New Years Eve - 2025

 We woke up to 36 on this last day of 2025 - yikes!   The Floridians are bundled up for sure.    We had breakfast and then Liam and Connor left in Ruby for Tampa and the game starting at noon - Iowa vs Vanderbilt.    We sent extra coats and warm head gear.

Mark took me downtown (I do not like driving Big Red around town) for mani-pedi with Alisa at Profiles (so glad she's back at this location as it's much closer)!   Always enjoy our visits and of course, the pampering (1st stopped at Starbucks for a latte to warm up).   Peter's is closed today and tomorrow.

Mark picked me up and on home.    Changed clothes and 45 minutes later, we left for Capital Grille to meet Charlotte, Doug, Beth and John for wonderful lunch - this place is over-the-top in food, ambiance and service (Alex).  

Charlotte, Beth, Pat

Mark, Doug, John

We left for John and Beth's home and watched the last 12 minutes of the Iowa/Vanderbilt game (ReliaQuest Bowl) which Iowa won 34-27- very exciting and a thrill for Liam and  Connor to be there.

Hawkeye fans

Beth had delicious coconut cake, Ghirardelli brownies and peppermint/bark ice cream for dessert.   What a treat and so nice to be back in their beautiful condo.   Enjoyed more visiting and then we left - a quick stop at Home Depot, then to say good bye to Jim and Lydia who are leaving tomorrow for a month (Aruba and then 2-week cruise).   

The boys got home around 6:30 and brought some pizzas + enjoyed brownies that Beth sent home with us.   Mark and I are still stuffed from lunch and all those desserts!

Lots of fireworks going off here in our park!   The boys fly home tomorrow 😔

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R

Tuesday - December 30

 A busy morning stating with the boys making breakfast - ham, eggs and toast!   Thanks guys.   They both like to cook and eat healthy!

Busy chefs

And then they were off with a cooler and planning to pick up some Publix subs and onto Fort Myers Beach (but then ended up eating from a food truck on the beach) brrrr....in the low 50's when they left but not a problem for them!    I left in Big Red for a haircut with Destiny at Super Cuts - I went to her a few years ago when Jewel wasn't working, so after my last not-too-happy cut with Caitlin, decided to go back to Destiny.    She's fun to visit with and hair looks good.

On home and later, Mark and I went to CVS and then post office.    It is cool today (60s) and breezy.   Would not be my kind of day to be on the beach, but since they are down to just 2 days left of FL time and tomorrow, they drive to Tampa for the Iowa/Vanderbilt game, this is it!

We were shocked to see so many pics of Port Clinton, Put-In-Bay and other areas of Lake Erie affected by the seiche that occurred on Monday when very high winds pushed the water from one side of the lake to the other.   Now they're finding boat motors, jet skies, car parts, and many other objects/items as people are walking or driving on all that area that was water!   

JoAnn, our neighbor stopped by for hugs.   We are so happy she and Buddy are back at CT.  They drove 13 hours yesterday from Asheville.

The boys returned from their day at the beach - chilly but they're from up north, so...braved the elements although they said there were not too many folks on the beach.    They stopped in to meet Buddy and JoAnn and then we left for PF Changs - big crowd but only had to wait a short time for a table.    Since the boys have been with us, they've had Seafood, Italian, Mexican, BBQ, Chinese and American!   AND....2 visits to Peter's German Cafe for coffees/pastries/breakfast sandwiches.

On home and watched the Illinois/Tennessee game.   Sure is chilly out tonight for we Floridians.   The boys just take it in stride and tease us that "this isn't cold"!     Ha...

 

Mark, Connor, Liam, Pat

When we arrived home from dinner,, we saw that our next-door neighbors, Gary and Brenda had arrived from Kansas City for the season

Monday - December 29

 3rd straight morning of fog, but today, cleared up pretty fast.    The boys were off for an early run - sooo much energy and discipline!!!

We all went downtown to Peter's for breakfast and then Mark got a haircut with Jose.   While Mark was getting his hair cut, the boys and I walked around.  Another very nice day with a high of 78.   Much cooler weather coming in the next few days.   Back home.   The boys read relaxing in the recliners and then played some pool in the clubhouse and later visited with their Great Uncle Jim and Aunt Lydia

Mark and I walked in the afternoon.   A huge tree in our Heritage Garden (meditation area) had died and needed to be cut down (sad thing), but very $$$$$ to have a tree service do this.   So, 5+ volunteers here in the park took upon this BIG responsibility and challenge.  The tree is down and most of the clean-up is done - big thanks to these guys and saving CT lots of $.

Peter's Courtyard

Checking out these metal guys

Reading and chilling on the patio

The boys left for Eastwood Golf Course and played 9 holes.  They would've played longer, but since it gets dark so early....  They had fun, came back to pick us up and we had planned to go to Rum Bucket for dinner.   But luckily, Mark asked if they were open and duh...I checked  and no - not on Mondays???   A strange concept for Florida?   So....let's go downtown and try Bruno's (without a reservation)???    But we lucked out and got a table inside.   LOVE this place and our 1st time there for dinner.   The boys loved it, we had a very good waitress, Alessandro (Alex) and the food was outstanding.    

Cal, the owner was in the kitchen and supposedly oversees every dish before it leaves the kitchen.   And then Connor noticed he had changed clothes and was out and about visiting at various tables.   What a friendly guy who stopped by our table and chatted.   He celebrated his 50th birthday 2 weeks ago and they had a big neat sign "Happy 50th Birthday, Cal".    I asked him where Mary (Virgin Mother) was as she had made the trip 3 blocks from previous location.   He said "come with me" and sure enough there was Mary on a high shelf with some of the saints overlooking the guests.   Then he showed me the beautiful crucifix hanging in the kitchen that had been a gift from a priest friend, Father Angelo.    Bruno's is doing well and so happy for Cal and his wife, Genevieve.   They have really good thing going!  

Liam and salted caramel gelato which he and Connor enjoyed.

 Grandpa and I each had a spoonful

                                                                        😋😋😋😋

On home and called it a day!

a

Forgot to post this last Friday - Anne loves Waffle House

None of these in Bloomington!

Maeve and Mommy and friends went roller skating today...

Maeve and Mommy

Maeve doing her thing!

Sunday - December 28

 The boys took their Mom to the Punta Gorda airport at 5sh for her flight to Peoria.   She arrived back in Bloomington where it's going to be in the 60's today and 20's tomorrow....crazy weather!     Liam and Connor swam in our CT pool, had breakfast at hotel, checked out of hotel, loaded up their stuff and came to hang out in Flo.

But first, we converted the she shed into a bedroom - got a bunch of stuff outta there (stored in truck) and blew up the 2 air mattresses which will be the boys beds for the next 4 nights.

Christmas cards keep rolling in - ours are delayed somewhat as they go to our mail forwarding service and then when we have several pieces, we have it sent to CT.    Love the pictures and letters from family and friends!

Anne's neighbors across the street have put up a ginormous light display from the day after Thanksgiving till December 27th for 15 years.    But last night ended it all and they are trying to sell this display.   It was quite something with many folks driving by and tuning into a radio station playing Christmas music.   Gibson and Frankie sure enjoyed all the lights from looking out their window.

The boys and I played rummikub after lunch - 1st time for them (very quick learners), but Grandma won AGAIN!   They read and went for a run.   Grandma and Grandpa took a nap. 

We met Jim and Lydia at Rib City (boys 1st visit) and a good dinner and visit was enjoyed by all.

Pat, Connor, Lydia, Jim, Mark, Liam

Stopped at Publix for a few things and on home.   

Michael, Brooke, Brady and Blair had quite the long trip home from Jackson Hole.   Two long days of trying to deal with weather, mechanical issues, pilot caution, etc., etc.    After starting this "trip home" on Friday morning, they finally arrived Saturday night at 11:15.   Drew and Tessa also had issues  in Chicago; Davis was the only one who had an uneventful trip home.  BUT, a grand time skiing was had by all!

Liam and Connor watched the Bears/49ers game.  Zoom tonight was only with 6 siblings - most were watching the game or had other plans.

Enjoy the New Year's week ahead....

  

Saturday - December 27

 Beautiful day for a run although a bit cooler would've been nice.................the Campbells were off early for Naples and the boys ran a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles).    37 participated and Liam placed 3rd and Connor 9th!   GREAT!!!!

The runners

\

Medals the boys received

Mark and I walked and said good bye to Todd and Cindy who are headed to Blairsville, GA for the winter.   We will miss them till next October.    Cindy gave us a bag of her delicious sweet pecans she made (very addictive)!

And then another good bye (I hate good byes) to Ann and Duaine who are headed back to their north FL home near Destin.    Sure wish they could've stayed longer but they have their lot rented for the next 3 months.

Ann and Duaine

Anne and boys arrived back on Flo after showers at their hotel.  Anne ate Christmas leftovers with Mark and I while the boys wanted authentic Mexican so headed towards downtown where there are several food trucks on Palm Beach Blvd.    They LOVED their tacos and quesadillas.    Mark and I will have to try one of these sometime (we love food trucks and Mexican).   Then they went to the Miromar Outlet Mall and enjoyed some retail therapy.

Anne and I played rummikub (I won again) and Mark took a nap.   We went to 4:00 Mass with Father Robert at St. Francis and then to Cappone's, but they do not take reservations, so at 5:00, a 30 minute wait.   Downtown was crazy with people, people everywhere.    After the 30 minute wait, Connor checked in and gal said another 20-30 minutes, so....decided to go around the corner to Downtown Pizza (by the slice).    No tables outside but got the last one inside....this is walk-up and get your pizza.   It's very good and the slices are generous.   We walked around a bit in the courtyard and on home.

One more good bye - such a fun time with Anne and the boys

Connor, Anne, Liam

Anne has an early flight back to Peoria tomorrow.........the boys are planning to take her to the airport and then do their thing (swim, breakfast, check out of hotel, etc.)   They'll be moving into the she shed tomorrow for the next 4 nights!

Friday - December 26

 The Campbells were up early and back here to CT for the boys to swim.    Later, Anne and I went to Waffle House and the guys went to Peter's downtown.    Anne loves Waffle House - we enjoyed our breakfasts as did the guys.    Anne and I went to Anthony's and she got a new swimsuit and cute jacket cover-up

All of us were back home and hung out for a while - Anne did some laundry and Liam and Connor went to a guitar shop, came back and went for a run in the park.   Anne and I played rummikub and I was the big winner.   Grandpa took a nap and read.

We all went to Pinchers for dinner - sat outside by the water, but very windy (coming from the west) and chilly.   Great food, including the "Tower Chocolate Cake" which they loved and devoured.

Chocolate cake lovers

On home and then Anne and boys left for their hotel - Liam and Connor are doing an early-morning 1/2 marathon in Naples tomorrow!

Maeve and her new vanity she got for Christmas

Took Daddy and her other Grandpa a long time to assemble!

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