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)!

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!