Thursday - February 5

 A very fun day in Fort Pierce.    We left Stuart at 8:40 and headed to Fort Pierce (1/2 hour north) - all these towns (Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce) run into one another - no vacant land in between.   

We stopped at Publix for a few things and then enjoyed the Old Florida Coffee Co. for breakfast (guava/cheese pastry for Mark and white chocolate/raspberry scone for me) + our coffees.   All delish.   We sat with our I-pads and had some light drizzle off and on.    We met our friends Jim and Shelly from WI at Rosslow's for some retail therapy (Shelly and me) while the guys sat and visited.    So good to see them....our once-a-year visit and lunch (usually in Okeechobee).  Mark and Jim worked together at SF and they moved to WI after Jim retired.  They spend 6 weeks in Cocoa Beach.  

Shelly loved Rosslow's - great ladies clothing, baby/children and gift department.    She has some little ones to buy for, so that was fun + 2 new tops for herself.    Nothing for me....I did my damage in Stuart!

We had lunch at Cobb's Landing - very good and nice 'n cozy indoors with curtains down.   We said our good byes with a hopeful thought of getting together in late April or early May if we're all in Bloomington and can meet at Lucca Grill for an a la Baldini pizza?   Shelly and I LOVE this!!!   So fun to be together again!

Mark, Pat, Shelly, Jim

On home and rained as we were leaving Fort Pierce, but not for too long and later, the sun came out.    But the winds were ferocious and crazy when we got back to CT (gusts at 29 mph).   Good to be home.   Unloaded the car, unpacked the suitcase and made sure "Marilyn's Motel" (aka as the she shed) was all ready for her arrival later tonight.    Jim will be picking her up at the Punta Gorda airport.

We picked up Jim and Lydia and off to the clubhouse for euchre.   5 tables tonight.   Fun but no winnings for Mark or me.

The wind has died down fortunately, but the cold continues!