Monday - April 13

 We each had 9:30 6-month dental check-ups with Dr. Baxmann - cleaning with Laura (Mark) and Danielle (me).   We left shortly after 8 - took us an hour to get there with rush-hour traffic.    A school bus either had a breakdown or was in an accident cause traffic was backed up on Summerlin big time, but fortunately not in our direction.

From the dentist, we went to Biscotti for coffee/hot breakfast and then to Sun Harvest and on home.

Finished getting everything in order in the she shed - just one more thing tomorrow.....Joan and Joe's cricket (mini golf cart) and Jim is planning to come help Mark with that which I very much appreciate!   Laundry is all caught up, too!    We're on a roll......

We ran some errands and then had dinner at Laredo Cantina, a popular Mexican restaurant at Bell Tower.    It was good, but we still prefer the Mexican place downtown (Cabos Cantina) and also Port Clinton has a very good one.

Sunday - April 12

It was a very productive day starting with 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert.    Then to the downtown Chocolatte for coffee/muffins.    On home and set to work getting the she shed in good order putting away the patio furniture, grill, umbrella, etc.  and loading up several bags and stuff in back of Big Red and Ruby.

By 1:30, we were done for the day so enjoyed the AC working on games, reading and puzzles (I'm obsessed - have done 31 as of tonight in less than 2 weeks)!!!

We watched Rory win the Masters and enjoyed Trader Joe's orange chicken and rice.    Then for a walk - beautiful evening - visited with Eileen and Rob from Crossville, TN.    

Zoom tonight was a rarity - all 11 family members present!     Good chat with Joan (and Joe) about her successful surgery - she's feeling good and so grateful to not be in pain.    No weight bearing for 6-8 weeks - she's a trooper for sure and can't say enough good things about Cleveland Clinic.

Enjoy your week ahead!

Saturday - April 11

Nice morning when we started our walk but quickly warming up.    Back home and I fixed ham and cheese omelets and toast.  

We left for the Barbara Mann Theater to meet Jim and Lydia - we all thoroughly enjoyed "Moulin Rouge", a delightful very entertaining musical.    The choreography was outstanding as were all the costumes, singing and dancing.   The main female and male voices were excellent!!! 

Great show!!!

Three couples from CT were there.....visited with Anita, Teri and Susan.

Susan, Lydia, Pat

After the show, we went to Deep Lagoon for dinner - very busy place but got a table outside and all enjoyed our meals.    Fun at the theater and then visiting over dinner.....we'll miss these two!

Mark, Jim, Lydia, Pat

Anne and I beat the computer 3 of 5 games!   

Friday - April 10

 Another beautiful and busy day!    Anna and Rosa arrived at 8:15 to give Flo her twice yearly cleaning.    We left for downtown and breakfast at Peter's.    We hung out there for a while enjoying our coffee and Empanada (Mark) and croissant sandwich for me.   Then we ran several errands and came home to a very sparkling, clean-smelling Flo!    AWESOME!!!!

We had a productive afternoon sorting, organizing, and getting things together to take or leave.    Did some laundry and then enough is enough!    Time to rest and decide where we're going to dinner?    😊

Italian sounded good, especially pizza, so headed downtown only to find that the Seafood Festival was going on..........we lucked out finding a spot on the street (free) versus paying a parking lot or the garages which were charging $10-15.  We had 5 blocks to walk to Capone's and wow....several tables available inside or outside.    We ate inside and chianti, salad and Tommy Gun pizza were all excellent.    By the time we left, it was packed with several waiting for a table.

Decided to walk and check out the seafood festival, but it was further away than we thought (not the usual area as in past years).    BUT......it was prom night for at least 2 high schools and these young people were really decked out - WOW.....sooo many gorgeous gowns!    Beautiful evening and they were taking  pics on the waterfront.

So exciting to see the successful landing of the Artemis II and astronauts safe return!   

Anne and I played 3 games of euchre and won 2.   

Mark's sister Joan and Joe are home tonight after her ankle surgery this morning at Cleveland Clinic.    Joan has had 2 previous ankle replacements (and 2 new knees) but her ankles have been giving her so much pain and so as a last resort, a specially made rod was inserted in her ankle today.    We hope and pray this will give her more mobility and be pain free.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - April 9

BIRTHDAY   GIRL

ANNETTE 

Celebrating with Lake James friends tonight

Darrell, Kathryn, Colleen, ?, Keith, Philip, Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday to our sweet daughter-in-law, Annette.    She is married to Philip and holds down the fort often with all his travels, keeps Luke and Maeve where they need to be with all their activities and always giving them new and fun experiences.   She loves to hike, play pickleball and is an excellent cook!    So happy to have her in the family!!!

We gathered more stuff to donate, pack away, etc.  and then I left for RummiKub (last of the season and only Nancy and Vicki were there.)  I won 3 games and Vicki won 1.   Home for lunch.   

Last night when Mark and I were walking, I mentioned how beautiful the impatiens at the clubhouse were - really growing and so healthy after all the rain + grass is so green.   Well, when I got to the clubhouse this morning to play RummiKub, lo and behold, all the gorgeous flowers were gone!!!!!    They had taken them out and already replaced with small individual plants.    Bummer.....but I guess they keep to a certain schedule for plants, etc.   

I had appt. with my primary, Dr. Freeman - all good till I'm back in October.   On home and called Annette.    Then off to eat at Rib City for last hurrah at that favorite spot.   We even splurged and shared a slice of their very good key lime pie.

Anne and I won 2 and lost 2 to the computer in euchre games

Wednesday - April 8

 LUKE is a TEENAGER

Happy 13

His other Grandma (Nana) and I chose the same birthday card.    We also gave Maeve the same Easter card!!!    Great minds think alike  😆

We remember so well April 8, 2013 when we (and Annette's parents) were in Wellington, FL for Luke's birth (our 6th grandson).    And now here we are - 13 years later!   How can that be???     He's such a neat kiddo and enjoys school and in advanced math, and currently a tutor for 3rd graders, loves his adventure core group (rappelling, rock climbing, hiking, etc), playing golf, mowing lawns, etc.....

 We had a good day and thought the rain was coming, but just sunny and breezy.    We went to Starbucks (they have a delicious chocolate pistachio bread) this morning and then WalMart (Rx and some groceries).   On home for 45 minutes and then off to my yearly eye exam with Dr. Alessi.    All good with the eyes and come back in a year.    The refresh tears made all the difference after the eyelid surgery.

Since we didn't have lunch, we both were thinking the same thing - ice cream!!!!   So since we were close to Sun Harvest, we enjoyed their yummy twist (orange/chocolate for Mark and orange/vanilla for me) plus I did some shopping (love this fun store).   On home.    We got the bikes loaded up on back of Flo.   Little by little we're preparing for our departure 1 week from today.   

Had a good chat with the birthday boy - he got a cell phone...now we can talk and text!  

And more big news - Luke got his boating certificate which makes him official to drive a boat.

Taking the family for a ride tonight - where are they?    I see Maeve's arm!  😆

Tonight we had salad, tempura shrimp and Bob Evans mashed potatoes (they make a 2-pak small serving which is perfect to share) !

We went for a short walk - the sky was looking ominous and we hurried back but only got a few sprinkles.    It did rain earlier around 4, but didn't last long.  

Luke, Maeve and Blair are all on spring break this week!   

Tuesday - April 7

 Our next-door neighbors, Gary and Brenda left for their home in Missouri around 10:15 as it was starting to sprinkle.    Today was supposed to be WET all day long, but that wasn't the case till lunchtime when we met our former neighbors Rog and Martin (they had been on Gary and Brenda's lot) for lunch at Bonita Fish Co.    WOW.....another deluge as it poured almost the entire time we were having lunch.    We were on the water, but nice and cozy and dry as it poured buckets!!!    Always a fun visit with Rog and Martin and a lot to catch up on - we all had the special - blackened shrimp tacos full of good stuff.    Bye bye till fall....

Rog, Martin, Pat, Mark

We had to dodge some very large puddles and mini lakes in the parking lot and then some streets were flooded, ditches full, etc.    Could get more rain tonight and thru Thursday.    We do need it!

On home and a quiet afternoon - more puzzles for me (I'm addicted).    After Lake Chamberlain appeared from Easter Sunday's rainstorm, it had pretty much disappeared, but came back big time today!!!

Anne and I beat the computer 3 of 4 games!

Monday - April 6

We sure had the rain last night and more coming the next several days which should help with the Florida drought.

I did some laundry and then left for a shopping spree with Lydia for home decor in her new home.    Jim brought her to Wilford and Lee (he ran errands) and she found several pretties to decorate with.  There are sooo many choices when it comes to pictures and other wall art.   But she found some very nice things and hope they will all work out and Jim approves!  😂

Lydia with a few of her new items at Wilford and Lee

Next stop was Curious Cargo (I shopped here many years ago) and oh my, so much stuff again....but Lydia found 3 more items and then off to lunch.

We ate at Bahama Breeze - enjoyed some yummy beverages and our lunches.    Jim met us there afterwards and we said our good byes till Saturday when we'll be together one more time before we leave.   Today was a big success!

Lydia and her Bahamarita - pretty and delicious

Shopping sisters

We sure can tell the season is winding down and many snowbirds have left.    Traffic is a "tad" less, restaurants and parking lots have lots of space.

On home for me.    Mark had defrosted the freezer (thank you)!   It is really warm today and humid.    

We walked late afternoon and said good bye to Mark and Brenda who fly home to OH tomorrow.   

Anne and I played against the computer (euchre) - we won 2 and lost 2.   

Pretty cotton candy sky tonight at Lake James (thanks Brooke)!

Easter - 2026

 HE is RISEN!    ALLELUIA!

We woke up to a beautiful Easter morning with clear blue sunny skies, a gentle breeze and the birds chirping,

The 9:30 Mass at St. Francis was packed and Father Steve suggested we do the "St. Francis shuffle" with everyone moving towards the center of the pew to make room for those standing.   The altar was beautiful with all the white lilies.    They even gave out Easter treats to all the children after Mass and there were a LOT of little ones!    I remember so well many years ago having a new outfit and Easter bonnet (hat).  It was neat seeing some of the smaller children all dolled up for this special day.

Then to Cooper's Hawk for brunch with Jim and Lydia.    It was so fun to catch up with them and hear about their new home at Shell Point.    They are enjoying all the many activities, coffee shops, restaurants and sooo many awesome amenities.    Brunch was excellent and just a really fun visit.

Lydia, Jim, Pat, Mark

On home - both of us were stuffed whch meant naptime!  😊

My brother Bob is the Master of Puzzles and he told me about doing them online.    So yesterday I started that (mind boggling how many to choose from and you can choose the number of pieces.)   I love this new hobby.....did these 3 last night!  (100 pieces)

Most of the day was very nice but weather was threatening late afternoon and at 5:45, the heavens opened up BIG time......Very heavy rain, large BOOMS of thunder and lightning!

My parents always said "When it rains on Easter Sunday, that means 7 straight Sundays of rain"!    Well, we sure need it, and every day thru Thursday, we have a good chance - possibly 2-6" in some parts of SWFL.

Easter fun here at CT

We have Lake Chamberlain in our backyard and as of 7:45 (since it began 2 hours ago and still coming down), we've had 2".

We missed Doris and Tom tonight on zoom.    Not a lot of news...Joan is having her ankle surgery on Friday at Cleveland Clinic, so prayers for her.    Tom H's brother Terry had a stroke last night and will be having a heart procedure tomorrow at Decatur hospital - more prayers.   

Saturday - April 4

 A very pretty day - we walked, did some laundry and put 4 bins of clothes that I had sorted thru up on high shelves in the she shed.    We said good bye to our neighbors across the street, Kathy and John who are headed home to Bardstown, Kentucky.    Now that they're gone, we've got our beautiful view back of Sunrise Lake and the fountain.

And then we were off to North Fort Myers to meet long-time friends, Dawn and Kevin.    We met several years ago as we both owned identical PDQ sail catamarans - they were docked at DuSable Marina in downtown Chicago and we would get together occasionally.   We remember watching the Blue Angels from their boat when they performed in Chicago in 2016 (Ryan's last year).     

They moved to Punta Gorda full time a few years ago and we've been getting together once each winter.   This year, Kevin who belongs to the American Legion in Port Charlotte asked if we wanted to meet at the North Fort Myers Legion.    Sure.....well, it was a good choice (after all the many restaurants we've been to this year), we all enjoyed our lunch and visit.  The real shocker was finding out that they sold their home last August and moved to a condo - same complex (1 building away) from our friend Roger.    Small.....world!

Kevin, Dawn, Pat, Mark

Said our good byes and stopped at Publix for a few things.   On home and we both took a nap!

Tonight was the final four NCAA basketball game in Indianapolis - 1st game was Illinois vs UConn - good game, but IL just couldn't get the breaks and lost 71-62.    

Wishing you all a very blessed and happy

EASTER

Friday - April 3

 We walked in the morning - whew 87% humidity!   On home for a bit and then I played canasta and lost (Cheryl, Sue and I) against Linda, Vicki and Eileen.   We had 16 ladies today. My last time to play this year.

Home for tomato soup (Trader Joe's) and grilled cheese for lunch.    

I watched the first 1/2 of the NIT final four last night between ISU and Auburn with Auburn winning 88-66.    What a great season for the Redbirds,    How ironic that both the NIT and NCAA Final Four games are in Indianapolis!    

We went to the Good Friday services at St. Francis with Father Robert - nice crowd and lasted 1 hour, 45 minutes.

Luke's birthday is next week but today he had his party with friends....

Luke and the guys + Maeve and her friend

Philip, Maeve, Luke, Annette

Our dessert last night at Cooper's Hawk

Salted Caramel Creme Brulee

I watched the 2nd episode of "Call the Midwife" - good as ever.     

This funny little clown, Carlos and long-haired friend, 

are doing their own thing while the boys party hearty!

Anne and I played 4 games of euchre - we won 2 and the computer won 2.

Thursday - April 2

 We walked at 8 before the heat arrived....breakfast and then I left for RummiKub.    Played with Jo, Nancy and Anita and we each won a game.   Fun morning and been a long time since we had all played,

Mark worked away on his projects and even got Flo and Big Red hooked up ready for take-off.....well, not quite, but we're getting there!

Mark had a routine "every few years" echocardiogram this afternoon.    I worked some more in the she shed - we are slowly getting our stuff figured out - I do know I have too many clothes!    Can't believe I said that, but it is the truth!   😂

Tonight we left with very nasty weather coming to pick up Mark and Brenda.    As we were driving to Cooper's Hawk, the heavens opened up, along with thunder and lightning and very heavy rain.    Whoaaaa....nasty night to be out.   Fortunately, by the time we got to the restaurant, it had stopped.    Enjoyed a very good meal and always fun to be with these two friends here at CT and who are from New Philadelphia, OH.    On home and more rain - so much standing water in ditches and along the roads.

Glad to be back home but sure was a fun evening despite the weather.

Mark, Brenda, Pat, Mark

Wednesday - April 1

HAPPY   HEAVENLY  BIRTHDAY to my Mom who would've been 107 today.    She would've been so proud of her family,  her 9 grandchildren and 14 great grands.   We sure miss her - Mom, Grandma and GG!

Another very warm sunny day.    We went to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul with Father Murchadh.    Sad to hear that an elderly priest, Father David who fills in occasionally on weekdays at St. Vincent's, fell yesterday and has several broken bones - also has a broken neck (previous injury).   

Mark dropped me off at home and he went to Hardees for his biscuits and gravy fix.   A bit later, I  started walking to canasta but then Sandy offered me a ride in her golf cart and catch up about other friends (Kathy and Kevin).    Sooo much going on in CT with serious illness, people leaving (others traveling and stopping here for a night), etc.

So excited to win at canasta - June, Cheryl and I beat Linda, Michelle and Mary.    Close game!

On home and time for lunch - we've been wanting to try the Mexican food trucks on Palm Beach Boulevard - Liam and Connor had gone there in December and loved it.   We went a few weeks ago on a Friday in Lent, but they had no shrimp or any type of fish!!!    So back today.....very good (Mark had 2 pork tacos and I had a chicken quesadilla).    Also a very delicious pineapple drink + several slices of fresh pineapple.    Good choice!

We got our food to go and after lunch, worked on clothes (me) and bins from underneath Flo and in Big Red (Mark).       

Tonight we watched the launch of the Artemis II - WOW!!!

Luke (red jacket) and classmates at the Capitol building

Anne and I won 4 of 4 euchre games tonight - she really got the cards!!!    FUN!

 

Tuesday - March 31

 Oh my, March is almost over and going out like a lamb here in Fort Myers.   Got to 87 with lots of sunshine.

Mark helped out at St. Francis parish office answering the phones from 10-12.    I took him down there and then picked him up and we were off to Punta Gorda.    We met Lee and Tamara who came from Bradenton at Laishley's.   Had a nice table on the water and almost 2.5 hours of catching up over our yummy lunch.    Very crowded today as it always seems to be.

We go way back with Lee and Tamara (she and Mark worked together a long time ago).    It's nice having them in FL, so we see them at least once a year.

Mark, Pat, Tamara, Lee

So sorry to hear today that Darlene a resident and neighbor at CT passed away from glioblastoma (brain cancer) which she suffered from for over a year.   RIP Darlene.

We walked around 6:30 - visited with Barry and Donna and talked Alaska where they are going in August.

There has been a wildfire northwest of Marion, NC (near Lake James).    Over the weekend, 2 Aero-Flite Tanker 260 Bombardier CL-415 (Super Scooper) aerial firefighting airplanes scooped up water from Lake James to pour onto the fire.   These airplanes can scoop up 1400 gallons of water in 12 seconds.    AMAZING!!!

Tonight Anne and I won 2 of 3 games!!!

Monday - March 30

Very breezy day here at CT.    I worked in the she shed organizing clothes and other stuff and what we'll leave and what we'll take with us.    Oh joy.....the nomads will be on the move 2 weeks from Wednesday.

Then I played canasta for the 1st time in several weeks - too much going on....visitors and avoided playing with all the sickness we had in the park.   So much fun to be with these gals again (28 strong) but Linda, Karen and I lost to Sandy, Denise and Terri.

Mark uncovered Big Red's cover and started cleaning out that stuff inside!   Stuff, stuff, so much stuff!    

Yesterday Luke was rock climbing and rappelling with hs core adventure group...

Luke - the great "adventurer"

and today he and his 7th-8th grade classmates are on their field trip to Washington, DC.    What fun seeing all the sites in our nation's capitol for these kiddos!

Tonight we met Connie and Steve for one last hurrah (dinner at Prawnbroker a big favorite for all of us).    As always, so much to chat about over our delicious meals.    We look forward to being together again in October.  We sure enjoy our times together.

Steve, Connie, Pat, Mark

It rained on our way to the restaurant, while we were eating and then on our way home.   We stopped at Costco and Trader Joe's for a few things - nasty night and glad to be home!

Anne and I played 3 games of euchre online - we won 1.   

  

Sunday - March 29

 Rainy Palm Sunday....started when we went to church and been off and on all day.    Cooler today, too.   After 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert and a few errands, it was good to hunker down and have a day off from going somewhere and eating out!    Enjoyed our leftovers.

Connor and friends celebrating the Illini going to the Final Four

Paul, Connor, Jacob, Luke

I worked on setting up some dates to get together with friends when we're back in Bloomington (Kamp Komfort in Carlock) April 19-May 19.

We walked in the afternoon - very breezy. 

 Blair and her cheer team continue to do well.    They were in Gatlinburg this weekend and placed 2nd.

Zoom tonight was with 8 siblings and most of the talk was about health - especially Joan's upcoming surgery on 4/10 (very painful ankle with a rod inserted???)    She's already had 2 ankle replacements.    Also Tom and Beth's upcoming visit to Cleveland Clinic and March Madness excitement.

Enjoy the week ahead....

 

Saturday - March 28

 Today we went back to Blossom and Brie for the 10th lunch/brunch/dinner of the season.    We met my high school friends, Dick and Shirley from Dixon, IL for brunch.   Shirley is a Sublettian and we went all thru grade/high school together.    She is one year younger and Dick is 2 years older than me.   It was another packed place and Mark and I had a nice visit with Rodney (owner) before our friends arrived.    He is a U of I grad and will be cheering on the Illini tonight as we'll cheer on the Hawkeyes.   Mark asked Rodney if he had some sort of "loyalty" program for repeat customers (like 10 times).   He laughed, but maybe he'll give that some thought😀😀😀

We've been getting together with Shirley and Dick for many years here in FL (they spend February and March in Naples).    Tomorrow they head for home.    They loved Blossom and Brie and we yakked and yakked.    Then time to walk around and see the animals, take a picture and say good bye till next year.

Mark, Pat, Dick, Shirley

On home and took a nap - really warm today.   

Our Hawkeyes lost to IL tonight 71-59.    Exciting close game but then we kinda fell apart in the end!    So, I will now cheer on the Illini in the Final Four and wish them all the best!

Friday - March 27

Another busy but very fun day with Allie and Owen.     They came to CT around 10 and we went together to Buckingham Farms - not to eat, but do some shopping.  Back to Flo for a while and then off to Connor's in Gulf Coast Mall for an early lunch - all enjoyed our meals.

Friends since 1966

Pat 'n Allie

We got to the Music and Arts Community Center which is part of the Gulf Coast Symphony and located in the Unitarian Universalist  Church on Daniels.   We walked around the grounds and then "show time" and oh wow............it was just awesome with 4 guys and 1 gal singing all the oldies and cute storyline called Sh-Boom!    My friend Claire had seen it and highly recommended, so got tickets for this afternoon's matinee and we all loved it - so entertaining.

Then to Fancy's, just a mile away to eat again.......more good food.    On home and said our goodbyes to Allie and Owen - what a fun visit with them.    Always enjoy our time together but not sure when we'll see them again?    Maybe this summer somewhere on Lake Michigan?

Owen, Allie, Pat, Mark

Unfortunately there was an accident on I-75 on their way home to North Port, so traffic backed way up and rerouted off the interstate.   UGH....long delay getting home!

Happy "milestone" Birthday to our sister-in-law, Lydia who is celebrating today!

It rained here around 8 - didn't amount to much, but we'll take all we can get!

I stayed up till 12:20 AM this morning watching the IL vs Houston game.    A thrilling win for IL and both IL and Iowa are in the Elite 8.   They will play one another Saturday night. 

GO  HAWKEYES !!!

   

Thursday - March 26

 Sure thankful for the rain last night and yet, so many other areas didn't get a drop!   

We went to 9:00 Mass at St. Vincent de Paul with Father Murchadh.   On home for light breakfast.   I did some laundry.    Mark made a trip to the garbage corral with garbage and a bunch of recycling.

Yesterday before we met Meg and Seward, we stopped at Snyderman's Shoes for a new pair of walking tennies for Mark - this place is great as their employees are very knowledgeable about the correct kind of shoe to fit your particular feet.   We sure learned some new things!!!

Liz here at CT is collecting old tennis shoes to give to St. Martin de Porres and so Mark donated his old ones today, too. 

We met Allie and Owen at Blossom and Brie - they drove down from North Port and as always, a good time and lunch for their first visit to this great place in the country.   After walking around and checking out the animals, they met Rodney, the owner from IL who gave them a tour of the container ship which grows the greens hydroponically.

Allie, Owen, Mark,, Pat

4 farm kids out in the country with a Ford 8N

They checked into their hotel, we all rested a bit and then we picked them up at 4:30 and off to downtown.   Went to the top of the Luminary (Beacon Drinkery) for drinks and charcuterie board.   

Allie and Owen on 12th floor overlooking the Caloosahatchee

We walked around downtown which was a happening place - lots of folks out and about on this nice evening.    We had ice cream at "Scoops on First".    An alarm went off - screeching sound that apparently covered the entire block - fire alarm?    Not sure, but we were soon on our way home and away from that noise!    

Took Allie and Owen to their hotel.  And then.............watched our Iowa Hawkeyes beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 77-71.    WHAT a THRILLING game!!!!!    YEAH......the Hawks are going to the Elite 8....

 

Probably won't get to sleep for awhile!!!!   😂😂😂😂😂

Wednesday - March 25

 Cooler cloudy morning as we were off to downtown.    We had our coffees and shared a yummy warm blueberry cinnamon roll at Peter's.    Later Mark walked to the barber shop for a haircut with Jose.   I stayed at Peter's and sent some texts and read.

On home for a bit before we left to meet friends, Meg and Seward from Connecticut.    We met them several years ago in Brewerton, NY where they spend the summer months on their boat "Butterfly".    They are spending the winter months in St. Pete and drove to Estero for a few days to visit family/friends.    What fun to be together at the Burntwood Tavern in Bell Tower.   Their daughter Rebecca and family live in NC not that far from our kiddos at Lake James.    It was a very fun visit and good lunch (shared the cauliflower, Claire which we all enjoyed) 😋

Seward, Meg, Pat, Mark

On home to change clothes cause I had a 3:00 mani/pedi with Alisa downtown.    Mark and his I-pad kept company.    And we ended the day with a wonderful dinner at The Veranda celebrating Lydia's milestone birthday with she and Jim, and their friends Nick and Lucy,    This is such a special place - excellent dinner in our own little private room with top-notch service and ambiance.    

Birthday Girl and hubby

Lucy, Nick, Mark, Pat, Lydia, Jim

Lucy and Nick

While we were waiting for the others to arrive and standing by the hostess stand, in walks 3 couples from CT.....Deb and Rob, Mike and Jody and Dan and Cyndy.    Tomorrow Deb and Rob will be heading home to Louisiana and ending their time at CT for good.    The other 2 couples have already left and moved on to other ventures.

Michael has been in NYC the past few days.    Today as he was leaving LaGuardia and looking out the window on the runway, he saw the Air Canada plane that was involved in the tragic accident which killed the 2 pilots.....such a sobering sight.

Thunder, lightning and heavy rain started at 8:45 tonight!!!

Tuesday - March 24

 HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   

BRADY

Brady

Brady is 20 today and almost finished with his sophomore year at Notre Dame    How quickly time flies by!   He's a great sports enthusiast - playing and watching and such a fun kiddo.   Proud to be his Grandma and Grandpa and sure enjoyed a nice visit tonight

We walked this morning - gotta get back in that groove to offset all the eating  😋

Off to Buckingham Farms  for lunch with our Mid Illini friends.    They had not been here - all enjoyed our meals and a long leisurely visit + Booger, the tortoise and walking around the grounds.

Mark, Pat, Roger P, Marcia, Barb, Roger H

I watched the 1st episode tonight of Season 15 for "Call the Midwife"......and we're off and running with more smiles, tears and heartwarming stories!

Saturday-Monday, March 21-23

 Saturday - we left CT at 7:50 heading to Lakeland to visit my brothers and wives.    Stopped in Arcadia for coffee/breakfast, but the Rose Cafe did not open till 9 (??? on a Saturday) and it was 8:45, so we went to the Farmhouse Coffee Co. downtown.    Arrived at Bob and Linda's shortly before 11.   Settled in with our stuff for the next 2 days.    Visited, had a light lunch and then went over to Ron and Vicki's.

We girls played rummikub (Vicki won) and the guys visited and napped,    Mark and I went to 4:00 Mass at St. Joseph downtown and later we all enjoyed pork BBQ sandwiches, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans and key lime pie.    Said our good byes after getting dessert order from Ron and Vicki for tomorrow's visit to Hellas' in Tarpon Springs.

Linda and I played spite and malice (a game from waaay back when) that I hadn't played in years - she won.    Nighty night!  

Sunday - We 4 were off to Tarpon Springs around 8:45 with Bob driving.    This has been a several year tradition for the 4 of us to shop (girls) and enjoy a wonderful Greek lunch at Hellas' (Greek salad, gyros and flaming cheese - Saganaki.).  

OPA!

  A very fun day to be out and about with perfect weather, good shopping and eating + started off with a latte from the French bakery.    We also got desserts to go (their selection is magnificent!!!) for the 6 of us.   The guys took the desserts to the car and Linda and I did a little more shopping, but by 2:00 we were back on the road to Lakeland.    

Their friends Dan and Sue came over for drinks and visiting - always fun to see them. 

Bob, Linda, Dan, Sue, Pat, Mark

Bob, Linda, Pat, Mark

  Later Mark and I walked to Ron and Vicki's with their desserts and more visiting.    Said our good byes but we'll see them April 15th when we are heading north with Flo.    Vicki is recovering from a broken wrist!   😞

Ron and Vicki

Linda and I played Sky Jo and also watched the very exciting thriller March Madness game between our Iowa Hawkeyes and the Florida Gators which we won 73-72.    Oh my....while this was going on I got a text message from one of my boat sisters, Donna, that another sister, Teri had fallen and broken her hip.    Oh no.....poor Teri.   

Bob is the ultimate "puzzle putter together".   He always has one going and he was almost finished with another.   I helped with a few pieces but here's his finished project - such a neat scene he got here in Fort Myers.

Zoom in to see this neat tiki-on-the-water scene

 Between thinking about Teri and the excitement of the basketball game, it took me a whille to fall asleep!  😒

Monday - we had breakfast with Bob and Linda and then good bye.    We'll see them back home in IL in May.   Such a fun weekend.    Stopped in Wauchula at the Java Cafe for coffee and got home around 10:45, changed clothes and 45 minutes later, headed to Cristof's for a very nice lunch with Father Steve from St. Francis Xavier and other parishioners with the Cornerstone Society.    It was so pleasant sitting on the porch (25) seeing familiar faces and meeting new folks.    Food was delicious as always.   

Teri had successful hip replacement this morning in Kettering, OH. 

Stopped at Wal Mart and on home.    Our neighbors Barb and Joe came to say good bye - they are off to IL tomorrow.    The season is winding down and we sure saw a lot of RV's heading north as we were on the road today.

Looks like the tiki roof tops are fixed since we've been gone after the awful storm one week ago tonight.

We met our boating friends Michael and Chris (boat sister) at Firestone Grill for delicious dinner.    They are from OH and had been in Tampa for their nephew's wedding this weekend and now enjoying a few days in Fort Myers.    So fun to be together as we talked about Teri, her surgery and recovery coming up and many other things! 😄

Mark, Pat, Chris, Michael

Friday - March 20

 A fun day and last hurrah in Florida with Claire.    We met at World Market and laughed so hard at their wonderful funny, hilarious cards.    Then to Bell Tower and Talbot's (retail therapy for Claire). Lunch time and another good one at Burntwood Tavern.   We really like this place.

Pat and Claire

Lots of yakkin and then good bye hugs as Claire headed home and  I went to Fresh Market.    We'll be together in April in Bloomington,   

On home and Mark and I caught up on our day.    Did some packing for our getaway coming tomorrow to Lakeland to visit my brothers and the girls.    We'll be back Monday so taking a break from the blog til then.

Watched the Iowa/Clemson game from Tampa.    As Davis said last night "Grandma, the Hawkeyes are playing just up the road from you!!!     And those Hawkeyes about gave Grandma a heart attack but won a thriller 67-61 (sorry Beth)!    

Enjoy your weekend!

    

Thursday - March 19

  HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   DAVIS

Davis the chef

On this feast day of St. Joseph, we celebrate our grandson, Davis's 24th birthday!    He's made us very proud with his easy-going ways but strong work ethnic as he loves his job as a mechanical engineer in NC and being a new homeowner!   

We were up and off early for Collins Vision and my check-up with Dr. Friedrich for the eyes.    My right eye is still a little blurry, but he says all looks great and to try some refresh tears as they may be dry?   I'll have my yearly eye check-up in a few weeks.

We had breakfast at Keke's, then to WalMart to pick up a Rx that wasn't ready yesterday.

We had planned to have dinner tonight with friends at Cooper's Hawk, but those plans fell thru.

Our neighbors, Barb and Joe invited us and other friends of theirs (Jim and Debbie from NY) for cake and ice cream and to meet their granddaughter, Meagan who is a freshman at Murray State College in KY and here visiting for spring break.   Really nice evening.

Got our new flag pole that was damaged in Monday night's storm....Mark got it assembled and Old Glory is proudly flying again at #102.