Christmas - 2025

 M E R R Y  C H R I S T M A S

A beautiful day in Fort Myers....Anne and boys arrived around 9:45.   We opened presents, the boys went for a swim, Anne and I walked and Mark left for the airport to pick up Jim and Lydia.    They were back here at CT before noon and after settling in, they walked over and joined us for dinner.

And then...........thanks to our neighbor, JoAnn's oven and microwave, we had our big dinner (mostly from Fresh Market and also, Publix).    All very good and the 7 of us ate heartily.

We had dessert later and enjoyed visiting on the patio.   Ann came over to take this pic.

Anne, Liam, Connor, Pat, Mark, Lydia, Jim

It was a wonderful family Christmas gathering!   Hope your day was merry and bright and filled with treasured memories!

The skiers at Jackson Hole - 175" of snow!

Cruising on Lake James Christmas Day

Ryan and Erin's Christmas fire

Christmas Eve - 2025

 Anne and the boys got in 45 minutes early last night and checked into their hotel around 10ish l   This morning they were off early for a swim in the gulf on Fort Myers Beach.   Then they ran in Lakes Park.....   

Mark and I picked up Christmas dinner at Fresh Market - LOTS of folks there to get their holiday meal.   They had our food in an insulated cooler which we get to keep (different sizes for the amount of food you order) and as Mark said, "we paid for the cooler"!   Ha! 😀

We stopped at Panera and on home.  Anne and boys arrived around 3 and we left for 4:00 Mass at St. Francis with Father Steve who carried in Baby Jesus (I remember when I was in grade school, the smallest little girl in the 1st grade class got the honor of carrying in Baby Jesus at Midnight Mass).   Before Mass, they had the Nativity story acted out by students at St. Francis school.    And Father read the small children a Christmas story instead of a homily.

On home and the kids met Ann and Duaine.   CT had their annual Christmas parade with several decorated and lit up golf carts!

We enjoyed Buddy and JoAnn's tiki with comfy furniture, TV and water view with our appetizers.    Beautiful evening to set outside.

Connor, Anne, Pat, Liam, Mark

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

Tuesday - December 23

 Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Dad, who would've been 108 today!   💙

We had a fun morning - Ann and Duaine picked us up at 9 and we were off to Peter's Coffee Cafe downtown.   One year ago when they were visiting, we had told them about this place.   Ann has a very strong German heritage and really connected with Marika and Stefan.    Ann wrote a book that Marika purchased a year ago and today, told her how much she enjoyed it!

We sat in the courtyard and enjoyed our breakfasts/coffees and visited for almost 2 hours.    Then stopped at Williams Hardware as Duaine and Mark both needed stuff.    On home....

Merry Christmas, Marika with the cute headband

Dani (makes a mean breakfast sandwich at Peter's)

My scrumptious cranberry/strawberry coffeecake

Duaine and Ann with German nativity 

We got the she shed in good order and our winter woolies all put away!    

This afternoon we drove Ruby and Big Red to Punta Gorda airport and left Ruby for Anne and boys who will arrive later tonight.

We had dinner at Laishley's Crab House - a favorite (especially with Allie and Owen).   Been here many times but think a 1st for dinner time.   So good and so pleasant sitting outside.    On home....

The tree in Laishley's lobby

Monday - December 22

 

Breezy and sunny....Mark and I went to Hardees for "his" fix of  biscuits and gravy, but I enjoyed my breakfast sandwich, too!   Then home and got the laundry started.   I played canasta and Rita and I lost to Peggy and Anita (close game).    14 today....two tables of 4 and one of 6.    Walked home and our neighbors, Ann and Duaine from Destin were out under their tiki.    They rent their lot out but spend a week during December.   Always enjoy catching up with them and wish they were able to spend the winter months here.

After lunch, I did more laundry and then we went to Publix which was a zoo.....yikes, hard to find a parking space or available cart and people, people everywhere!   HOPE that's the last trip there before Christmas.....

Ann and Duaine picked us up and 4:30 and we drove to Babcock Ranch for dinner and to see the lights.    We ate at The Lake House - all very happy with our meals.    6 folks from CT sat at a nearby table.   And then we walked on the path looking at all the lights and listening to the music - it is a magic fairyland!    

A few pics from the Christmas beauty at Babcock Ranch

Duaine and Ann

Santa

Duaine and Ann under the palm trees

Gift-wrapped package of friends

When we got back to CT, we sat under their tiki hut and enjoyed hot mulled wine and yummy pecan treats from Alabama.

Saturday/Sunday - December 20-21

 We are back on Flo after a very busy but fun 4 days in cold IL.     Here's how the past 2 days went...

Saturday -  we were off to pick up my cousin Eileen at Heritage Square for breakfast.   Her sister, Jane from Peoria was to meet us, but she's not feeling well.....bummer!   We always enjoy our visits with Eileen and we went to Coffee Crush - she and Mark had waffles with bacon/sausage and I had a breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel and our coffees.    This is such a neat place.    We chatted with Eileen and caught up on our families, how much she loves living at Heritage, etc.    We took her home and she gave us a tour of her apartment and then we went upstairs to visit Paula, a LONG-TIME friend from 70+years growing up in Sublette.    What a treat to see Paula - we yakked and yakked about Sublettian memories, family stuff (our parents were best of friends for many years and her sister Joanie and I went all thru grade/high school)!

Pat, Paula, Eileen

Sublettians from waaaay back!

On back to the hotel - family is trickling in and games were being played (SkyJo, euchre, etc.)    We went to 4:30 Mass at St. Patrick's - Anne, Liam and Connor arrived from Iowa City and so many others.   After Mass, we congregated downstairs at the Holloway Center for a bountiful catered feast of Chicken George and all the sides, plus a mountain of beautiful delicious desserts!    Tonight was the big Packer/Bear football game and that is a very big rivalry in the family.    So, after clean up everyone headed home (if they lived nearby) or to the hotel to watch in the lobby on several screens or to their rooms.    What a game.....................the Bears fans were jubilant but Packer fans were left stunned at the overtime victory for the Bears.    Jim and I lost 2 of 3 games of euchre against Lydia and Mark (sooo close).  

 Not sure of the total # but do know 8 were not there cause of health or other reasons.   Mark (78) was the oldest and Parker (Jim and Lydia's granddaughter at 19 months, the youngest)

Sunday - woke up to brilliant sunshine but only 17 COLD degrees.    We loaded up the car, stopped at Starbucks and on our way to O'Hare.    Had an early lunch and then waited for our full flight to board.    Once again after we landed, we had to wait for a gate to free up.

Good to be "home".    Stopped at Culvers for supper, and then to Flo, unpacked and settled in - we are 2 tired nomads.   

Anne and boys were having their Christmas tonight - Tuesday, they fly to Florida.   Liam made Beef Wellington!   Whoaaaa......looks great and Anne said it was delicious

Impressive culinary skills from Liam

No Zoom tonight as we were just all together!

Enjoy all your last-minute hustle and bustle in the week ahead!

Friday - December 19

Another busy day....Mark and Connor loaded up the car and Mark and I left Anne's at 10:15.    Met brother Bob and Linda at Uptown Grill in LaSalle for lunch - this is a favorite and always great food.   Had a nice visit and look forward to seeing them in FL.

Mark, Pat, Linda, Bob

Next stop was Stonecroft Village where my Aunt Marian lives - she was getting ready to play "Christmas Bingo" so asked us to join her.    They play for one hour, but what a nice surprise to see Judi, a cousin from Sublette and a new resident at Stonecroft (as of this morning).    Judi is so much fun and was my Dad's advocate when he was dealing with health issues and we were in FL.....great gal!     Her sister Joan was visiting and helping her settle into her new home (trying this out for the winter months and see how it goes).

Joan, Mark, Pat

Aunt Marian, Judi

Saw some other folks I knew from Mendota/Sublette/Lakeland (where Bob and Ron are).....so really enjoyed the afternoon.    Aunt Marian was having fun and going to play Rummikub after we left.

Drove thru St. Mary's cemetery and saw Mom and Dad's graves and the pretty evergreens with red ribbons - Floralcrest does a beautiful job 3x a year.   Onto Dixon and checked into our hotel.....let the Chamberlain family festivities begin!

We had several appetizers and then pizza - we were all happy to stay indoors tonight and not brave the bitter cold.    Lots of visiting and then we played hand 'n foot - Doris, Theresa and Karen against Marilyn, Janet and myself.    The game was close, but we were all tired, so decided to end it and call it a day!    Gone are the days when we would stay up into the wee hours and play games!

Have a nice weekend out of the cold and may you finish all your Christmas preparations on time with a smile in your face!

Thursday - December 18

  Yucky day weatherwise with very dreary skies, strong wind, rain....

Anne was off to work early and Mark and Connor enjoyed breakfast at Times Past.

Jody and Ruth picked me up and we were off to Brenda's for our Monday Night Friends Christmas brunch

It was wonderful - Brenda's beautiful home, so much delicious food and our dear long-time friends.   We missed Linda.    And, Connie and Tamara who are no longer with us, but imagine they were laughing with us today as we reminisced about sooo many good times.  While we were there, it poured and the wind howled.   

Back:  Brenda, Ruth, Jody, Sue, Nadine

Front:  Donna, Pat, Marsha

Brenda's beautiful table

Marsha, Sue, Jody, Ruth

Pat, Nadine, Donna

Our  hostess Brenda with a few of her many Byers carolers

After I got back to Anne's, Mark and I picked up coffees at Starbucks and went to Donna Rae's.    Had a very enjoyable visit as always - she's doing so well and such a dear.    Her apartment is beautiful (her daughter-in-law Tammy spent 5 hours decorating) and oh my....many special treasures.

Donna Rae

Back to Anne's for delicious sweet 'n sour meatloaf (my favorite) and baked potatoes, corn, salad, rolls topped off with chocolate lava cake and apple tartlets with ice cream....oh my😋

Gibson, Connor, Frankie, Anne

So enjoyed our visit with these "4"....great hospitality!    They will be off to Iowa City Saturday morning to pick up Liam and then to Dixon for family Christmas

Geese standing on ice in Anne's backyard - snow has really melted 

Maeve playing her fiddle at school Christmas program

Wednesday - December 17

 A very early morning..........we were awake at 2 AM, so decided to just get up.   The Fort Myers airport (RSW) is undergoing a lot of construction (big expansion), so inside and outside, things are happening.   We had to meander from the parking lot to get into the terminal in the wee hours.   

Lots of activity at this early hour but our plane had lots of empty seats.   We arrived at O'Hare 1/2 hour early but then had to wait for a gate as a plane was still in our spot with mechanical problems.    Finally we got inside and wow....O'Hare was beautifully decorated for Christmas no matter where we walked.

Got our rental car and on our way to Rochelle where we met long-time good friends, Judy, Ruth and Butch.    What a fun visit....Judy and Mark have known one another since 1st grade and went thru elementary and high school together.    Ruth and I met at Midstate College in 1966 and I was in 4-H with Butch when we were 10 years old......so long-time friendships.    Butch's mother just passed away a few weeks ago at 101.

Ruth, Pat, Judy, Mark, Butch

Said our good byes and hope to get together next time we're back.   Very enjoyable visit and ate at The Butterfly (good home cookin').

Been thinking of and praying for our great nephew, Roman (grandson of Tom and Beth) who has been at the hospital all day for tests after one side of his face was drooping.    Very scary but latest is that he is home, has the flu and temporary palsy but 2 other types of sickness to address.    Waiting for more details.    We'll keep praying - Roman is 9 months.

We're with Anne and Connor for the next 2 nights - lots of good visiting over Monical's pizza and other treats.    

And now we are off to dreamland - been a very long day.   Nighty night!

Tuesday - December 16

 Oh my, only NINE days till Christmas!    I finished packing (including Mark's holiday socks)😀

We walked - beautiful breezy day and then ran a few errands, including WalMart to pick up a Rx and a few more piddlies (always something to buy here)! 😐

And then to Farmer's Market to meet Beth, John, Charlotte and Doug.   We all love this place for their wonderful comfort food, big menu and some of the same pleasant familiar waitresses.   This place originated in 1952 and is the oldest continuous restaurant in Fort Myers.   Based on today's big crowd, they are doing just fine!!!

John, Beth, Pat, Mark, Charlotte, Doug

Lots of chatter and then wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and on our way.    They will be together on Christmas Day for buffet/show at Broadway Palm.

A few more errands and on home.   Another walk later and then home to load up the car.    We're leaving for the airport at 4 AM for our 6:10 flight to O'Hare - 2 nights with Anne and then to Dixon for Chamberlain Christmas.    Lots of fun planned in between and we fly back Sunday.

UPS brought us a package from C. Krueger's Finest Baked Goods tonight  - wow....12 different cookies from Bob and Donna (boat sister) - how thoughtful!    We shared the peppermint/chocolate cookie!   Very good!  Last week we received 2 boxes of Harry and David goodies from Erin and Ryan....yum, yum, yum!    Love these edible holiday gifts!😋

Monday - December 15

 Sandra and/or her Mother, Anna are coming to clean Flo today, so we left for the morning.  First stop was the Sanctuary for my KUB x-ray - tah dah!    Got that done but again, a bit of confusion with orders from Dr. and fax numbers (different # on their website versus what the office gal gave me)!   😞   But Lynn did the x-ray and we were off to Bob Evans for a light breakfast.

Then to WalMart for a bunch of piddlies and a Rx (one wasn't ready, so will have to return tomorrow)!   Stopped at Flore Cafe for a latte for me and then home to unload our stuff.    Cleaning crew was still there, so we put our stuff in she shed and then to Rib City to meet Joe and Joan for some yummy ribs (BBQ beans, cole slaw and garlic toast - our standard and delicious meal when we eat here).

Joe, Joan, Pat, Mark

Joe and Joan came back to CT as Joan needed to use our printer for some orders she needed to have lab work done.    But, whatever Cleveland Clinic sent her didn't work, so???    They left for home (Arcadia).   We'll see them this weekend in Dixon for the big family Christmas.   They are flying back to IL on Thursday. 

Happiness is coming home to a clean and sparkling Flo.   What a nice surprise to see this cute bow-wrapped towel on my kitchen cabinet.

And then the bow was another Christmas towel

  We had a quiet afternoon - both of us took a little cat nap.   Later we walked and oh my....very windy and cool (well, for us....upper 60's with the wind felt "cool"!).   We stopped at the clubhouse and made cups of hot chocolate and then continued our walk.

Sunday - December 14

 We went to 9:30 Mass with Father Robert at St. Francis.    Mike O'Brien was there with all his family.    His wife, Jessica (Jesi) who died 1 week ago will have her funeral at St. Francis on Wednesday.   Jesi was only 61.

Take Two Coffee moved to a different location (they have the yummy donuts) and "Forever Grounded" moved in where Take Two had been and connected to a church.    First time to visit this place - wow....they have wonderful moist scones (peppermint/chocolate chip) and Mark had a bagel.   Outside the coffee shop is a food truck "Brownies and Junk Home Bakery" - he had 4 flavors today (dark chocolate/peppermint,  cinnamon pecan crunch, salted caramel/butterscotch and Reese's peanut butter) Their packaging says "these are made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations"?   

We  bought 3 (thinking the boys would love these - soooo good, but not sure they'll last that long?) 😋

On home, and did 2 loads of laundry.    Started sprinkling at 12:30 but didn't last long and sun came out!

We walked in the afternoon.   I watched another Hallmark movie and read.

We are very proud of Luke and his Adventure CORE friends who hiked 4 miles in knee-deep snow at an elevation of 1500' today to Roan Mountain.    WOW....he loved it!   4 degrees with 45 mph winds!!!

Ahhh...to be young and adventuresome!

Luke (2nd in line) - ready to start the steep incline!

"I think I can...I think I can"

Lunch under their tarp which holds body heat

Warming up inside the tarp

Everyone on Zoom tonight except Sharon and Marilyn.    Weather was a top subject, travel plans for next weekend (101 coming at this point for Chamberlain Christmas), update on brother-in-law, Mike's health at Memory Care and Lydia has a bad cough.   The conversation ended about 10 minutes early as not much else to discuss.

Enjoy your week ahead, stay warm and hope the hustle and bustle of the holidays are "FUN"!!!

Saturday - December 13

 A very nice day in Fort Myers as the snow falls heavily in Bloomington and beyond.   We went to Peter's for coffee/breakfast sandwiches.   Stopped at Dollar Tree and on home.

I've been gathering the warm winter woolies to take back to IL Wednesday-Sunday.   Sounds like warmer weather while we're there compared to what's been, but for we Floridians, still COLD!

Quiet day on Flo with a walk late afternoon.   Our Port Clinton friends (boat sisters) are together tonight at Michael and Chris's home.    Donna sent a video of them saying "hello"....sooo good to see them and so we sent back a video of us wishing them a Merry Christmas in front of our sparkly palm tree.

Finally watched my 1st Hallmark Christmas movie of the season.    Mark's sister, Karen (aka Auntie) is the "Queen" of Hallmark Christmas Movies.

Friday - December 12

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y

MICHAEL & ANNE

"Anne"

Blair and "Michael"

Our twin kiddos are celebrating today!   WOW.....On December 12, 1970, we were blessed with the big surprise of 2 babies!   And now, here they are "55" years later.    So proud of them and the beautiful families they've created, successful careers, etc.

48 when we got up this morning - we sure feel for those folks up north and the brutal snow/cold coming their way this weekend.   Bloomington was mentioned several times on the Weather Channel this morning.

Mark and I played euchre with Cindy and Todd.   We girls won 2 games and then Mark and I beat them in another game....fun morning but we sure will miss them as they leave on the 27th.

We went to the Sanctuary for ultrasound and x-ray of my kidneys and get the status if there are any stones still lurking around.    They did the ultrasound, but did not have correct paper work for x-ray....ugh!   Of course, the doctor's office was closed at 3:15.    

The technician doing the ultrasound said it was a busy day with lots of kidney stone issues.   She said her last patient said "I've had 3 children and would gladly have 10 more rather than have a kidney stone!"   AMEN to that statement.   I told her what I was doing 55 years ago today!   She was much younger than 55.

On to Love Boat for some ice cream, checked our mailbox, got a bag of ice and back to Flo.

Talked to our birthday kiddos - Anne and Connor were going to dinner at Biaggi's.   Michael is a bit under the weather with cold/sore throat (he was in California and New York this week) so lots of hours on planes.   Blair is in a cheerleading competition in Charlotte this weekend, so that's where they're going!

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - December 11

 I played Rummikub this morning with Nancy and Trish - I won 3 games and Trish won 1.   Fun as always and hope the new year will bring more new players and the regulars will be less busy.   While we were playing our games, 3 little elves (Vicki, Darrell and Jason) were busy wrapping gifts for the Tice elementary students.

Mark did bookwork and cleaned the air conditioning vents.

Did a load of laundry and made a batch of BBQ.   We walked later in the afternoon and then picked up Brenda and Mark and off to Coopers Hawk.   We all love this place and as always, sooo yummy.   We had so much fun gabbing away - Brenda knows so much of what is going on at CT.   Very enjoyable evening with these dear friends!   Forgot a picture!😔

Wednesday - December 10

 Mark left to run several errands and had a meeting at 10.   I played canasta and not sure of the outcome as I had to leave at noon so June took over, but it was a close game.   I partnered with Becky and Brenda against Jo, Kathy and Lucy.

Mark picked me up and we were off to Fancy's downtown to meet Beth and John, Charlotte and Doug.    Such a beautiful place with gorgeous tree, Christmas tunes playing and very good southern cookin'   ..........and then continued the fun and visiting back at CT along with dessert (fruit torte).   Wonderful afternoon!

Beth, John, Charlotte, Doug, Pat, Mark

                              Quiet evening of reading and playing games on our I-pads.

Tuesday - December 9

 Today was a cloudy dreary day in SWFL but we did get some much-needed rain late Sunday into Monday (we are still several inches below normal).

Mark and I were off early and stopped at Panera for coffee and onto my appointment with Dr. John Sullivan (neurologist).   This was on the recommendation of 3 doctors (my primary, dermatologist and hand specialist.)   It's always sad to hear the words "new normal" after folks are dealing with a traumatic loss or big change in their life.    So, I wasn't quite expecting those words when Dr. said them to me today.    He explained very clear and precise all about nerve damage and if there's to be improvement, it should've happened within the first year.   It's been 25 months.  After doing several exercises with my hand(s), he doesn't feel anything will change.  We also viewed the MRI that i had done a few weeks ago.   He said my neck and shoulder are fine!    Amazing how clear those images are and he described the details!

 We also discussed the awful itching I get in my right arm which is called "neurogenic pruritus" - at least this comes and goes but is pretty severe when it happens.    I might go a few months of no itching and then it comes on strong and Dr. Sullivan described it perfectly.    Gabapentin is my best friend for sleeping (those nerves settle down and my hand and I are in la la land)!    I don't take it every night but sure is good stuff.

So, that's that with the nerve damage in my right hand and 3 fingers all related to the fall on 11/12/23 and then surgery on 11/27/23 which resulted in the nerves being affected.

Dr. Sullivan is from Erie, PA and very familiar with Port Clinton.

There are so many folks far worse than me.....

We left the neurology office (what a happening place) and went to the House of Omelets for delicious breakfast.    A few more stops and on home.

Had an early dinner at Farmer's Market - thee best place for good ole comfort food and then we went to the Communal Penance service at St. Francis.

115 student athletes at Danville Area Community College and here's a neat poster....

Our star golfer (Connor) in bottom left

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!