Travels of Mark and Pat

Tuesday - February 17

The day started off sunny and breezy, but then the clouds rolled in and it turned cool...Mark and I left round 9:30 and he dropped me off to meet Claire and Kathy. He went on to get Toad's oil changed.

We girls shopped and then celebrated my birthday at Cristof's - good wine and lunch on the porch. A fun outing with good friends and last time for me to see Kathy till mid April in Dallas.

The Mardi Gras parade passed right down Terecero Street where Daisy is parked. I just missed it, but Mark took several pictures of all the decorated golf carts, folks walking, music, etc.

Mardi Gras parade at Siesta Bay

Our North Carolina boys had a snow/ice day today and probably again tomorrow!

Monday was Presidents Day, so a short week for them!

Unbelievable weather out east and southeast USA.

Monday - February 16

It's a beautiful Monday and we were off to the beach to pick up Rich and Doris. First stop was Flippers on Lovers Key for yummy breakfast. Lots of wind today, so had our jackets, coolers, basket of treats, etc, and rented a pontoon for 4 hours to go cruising on the Back Bay.

Just a glorious day to be out on the water. Rich tried fly fishing, but no luck. Lots of boaters out there today.....this little guy kept hovering over our boat apparently eyeing our fruit and cheese tray?

Soaring thru the sky

Doris and Rich

After we docked the boat and settled up with maria, Doris and I walked across the street to Santini Plaza and checked out the shops. The guys enjoyed a beer on the beach and then met us at

The Fish House for delicious dinner!

Rich, Doris, Pat, Mark

Said our good-byes as they are leaving for home on Wednesday.

We so enjoyed our time together!

Sunday - February 15

Beautiful day in Fort Myers.....we slept in a bit, then to First Watch for yummy breakfast (their cranberry nut pancake is sooooo good - ranks almost up there with the macadamia nut banana pancake I had on Waikiki Beach with Ryan).

Stopped at Costco to replenish our wine supply and a few other things, then to noon Mass at Church of the Resurrection. Got a few groceries at Publix and on home.

Changed clothes, rested a bit and then rode bikes!

Who are these cowboys?

Tonight our annual Mid Illini Florida winter reunion continued with a very enjoyable evening at Parrot Key followed by the Gatlin show - 15 of us had so much fun reminiscing and being together again + enjoy delicious dinners and then great entertainment!

The Girls

Kathy, Viv, Carol, Marcia, Pat, Carol, Paula, Barb

The guys

Roger, Glen, Mike, Paul, Mike, Mark, Roger

Valentine's Day - 2015

Hope you've had a happy day with your Sweetie and all those you nearest and dearest to you...

Beautiful day with lots of sun, but breezy and chilly. Still sooo very cold back home and then thinking of the folks in Boston preparing (how do you prepare?) for another storm!

We exercised inside Daisy, did laundry and after lunch went on a long bike ride.

Met Rich and Doris (Mark's sister) at Fresh Catch Bistro on the beach for a fabulous meal.....we sat outside (with heaters and the vinyl curtains down), and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and very good dinner. Doris and I also got a long-stemmed red rose!

Doris and Rich

Valentine's Day Sunset

Spiced Pecan and Cranberry Crusted Grouper - AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

After dinner we went to the bar at the Wyndham (where they are staying) for coffee with kaluha and more visiting!

Thursday-Friday, February 12-13

Hi all, we are back from a busy, fun 2 days in Venice/North Port. Left Thursday morning after breakfast at The Grind (a favorite coffee shop from last year). Drove to Venice and met Bob,, Linda, Jake, Jennifer and Leia and we girls shopped while the guys had their coffee and sat in the sunshine.

We girls are on a "on a mission"

Leia wearing her "Born to Shop" bib and an orchid in her hair

Lunch at Fin's

Pat, Jake, Leia, Jennifer, Linda, Bob, Mark

Had very tasty lunch at Fin's - long wait, but enjoyed drinks overlooking the beautiful gulf and good visit. So good to be together. Said our good-byes (all of the girls did our part to boost the Venice economy) and then Mark and I were off to North Port to see Allie and Owen. Great to be back at their lovely condo, visit, have some wine, delicious dinner and yak the night away. We played 2 games of dominoes (both won by Mark).

Allie and Owen

After a yummy breakfast of butterscotch rolls and fresh fruit, (THANKS for your hospitality, Allie and Owen) we headed back to Venice to spend the day with long-time boating friends from our boating days in Racine. Bob and Carol have a home in Venice and Mark and Barbara from New Bern, NC are spending the month on Anna Marie Island. Been the tradition for several years to meet in Venice, catch up and enjoy lunch (Fin's again - very good)!