Monday - December 8

 Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception.    We went to Mass at 9 at St. Vincent de Paul.   Father Murchadh O'Madagain gave a wonderful homily in tribute to Mary and we enjoyed all the songs dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

On home for a bit till time to leave for Connie and Steve's home at Shell Point Retirement Community.    Steve drove us to The Woodlands (Jim and Lydia) and we had a very yummy lunch at "Blend" with everything so beautifully decorated for Christmas.     We had such a fun afternoon visiting, laughing and reminiscing.    We've been friends since the early 70s.  Can't wait to be together in January....

Beautiful tree at The Woodlands where we had lunch

Pretty flowers

Connie and Steve at The Woodlands

Love their wreath which Connie's sister sent from Washington State.

 Fresh evergreens and decorated so pretty/

Goodbye hugs and on home for about 10 minutes and then Buddy gave me a quick review on taking care of JoAnn's 5 orchid plants in their RV.    I will give them 3 ice cubes each the day before we leave for IL and they should be good to go👍till JoAnn returns late December.

We left with Buddy for the Punta Gorda airport and Buddy had an 8:30 flight to Asheville.   We wish him the best with his meniscus surgery and recovery on the 18th.

Stopped at Culver's for supper and on home!

Our little Christmas Angel

Maeve singing with her classmates

 

Sunday - December 7

 We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Steve.    We met Mike and Jessie O'Brien, a couple from Minnesota a few years ago.    Mike is a Eucharistic Minister and they always sit behind us in church.    Mike was behind us along with their daughter and son-in-law today.   I had wondered where Jessie was?   We walked out of church together and Mike told us that Jessie died last night.    She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June.    I can't tell you what a shock that was - they are younger than us and just really nice people.    I am stunned....

Stopped at Publix for a few things and on home.   Our neighbor Buddy from NC arrived.    He left yesterday driving his big class A down here.   JoAnn was not able to come down with him, but they wanted to get their home settled as Buddy is having meniscus surgery on the 18th.    They hope to be back down here around the 30th.

Buddy joined us for dinner at The Rum Bucket - good food and lots of chatter.   

Zoom tonight was 10 siblings - missing Tom H.    Kinda quiet - Christmas travel plans and Friday night plans for Chamberlain gathering.   Just hope 'n pray for good weather.

Havc a great week!

Saturday - December 6

Warm sunny day reaching 84.   The day started out (according to Mark) very foggy, but that was way before I got up.    Everything was drippy but we went for our walk with 94% humidity!  We hooked up with Brenda who is so "in the know" what's going on in the park.  Walked with her till we got back to Flo.   Having dinner with she and Mark Thursday night.

We both had lists of things to do today - I did 2 loads of laundry and sorted thru some clothes and warmer things to take back to IL on the 17th.    Still sooo cold back there.

Did a bunch of bookwork, Christmas cards, lists, and more lists.    But in good shape for Christmas - now planning our trip north followed by Anne and boys arriving on the 23rd.

Mark has been having issues with charging his phone (charger won't stay in the phone)?    Very frustrating.   He found a place here at the Forum "ubreakifix" (mobile phone and computer stuff) with several locations around SWFL.   He went there today and 4 minutes and $30 later, walked out with a clean ready-to-charge phone.  The guy used some small tweezer-type tool that did the trick!   Obviously he knew just what to do and as Mark said "worth every penny"!!!

My bougainvillea is in full bloom

Walked late afternoon - cooled off nicely - visited with Al and Jo.   On home and had orange chicken (Trader Joe's) for supper.    Sooo delicious!

Our little bit of holiday cheer

Thanks Allie!

Friday - December 5

 We walked in the morning and then played euchre (5-handed) with Jo, Cindy and Todd.    Cindy and Mark won the 2 games.   Everyone was on their way by 11:15.    We drove to Bonita Fish Co.    This place had been heavily damaged from Ian and was closed for a long time.   Now totally remodeled it opened last month.    We met John and Beth, Charlotte and Doug.    What fun to all be together again.    Charlotte and Doug are from Annapolis and took the train with their packed car from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL - sounds like the way to travel but unfortunately, that's the only train/car trip to FL.    They enjoyed the much-less-than-24 hour trip with no stress and arrived Wednesday.

The Bonita Fish Co. was very good - we were all pleased with our lunch selection.   The same group (HM Restaurant Group) owns Dixie Fish Co and Doc Fords - all 3 are next to each other and all very good!   We had so much to catch up on - of course, health issues covered much discussion.😒    We have more fun outings planned this month before John and Beth leave for the winter.

Said our good byes till next week.....we stopped at the post office, Aldi and ABC Liquors.   I got a manicure with Alisa and on home.

Mark, Pat, Beth, John, Charlotte, Doug

Maeve's collection of stuffies (a few of Luke's, too)

Philip's latest "work of art"

3-drawer cabinet with walnut top

Lots of holiday decor here in our park

Wishing our family/friends in IA, IL, IN and NC a cozy 'n warm weekend!

Thursday - December 4

Mark was off at 7:30 to the tire place on Palm Beach Boulevard and 4 new tires for Ruby.   2 hours and $$$ later, he was on his way to Publix for some sub sandwiches, chips and cookies + a few other items.    I went for a walk in the park.  His sister Joan and Joe arrived around 11:15.    They came to pick up their cricket (mini golf cart) which we store over the summer.  

The guys got the cricket loaded up and then Joe helped Mark switch out our air conditioners (putting the older one in and newer one out) - we do this while we're here as not sure long the older one is gonna last?   Always appreciate Joe's help.

Joan is the ultimate mixologist who loves making all these delicious adult beverages - today she made lemon drop martinis (my favorite) - they were sooo yummy and refreshing!   It's not every day you have a lemon drop martini, sub, chips and white chocolate macadamia  cookie for lunch!   😋😋😋  Her muddled old fashions and orange crushes are the best!!!

They left at 1:30 and were stopping at Costco before heading back to Arcadia.    So fun to be together and planning for them to come back soon for a trip to Rib City.

Joan and Joe

Mark and I took a little nap and a quiet rest of the afternoon.   Our recliners are soo comfy/

Wednesday - December 3

 Nice day in FL and although I wanted to play canasta, I knew I probably wouldn't be done by noon when I had to leave for my haircut, so.....went with Mark downtown.    We had our coffees at Peter's and then he got his haircut by Jose and I sat in the courtyard with  my I-pad and cinnamon/vanilla latte.

As we were walking from the parking garage to Peter's, we noticed several men and a few women in uniform - all Lee County sheriff's deputies outside and inside the coffee shop.   One of the guys told us to take a mug and pen sitting on a table outside the shop "Coffee with a Cop".    Apparently promoting the sheriff's department today.    

gift from the sheriff's department

One of the guys held the door for us and as always, so good to see Marika.    I noticed their big freezer which normally holds German ice cream handmade by Stefan now had muffins and other pastries.   I asked Amanda about this and she said "we are no longer carrying the ice cream as we sell much more baked goods"!   Mark returned about 45 minutes later and we were on our way but still a strong deputy presence!

We had lunch and then I left for my haircut with Kaitlin.    Good to see her as my long-time stylist, Jewel has retired.   We had a good visit (she did my hair after Ian as Jewel was off for a long time having lost her home and so many possessions in that dreadful hurricane.(

On home....Mark was working on the cabinet installing the knobs we bought last night.   Picture coming soon.

I did some laundry and planted the flowers in pots.

Our neighbor Dick and his friend Marlene have been gone over 2 months on an around-the-world trip (cruising and land/air travel).    WOW....we've enjoyed his blog and what adventures they encountered (mostly good)!😊

Dick told me he's having eyelid surgery on December 30th....yikes.    Told him same for me on February 12th.   😟

Tuesday - December 2

 Rainy morning when we left Macclenny but 1st a stop at Starbucks and then on our way.   It was nasty but in the upper 60's.   It rained heavy at times, but just for short periods.   Mark did all of the driving today - we had sunshine intervals, too....strange weather!  Even had a brief shower as we were coming into Fort Myers.   Had lunch at Arby's in Bartow.

We arrived at CT at 1:30 - sunny, very windy and 81.    Started unpacking, got the old cabinet removed from Flo and new one in place - love it!   

Went to Hobby Lobby to look for hardware (knobs for cabinet).   Annette told us they had a great selection - sure never thought of them for hardware.   So, we checked them out and whoaaa...several to choose from and left with 3 new knobs.

Then to Lowe's and while Mark hunted for some screws and a magnet for bottom drawer, I bought flowers for all my pots and will deal with those tomorrow.    Home just before dark, had supper and settled in.

Tonight was the annual Morganton, NC Christmas tree lighting and parade.   Luke rode on his Core Adventure float

Luke riding in the parade tonight

Blair and Maeve were at the parade, too.

Monday - December 1

 HAPPY   BIRTHDAY

to

DREW 

Our birthday boy and his bride, Tessa

Our first grandson, Andrew Michael was born 26 years ago today (how can that be)!    Mark and I were there for his birth and what a joy he's been.  He recently started a new job, married his college sweetheart,  loves sports, boating, etc. and now wanting to get into woodworking (Uncle Philip can be a great mentor)😀

Mark packed up Ruby (loaded to the gills but he's the BEST packer)!    We were off at 8:00 and a good day of travel with cloudy skies all day long.    We shared the driving and did mostly country roads - traffic was light.   Rain started at 3:15, but  just a steady drizzle.     Stopped in Lyons, GA at Scoops (ice cream, coffee, chocolates and lots of sweets.)   We enjoyed our coffees and brownies!   

There are so many excellent Christmas music stations on XM including Hallmark, Country, Holly, Holiday Traditions and lots more.   We had these holiday tunes with us all the way!

2 interesting sites today - #1, the little town of Edgefield, SC had the neatest downtown area with a courthouse on the square and lots of neat Christmas decorations.    And then in Baxley, GA, the all white very classy courthouse had a wreath with red bow in every window (2-story building) - beautiful!

Other than that, we passed many many churches and schools but got to see rural SC and GA for sure.    MUCH less stressful than taking the interstate.

Since we didn't have lunch (coffee and brownies), we had an early dinner at Sam's Crystal River Seafood (#1 on Trip Advisor).    We crossed into FL at 4:48 and 6 miles down the road, we were in Macclenny, FL and found Sam's - great seafood (we both had shrimp and crab cakes + baked beans, fried corn, cole slaw and fried okra) + hushpuppies.  

Checked into our hotel and called it a day!   450 miles today with about 5 hours to Fort Myers tomorrow.  

Sunday - November 30

Rained during the night and Sunday morning was cold and drizzly.    Mark and I went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo,   Today marks the start of the Advent season and as always, St. Charles has the LARGEST Advent wreath we've ever seen.   It's fresh evergreens and the huge wreath stretches across the center aisle of church from extending from end pew to the other.   Several tall folks have to duck to avoid hitting their heads, but it's beautiful and we love that fresh scent.

Father Ken Whittington has been the priest at St. Charles for 32 years and baptized Luke and Maeve and they + Blair made their First Communion with Father.  He is 83 years old and today announced he is retiring after Christmas.    Father Ken is a convert to the Catholic faith and been very involved in the parish's musical ministry.   He started playing the piano at age 5 and traveled to Germany as a Fulbright scholar   He was ordained a priest at the age of 46.  And on and on his story goes....very impressive.    We wish him a long, healthy retirement - well deserved!

After Mass we went to Waterbean (favorite coffee shop in Morganton).    Philip, Annette and Maeve joined us after dropping Luke off for confirmation class.      Got some fuel in Ruby and on home.   

Started packing and getting all our stuff together - back on the road tomorrow heading south to warm sunshine!

Last night our grand girls and friends enjoyed the hot tub and then warm fireplace

 after decorating the big tree at the camp!

Anna, Aria, Blair, Olivia, Luna, Maeve

So Maeve apparently has a little business going cleaning wheels and spokes for $ of course.    Here she's working on Ruby and wow....they really did shine!

Euchre in the afternoon with Annette and I beating the guys 2 games.    Then the rubber match left from yesterday's 1-1 game between Mark and Annette and Philip and myself - they were the winners!    Lots of euchre this weekend but todays cards were much better.

After yummy leftovers for supper, Mark and I said our good byes to Philip and family....we sooo enjoyed staying in the carriage house and being close by AND our new cabinet which was built in 4 days and now loaded in Ruby!!!

The kiddos with their G and G

Philip, Maeve, Luke, Annette

Off to Michael and Brooke's with their Christmas gifts to put under the tree - after all their family was there for 4 days, today was busy with laundry and decorating the house - all looked great!   

Michael, Blair, Brooke, Millie

Blair and her G and G

Thankful that our grandsons all made it back to college safely.    Anne took Liam to Iowa City but no real problem with the roads.   Connor said 150 was not good but I74 was fine.   Brady had the biggest issue with the last hour very treacherous going into South Bend.

Only 7 on zoom but heard about everyone's Thanksgiving, all the snow in the Midwest, Joan's travels to FL, update on our brother-in-law, Mike settling into memory care, etc.

Enjoy your week ahead!

Bye bye November.....bring on the hustle and bustle of 

DECEMBER!

Saturday - November 29

 Another chilly day and mostly cloudy.      Day 4 of marathon family time/football/euchre/amd eating.    Today, Philip and Annette hosted the clan (19) for fried chicken +++ delicious sides provided by we gals....potato salad, pasta salad, cole slaw, deviled eggs and cowboy baked beans.

After this big lunch, some watched football, some took naps, some went to Michael's for more football and some continued with the euchre.

Annette and Maeve went to the camp to decorate the big Christmas tree late afternoon.    Keeping an eye on the weather and snowy Midwest.

I didn't take many pics this weekend but here's a few...

Ryan and Erin's tree

Annette and Maeve on a brisk morning walk

Camp Lake James

Mark, Annette, Maeve, Pat, Brady, Michael

We went to Michael's and said our good byes to Brady and Davis and the Bliss folks (Brooke's family).    Then to see Ryan and Erin and good bye hugs for them.   Played 2 games of euchre (Philip and I won the first and Mark and Annette, the 2nd).    BIG day....nighty night!

Safe travels to all tomorrow....Midwest snow storm is putting many folks in jeopardy.

Friday - November 28

 Sunny cold Black Friday here at Lake James....keeping an eye on the Midwest winter storm coming tomorrow and Sunday.

Annette and I worked in her kitchen - she made chili and "pig shots" for tonight (annual soup supper + appetizers) and I made a pasta salad for tomorrow's lunch.   Pig  shots are a piece of kielbasa wrapped in bacon and then a cream cheese/pepper jelly topping - very good!

Mark and Philip worked on "the table".   Annette, Maeve and I went for a very brisk walk - CHILLY out there!

We all went to Michael and Brooke's at 3ish for more cards, lots of football AND, of course, eating!    After all the appetizers, we had our annual soup supper (taco chili, Erin; corn chowder, Brooke; vegetable beef, Judy; chili, Annette; Zuppa, Leigh; and ham sliders, Pat)   And Erin  brought an assortment of mini Nothing Bundt Cakes

Another fun day of family, food, football and euchre!

Thanksgiving - 2025

 HAPPY   THANKSGIVING

It's a chilly holiday and very windy here in North Carolina.   Mark and Philip worked on our table for a bit this morning.

Michael picked us up and then we got Ryan and off to Keith and Kathryn's (their good friends) to see their new home being built - wow....a biggie and will be so beautiful.   Maybe done in March?

After the house tour, we went to where Keith and Kathryn are living temporarily and had Bloody Mary's, mimosas or bourbon hot cider.....DELISH!!!

Michael and Brooke entertained the Chamberlains and Blisses for turkey day and another bountiful feast.    Started with lots of appetizers and after several games of cards, we had turkey, ham and all the trimmings.   Mark's brother Tom and Beth entertained Anne and boys along with 2 Canadian members of Connor's golf team.  So much to be thankful for....

Hope you all had a blessed day!

Wednesday - November 26

Today started out very foggy, but by 10:30, the sun was shining and it warmed up in the 60's (much different than yesterday or what's to come starting tomorrow.)

Maeve came over and made her batch of Rolo treats.   I did the strawberry pretzel salad, sweet potato casserole and cheesy bubblies (appetizer).    What fun to work in Annette's kitchen and Ryan's former one is a dream, too.

My little treat maker

Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve went for a 4-mile hike (camp and back)!  😊

Philip is working away on Flo's cabinet with Mark's assistance.   He amazes me with his talent and his workshop is over the top.

Our talented woodworking son!

Some of us went to the Camp in the afternoon - lots of fun visiting (our NC kiddos have great friends).    Brady arrived.........glad to have him here for the weekend.    Played Flip 7 - fun card game and the winners were Carrie and Kathryn.

Brady, Kathryn, Annette, Carrie

Mark and I went to Ryan and Erin's at 5 to see their new home and Erin opened her birthday gifts (belatedly) and then rest of the clan arrived later followed by Davis.  WOW....beautiful home!!!

Some of Erin's gifts were all about "Karen", her Golden Retriever!

We had a wonderful Mexican dinner - lots of good stuff  and so fun to be together enjoying a grand evening of family time - missing Anne, Liam, Connor, Drew and Tessa.

The sweet cousins

Luke hangin' out

The guys with 2 rousing games of euchre both won by Mark, Ryan and Davis

Pat and the girls - Annette, Erin and Brooke

Mark and our 3 boys - Philip, Michael and Ryan

The guys played cards, we girls yakked away and the littles did their thing!

On home and so looking forward to tomorrow!    Tonight was just the start of some marathon eating!  Oink Oink!

Tuesday - November 25

Saw Philip first thing this morning....glad to have him back after lots of work time!    He and Mark went to the lumber yard with plans for him to make a table for Flo between our recliners.

I did 2 loads of laundry, wrapped 3 more gifts. and worked on some Christmas cards.   The rain started at 10 and just a wet chilly dreary Tuesday!

Michael picked Brady up at the Charlotte airport. 

  Philip and Annette's friend Randy came for more euchre - this time 5-handed which Annette and Mark tied for. 

Maeve had her fiddle lesson after school.

Luke came over to our carriage house and made Rollo/pretzel/M 'n M treats)

A favorite holiday treat for our family

We played euchre with Philip and Annette - Mark and I won 2 of 3 games.    Enjoyed some yummy eggnog with nutmeg!😋

Monday - November 24

 I'm back from Asheville with beautiful memories of the "Biltmore by Candlelight"!    

Mark took me to Black Mountain yesterday and we met Karen and friend Kathi at Starbucks at 3.    Mark went back to the lake and K, K and I drove to Asheville.   They are staying at the Biltmore Hotel - VERY nice and so convenient with shuttle service to wherever!   Dropped off my stuff and then a late lunch at the hotel restaurant which was excellent (crab cakes for Karen; chicken panini for Kathi and fried green tomato BLT for me - all excellent).  We walked around the Antler Winery which had a long line for complimentary wine tasting, so no wine but a nice gift shop to browse and then waited for the shuttle to take us to the big house for our candlelight tour.  

Kathi and Karen outside the Antler Winery

Gorgeous tree on the lawn in front of the Biltmore

The Biltmore at night

 Our reservation was for 6:45.   LOTS and LOTS of people but oh my.......so magical and just in awe of so much beauty.    A middle school choir from Asheville sang Christmas carols in the garden room - very entertaining.    I've been to the Biltmore 2x previous at Christmas time, but never at night........whoaaa....very awesome!

Just a few of the incredible trees which were everywhere throughout the home.

Auntie Karen and Pat

 

 Took the 8:00 shuttle back to the hotel - we were all tired, got into our jammies and by 9, or soon after, nighty night time

Mark had dinner with Michael, Brooke and Blair (beef stew) and then zoom with just a few siblings tonight.

Monday - Karen and I went down to the lobby for lattes - all complimentary for guests!    We were in touch with Mark who was coming to Asheville to pick me up.   Karen needed a few things at Target so shopped there and met Mark at 10.   Said good bye to the K's - they were sooo accommodating and hospitable - I'm so thankful they asked me to share last night.   Kathi's sister was planning to be on this trip but had to cancel, so that's how my ticket came to be.   Lucky me and then to get to stay at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel.

Mark and I stopped at Dollar Tree and then to Black Mountain.   We had an 11:00 meeting with Carla, Marketing Director at Givens Highland Farms where we plan to live one day.   It was a great visit and learned more about which kind of housing we might want - just no idea "when" we'll be ready for this.    Left there with our heads spinning 😕

Drove downtown to meet Buddy and JoAnn at "My Father's Pizza" (favorite of Michael's).    We had never been but Buddy and JoAnn like it, too.   GREAT food (no one had pizza)😂  Buddy and JoAnn live across the street from us at CT but won't be arriving till late December.   Their home here is in Candler (Asheville suburb).    Really enjoyed our visit - great friends and neighbors!!!

Buddy, JoAnn, Pat, Mark

Next stop was Ingles to buy all the ingredients/groceries I need for the next several days...

Then finally back to the lake, unloaded our stuff and just chilled a bit.    Philip is back from Florida but was with Annette to pick up the kiddos.

Michael picked us up at 4:30 and off to Morganton - stopped at Lowe's for a few things and then to the 1st basketball game of the season for Blair's school (Liberty Middle).    The 7th and 8th grade boys won 42-18 but we were there to watch Blair cheer - she loves it and does great!    They have 20 cheerleaders!!!    Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents) were there and afterwards we all went to the Town Tavern for supper.   Good food and visiting!!!

Our favorite cheerleader

Cheering on the Knights

Blair, Michael, Mark, Judy (photographer was Brooke)

Bob and Pat

Sunday - November 23

 We went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo in Morganton with Michael, Annette, Luke and Maeve.    Luke and Blair are in confirmation class so had that session between masses (Brooke and Blair went to noon mass).    Michael, Mark and I went to Waterbean for coffee/breakfast, quick stop at Food Lion and on home.

  Last night Auntie Karen called and asked if I would like to go the "Biltmore Light" display tonight.   I knew she and her friend Kathy were visiting the Biltmore this weekend and somehow had an extra ticket for tonight.    "YES".....so Mark will take me to meet them later this afternoon, I'm spending the night with them at the Biltmore Village and Mark will pick me up tomorrow.   Two years ago when this had been the plan with 4 of my Monday Night Friends and then........the BAD fall, I've not seen the nighttime lights, so very excited.

Another gorgeous day at Lake James.    The deer were out big time last night - these guys were in Philip's backyard...

Friendly deer

View from our deck of the lake and mountains!

I will post this blog update early and follow up after my trip to Asheville.

Saturday - November 22

 More rain overnight and the air is so fresh and love that piney scent.

After breakfast, Mark and I went for a walk - been sitting too much the past few days!   

The mailbox gets some seasonal beauty

Woke up to this scenery today

The carriage house (our home during our Thanksgiving stay)!

Annette invited their friend Randy to come over for soup/salad and play some euchre.    Mark and I won 4 of 5 games!!!    And the soup/broccoli salad were sooo yummy.

Then we left for Michael's and saw his new dock (damaged from Helene) and newly finished room above garage - very nice.    Big football Saturday and they had some friends come in to watch the game - we visited with Keith and Kathryn.    Blair showed us her new room and and then we were on our way back home.    Brooke and Blair were going to see the movie "Wicked For Good" this afternoon.

Grandpa, Grandma, Blair

Wrapped some gifts and watched football...  HUGE win for Notre Dame against Syracuse and then Iowa eked out a win over Michigan State - exciting Saturday college football!

The plan tonight was for Erin, Annette, Luke, Maeve, Mark and I to have dinner at Bones Jones which is a very popular place here at the lake but we've never been.    We got there at 5:20 and it was going to be a 1-1.5 hour wait!   😞 So we went to the camp and enjoyed our meals and the seasonal ambiance.  Fun time with family - missing Philip and Ryan.

Erin, Annette, Mark

Maeve, Luke, Pat