Wednesday - April 30

 Chilly and rainy day....felt like it was in the 50's.    We had a leisurely morning - Linda and I played SkyJo and then we were all off....Linda played cards with her friends; Bob was "supposed" to golf, but the weather stopped that.   Mark and I met Judy, a grade and high school classmate of his and 4-H friend to both of us at Cindy's for lunch.    2.5 hours later - we said our good byes and look forward to being together in September for their 60th high school class reunion.

Judy, Mark and I enjoyed our lunch (good day for soup) and then sooo fun catching up.    Judy's husband Duane, passed away almost 6 years ago.  We caught up on our families, health and so many memories from years past.   It was a wonderful visit.

Pat, Judy, Mark

We drove to Sublette and visited Mom and Dad's gravesite and the pretty flowers.    On back to Bob and Linda's.    I did a load of laundry and we just hunkered down with our I-pads.

My parents gravestone

Springtime beauty in Bob and Linda's neighborhood

Cant believe it's the last day of April!!!    WOW....bring on May with warmer temps, lots of sunshine and pretty flowers!

We went to China House for supper - excellent Chinese, but always eat waaaay too much!

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, Connor played in a tournament in Springfield, IL with his DACC teammates competing to go to Nationals.    The team placed 4th and Connor missed the individuals by ONE stroke!!!  

Our star golfer (Mama Anne in background)

Bob is the Puzzle "King" and our cousin Eileen is the Puzzle "Queen"

Bob has a definite strategy of sorting the pieces.    He has done sooo many neat designs thru the years!

Tuesday - April 29

 Another big day starting with packing up Ruby and off to Busy Corner to pick up a coconut cream pie, and slices of French Silk and  rhubarb.    Then to Faire Coffee in Eureka for our coffee fix.    Drove thru the country to LaSalle and met brother Bob and Linda, and cousin Dick and Mary at Uptown Grill. 

Bob, Linda, Dick, Mary, Mark, Pat

 We had a great lunch (a favorite for all of us) and then to Mendota and Stonecroft where Aunt Marian lives.  

A vicious game of rummikub

The ladies

Aunt Marian, Linda, Mary, Pat

The guys

Bob, Mark, Dick

We spent the afternoon playing euchre and then rummikub.   Fun!    Linda, Mary and I won 2 games of 6-handed euchre and Linda was the big winner at rummikub.   Left a slice of pie for Aunt Marian and rest of us came back to Bob and Linda's.    Said good bye to Aunt Marian (she'll be 97 this fall).    Lots of reminiscing from many years ago with lots of laughs!

Linda had all kinds of snacks and then we enjoyed our pie.

Monday - April 28

Very big, but FUN day............Mark and I left for town separately to meet Ken, Sigrunn and Sue at Shannon's for breakfast.    We missed Pat and Brenda who are in Door County.    So good to see these folks and catch up!

Mark, Ken, Sigrunn, Pat, Sue

I stopped at Dollar Tree and then met Claire - we sat in Talbot's parking lot for awhile yakking and then to Destihl for lunch and more chatter.    As always, a great lunch  - warm today, (82) but very windy. 

Pat and Claire

 Said bye bye to Claire and I was off to visit Donna Rae at Westminster Village.   She just celebrated her 93rd birthday last week and doing so well.   We visited for over 2 hours....

Donna Rae

Then it was time to meet the Monday Night Friends - only 3 of us tonight, but we talked non-stop at The Parkview Inn.    Had some yummy pizza.

Ruth, Marsha, Pat

Mark ran some errands after breakfast and then met Henry, former colleague at State Farm for lunch at Times Past.

I'm back home with Mark on Flo - tired, but what a fun day visiting with long-time friends and enjoying some really good food!   Other than Claire who I saw in Florida this winter, had not seen the others since December!

Tomorrow we're off to Mendota to visit family/friends....nighty night

Sunday - April 27

 Bright sunny Sunday but only in the 60's.    Breezy, too!    Mark did some bookwork and I started packing for the week ahead (Tuesday-Friday).

Mark did 2 loads of laundry - we now have a stackable washer/dryer in each restroom here at KK.

Mark found 2 new states tonight - Mississippi and Virginia.

Zoom tonight with all 11 siblings - catching up with all kinds of stuff, but mainly health issues and bank fraud!

Busy week ahead - cool and rainy

Saturday - April 26

I did not get up at 3 AM to watch Pope Francis's funeral but did tune in when I got up to watch the somber service with much pomp and circumstance.   

 Chilly, windy, sunny day at KK.   We had a leisurely morning and then set to work getting Flo, Big Red and Ruby better organized.

Anne came out in the afternoon.   We went to St. Luke's at 4 for Mass and then to The Pickled Radish - love this place.    All very happy with our meals and Anne took home a piece of caramel/apple cheesecake.

Anne and parents

Exactly 22 years ago today, Anne and Patrick were married..

Friday - April 25

 Wow....this was a very big day!!!    It's 8:00 and we just got home after leaving Flo this morning at 7:50.   

Mark had a hose to pick up at WalMart so that was our 1st stop.    Then to my appointment with Dr. John Kim regarding my foot.    They took 5 more x-rays and he is pleased with the healing.   I have one fracture in the foot and 1 in the ankle.   He wants me to wear the boot 2 more weeks and then will x-ray again.  Very nice "young" doctor.

Then to urologist - Dr. Mariano Tolentino.    It's been several years since I saw him....such a nice guy and he sat and covered all about my recent stent, what's coming, answered my questions, etc.    He gave me orders for another scan of abdomen/kidneys and Dawn, the scheduler set up for a procedure on May 9th to have stent removed, removal of the stone by laser and then put in another stent.   😟

Left Christie Clinic for OSF St. Joseph radiology and got the scan done quickly.

Time for lunch - chilly, drizzly day so we headed to Panera for yummy soup/1/2 sandwich.    Also got a free cookie (Connor's treat).    So, we had several hours before we were meeting Connor.    Went to the YoYo coffee shop in Mahomet for our latte/hot chocolate but it was freezing in there, so sat in the car with our I-pads.    Left for Danville, picked up Connor and always fun hanging out with him and catching up on what's going on in his life - school, golf, working out, etc.    He had texted that with all the rain (they got a deluge earlier today) golf practice from 4-5 was cancelled.    So we had an early dinner at The Possum Trot which is a very popular supper club near Danville in Oakwood, IL.    It was very good - great meal and visit.

Connor with Grandma and Grandpa

And then the 88 miles back to KK.....

Early tomorrow, Philip, Annette, Luke, Maeve and Carlos (cat) head back to NC.    They've had a fun week with her parents/Nana and Pa.    Maeve loved the new kittens and chickens and I bet would like to tuck them in her suitcase.

Maeve and Mia

Steady Pa while Maeve does a pedicure

Struttin'  her pretty toes

Today is the feast day of St. Mark......my Mark could certainly be recognized for "sainthood"!    His caregiving skills have gone above and beyond!   😇

Thursday - April 24

 Hello from Kamp Komfort - so good to be here!   Appreciate Mark updating the blog last night !

Yesterday started out fine - I was feeling good as we were traveling thru KY and then the nurse at Dr. Langford's office called saying she had "finally" (my words) read my CT scan from 1 week ago and that I needed to go to an ER for a stent?    WHAT......well, that changed our plans as we were going to spend the night at Kickapoo State Park near Danville and take Connor out for dinner.    So, what's another 1.5 hours!  

We arrived at St. Joe's Hospital at 3.   I got out of the car wearing Grace and with my cane felt good walking in (except for some nerves).   Mark was driving Flo around trying to find a place to park her!    He was shocked when he walked into ER and I had already been called back!   Kelley Smith (young and cute female) was the ER doctor who explained what was happening after tests showed bacteria and infection.   Dr. Morgan (urologist) came in.    What are the odds that he would be on call as he and Dr. Tolentino (my Bloomington urologist) have been in practice together for 25 years.    More explaining and then as soon as an OR becomes available, it was my turn!

Anne came to hospital and so glad to see her.   At 6:15, they wheeled me upstairs to OR and about 1 hour later, I was in a room.   You can read all about stents for kidneys online....never heard of these but all makes sense. 

After the surgery, Mark left with Flo for KK to get her settled before dark.   Anne stayed with me till he got back.   He just finished up before it got too dark to see what he was doing, so.....on back to town.    Anne went home and we settled in - he slept in recliner in my room.   

I was in Room 102 (just like our lot #102 at CT); however, the location was crazy this morning with lots of hammering, sawing, drilling, banging, etc. as right next door they are putting in a brand new ICU unit.  

It was a so so night - slept good for a bit and then awake, but I felt good.    This morning, Dr. Garcia came in and said I could go home soon as the paper work was complete - this was at 10 and we didn't leave till 12:30.    UGH...........

Micci (KK manager) came to say "hello" and ask how I was doing (she and Mark had chatted last night).    She was telling me about the 8 tornadoes sighted here in March and all the damage at KK including downed trees, big sign, and roof damage to their home/office.

I was so surprised and happy to get a call from Jose, PA at Oasis Urgent Care in Fort Myers.   That's where I went 2 weeks ago tomorrow and he ordered a CT scan of kidney and x-ray of foot.   He is just a super guy and I told him I would report back tomorrow after seeing kidney and foot doctors.

Mark and I were amazed at the # of people (nurses, aides, doctors, tech folks, etc.) who I saw just in the first few hours - at least 15 (sometimes 2 with me at same time).    And then with the shift changes, several more!   The care at St. Joe's was exceptional.  

We always enjoy our walks around the campground and see where folks are from, but I'm not up for that just yet.   Mark went out tonight and found these states - Texas (3), Florida (2), Tennessee, Alaska, Georgia, Mississippi and several Illinois

Wednesday - April 23

 Today’s update is provided by Mark and will be brief with just the highlights. 

After a call from Pat urologist in Fort Myers, we determined the best plan was to go ahead and go all the way to Bloomington and go to the Emergency room at Saint Joseph’s Hospital telling them that she needed a stent

They were able to access all the paperwork and we had the CT scan if they needed it. She had surgery this evening and they put in the stent so her kidney could begin functioning normally. She will see her urologist on Friday for next steps on the kidney stone itself

Hopefully, she will have lots of details for you tomorrow night. She is resting tonight came through the surgery just fine and will spend one night here at Saint Joe.

Tuesday - April 22

 After 7 beautiful days in NC today, (our travel day) was rainy and cool!    We did have some heavier rain off and on, but overall, we lucked out and mostly dreary all day long.

We added some mileage and time to our trip as we took a different route avoiding I-40 near the NC/TN border due to just one lane (narrow) as the result of the major damage from hurricane Helene.    So we went north and on several different roads, but overall, worked out just fine.   Stopped in Sevierville, TN for lunch at Cracker Barrel and some good comfort food.

About 1.5 miles from our destination (Berea, KY), my kidney stones started acting up....ugh!   Nothing too severe, but letting me know they were "there"!!!

We are at the Oh! Kentucky Campground tonight after traveling 348 miles.    Mark and I did a short walk around the campground to stretch the legs.

So..........the latest in my medical fiasco.....Dr. Langford's office called late this afternoon from Fort Myers saying they still have not received my CT scan results!     Oh.......I have had it with all these people.  I gave her the name of Blue Ridge Radiology in Hickory - she can tough it out with them cause someone is definitely dropping the ball!    Blue Ridge told me they sent it out yesterday morning.    This nightmare all started 1 week ago today when I had my first chat with Dr. as we were traveling to NC.    My anger management "list" is growing rapidly - currently have 5 events that NEVER should've happened!

We are parked between a couple from Windsor, Ontario and Chris and Craig from Riverwoods, IL.   This is the camper and car from the IL folks - even the interior is a lime green!

They like green!

There are 2 of these covered wagons for guests to stay at, complete with AC and other amenities!

Luke, Maeve and Blair would think these are cool!

Monday - April 21

So sad to wake up to the news that Pope Francis had died.   He sure fought valiantly right up to the end!    RIP.....

Mark drove to Hickory to pick up my CT scan from last week (digital copy) to take with us to my appointment on Friday in Bloomington with Dr. Tolentino.

We drove to Black Mountain to meet our CT neighbors, Buddy and JoAnn who live near Asheville.    We had a great lunch at Trailhead and such a nice visit - won't see them again till January.

Mark, Pat, Jo Ann and Buddy

On home, took a nap and later in the afternoon, we went over to Philip's to get Flo, Ruby and Big Red organized for heading to IL tomorrow.   

Brooke had a delicious dinner of mandarin orange chicken with fried rice, potstickers and egg rolls.   Visited after dinner and then said our good byes....we are spending tonight on Flo and will head out in the morning.     As always a wonderful week with our kiddos.

We will miss all the glorious beauty of springtime in NC.....the azaleas are spectacular in reds, pinks and whites!

Easter Sunday - 2025

 HAPPY EASTER!!!

A very nice day to celebrate our Lord's Resurrection.    We went to 11:00 Mass at St. Margaret Mary in Swannanoa.    And then to lunch at the Grove Park Inn in rural Asheville - unfortunately, the views were not the best due to very hazy skies from all the wildfires.

This very old resort dates back to 1913 - it is beautiful!

Michael, Brooke, Blair, Pat, Mark

Last night Philip, Annette, Luke, Maeve, Judy and Dave (Annette's parents) met Anne, Liam and Connor at Mona's in Toluca for some great Italian fare.

Connor, Maeve, Luke, Liam

We visited with Ryan late afternoon - great to catch up as we had not seen him since Thanksgiving!!    A quick in and out visit as he's leaving tomorrow

Ryan and his Mama

Ryan with his Dad

Luke and Maeve making some pretty fancy eggs at their Nana and Pa's

Cotton candy sky at Lake James on Easter evening

 

Saturday - April 19

 Leisurely morning here at the lake.     Blair was off to do "goat" yoga (yes, with real goats) and then ride the horses that are led around the amphitheater at the camp.   They are also doing an egg hunt and craft project.

Mark, Michael and Brooke left for the camp - they are going to be "bartenders" for a bit at the Expo center as there was a shortage of help today.    Just serving beer and wine.   Too much walking for me....I stayed home and did laundry, relaxed, read, etc.

Tonight we went to the Camp for buffet - very good and a nice crowd.   It was fun seeing our kid's friends and enjoyed visiting!   

On home and sat outside - so quiet on the water except for an occasional boat going by!

Nighty night!

Friday - April 18

 It's Good Friday - amazing how quickly this Lenten season has passed.    More frustration today with doctors (or lack of communication)!    Still no word from Fort Myers urologist!!!!

BUT....I do have an appointment next Friday with urologist in Bloomington I saw back in 2002 with my very 1st kidney stone.   I will also see foot doctor that day!

Philip,  Annette, Luke and Maeve left at 4:00 AM for their long road trip to IL    

Michael sold his center console Boston Whaler boat to a couple from Mississippi.   Mark and Michael met them at the boat dock as they drove from MS and picked up a new trailer in Charlotte.

We moved over to Michael's after lunch and settled in.   Left Flo and Big Red at Philip's.

My "FRUSTRATION" peak reached an all-time high this afternoon when Malene from Dr. Langford's office (Fort Myers urologist) asking about my CT scan which I was supposed to have and they had not heard anything???    WHAT?????   I had it done at 1:00 on Wednesday, results were sent to My Chart later that afternoon and were to be faxed to FM that same day.,    Well....Fort Myers does not have them!   Well......apparently Blue Ridge Radiology did not send?   Or sent to wrong fax?   HOLY MOLY.....of course, when we called Blue Ridge at 2:15, they were closed for the holiday weekend.    This crazy saga just goes on and on.............

I do have appointments for next Friday with a urologist and foot dr. in Bloomington!   

Blair went roller skating with friends in Marion this afternoon.   

Delicious dinner - fresh halibut/rice and asparagus!    Beautiful evening to dine on the porch and catch up!

Thursday - April 17

 Another spectacular day at Lake James....wish I could've walked with Annette and her friend Kim this morning (miss walking here) but that won't happen for awhile with my foot in the big ole boot (Maeve is still thinking on a name???)    Had a nice visit with Kim.   Her hubby Pete came to my rescue examining my shoulder after the bad fall in November, '23.    Pete is a retired chiropractor.

Mark continues to be an outstanding caregiver - geez....all the shoulder issues, now dealing with my kidney stones and the fractured bones in foot.   He's a keeper!

So frustrating not hearing back from my urologist in Fort Myers.    Last night the results from CT scan were posted on My Chart, but after leaving a message at Dr. Langford's office, nothing all day long!!!   Ugh!    Arghhh!

Annette taught us a new card game - Flip 7.   Lots of fun and up to 18 people can play!    

Philip arrived home around 4ish with Maeve.....Annette picked Luke up from his adventure club and she made a wonderful dinner.....Reuben casserole and salad!   

Our visit was much too short. The kiddos are leaving very early tomorrow for IL and spring break with Annette's parents (Nana and Pa).   Wishing them a safe, fun week!

Philip, Maeve, Annette, Luke

Tomorrow we'll move over to Michael and Brooke's.

Lake James tonight

Thank you Michael

Maeve and Grandma came up with a name for my boot - "GRACE" cause Grandma is so "GRACE" ful!!!

Wednesday - April 16

What a day!    My urologist (Dr. Carolyn Langford) had called me yesterday and was sending orders for another CT scan after reviewing the one from last week - I have several stones, so.....a bit concerning!

We had such a rigmarole trying to get the scan done (urgent care facilities do not do CT scans - but originally, Dr. said she wanted an x-ray).    The hospital would not take me as I do not have a NC physician.   Finally with the help of Mike Bailey at Mountain View Urgent Care - Hickory, I was able to set up with Blue Ridge Radiology in Hickory.   This all came after several calls between Fort Myers, Morganton and Hickory.   But around 1:00, I had the scan and we were on our way to lunch.   Mark checked Trip Advisor and found Crosswinds Cafe (at the airport) had a great rating of 4.7*.

It's just a walk-up cafe but our food was excellent.    Mark had the Blue Angel burger and brought back memories from when Ryan flew into Hickory as a Blue Angel and was given the "Key to the City" by the mayor back in 2013. 

Stopped at Publix in Hickory for some Blue Bell ice cream for Mark and on back to Flo.    We had s quiet rest of the afternoon, including a nap for me.    Annette picked up Luke from golf practice and we enjoyed leftovers from last night (chicken pot pie, funeral potatoes and crispy brussel sprouts.)    She took the kids to meet a friend of Luke's who is on spring break to hang out at the hot tub.  

It was a beautiful day but again, very windy.    Cool mornings and nights!

Yesterday as we were traveling, I so enjoyed the springtime beauty of North Carolina.   Here are some pics I took today.   The new green growth is spectacular...

Tuesday - April 15

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

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

Celebrating Luke's 12th (one week later)

Grandma and Grandpa with the 3 Littles

Maeve, Blair, Luke

 

Monday - April 14

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

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

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

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

Nighty night!

Sunday - April 13

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

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

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

Been watching the Masters - wow very exciting!!!

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

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

Saturday - April 12

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

Lovely clunky boot

Pink toes peeking out

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

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

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

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

Friday - April 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Handsome Luke

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

Wednesday-Thursday, April 9-10

 Wednesday -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNETTE

Philip and the birthday girl

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

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

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

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

Linda and Bob

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

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

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

Till tomorrow....

 

Tuesday - April 8

 LUKE is 12

 Happy Birthday!

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

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

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

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

Mark, Pat, Bob, Linda

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

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

  

Drew and Tessa

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

just like Grandpa and me  (1965-1969)

Monday - April 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday - April 6

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great week!

Saturday - April 5

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

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

Mark, Pat, Tamara, Lee

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

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

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

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

Friday - April 4

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

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

Euchre buddy - Estelle

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

Very good Friday night supper!

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

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

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