Sunday - January 5

 Sunny Sunday greetings.....we went to 9:30 Mass with Father Steve at St. Francis on this feast of the Epiphany,.   Then to Starbucks, Target and Home Depot.

On home to do some cleaning on Flo, organize our closet and get out some warmer clothes for the coming week.   Mark uncovered Big Red and stored some things in there out of the way.   He also went to Save-a-Lot to pick up an Amazon package

Went for a late afternoon walk but not many folks out and about - football is on, so I imagine folks are glued to their TV's.

8 siblings on zoom but had issues with the screen freezing up - we weren't the only ones with computer issues.    Jim and Lydia had problems, too, from Aruba,, Joan in Arcadia, FL and Karen in Dixon.

Saturday- January 4

 A cool sunny lovely day in Florida.   After breakfast I did some laundry and finished all the clothes organization.   Got the bins all stored away and she shed is ship shape!!!

We walked and visited with some of the neighbors and then went to Buckingham Farms, but................did something we've never done before or thought we would ever do!!!!  HA!    Drove into the parking lot and it was packed - cars everywhere!    We went inside and the line to order went all the way back to the kitchen....so, after standing in line a bit, decided to try another place.   Not going back there on a Saturday!

So, we remembered there was a restaurant by Publix (Riverdale Shopping Center) on Palm Beach/Buckingham called Patricia's (never been but name sounded good 😃 so thought we would try it).    Well, the name has changed to "Gomez Mexican Grill" - family owned and operated (just changed the name 4 months ago).   Authentic Mexican and wonderful - my margarita and taco salad were best I've had!    Mark had "Patricia's" enchiladas.    The family came from Chicago several years ago!   Definitely a return place!

Excellent taco salad with chicken

Some of the canasta gals were talking the other day about good Mexican places in the area....I will certainly recommend Gomez.....wonder why they changed the name???   Ha!

So proud of Anne who donated blood today and reached a milestone - she is a 12 gallon donor!   Giving the gift of LIFE............WTG, Anne

While out walking tonight we met new neighbors, Garth and Karen from Cincinnati who are here a month.    She already bought several flowers to plant - how nice!

"Blair" is on her way and could affect 60 million people with snow, ice, wind, and brutal cold!!!   

Friday - January 3

 Beautiful sunny 75 degree Friday!    We had a leisurely morning and then left for Aldi and onto McGregor Cafe to meet Connie and Steve.   We sat on the patio and enjoyed our yummy lunch (a favorite place) and caught up on each others news.   Connie and I plotted our plans for when 3 girlfriends arrive in early February and 5 days of go go go, eat, eat, eat!

Steve and Connie

Said our good byes and we'll set a date for getting together again soon.    Then to Salon by Design for a haircut with Jewel.    As always, love visiting with her and the latest with her new home going up after hurricane Ian, family news, trip to WI for Christmas, etc.

On home and at 3ish, Joan (Mark's' sister) and Joe arrived to pick up their Cricket (mini golf cart) and take back to Arcadia where they'll be in their camper for the next 3 months.   We had a good visit and then the guys loaded up the Cricket and they were on their way.   Can't wait to hang out with them for more fun times.

Joe and Joan

It is perfect for a late afternoon "walk in the park".   We met new neighbors who are renting for a few months (Ann and Duaine's place).    Connie and Tom are from Petoskey, MI.

We went to the post office yesterday to mail the final cards and get some stamps.   I had no idea what a first-class stamp costs now?    Thought in the upper 60's?    Well, it's  $.73     Yikes!    Glad they are "Forever"!!!

Winter storm "Blair" is heading to the Midwest and beyond - sounds like a doozy!    60's for us next week with lows in the low 40's.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - January 2

 Cloudy all day and low 70's.    Mark walked, I did a load of laundry and then to the library for rummikub.   8 of us today, so 2 tables of 4 (Todd, Wendy, Anita and myself and other table was Vicki S, Vicki F, Cindy and Alan).

When I got home Mark said "Let's go to the Rum Bucket"!   Yup, don't have to ask me twice.    Always good - small crowd today.   Mark had a roast beef melt and I had the Reuben.

Sorted thru clothes this afternoon - putting wintry stuff away and organizing bins, getting Christmas ((just my little bit) put away, too.

Watched the Notre Dame vs. Georgia game - we were ahead when we left to play euchre, but was I able to keep up with the game while playing cards and very happy when Notre Dame won 23-10.   Yeah for the Irish!

Cards were not so good but still a fun time with 4 tables (George and Mike were the winners).

One of the gals in the park shared this pic tonight overlooking Sunrise Lake

  

New Year's 2025

 Welcome to 2025!    

We were sound asleep when the new year rolled around but so sad to wake up this morning to hear the tragic news from New Orleans.    Just as we start a brand new year, the turmoil and evil continues...God Bless the USA!

Today is the feast of the Solemnity of Mary and we went to St. Vincent de Paul for 9:00 Mass.    Great priest, homily, music, and beautiful Christmas decor.    Then to Hardees for breakfast as Mark got some gift cards and he loves their biscuits and gravy!   

Quiet afternoon but did get the cards finished!    Several RV's arrived today including John and Kathy from KY across the street.  

Mark's cold 'n cough are a little better - I'm hacking occasionally - gotta stay on top of this....so much to do - no time to be sick!   Mark's back is better, too.....Note to self...

NO MORE HIGH TOPS!!!!!