.    Jennifer usually waited on us but we heard that she no longer works there but now at Blossom and Brie.   And that's how we found this place.    The 2 previous times I've been here, Jennifer was not working.  But today.....there she was and so nice to see her and have a brief chat!

Jennifer and Pat

Mark, Pat, Ken, Cathy, Carol, Bob

A bit cooler tonight for our walk - visited with Kevin and Melissa from IL.    She's been counting the empty lots and each day more and more are on the move.    She said there are 180 empty lots.

Tuesday - April 1

 We're in the 90's all week!    Whew!   Mark and I went to 9:00 Mass at St. Therese in North Fort Myers - something different and a return from when we were here in 2016 and had Daisy.

Father Jan Antonik (Polish) was standing in the back of church with a collection basket.   As folks were coming into church, they got out their wallets prepared for a donation, only to have Father smile and say "April Fools"!   Ha.....

Stopped at Wal Mart for a few things and then downtown to Peter's for coffee and shared a piece of blueberry coffee cake.   On home for a bit and then off to Buckingham Farms and met Vinnie and Laurie from Cape Coral.    We met them in 2016 (they bought their PDQ catamaran from John and Beth) and we always enjoy our time together.   Another awesome lunch and visit!

Laurie and Vinnie

Laurie and Pat

Today would've been my Mom's 106th birthday.....I was thinking how excited she would've been about a grandson and great grandson getting married this year!!!

We waited till 7 to walk - temp was 88 and when we returned, it was down to 85...and plenty of humidity!

Monday - March 31

 We left CT at 8 this morning - Mark driving Big Red and me in Ruby heading to Galloway Ford for Big Red's oil and filter change.    Took a little over 1/2 hour to get there and then Mark and I went to Panera for a light breakfast-to-go and on home.

Said good bye to Kathy across the street.   She and John are heading back home to KY till January.

I picked up Lydia for canasta - the ladies were so happy and surprised to see her.   She's a trooper and so good for her to be out and about!

I played with Sue and Estelle against Denise, Vicki and Michelle.   WOW....a really bad day for my last time to play this season.   The other team got all the good cards, breaks, luck, etc.   Oh well....still fun and I will miss the girls and this fun game.

On home and a short time after lunch, Galloway called that Big Red was ready for pick up.   We stopped at Trader Joe's for a few things, I dropped him off at Galloway and came on home.

Did some laundry and enjoyed the AC in Flo and my she shed.

 Went for a "warm" and "short" walk after supper.

Bye bye to March which is going out in a HOT blaze of glory!

 

Sunday - March 30

 Another warm one and will be HOT all week!   We went to 9:30 Mass with Father Steve at St. Francis.   Then to Publix for a few things and onto Shift Coffee Co. at City Walk downtown.   We hadn't been here for a few years cause they didn't have decaf, but today....they had it.    We had gotten some pastries at Publix (no apple fritters and been out of them for 3 months?).    They are so good - clerk didn't not know what the problem was?   I know where the headquarters for the Publix bakery is (close to where my brothers live in Lakeland)....so if I had only known this a few weeks ago, could've checked it out?    Ha!!!

On home and set to work finishing up the she shed and truck.   We have 2 more weeks in FL, but for now,,,,things are in good shape!

We were supposed to meet friends from Bloomington and colleagues at State Farm (Paul and Margaret) for lunch at BJ's Brewhouse, but Paul is sick!    Bummer....we or they have had something come up past few years to keep us from getting together - been 3 years since we were together.

Jim and Lydia invited us to their gazebo to play euchre - fun, but Mark and Lydia beat Jim and I 2 of 3 games.    Lydia was hot!

Leftovers for supper.    Good chat with Ryan who returned from 5 days in Paris yesterday.

9 siblings tonight on zoom.    Mark's Mom (Grandma C) died 9 years ago today.  😔

Have a good week!

Saturday - March 29

 What a fun day!    Started out with a walk and later, we were off to North Port and a visit with dear friends, Allie and Owen at their villa.   We chatted away for about 1.5 hours and then to Anna Maria Oyster House which is fairly new to North Port but there are other locations north of there.    This one has a big tiki.    Food  was excellent!

Mark, Pat, Allie, Owen

We drove around a new area called Wellen Park - huge development of homes, shops, restaurants, hospital, etc., that still has a lot of development coming.   Very nice.    We parked downtown and enjoyed ice cream at Bright Ice.   Walked around by the water and later I had an iced latte at Foxtail Coffee Co.    Love giving these local coffee shops some business!  😊

Our chauffeur, Owen drove around some more - what a great area.   A golf course used to be in their neighborhood (behind their villa), but did away with that and now a huge development of 500 homes is in the works.    The growth here in Florida is mind blowing! 

Meant to include this yesterday...

Jo, our faithful euchre buddy from Tennessee

It started to rain about 5:45 - we need it badly.    Hope more is coming?

Friday - March 28

 Warm 'n windy today.    Mark and I walked and then played euchre in the library.   Definitely winding down the season as only Jo showed up, but we played 3-handed and had a grand time.   Mark won the first 2 games and then we all were tied at 9.   Mark bid, Jo and I euchred him and we tied for the win!    Woo Hoo!!!  😊

After lunch (grilled cheese/tomato sandwiches and yummy Trader Joe's tomato soup), we had a quiet afternoon in the AC.     We did work in the she shed organizing bins and some clothes (what we want to take with us or leave)!

A walk in the park at 7 and that's that!    Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - March 27

 Whew....really warm today!   We were off early (7 AM) to Biscotti Cafe and pick up coffees and pastries and take to Connie and Steve's at Shellpoint.    They are moving to a different apartment (same building) with a view of the Caloosahatchee River - lovely!.

We enjoyed visiting over our breakfast and then set to work - they had everything packed up and with the help of 3 collapsible wagons (1 was a double decker), we did 2 loads moving stuff (mainly sewing room and laundry room) to one floor below.

WOW....new place is beautiful and ready for the movers to come Saturday.    They will have a really nice "new" home once they are settled.    Two hours later, we said our good byes with a plan to get together one more time before we leave.    Glad we could help them out.

Connie and Steve

Stopped at Whole Foods and on home.    After lunch, we walked over  to see Jim and Lydia.    Today is her birthday and she's doing really well with her new hip.  We told Nicole, their daughter good bye as she's flying back to St. Louis tonight.    What a big help she's been to her Mom (and Dad)! 

The Birthday Girl🎂

We had spaghetti for supper using the sauce we bought last Sunday at church!    Very good along with a salad, garlic toast and wine!

Went for a walk - still really warm but a nice breeze.   Visited with some folks - everyone is coming down the home stretch like us....

Wednesday - March 26

 Hot 'n sunny!   We had a big day with boating friends from Mid Illini Power Squadron for our annual winter gathering in Florida.    Barb and Roger drove from Bonita Springs to our place and then Mark drove us to the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club for lunch.    What a beautiful facility overlooking the Peace River.  Just 7 of us this year and missed Ron and Pat from Bradenton who had to cancel yesterday.

Lunch was delicious and as always, so fun to catch up with everyone.    

Mark, Pat, Marcia, Barb, Roger H, Jeanne, Roger P

Afterwards we went to Roger's condo in Punta Gorda for dessert (lemon pound cake and chocolate cream pie) and more visiting.   A very enjoyable day!

Back to Flo and said our good byes to Barb and Roger.   

Walked after supper - a nice cool down!

Tuesday - March 25

 We went to 7:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Steve,   Then to Peter's for yummy breakfast and sat in the courtyard on this warm morning.   We had a little rain overnight.

Passed Charlotte on her morning walk along Palm Beach Blvd - honked at her and she waved.   We'll see she and Doug later this afternoon!    

On home - changed into walking shoes and got some steps in before the heat returns.

We met Charlotte and Doug at the Broadway Palm dinner theater.   We had drinks in the lobby and then to our seats for very good buffet dinner followed by the musical "Crazy for You" - oh my.........so many wonderful songs from the Gershwin era.    It was a very delightful entertaining show and we all loved it.    A BIG thank you to Michael and Brooke for the gift certificate on my birthday.

Charlotte, Doug, Mark, Pat

But then time to say good bye to Charlotte and Doug as they are leaving for home soon.    We've had sooo many fun times together since these snowbirds and dear friends arrived 4 months ago   Tears and hugs till we meet again in December.

More and more folks are leaving for the season.....we love CT, the friendliness of all the residents, the huge amount of activities and events and now, the latest "BIG" thanks for all the generous donations (monetary, food, clothing, Christmas for elementary school kiddos, teacher appreciation gifts, animal shelter, etc., etc.) that we've provided throughout the year. WOW......................way to go CT

Monday - March 24

Brady is 19

Happy Birthday to our Notre Dame freshman!    Wishing him a great year ahead and may he always stay as sweet, kind and respectful as he is now!

It's going to be a HOT week here in SWFL.....we walked to the clubhouse where I played canasta and Mark kept on getting more steps.

 Fun morning with the girls - Sue, Kathy and I barely squeaked out a win over Susan, Anne and Mary.

Back home, and we left for Panera for lunch and then several errands, including Trader Joe's to stock up on their goodies and a car wash for Ruby.

Home to put stuff away and take naps!   Laundry, chat with Brady and a walk later filled out our day!

Sunday - March 23

 Went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert.   After Mass, Valerie was selling frozen small and large containers of homemade spaghetti sauce leftover from the spaghetti dinner before the Edison parade.

 Then to the new Starbucks on Palm Beach Blvd.    They definitely cater to the drive thru's and online orders.    We went inside and waited and waited and waited - over 20 minutes to get our coffees.   Oh well....new places always have kinks to work out - just glad they are here!

Stopped at Publix for a few groceries and on home.   I made a batch of BBQ.   It was mostly cloudy today but warm.   Sun did come out late afternoon.  

Connor had a miserable day on the golf course - cold, wind and rain!   He shot an 80 today.   There were 112 golfers and he placed 42.

We walked after supper - visited with some folks who were on their way to "Movie" night at the clubhouse.

Only 7 on zoom tonight - Jim gave an update on Lydia, Joan's very hurting ankle (goes to Dr. on Wednesday), Beth is in Japan with daughter Megan for 2 weeks, etc.

Enjoy your week

Saturday - March 22

 Last night's event with the dogs at the hockey game was called "Paws and Pucks"!    Today, Anne and Liam (no dogs) were off to Weaver Ridge in Peoria to watch Connor and golf team play in a 2-day tournament.   Geez.....it was in the 30's when they teed off.    Anne and Liam stayed for just 4 holes as it was so cold and then they were headed to Iowa City and Liam's last few weeks as a sophomore.   He enjoyed his spring break!

Mark had a package ready for pick-up at Amazon (Save-a-Lot) and since it was across the street from Hardees, he was ready for a biscuits and gravy fix.   We really like their biscuits.

We walked when we got home, and worked in the she shed organizing and started a little bit getting things ready for when we leave (April 14th).

We picked up Mark and Brenda for dinner at Cooper's Hawk - another wonderful meal and good to catch up with these friends here in the park from New Philadelphia, OH.   They are leaving April 4th and just returned from home where they celebrated Brenda's Dad's 99th birthday!

  

Mark, Brenda, Pat, Mark

and then our desserts!

Mark and I shared the 

Banoffee Pie

Mark and Brenda shared the

Carrot Cake

 Connor shot a 79 today.....hope it warms up a bit for the golfers tomorrow although rain is in the forecast.  

Lydia is now settled in a nearby hotel for a few days - she won't have to deal with steps as she regains her strength and balance and adjusts to her new hip!   We wish her a speedy recovery!

Friday - March 21

BURRRR...it was really chilly and windy when we left at 7 AM for 7:30 Mass at St. Francis.    This weekday mass is held in the chapel and today, we had Father Robert.

Afterwards, we went to Ella Mae's for delicious breakfast - Mark had the peach pecan French toast and I had my favorite, banana crunch pancake.   Also enjoyed our coffees from Dean Street Coffee Roasters.

Had a few errands before heading home.    Stopped at Flo briefly and then to play euchre.   Judy joined us for a game of 3-handed which Mark won.   Linda then came and we played 4-handed which Judy and Linda beat Mark and me.   Fun time!

Quiet day for us.....but happy to hear that Lydia's hip replacement went well today.    She will spend tonight in the hospital.    So thankful for this news and 1st surgery to correct her hip/spine issues is behind her.

Philip saw his primary doctor today and confirmed that he does have shingles.   Surprised he would get them at his age, but I guess age has nothing to do with it!    Dr. said he could expect another week of discomfort/pain.   He's on 2 antibiotics.

Jim and daughter, Nicole stopped by.    They left Lydia sleeping and taking a break.   Great to hear all about Lydia's procedure, good results, etc.   Jim was showing Nicole around the park as they left for a walk (Jim is extremely dedicated to get his 10,000 + steps each and every day).

Jim and Nicole (visiting from St. Louis)

We walked later in the afternoon ...and visited with some folks out enjoying this gorgeous day - cooler with low 70's, but wind finally died down.   We were talking at euchre this morning that as many activities as we have here at CT ((473 lots), there are still so many people we come across who we've never seen before (been here 7 years)!    

We checked in with Barb and Joe (5 lots away) to tell them good bye as they planned to leave tomorrow for IL.   However, some nasty weather could be coming over the weekend between here and their home, so....they're staying put till Tuesday.    We sat under their tiki and had a nice visit, but then it got really chilly, so...nighty night!

Tonight Anne, Liam, Gibson and Frankie are at the Bison hockey game in downtown Bloomington.   It's "Dog Night" and Anne said there are more dogs than people!!!

Liam and his furry buddies

Thursday - March 20

 The strong winds were today back along with lots of sunshine and a high of 79.   Mark and I walked to the clubhouse - I went in to play rummikub in the library and he walked back to Flo and dealt with some projects.   

Jo, Nancy and I played 6 games of rummikub with "Queen" Jo winning 4 games, Nancy and I, one each.    Lots of fun!   Mark met me at Jim and Lydia's afterwards as we wanted to wish her good luck tomorrow when she has her hip replacement.   She is sooo ready to get her new hip and be free of pain.

On home for lunch and a quiet afternoon.   

Larry and Sue from Cobourg, Ontario who we got together with last summer in Cobourg, invited us for dinner tonight.    They have a beautiful outdoor kitchen and furniture under their tiki.    What a fun evening enjoying their chicken stir fry over spaghetti (Larry prepared the chicken and veggies on their blackstone grill).  I brought dessert and then we played 3 games of euchre with Mark and Sue winning the first two, but Larry and I came back and "skunked" 'em.   Very enjoying evening.

Grilled chicken and veggies prepared by Chef Larry

Sue and Larry

The winds are still very strong....and it's chilly!

Wednesday - March 19

 HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   DAVIS

"23"

Davis at the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland

Davis is enjoying his home and job in Winston Salem.     He has made us very proud!

Very warm again today but just a nice breeze instead of the crazy winds we've  been having!   Mark left for a haircut downtown with Jose and I played canasta with the gals (26).    Lisa, Donna and I beat Jo, Beth and Dayna.    We finished early so Dayna  suggested we play "Swoop", a new card game for the rest of us.   Lots of fun....we played 3 games with Lisa winning 2 and 1 win for me.

On home for lunch and then ran some errands (Wal Mart and Aldi) and on home.   

Worked on some logistics for fall girls trip with Kathy and Claire to Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) in Canada.

Homemade pizza and salad for supper.  We walked and later had a good chat with the birthday boy!   

There are several young folks (grandchildren) in the park these days for spring break.   Lucky for the kiddos and their G and G.

Till tomorrow...

Tuesday - March 18

 A  very fun day spent with my dear friend Claire.   We met at Wilford and Lee Home Accents.    Then to Anthony's and finally Bell Tower.   Did some retail therapy and off  to lunch.   This was our last hurrah before Claire heads back to IL.   Lunch at Bahama Breeze was excellent and of course, aways plenty to chat about.

Claire and Pat with our yummy coconut mojitos

Said our good byes and look forward to being together in Bloomington in May.   Great day!

On home....I just missed Joan (Marks sister) and Joe from Arcadia who came to drop off the cricket (mini golf cart) which we'll store in the she shed at end of season.   Joe also helped Mark and Jim install (switch out air conditioners) in sheds which they always appreciate Joe's help at beginning and end of season.

Joan is having terrible pain in her ankle (she's had 2 ankle and 2 knee replacements).   She's been doing well this winter, waking much more, etc., but just the past few days, she is really hurting.    So....they are heading back to IL tomorrow and has appointment set up with her orthopedic doctor for the 26th.    Safe travels and sure enjoyed some fun times this winter.

Mark and I caught up on our day, had some leftovers for dinner and then a walk in the park.

Monday - March 17

H A P P Y   ST.   P A D D Y'S   D A Y 

This guy and I wish you a happy IRISH day and many blessings in the year ahead!

Much cooler today (low 70's) but still very windy.   I played canasta for the first time in a few weeks - 28 ladies.   My partners (Susan and Linda) lost to Eileen, Anne and Denise.

Met Mark afterwards and we went to Farmer's Market for Corned Beef and Cabbage (Mark) and I had their stuffed green pepper (Monday special).  Mark enjoyed his but corned beef was not as tender as Matanza's on FMB that we remember from several years ago and hasn't come back since Ian.    We both had plenty of leftovers (just after we cleared out the fridge this morning of the last of the boxes)!   😀

Then to Regional Radiology on Winkler for my DEXA scan (bone density).    On home and put some laundry away.   Mark worked on back of truck organizing.   Still had stuff in the she shed we had taken out for trip to Lakeland.

The St. Paddy's parade at CT kicked off at 3:30 and I think there were about 10 golf carts decorated.   They threw out koozies and candy.

One of the parade participants

Went for a walk - such a pretty day.    Big party at the clubhouse tonight serving Reubens and Rachels, music, etc.

Had planned on another walk after supper, but burr....temps are dropping and winds still very strong so....I wimped out!

Sunday - March 16

 Another warm 'n windy day....we picked up Barb and Joe and went to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul with Father Murchadh O'Madagain.   The church was packed, the music was beautiful and Father Murchadh's homily was excellent.

After Mass we drove to Blossom and Brie in North Fort Myers - farm to table for brunch.    It was packed with diners enjoying their meals in this rural setting.   What a popular spot and sooo delicious! I love Blossom and Brie.

Mark, Pat, Barb, Joe

On home and good bye to Joe and Barb.   They live on a farm, so really enjoyed getting back in the country.  They're leaving next Saturday for home in IL.

Mark and I took a nap and then a quiet rest of the day.   Brenda (next door) and I visited - she had a but of neighborhood gossip!

The new Starbucks on Palm Beach Boulevard is finally open....we've been watching this being built for a long time.   We prefer Peter's downtown but this is a bit closer so I'm sure we'll be checking it out when we're out that way.

Zoom tonight with 8 siblings and the usual chatter!

Brady just finished his spring break (part of it in Fort Lauderdale and also Lake James).   He's now heading back to Notre Dame and called us - great visit!    Cant believe our 3 college kiddos are coming down the home stretch with freshman year (Brady and Connor) and sophomore (Liam)

Saturday - March 15

 We had breakfast and then went for a walk.    Today is the once-a-month garage sale in the park, so lots of folks out and about checking out the treasures, etc.    We had good visits with Sue and Paul and later, Barb and Joe, all from IL.

On home and we gave Flo a good bath and I washed the windows and did some laundry.   It is hot today and very windy!

Mark ran several errands and picked up a few groceries at Publix.   It was in the upper 80's

We had a very warm, windy walk around 6:15.....more leftovers for supper (coming down the home stretch)!   😅

So much devastation from tornadoes....praying for the victims, their families and all those involved in the massive cleanup.

Friday - March 14

 Very warm and sunny Friday.   We went to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul with Father Murchadh.   Back home for a bit, light breakfast and then off to Naples.

We met Dick and Shirley, high school classmates of mine at Hogfish Harry's.    This is a favorite of theirs, but first time for us - it's part of a huge resort (Park Shore Condominiums) and is tucked away in a beautiful quiet area of lush vegetation and flowering plants along with waterfalls, ponds and bridges to meander about.    What a gem, food was excellent and such a pretty setting.    Mark had the hogfish and I had a kale/brussel salad with a lemon/maple dressing!   

We've been meeting Dick and Shirley from Dixon, IL since 2017 each winter when we're all here in FL.   So much to catch up on and another great visit by the large pool with many  condo guests enjoying themselves this warm day

Dick, Shirley, Mark, Pat

We stopped at Dillards in Coastland Center to check out possible dresses for upcoming weddings (Ryan and Drew).   Nothing too exciting - sooo many online.

The trip home was stressful with heavy traffic on I-75 and a 4-car accident.    We both took a nap, had a light supper and then walked.