Friday - February 28

 I can't believe it's the last day of February.....2 months already finished for 2025.   Life needs to S L O W down!

Mark played euchre with 5 ladies today in the library - None of the others had ever played 6-handed.   Lots of fun with Estelle, Judy and myself beating Jo, Ann (newbie) and Mark 2 games.

On home for lunch.   Just a gorgeous day here at CT.    Had to take a pic of this lovely bougainvillea on our walk home from cards.

Gorgeous blooms

My dear friend, Diane from Connecticut (originally Poland) is leaving CT tomorrow - we've had so much fun playing canasta and euchre.   I will miss her - till next season....

Diane and Pat

This afternoon, friends Al and Jo (fellow euchre and canasta player) came over as Al had some techie problems for Mark to help with.   We had a nice visit on the patio.   They are from Tennessee and boat in the summertime.   Al is a retired pilot with Frontier and UPS.

Al and Jo

Allie and Owen drove from North Port this afternoon and we had a good visit on the patio.    Charlotte and Doug arrived a bit later and more chatting til we all walked up to the clubhouse parking lot and supper at the food truck "Sweet Cheesus".   Ordered our food and then took it inside the ballroom to our assigned table and enjoyed our food.

And then Gatlin (Darryl and Andrea) performed - sooo enjoyable as always.   Lots of dancing and fun for all.....love to see them perform!   Great night of entertainment!

Dear friends and neighbors here at CT

Pat, JoAnn, Barb

Mark, Doug, Charlotte, Pat, Allie, Owen

Enjoy your weekend!    Bye bye February...

 

Thursday - February 27

 A nice Thursday in SWFL....Mark was off in Big Red to get his DEXA scan (bone density) at a facility in Estero.   I left to play Rummikub in the library - 6 of us today (Nancy, Jo, Anita, Vicki F, Vicki S and myself).   Anita, Vicki F and I were the winners.

Shortly after I got home, Mark returned and then Claire arrived.    She and I were off to North Fort Myers for lunch at Blossom and Brie.   WOW...................this place was wonderful in a very rural farm setting - farm to table and less than 2 years old.  

Our waitress, Megan was excellent, the food was excellent and overall ambiance, excellent with a walk around the farm and seeing the chickens, (baby chicks and big girls), cows, 1 big hog and many piglets, sheep, donkey (Blossom), Jersey cow (Brie).    The owners, Rodney and Stacey are from Champaign, IL.   Can't wait to go back!!!

Claire and Pat enjoying their wine and a wonderful lunch

And then we shared this "delicious" tiramisu

Mark and I walked late afternoon.   He already got the results from his bone scan. all good but recommending 2000 mg of calcium daily!   Whew, that's a lot as we've been taking 1200 mg.   He's had  Osteopenia for several years and no significant change, so will check with his Doctor.   I have my test next month.

Played euchre tonight - only 4 tables but lots of fun!

Wednesday - February 26

 Sunny, warm Wednesday.   Mark uncovered Big Red and was off to get a haircut, some new wiper blades and maybe a coffee at Peter's?    I did some laundry and took Jim and Lydia to the airport for their flight this afternoon to St. Louis for a family visit.    They'll be back Sunday.

Mark was home when I returned from the airport.   He enjoyed his blueberry coffee cake and coffee at Peter's.   I did another load of laundry.

JoAnn (across the street) loves Mexican, but it's not Buddy's thing, so we had a fun girls lunch at Cabos Cantina downtown - delicious and a very nice treat from JoAnn for my birthday along with a box of chocolate truffles!  

We walked late afternoon and then picked up Buddy and JoAnn and went to "Scoop Me Up" for some yummy ice cream treats.   We hadn't been there in a long while.   Sat and visited and then on home.    They are leaving for home (NC) on Saturday.   We sure will miss them!

JoAnn and Buddy

Wonderful neighbors

Camper Luke in the woods with all his gear

He had a great time!

Tuesday - February 25

 Last evening we had rain off and on, but around 10, the heavens really opened up and it rained very hard along with some thunder booms.   We ended up with 1 1/4"  and this morning everything was fresh 'n clean!

I went with Mark to his 8:40 appointment with Dr. McCarty for his yearly check-up.    All good and a nice visit with the Dr. who asked about our summer plans.   He's originally from Michigan and spent many summers in the North Channel and Georgian Bay growing up.   He was very envious that's where we plan to spend part of this coming summer.    He showed us a darling picture of his children, Noah (3) and Sophia (1) with Santa.    Nice guy!

Stopped at Publix for a few things and on home.   I did some laundry.   And then time for lunch.....met Doris at The Farmer's Market.    She always takes her siblings to lunch on or around their birthday.   Since Doris was visiting and she and Mark hadn't been together for late November (his birthday lunch), she suggested today which worked out fine.    We enjoyed our lunch and visit at Fort Myers oldest (73 years) restaurant!   Good home cookin'.

I said my good byes and left for downtown and mani pedi.   They continued their visit and then Doris brought Mark home.   She was going to the Miromar Outlet Mall this afternoon and has a flight back to O'Hare this evening.    We sure enjoyed her visit.

Doris and Mark (#4 and #2) in the family line-up of 13.

Tonight was "Celebrate Your State" night here at CT with several states (IL, OH, ME, MA, VA, TN, NC, MO, MI) + Canada and the Philippines participating.    So much to learn about each particular state/country along with a variety of foods/beverages that originated in that area.    WOW.....sooo much good food and drink.   Lots of fun and delicious!!!    And of course, a huge crowd.

Monday - February 24

 The rain started very early this morning and came down nice 'n gentle.   By 9:30, the sun was shining!    Beautiful rest of the morning even though the forecast was for rain ALL day.

Doris picked me up and we went to the clubhouse to play canasta - 3 tables of 6 and one with 4 ladies.   As always, lots of fun and Doris, Jean and I came so close to winning but lost to Lisa, Susan and Donna. 

'

Doris, Lisa, Jean, Donna, Pat, Susan

Doris brought me home and we made a plan for tonight - "Where oh where to EAT again"???    Of course, last minute can't always get the time we want, but no worries....4:15 is ok at Izzy's.

The rain returned around 2 and was steady.   We picked Doris up and wow, the heavens really opened up along our way downtown.   Met Jim and Lydia at Izzy's - we had not been here for a few years......very good and all happy with our meals.

Mark, Pat, Lydia, Jim, Doris

After dinner, Doris and I checked out the Franklin shops - no purchases, but fun looking around.

We took Doris to her hotel and on back to Flo.    Another fun family day!

Sunday - February 23

 Very nice sunny, warm (79) Sunday.    We met Doris at Ella Mae's Diner for breakfast (love this place) and then to 11:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Steve.

On home for a bit till Jim and Lydia invited Doris and I to their gazebo for some canasta.    Doris plans to play here in the park tomorrow and wanted a little refresher course (she played many years ago but since it's similar to Hand 'n Foot, she caught on very quickly.)   Such a pleasant afternoon with a nice breeze.    Jim and I beat Doris and Lydia, but overall, a close game.

Mark walked in the afternoon and read.    At 5, we all left for Rib City - 1st time for Doris - as always, we all thoroughly enjoyed our ribs and fixins.

Doris, Pat, Mark, Jim, Lydia

 On home - another fun day with family.    Janet and Michael made it home safely this morning.

Zoom tonight with 9 siblings (missing Sharon and Janet).   Niece Megan (Tom and Beth's daughter) is dealing with LOTS of snow this winter in northern Japan.   2 new babies are  joining the family (March and May).   We talked about the siblings visiting Fort Myers, Tom and Beth's trip (work) to Phoenix, niece Theresa (Doris's daughter) and Richie (Emma and Jamison) moving into their new home.

Enjoy your week ahead.

Saturday - February 22

Another nice 70ish day with sunny skies.   We went for a walk in the morning.   Mark is finishing up the tax stuff to be sent off.    Janet and Michael are at the Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves game (start of spring training today).    Twins won 3-1 - huge crowd for opening day.   Another walk in the afternoon and visited with some neighbors.    The big Tossarama event (cornhole with 15 teams and 140 people participating) was in full swing!

Luke is going on an overnight camping trip - holy moly, check out all his gear...

Front view

Back view

Gotta be a STRONG young man to carry all that!

We picked Janet, Mike and Doris up at 5 and went to Pincher's - very hard to get a last-minute or night before or even several days before reservation during this busy February/March snowbird season.   Pincher's does call ahead seating so we didn't have to wait too long - great food as always with a table by the water!   Fun...this is Michael and Janet's last night in Fort Myers as they fly back to Rockford, IL tomorrow.    What a fun week it's been!!!    Already making plans for next year!!!

Beautiful sky from our table on the Caloosahatchee River

Doris, Pat, Janet, Michael, Mark

Took everyone back to their cute little Airbnb and on home.  

  JoAnn across the street texted to see if she could bring her granddaughter, Autumn over to meet us.    Autumn is working on her Masters at NC State and is visiting this weekend.    We've heard so much about Autumn from JoAnn so was really nice to meet her and we had a nice visit.

Friday - February 21

 A beautiful day but down to 48 when we got up (felt like 40 with the wind).    It warmed up to a nice sunny 73 degrees.

We left at 10:15 for Okeechobee to meet Jim and Shelly at Lightsey's for lunch.    Jim and Mark worked together at State Farm and they moved to Wisconsin a few years ago but spend February and March in Cocoa Beach.   It's exactly 1 hour and 50 minutes to Okeechobee from Cocoa Beach or Fort Myers.   We always enjoy getting together and catching up over some yummy seafood.  We all had grouper today but mine was the sweet potato encrusted grouper with mango salsa - delish!  

Mark, Pat, Shelly, Jim

Said our good byes and "maybe" we'll see them in Bloomington at Lucca Grill in May if they are back visiting friends?  Hope so!   

Then on the trip back to Flo, we stopped in LaBelle at the Bridge Street Coffee Shop for a break and Mark got a coffee and chocolate chip cookie.   I walked around the block to stretch my legs - too much sitting!

On home and enjoyed a nice quiet evening.   The big luau was tonight at Cypress Trail and Jim, Lydia, Janet, Michael and Doris went.    Doris stopped by afterwards and we had a great visit and made some tentative plans for the rest of her time here.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - February 20

 It's my birthday and oh what a fun day!!!     Mark's sisters, Janet and Doris came to pick me up and we went to the cubhouse to play Rummikub with Jo and Nancy.    And the biggest surprise was that I won 5 of the 6 games with Jo winning the 6th game.

Then we were off to meet the rest of the crew at Rum Bucket for lunch - all good and had a really sweet waitress.    Joe and Joan came from Arcadia, Janet and Michael (who golfed this morning), Jim, Lydia, Doris and Mark.    Great fun visiting over lunch and then back to our place.

Lunch at Rum Bucket

   Lydia, Joan, Pat, Jim, Mark, Michael, Joe, Janet, Doris

Jim, Lydia, Joe, Joan, Mark, Pat, Michael, Janet, Doris

Yummy "Tuxedo" birthday cake!

Happy Birthday also to my brother Bob, and cousins Dave, Michelle, Amy Jo and Frances and friends, Kay, Fred and Sally.

I so enjoyed the phone calls, e-mails, texts, etc.   It was a wonderful day!

Wednesday - February 19

   HAPPY  HEAVENLY  BIRTHDAY

PATRICK

 

A happy memory from March 21, 2014

WELCOME to FLORIDA

Patrick would have been "60" today!

Michael brought Janet to CT and she, Lydia and I played canasta in the clubhouse,   Janet and I were on the losing team, but still fun.   Lydia's team won.

Pat, Mary, Janet, Tara, Susan, Vicki

Then we left for Cooper's Hawk and delicious lunch.   The 6 of us all enjoyed our meals.   But its always so darn COLD in there.   Even with a jacket!  

 

Jim, Lydia, Mike, Janet, Pat, Mark

Five of us rode in Michael's car back to his Airbnb for an afternoon of playing a new game that Janet had - "Forest shuffle".   Mark went on home - he's not into games (just euchre and a few others).    Well, this was over my head.....2 many new things to learn!    Jim was the winner!   I was the "loser"!    Michael brought us back home and Mark and I had a nice quiet evening.    Another sister Doris is arriving today - she's been at Disney with her family over the long president's weekend and now here till next Tuesday.

 

 

Tuesday - February 18

 The brutal cold is around so much of the country, but here in SWFL we are enjoying summer-like weather thru tomorrow.    Then a cool-down and more pleasant temps are coming.

Did laundry and later walked in the morning.    Stopped at Jim and Lydia's to say "Hi" to the gamers.   They were playing their first game of the day "Clank", yummy snacks and the camaraderie of family under the gazebo!   Mark and I are not into the "serious and heavy" games they play and there are so many.   They will enjoy their day for sure.

Joan, Janet, Jim, Lydia

Our brother-in-law, Darrell from Louisville called today asking if and Sharon could come back to FL and escape the bitter COLD.   He said Sharon was on the phone with Breeze Airlines!   ha....  "Sure come on down - the more family, the merrier"!!!

We have not seen Barb and Roger since September 8th.....so tonight was so much fun catching up at Connors Steak and Seafood.    Excellent dinner and 2 great hours of visiting! 

After dinner we stopped at Costco across the street and picked up a few things.   

Mark, Pat, Barb, Roger

Monday - February 17

 A fun family day.....Mark was off to the Sanctuary for lab work for upcoming physical.   Michael played golf at the Fort Myers Country Club.  Jim and Lydia picked me up and we picked up Janet and then to Peter's downtown for our coffee and pastries (avocado toast for Janet).    Sat and gabbed and then back to our place.  

Pat, Janet, Jim, Lydia

  Lydia had an appointment with a new orthopedic doctor.   She and Jim left at noon but over 3 hours later, till they were done.

Janet, Mark and I played Sky Jo and then Janet and I played a few games of Rummikub.    After Jim and Lydia got home, we went to their place and taught Janet canasta (she knows hand 'n foot, so this is very similar).   Fun day!

Dr. told Lydia she needs to have a hip replacement.    She'll be seeing a neurologist in March so will be anxious to see what he says about her spine?

We left at 5 for downtown to meet Michael at the Beacon Drinkery on top floor of the Luminary  Hotel.   Wanted Janet and Michael to enjoy the views, but they were having a private party, so....could not enjoy the outdoors.    Got a quick picture and then walked to Bruno's.

Marak, Pat, Michael, Janet, Jim, Lydia

on Top of the Lumin

   It was 5:30 but no tables for 6 available till 7:30 at Bruno's.   We are in high season, but very difficult to get a table without a reservation.  So, Capones for pizza (all of us and linguini for Mark).   We got their last table of 6.  They were very busy and took a while to get our food, but all good!

Michael and Janet left for home and Jim brought us back to Flo.   The gamers in the family (Jim, Lydia, Joan and Janet) are planning a BIG game day tomorrow.

Sunday - February 16

 Very warm and very windy today!    We went to St. Francis at 9:30 with Father Steve and then took Ruby thru the car wash and on home.

A lazy Sunday.....read, took a nap and just a quiet day on Flo.   We did walk in the afternoon (gotta get back in that groove).

Mark's sister Janet and Michael were to fly in from Rockford, IL today, but their flight was delayed because of heavy air traffic or as Philip suggests - a big shortage of air traffic controllers!    Originally they said a 4-hour delay, but turned out to be 2 hrs. and 20 minutes.

Jim, Lydia, Janet, Michael, Mark and I were to all have dinner at Pincher's, but with their delay, we went ahead and had a great meal.    Afterwards we stopped at their vrbo which they have for the week - such a cute little house!

The brothers

and "Sisters"

After dinner, we drove to see Mike and Janet and welcome them to FL and so looking forward to a fun week ahead.   They were going downtown to find some food!    We came back to CT and dropped off Jim and Lydia's and on home.

Janet and Michael

Zoom tonight with only 6 siblings - health issues, COLD weather coming to the Midwest, Theresa will be renting out their NC home for 5 months, etc., etc.

Saturday - February 15

 Very breezy today with warm sunshine.    We headed downtown to have coffee/breakfast at Peter's only to find it closed cause of so many street closures (tonight is the big 3-hour Edison parade of lights).    So, we kept walking and had a very good meal at The Standard.    We'll have to come back here sometime!

Stopped at Publix for a "few" groceries and $96 later 😖 we were on our way home.

We went to a wedding reception at our clubhouse at 5 celebrating the marriage of Jack and Liz.    The wedding took place in Venice earlier this afternoon.    Liz and her first husband, Dave used to live across the street here at CT.    Liz and Jack make a great couple and what a fun party.     Jack's parents (90 and 93) were both there along with his siblings, spouses, children and grandchildren from North and South Carolina.

Liz and Jack are avid runners and have done several marathons - LOVED Liz's dress!

The CT grillers did their famous burgers/hot dogs with all the fixins and then a huge potluck from all the guests - soooo much awesome food!   And then wedding cake!    We left early along with Jim and Lydia as the band "Deb and the Dynamics" were sooo LOUD!    Really bothers the brothers' ears.

The newlyweds

Jack and Liz

Valentine's Day - 2025

HAPPY   VALENTINE'S   DAY!

💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

 More clouds than sunshine on this Hearts, Flowers and Chocolates Day!  Mark and I played euchre in the library.   Jim, Lydia and Jo played 3-handed while Estelle, Diane, Mark and I played 4-handed - fun!   

We left at 11:30 for Cooper's Hawk and our traditional Valentine lunch with long-time bridge friends (all originally from Bloomington going back to the early 1970's).    Connie and Steve cancelled as she is having health issues and been in the hospital.  

 Don and Cathy flew in from Colorado to visit several friends in the area and join us for lunch.    UNFORTUNATELY, I did not think to tell them that Fort Myers now has a Cooper's Hawk so they were at the Naples location (where our group met for many years on VD).   UH OH......they were such good sports and drove to Fort Myers and Cooper's Hawk was very gracious in giving us till 12:45 to hold our table.   It was packed on probably one of the busiest if not thee busiest days of the year.  

But all worked out well............so good to see Don and Cathy and catch up - lunch was wonderful and just enjoyed these long-time friends so much!    A really nice afternoon.

Cooper's Hawk has thee most delicious brussels sprouts

Don, Cathy, Pat, Mark

On home and just relaxed rest of the afternoon/evening,

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - February 13

 We hit 87 degrees today!    Nice warm breeze to go along with the heat!    I played Rummikube with Anita and Jo.   Anita won 2 games and I won 1.   Fun as always.

Back home for lunch and then quiet rest of the day.    Jim came over with his new AC for his shed to take measurements.   Not sure I understand all this, but Mark and Jim do, so that's all that matters!   😄

We played euchre at night - so so cards for both of us, but always a good time - 7 tables tonight.

Wednesday - February 12

Happy 7th Birthday to Flo.....wow, how fast the years fly by!

Flo is 7

 A nice relaxing but HOT day.....we met Ron and Vicki at Buckingham Farms and enjoyed our great breakfasts! 

While Vicki and I set up on the patio to play Rummikube, the guys started to do a temporary fix for hot water with success.   Ron was in the heating and air conditioning business - he brought several tools and we were soooo very grateful for his expertise!

Unfortunately, Mark got a bad boo boo when he stood up from working on the floor and hit his forehead on a cabinet....ouch!

Vicki and I played many games - it was very warm today here while snow is falling back in the Midwest!!!

We enjoyed some delicious cake (chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, toffee) from Buckingham Farms that Vicki brought in the afternoon.

We drove downtown later, parked in the Luminary lot and enjoyed a few hours on the 12th floor overlooking the city  - absolutely spectacular evening.    We had drinks and several small plates - all delicious!

Pat and Ron

Bob (our brother) and Linda were to be on this trip but still back in IL as Bob is having gallbladder surgery tomorrow!    Wishing him all the best and a speedy recovery!

On top of the Luminary with pretty sunset

Mark, Vicki, Pat, Ron

Back to Flo and said our good byes with hugs - very enjoyable visit and look forward to seeing them in Lakeland in one month (and hopefully Bob and Linda).

Tuesday - February 11

 Quiet morning just tidying up a bit and did a load of laundry.   Another very warm day.

My brother Ron and Vicki arrived at 2:25 and so good to see them.   We sat on the patio and visited and later drove to The Deep Lagoon for some yummy seafood - hogfish, tripletail and shrimp.    Very busy place.

Vicki, Pat, Mark, Ron

On home and made plans to meet for breakfast - eat, eat, eat.....we all do it so well!!!😀

Monday - February 10

 Very warm and sunny - it's been unseasonably warm for SWFL....but no complaints.    Today was so much fun....Mark went to Hardees for breakfast (he's enjoying using gift cards he got for Christmas) and ran some errands.   

Claire arrived and we had a good visit; then Doug brought Charlotte and we gals were off to the clubhouse for the 7th annual fashion show/luncheon.   Doug and Mark had planned to have lunch at Rum Bucket but they're closed on Mondays, so they went to Gomez Mexican Grill (formerly Patricia's).    Great Mexican fare!

The fashion show "The Power of Color" was a very fun afternoon starting with a box lunch from Chicken Salad Chick and then 8 models each modeled 3 different outfits - cute clothes

We were all sad when Deb, the narrator for Anthony's fashion shows announced she is retiring and there will probably no longer be Anthony fashion shows!    WOW....we all were so sad to hear this as Deb is so funny and just does a great job.   We gave her a standing ovation.    And Anita and Sherry, the organizers of this event did a bang-up job!    BIG thanks to them for a fun afternoon.

Charlotte, Pat, Claire, Lydia

Deb, the best narrator will be so missed!

We said good bye to Lydia and walked back to Flo.   Claire left and Doug came to pick up Charlotte.

 

Sunday - February 9

 Its Super Bowl Sunday LIX and the parties are underway big time!    We did something a bit different today - went to the Fowler Street Grill for breakfast and then to Publix for a few things and finally, 10:30 Mass at Church of the Resurrection.   This was our church many years ago when we were staying on Daisy at Siesta Bay.    Monsignor Stephen McNamara said the Mass and according to the bulletin, Father Oliver Toner is still a parochial vicar - he was a delightful older Irish priest and happy to see that he's still part of this very large, active parish.

On home and Mark installed the new microwave and I did some laundry.    We visited Jim and Lydia in the afternoon and caught up on any and all news!

Today we were supposed to have lunch with Barb and Roger but they've been sick!    Hopefully we can reschedule soon!

Another busy week ahead.....sure enjoyed my girlfriends visiting and they arrived hone safe 'n sound yesterday.

We did not have the traditional Super Bowl food tonight, but rather, lasagna, salad and garlic toast.    Very good - lasagna came from Trader Joe's.   

Flo's new microwave

Saturday - February 8

 Mark left to mail the grandkids Valentines and stopped at Hardees for his usual fix of biscuits and gravy.   He brought a biscuit back for me

A heart-shaped biscuit

cute and yummy

I set off to run some errands this morning and use a few coupons for my upcoming birthday from Soma and Chico's.    Back home for lunch but when I went to open the microwave, it did not open....long story short, a little springy thingy broke and Mark decided to fix would be more costly and may be hard to repair, that we could just get a new one.

So off he went to Best Buy (did some studying online) and bought a convection microwave with air fryer!    He will probably install tomorrow as we were then off to the 2nd Annual Rib Fest here in the park - huge crowd on this lovely warm evening.    The ribs were excellent, along with baked beans, au gratin potatoes and cornbread.    Met Ron and Erica at our table and also sat with Brenda and Gary (neighbors) and Scott and Violet (work campers).    And then the band started and the music (as always) was very loud and just impossible to visit, so we grabbed a bag of ice and headed home.

A few days ago we started having problems with our hot water supply unit.....arghhhh.   Still pondering that one.    Mark wonders why Flo is on a mission to keep him busy???

Friday - February 7

 Along with our IL visitors, Connie and I had one final big day in Fort Myers.    I picked Brenda and Sue up at 11 and we were off to downtown to have lunch at the Wisteria Tea Room.   Connie and Claire met us there and we five all enjoyed our delicious lunch.    What a fun visit as Claire had not seen the other gals for quite a long time.

Pat, Connie, Sue, Brenda, Claire

All except Claire headed downtown for some shopping and coffees/ice cream at Peter's and more visiting.    Then to Anthony's for a little more retail therapy (just Sue).    Steve picked up Connie, we said our good byes and hope our friends will return next winter (with Sharon)!

Brenda, Sue and I had a light supper at Bahama Breeze, I took them home with big hugs and oh my, such a FUN week with lasting memories.   They fly home tomorrow morning. 😔

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - February 6

 A very big day with my friends and we are all tired, but happy shoppers!    I picked Sue and Brenda up at 8:20 and we were off to meet Connie at Sweet Bean Cafe for delicious breakfast (a real favorite - 1st time for Brenda).   Their grilled cinnamon bread is thee best!

Breakfast at Sweet Bean

Sue, Connie, Pat, Brenda

  We then headed to Victoria in Bonita Springs for some serious shopping of her beautiful painted clothing and non-painted.    As usual this was a zoo with women, women everywhere.    This shop is only open Wed-Thurs-Fri from 10-3 but the lines to check out or use the dressing rooms are crazy long.    Been going here several years and it just never changes - women flock to this place from everywhere - it has quite a reputation,    And each lady is given a piece of cake with her purchase 

(today's options were lemon or chocolate coconut pecan).

Sue got the prize for being the biggest spender.....but we all enjoyed some retail therapy.

Outside colorful and fun Victoria's

Sue, Connie, Brenda, Pat

Next stop was at Jennifer's a ladies boutique, but no purchases made here.    Then to Shell Point to see where Connie and Steve live and visit with Steve before Connie took us on a tour of some of their facilities (Tribby Art Center and Wellness Center).   Shell Point is over 700 acres,

Sue visiting with this guy and his little dog

My shopping friends and pretty pink hibiscus

outside the Tribby Art Center

Last stop was Rib City for yummy ribs and sides.    Connie and Steve had never been - we all enjoyed our dinners.   Bye bye to Connie and Steve (one more day with Connie tomorrow) and then I took the girls home.    I got home at 7:40.   Glad Mark played euchre at our clubhouse tonight.

I think he's been enjoying some "down" and "quiet" time while I've been out and about with the girls this week!   Nighty night!

Wednesday - February 5

 Mostly cloudy today but warm!    I played canasta and oh my.............always fun, but today was extra fun with fantastic cards and a big win for Vicki B and myself against Denise and Ann.   We had 26 ladies (3 tables of 6 and 2 tables of 4).

Mark got his Hardees fix of biscuits and gravy and then a haircut downtown with Jose.

I got a manicure with Alisa in the afternoon, but first stopped at Peter's for an iced raspberry mocha latte (theIr specialty drink for Valentine's Day).   It was great and Jim and Lydia were there enjoying their treats and coffee.

We picked Brenda and Sue up at 4:30 and off to La Ola for dinner and hear the Gatlins perform.    Brenda and Sue did some shopping at Synergy in the Bell Tower Mall (across from La Ola).   Very nice shop.   Dinner was good and Darryl and Andrea belted their hearts out.   I was shocked to see Andrea - wow....she has lost a bunch of weight and looks fantastic.   Fun evening.  

Darryl and Andrea

Sue, Mark, Pat, Connie, Steve, Brenda

It's all about Luke today...

H E L P   Luke!!!

Luke went with his class on a field trip today to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC.   This nasty gator wanted sweet Luke for his lunch!   😟

And Luke is now a baker....a man of many skills!   

Making baklava

And the finished product - looks like a purple ribbon winner!

I 💗 baklava