Sunday - May 3

On our way into town this morning, Ryan texted that Bob Berardelli had passed away.    Bob's son-in-law, Tom Frosch was Ryan's commanding officer with the Blue Angels.    Bob and Carol are from PA but spent several winters in Jupiter, FL.    We met them several times in Jupiter, in Stuart or Fort Myers and always enjoyed a fun time - Carol and I shopping; Bob and Mark sitting in a coffee shop.  Great folks and my heart breaks for Carol and their family.

We stopped at Scooter's for coffee and then met Anne at 10:00 Mass at Holy Trinity with Father Bo.    Their choir is off the charts - wonderful!!! 

We 3 went to The Bloomin' Cafe for breakfast - always a good meal here and a good visit on a very busy Sunday morning.

Bye to Anne and we were off to do 4 loads of laundry in Normal and then on home.    The wind is CRAZY today with some clouds and sun.

We had spaghetti, salad and garlic toast for supper.    Mark went for a walk but I played euchre with Anne.   Not a good night losing 3 of 4. 

Family zoom with everyone asking about Philip and how he's doing.    Also insurance questions, update from Joan and her ankle, Auntie Karen's accident with a deer and ChatGPT.

Enjoy your upcoming week!

 

Saturday - May 2

 Bright sunny blue skies but only in the 30s when we got up and then just got to 55.    We left for town at 10:30, ran some errands and then meet Bob and Martha at Epiphany Farms downtown.    We ate here when it was Central Station many times over the years but maybe only one other time since it became Epiphany Farms.    It was very good and they had a nice crowd for a Saturday afternoon.

Always enjoy our visits with Bob and Martha - the guys worked together at State Farm and their youngest Tait and Ryan were CCHS classmates.    They are world class travelers and fun to hear of their past adventures and upcoming trips.

Mark, Pat, Martha, Bob

Martha is an excellent cook and baker and always brings us a bag of her wonderful chocolate chip cookies - what a treat!!!!

Back home and hunkered down in Flo on this chilly day - enjoyed a cookie and cup of tea!

We watched the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby - very exciting with Golden Tempo coming from way behind for the win and the first female trainer to win a derby.

We had a light supper and then walked around KK - Kentucky folks are here tonight and an RV from Alberta, Canada!

 I'm sure you heard on the news today that Spirit Airlines is no more.    Philip worked for them (flying and instructing) for 24 years.     Now we'll see what the future holds for him and praying for the best!     Over 10,000 employees are out of work.😔

Friday- May 1

 HAPPY   M AY   DAY

Chilly Friday with off and on sunshine.    We had a small amount of leftovers for breakfast (yay....that cleans out all the boxes for awhile)!   😀   Then to Goodfield and Revive for coffee - love this place and their staff of young ladies who are so friendly,  nice and make great coffees.    We shared a small pull apart cinnamon roll warmed up - delish!   Back home.

The plan today had been to meet Barb and Roger at Green Gables for lunch but Roger has been sick since Monday.    Bummer for Roger -hope he feels better soon and bummer for all of us as we don't get to visit (and enjoy cheeseburgers and cheese curds)!!!   😊

Mark has a project going on trying to find the problem with our electric water heater on Flo.    We made a trip to Ace Hardware in Eureka for some parts....

Mark made another trip to Normal and Home Depot for more parts but success and all good with electric water heater (we've been using propane as backup).

Mark s busy problem solving and got the job done!

Tonight Luke is at his first formal dance for his middle school....so grown up!!

Handsome lad 

Classmates

 
Going to the dance in style

Anne and I tied 2-2 with the computer tonight.

Enjoy your weekend !

Thursday April 30

 Wow....the last day of April and the rainy evening will bring on the May flowers.    This year is flying by.........

I met Nadine (long-time friend and MNF) at Rob Dobs for lunch.    Nadine's hubby, Mike died very unexpectedly in March - such a nice guy and big shock for all.    We spent 3 hours and 15 minutes, crying, laughing and sharing many stories.    Our lunch was delicious but the visit was a real treat.   

Nadine and Pat

Mark enjoyed a nice quiet day of not having to go anywhere!!!

Brooke and Blair are in Orlando for Blair's cheer competition this weekend!    This is a big deal and involves many many cheer teams from around the country.

The euchre cards were very unkind tonight as Anne and I lost 3 of 4 games to the computer!

Wednesday - April 29

 Chilly and windy today,    Wish I had some clothes from the she shed for this weather up north!    We had a leisurely morning reading, doing puzzles, etc.    Then off to town and met Steve and Peggy, long-time friends at Jack's.    We've been here once before and enjoyed it....one of Peggy's favorites.   It was very good and we had a great visit catching up about so much stuff.    Always fun to be with them. 

Peggy and Steve

After lunch, we stopped at Kroger's, College Hills Meat Market and on home.   Crazy windy here at KK

I got an e-mail today from our Fort Myers church, St. Francis Xavier that I won $100 in their daily raffle!!!    Nice surprise

I watched episodes 5 and 6 tonight of "Call the Midwife" - I was very teary-eyed and continue to be amazed at how they keep coming up with these story lines - soooo good!

Connor ended his DACC golf career yesterday with a 77 and that had been his Dad's best score.   Patrick would be so proud!!!    Connor's best ever is a 69.

Tuesday- April 28

 Burrr.....after all the rain yesterday and last night, today was cold and dreary.    We took several sweatshirts, hoodies, and coats with us and off to meet the Monday morning group (postponed from yesterday) at Egg Republic for breakfast.    Love this place and another good meal and visit!   

Brenda, Pat, Sigrun, Ken, Darrel, Pat, Mark

Missed Sue

And then off to see Connor play his last game of his DACC career,    We put on 5 layers and met up with Anne on the 5th hole.    They had started at 8:30 and played 36 holes today.   The temp at start was 50 but felt like 40.   

Our golf star - Connor! 

We were cold and the wind picked up so didn't stay too long.   

Good to be back in warm Flo and had a quiet afternoon.    Connor shot an 80, 81 and 77 for the tournament.    DACC came in 5th of 9 teams.

DACC Golf Team

Nick, Clayton, Lyndon, Josh, Connor

Connor and his biggest fan and supporter

"Mama" who walked 32,000 steps today!

Tonight we met friends Fred and Carol from Lexington at The Pickled Radish in Eureka.    This is a favorite of all of us and we talked about getting together here for dinner when we were with them last summer on Drummond Island, Michigan.

It was so good to see them and catch up over a delicious dinner....and nonstop chatter.   And found out we all have a love and fondness for coffee shops!!!

 Hoping we can meet somewhere on Lake Michigan this summer.

Mark, Pat, Carol and Fred

Happy 54th Wedding Anniversary to Carol and Fred (tomorrow)!

Monday - April 27

What a difference a day makes....yesterday was delightful walking around the golf course - today is ugleee!!!

We were supposed to meet our Monday morning group at Egg Republic, but everyone canceled with the nasty weather in the forecast.     Our friends, Brenda and Darrel both offered for us to come to their homes and put Ruby in their garage.    But we decided to stay put and around 8:30, the rain started with strong winds.    We did go to the men's restroom for a while (safety shelter here at KK).    The rain was very heavy at times....around 11:30, Mark thought we should leave and get some lunch (and coffee).    The rain was much lighter, so off to Revive in Goodfield.    We love this place and their coffee/pastries but had never had lunch.    We shared the Italian sandwich - DELICIOUS!!!   It poured while we were there....sat with our Ipads till time to go home.    So much water standing in the fields.    We are under a severe thunderstorm watch for the next 24 hours.

Connor and golf team are holed up at the Comfort Inn in town - what to do?   what to do?   All these teams in town for the tournament which now will resume tomorrow playing 36 holes - going to be chilly and chance of more rain?     The team drove past Weibring to see what it looked like - lots of water standing.    

We watched the weather channel all afternoon = so many storms around the Midwest.   I did lots of online puzzles and other online games.    Mark took a nap and did his games, etc., on his Ipad.    Around 5:15, the heavy rain started along with thunder and lightning .   

No Monday Night Friends tonight - all happy to stay home with this nasty weather.    It rained very hard till 7:10, then we peeked out the windows and saw lots of water standing here at KK.

 

Sunday - April 26

 Thinking back to April 26, 2003, a beautiful spring day and Anne and Patrick's wedding......23 years ago

Today was also beautiful and we were at Weibring Golf Course (ISU) to watch Connor and his DACC teammates play.    We walked the first 9 holes with Anne.    She went on home to get ready for entertaining the team and coaches for dinner tonight (taco bar).   We came back to KK.    They weren't supposed to play today, but with threatening weather in tomorrow's forecast, played today (maybe tomorrow) and Tuesday - total of 54 holes for this tournament - NJCAA region 24 championship determining who goes onto Nationals - top 2 teams and top 3 individuals who are not on those teams.     Connor shot an 80 today

Anne, Connor, Grandpa

Anne, Connor, Grandma

Connor in action

Beautiful lilacs in bloom around the clubhouse - smelled heavenly!

We walked this evening - one new state - North Carolina but 3 Airstreams

Zoom tonight included 8 siblings - big news was that Adam (Sharon's son) and Alex have set their wedding date for May 8, 2027 in Louisville, KY.  They became engaged a few weeks ago.  

Have a good week ahead and let's hope 'n pray for no severe weather tomorrow!

Saturday - April 25

 Today is the feast day of St. Mark.....so it's Mark's feast day!!!

The day started out chilly and dreary, but around 10:30, the sun came out and it was a very pretty day.    Our friend Darrel came at 9:30 to help Mark take down and then install Flo's new awning.    Darrel is our "go-to" guy for projects with Flo when we're at KK.    He was a HUGE help last October when the guys got the couch out of Flo before we had the recliners installed.

At 12:15 the guys took a break (and I tagged along) and went to the Carlock Family restaurant for lunch.    Always enjoy our visits catching up on our kiddos and life in general.   It's almost a year (May 5th) that Tamara passed away.    We've been friends since 1973.

Liam waas to run a marathon today in Champaign but had to bow out with a sore foot.    He's being treated by a doctor at the U of Iowa.    The diagnosis was "Stress Reaction" (not heard of that)!

I heard the other day that 2 classmates from my high school class of '66 passed away this week.    That brings the total number who have died to 36 out of 92.

We met Anne at Historic St. Patrick's for 5:00 Mass.   Talked briefly afterwards and she went on home and we got Ruby washed and then met Paul and Marlys at Biaggi's.    Wow.....the place was full of prom kiddos - they were everywhere and Marlys and I loved all the gorgeous dresses.

We had a wonderful dinner and visit with Paul and Marlys - always fun to catch up.   Paul is 90 and doing well - quite an inspiration.

Paul, Marlys, Pat, Mark

And then on our way home hearing about the horrible attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner,,,,oh my, oh my!  

Friday - April 24

 A dreary cool day here at KK.    We walked in the morning, I made a batch of BBQ and had a quiet morning with just 5 other campers.   Mark did some organizing of our lockers - things sure do shift when we're traveling.  

I left at 11:45 for town to meet Brenda, Sharon and Sue at The Barrel House.    Busy place and a 25 minute wait.    The DAR ladies from all over IL are  in town (400 strong) and staying at the Double Tree which is connected to The Barrel House.

The 4 of us had so much fun catching up and food was good (excellent chicken salad).  

Sharon, Sue, Brenda, Pat

We had no rain at KK but as I came into Bloomington, the streets were wet and some puddles.

Walked in the park - no new states tonight!

Enjoy your weekend

Thursday - April 23

 We had a fun morning in town first picking up coffees and a slice of pistachio/chocolate pound cake (delish) from Starbucks for the birthday girl.   Also picked up a bouquet of flowers at Kroger.   Donna Rae is 94 today and doing well.    Her apartment looked like a party room with a balloon, gifts, cards and flowers here and there!    She is so loved by so many!!!

Her daughter Judy came and what fun visiting with her, reminiscing about the craft sale we had at our Jackson Street home for so many years.    Judy and Steve came to display all the crafts and what a fun job they did year after year!!!    We enjoyed all the family updates and amazing how quickly the years have passed.   How can our kiddos (big and small) be the ages they are???

The Birthday Girl - 94 years young

Donna Rae and daughter Judy

Us with Donna Rae

Said our good byes and know Donna Rae has lots more fun coming up today/tonight!    Next stop was the laundromat in north Normal.    Mark helped me get 3 washers going and he left for Tractor Supply and WalMart.    Got the laundry washed, dried, folded and then across the street to Steak 'n Shake - yum!

On home and had a quiet afternoon - very windy again today but lots of sunshine and 81

Walked tonight and only one newbie... from Georgia.

Anne and I beat the computer 4 of 4 games tonight!

 

Wednesday - April 22

 A pretty day and breezy but nothing like yesterday!    I went into town and ran some errands - dropped off my 2 pots of impatiens at Anne's - carted them all the way from Fort Myers!    

I met Claire at some new shops in town but they were unique and not our thing.    Went to Destihl for lunch and celebrated Claire's birthday (8 days early).    We sat on the patio and it was so pleasant.    3 hours and lots of chatter later, we said our good byes till next time.    Lots of fun catching up over wine and delicious lunch.

Pat and the Birthday Girl

On home.    Mark had gone to the Carlock Family restaurant for lunch and did some book work and other jobs around Flo.

The farmers are working away with the spring planting - dust is flying along with all the construction on I-74.

We walked around the park - new states tonight are Wisconsin (2), Iowa and Ohio.

Tuesday - April 21

 The sunshine felt good but oh my, the winds were fierce and out here in the country we really felt the brunt.     But it was such a fun day with my cousin visiting.    Jane drove to KK from Peoria and we laughed, cried and laughed some more.    She's so much fun and we had lots to catch up on.

Jane and I have a long history as she was born just 25 days before me, we are fellow Sublettians and went thru school together and then Midstate College.    We yakked and played several games of Rummikub.    Busy Corner was our choice (one and only) for lunch and more yakkin'.   Jane and I then went to Revive, the nearby coffee shop.   Back to KK for more Rummikub and yakkin' of course.    I brought back a slice of coconut cream pie for Mark.

The winds continued to blow very strong all day.....crazy and a tad ominous with some big trees near Flo, Ruby and Big Red.    Jane left around 4 - such a fun day!    Miss her already...

Janie Girl is "thee best"!!!

We went for a walk and  the following campers from these states are visiting KK tonight:

South Carolina, West Virginia, New Mexico, Illinois, Minnesota (2), California, Tennessee, and Florida (2).   

Anne and I beat the computer 4 of 5 games tonight!    Good day of RummiKub and Euchre!

The wind finally died down around 7 PM.    Alleluia!

Monday - April 20

 33 degrees when we got up but sunny skies and no wind.    We left KK at 7:45 heading north on I-55 stopping in Dwight for gas (Ruby) and coffee (us) + a creme brulee donut for Mark at The Perfect Blend.

Next stop was Zip Dee awning company in Elk Grove Village to pick up new awning for Flo - after 8 years, the seam had come undone, so decided to get a new one instead of trying to fix.    Mark and hopefully? our friend Darrel can do this removal of the old one and install the new canvas.    Katherine, the lady at Zip Dee said it was not difficult and comes with directions.   They have the market on RV awnings and just getting into residential/businesses.

We arrived at Windsor Covenant Care at 11:30.    Mike and Theresa met us and we went to her apartment for a little bit and then to the London Grille - very good sandwiches and chili.    Afterwards, we went to see Mike's memory care apartment which is very nice and he's happy there.    We had a good visit and thankful he's in this facility for the care he needs.    So many challenges facing Mike with this dreadful disease and keeping he and Theresa in our prayers.

Said our good byes as Theresa had a meeting (she's on several committees at Windsor).    So glad to got to see them and catch up.

Theresa and Mark

On home....Mark drove to Gardner and then I drove rest of the way - after 6 straight days on the road, we hope to stay put (at least traveling) for awhile.

I decided not to join the Monday Night Friends - another long day and glad to just stay put!

Today Connor heard from Purdue, the 4th college he applied for their engineering program and he was accepted by all 4 with U of Illinois, his first choice!    Way to go Connor!!!

Sunday - April 19

 Hello from Kamp Komfort where we literally "blew" in this afternoon - crazy wind with gusts at 37 mph.    The temp is 58 but feels like 39!    

We left Lambert's RV park at 8 with Mark going to get diesel in Big Red and me to Scooter's for coffee.    What a pretty morning with lots of clear blue sunshine compared to wet, dreary Saturday.     And then we were off on I-55 for our 5th and final day of travel.   Sunday mornings are a good time to be on the road - not much traffic but then we really hit it big time around St. Louis.    WOW.....busy busy.   We saw the exit for Butler Hill Road and brought back memories from almost 57 years ago as this was very close to our first home at 202 Clayridge Drive.    Boy has that area changed (obviously in 57 years) with so many new businesses and a big cancer center right at the exit ramp.   

Always good to see the big Arch - "Gateway to America's Heartland". 

I checked in with Micci at KK while Mark parked Flo.    Micci said they had lots of rain about 2 weeks ago (2 days after they opened for the season)  and KK was basically totally under water - pictures were unreal!!!    

We are here for one month but tomorrow we're off again (just Ruby and us) to Elk Grove Village (near O'Hare) to pick up a new awning for Flo and then visit Mark's sister Theresa and Mike.    The calendar for the next month is pretty full with family/friends visits and eating!!!

We went to online Mass with Father Jonathan in Port Clinton at Immaculate Conception.   Another short and meaningful homily!

Zoom tonight had 8 siblings chatting about health issues, a tree falling onto Doris' Wisconsin lake home causing damage from last week's storm, family reunion coming in August, etc., etc.   Janet and Mike are vacationing in Arizona and Joan is pleased with her recovery from ankle surgery but still a long ways to go.

Frost advisory for KK tonight!!!😕😕😕

Have a good week!

Saturday - April 18

 Brrrr.....what a difference a day makes.     Ater 3 beautiful days of weather for traveling, today was just the opposite with chilly temps, strong winds and rain!

We were up early with the time change and ready to leave the Loves truck stop in Quinton by 7 AM.    The first hour was great with hardly any traffic on I-22 and such a nice road.    But then that changed with more and more foks out and trucks on this Saturday morning.   We stopped n Tupelo, MS (Elvis' birthplace) to check radar and in Olive Branch, MS for some hot drinks.

We did our usual praying the rosary together and me listening to my oldies (sometimes Seriously Sinatra) as we just kept truckin on down the road.    We went thru 5 states - Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri.    The rain started in Mississippi - not too heavy but the worst was Missouri just as we crossed the state line - yikes....a good 1/2 hour and most of that was heavy!!!    Not fun!     

Saw more beautiful wildflowers - pink in Mississippi and yellow in Arkansas.   And the huge FedEx facility at the Memphis airport.

We arrived in Sikeston, MO at 1:00 (49 degrees) and planned to eat here at Lambert's Cafe - "home of the throwed rolls"    They have a 30-site RV park behind the restaurant that is on a first come first serve basis.   Sooo much water standing everywhere.    The parking lot was packed including a Peoria Charter bus.    Mark got Flo settled in an RV spot hooking up the electric and water in the rain and dodging the puddles.

We drove Ruby to the restaurant and hard to find a parking spot - oh my.....people, people everywhere.    We originally thought we would have dinner here but then decided on lunch; but sooo crowded, so came back to Flo for a bit and changed into warmer clothes.

Went back to Lambert's at 2:30 and had a 45 minute wait - crazy busy on a Saturday afternoon.    Folks were bundled up in jeans, sweatshirts, jackets, even stocking caps - brrr....we Floridians are not ready for this big change in the weather, but in a few days, it will be warm again.

So, Lambert's was good as ever with generous portions of great Southern cooking + their delicious warm big rolls they throw at the customers.   Their servers (guys and gals all wear jeans, denim shirts with red suspenders) come around with metal bowls of fried potatoes with onions, fried okra, tomato/macaroni salad, etc.   I forgot how big this place is - we were in a very large dining room and as we were leaving, we walked past another one just like it.   We have plenty of leftovers.    Still lots of people waiting for a table and this was just the lunch crowd!

So, back on November 7, 2003, Ryan and his cousin David (Ron and Vicki's son) were in aviation at SIU-Carbondale.    They were working on their multi-engine ratings and building hours, so invited their parents for a little surprise trip "somewhere" for Mark's birthday.   Unfortunately, Ron and Vicki couldn't go as Ron had had recent eye surgery and was told not to fly.    So, Anne and Patrick joined us and we left  Bloomington flying south for dinner.    And tah dah....they landed in Sikeston, a shuttle service provided by Lambert's picked us up and took us to the restaurant and we had a very memorable dinner in such a unique place.    Mark and I were also here November 13, 2014 with Daisy enroute to Florida.   It's as good as ever - just a really fun place.    There are 2 other locations besides Sikeston - Foley, Alabama and Ozark, Missouri.

Mark is happy after that delicious meal

Lambert's is same age as my brother Bob

Anne and I beat the computer 3 of 4 games tonight!

  

Friday - April 17

Mark started the day with a trip to Hardees and enjoyed his biscuits and gravy fix   He brought a biscuit back for me!   I love 'em.    Hot today, but no complaints as we've had beautiful weather for traveling.    We left Big Rig in Lamont just before 8:00.  We were back to interstate travel today - 10, 85, 65 and 22.    Heading west on I-10 this morning we came across another accident in the eastbound lanes which caused a major back-up.    Lots of emergency vehicles on the scene and saw a charred pickup truck....not a good sight 😟

We drove a total of 350 miles with a few stops along the way including Troy, AL for diesel for Big Red and while Mark was taking care of that, I went to 7 Brew for coffees for us.   Happy to be back on central time and gain an hour.

Yesterday we saw so many beautiful purple wildflowers along Florida's roadside with some pinks and whites sprinkled in.    Today, lots of Dollar Generals in Alabama.   😃 

We are at the brand new Loves truck stop in Quinton, AL for the night.    This place just opened last Thursday and has 5 RV spots (we really like these places and their RV facilities are getting to be really popular).   

Mark is thee best logistics guy - once again routing our trip today as to which roads, rest stops, fuel stops, etc.     A task he handles so well each day and enjoys for the most part!

So today we hit 87 and tomorrow, only in the 50's.   Another change of clothing coming up!

Anne and I lost 3 of 5 games to the computer tonight - the cards were not kind!

We are 3 hours and 10 minutes from Memphis and if Ryan had been there and not working tomorrow, we would've met him somewhere, but he's back home at Lake James.

Thursday - April 16

We left Sanlan and Lakeland at 8:57 this morning - took a LONG time to get thru Lakeland with lots of traffic, construction, and stop lights!    We went thru very rural Florida and saw so much poverty and very sad living conditions.    Passed thru many small towns (never heard of them) but for the most part, we were out in the boonies.  It may take longer, but sure beats the stress of interstate travel.

The highlight of our day was stopping for lunch at Olive Garden in Inverness and meeting friends from several years ago - Ross and Carly were RVers and we were together at Water's Edge in Okeechobee.   They are the nicest people and a few years ago, sold their RV and bought a beautiful home on 3 acres in Hernando, FL.  They have done a lot of work to their home and the property is sooo Wow!!!   Carly had a video.   We had a 2 hour lunch and visit - fun, fun , fun!   The last time we were together was March of '22 when they came to Fort Myers.   We "HOPE" to not wait so long to get together again.    Carly is from Vancouver, BC, Canada and Ross is from CA, but they have traveled and lived all over the country.

Carly and Ross

And the 4 of us

And then back on the road again - Ruby and I following Big Red, Flo and Mark.    We came upon a very tragic accident with a badly damaged car and stretcher beside it with a covered body   So many emergency vehicles there.....police, rescue squad, ambulance, fire trucks, etc.    Praying for those involved and the first responders.    So scary to see this and know how quickly an accident can happen.

We arrived at 4:30 at the Big Rig RV Park in Lamont, FL.    This is a fairly new park (in the middle of nowhere) with only 25 sites.

After we were settled, Mark took Ruby for some gas and lo and behold, he came across a Hardees, so you know where he's going for breakfast and what he'll be ordering!  😋😀

Wednesday - April 15

Unusual morning with a start to the day at 7:30 of text messages and reminder that we had 2:50 and 3:00 appts. with Dr. Kagen. our dermatologist.   At 8:00, more text messages that due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr. Kagen had to cancel for today and we needed to reschedule.   And then a phone call at 8:30 from the dermatology office that he would be able to see us and at Mark's suggestion, I asked if they had anything earlier which they did.  

At this point, we were downtown for Mark's haircut with Jose, but first, coffee/breakfast at Peter's and a final good bye to Marika, Stefan and Dani.    These folks are the best.....Mark and I love coffee shops and we've been to a lot, but Peter's is by far, our favorite!!!    Till October....

Sweet Marika

 So our 1:50 and 2:00 appts., worked out well and we were out of there by 2:10 and headed back to CT.   Not sure what all that was about, but everything worked out!

So back at CT, Mark and Flo pulled out of 102, he put up the chain across the lot and Ruby and I followed.    

Day 1 was short with a stop and overnight stay in Lakeland.    Arrived at Sanlan RV Park at 5 and met my brother Ron and Vicki at 6 for dinner at Catfish Country.    We heard about this place from Bob and Linda, but had never been and it's fairly close to Sanlan.    Great to be together and catch up over very fresh and delicious catfish, sweet potato (rice 'n beans for Mark), cole slaw, biscuits with cinnamon butter and hush puppy - all excellent!

Ron and Vicki

Beautiful evening - we went for a walk around Sanlan before heading into Flo for the night.

Tuesday - April 14

 I had a 9:00 hair cut with Destiny, then shopped at Publix for a few things and on home.    Later I went downtown to get a manicure from Alisa.

On home for lunch.   Mark had Big Red hooked up to Flo and was finishing up getting things organized for our trip.  Jim and Lydia stopped in and the guys got their sister Joan's cricket in the she shed.   Soooo appreciate Jim helping as this is definitely a 2-man job.    Not sure just how Mark and I have done it in the past?    But anyway, the she shed is full to the brim and all set for the summer.

The guys getting the cricket ready to go up the ramp

Jim and Lydia

We'll sure miss them!

We both took a nap in the afternoon!   

We so enjoy the "Find Friends" app and can see where our kids/grands are (a Philip idea from many years ago as the kids wanted to know where we were.....and then we can see where they are with all their travels).   Tonight Mark happened to check...........Michael was flying from Charleston, WV to Minneapolis; Philip was in Houston but ended up in Orlando tonight; Ryan is in Dublin, Ireland and Drew is in Cincinnati.

Went for our last walk in the park tonight - more and more have left and we know some leaving tomorrow.    Our street is really deserted!

I watched episodes 3 and 4 of Call the Midwife the past few days.....tonight's show was a tear jerker for sure.

Back on the road again........tomorrow afternoon!

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)!