Winter Storm Warning!!

I expected to wake up to a clean white blanket on the dirty grey stuff we now have....but it hasn't hit yet, but according to radar it will by the time I'm in church. 

I did some shopping yesterday like everybody else in town, and then settled in for a quiet day.  I got most of my clothes dry and put away, but a few pair of jeans were still damp in places so they are still hanging in the basement.  I also vacuumed around the dryer....so it wouldn't be quite so linty and cobwebbie?  I'm sure that is not a word....but the unfinished laundry room has lots of them.

The big excitement for the day was finding out my State Tax was not accepted, and I had to go back and repair it.  I don't know what went wrong.....cause Turbo Tax fills in all the numbers from Federal into State....but somewhere they messed up....but needless to say....I don't get any money back.....Now I owe 1700.00......and that is really what I expected before I started.  I was so excited about getting money back, that I hadn't even looked at the printout and notice that my income was on about 2000.00.  A great deal less than in actuality.

Well must go and get ready for church...and the snow.  I guess Jeannie will get released today....she's working hard on getting all her functions back and doing well.  Bucky on the other hand is getting weaker....so please pray for a peaceful ending for him.  Hard to even type that!!!  Love and prayers, m.

A Sunny Day Before the Storm

The quiet before the storm they always talk about.....ours is a sunny day.  Tomorrow we have the return of snow.  This last week was so nice, and a great extension to the Florida vacation.  But now it's back to reality.

Got word yesterday afternoon that Bucky was having a rough day, and a call for prayers, so please do that.

I called and got the repair of my dryer scheduled, and in the meantime I hung most of the stuff on hangers in the basement, and folded the underwear and laid it out on my freezer top. So hopefully today it will be dry and I can put it away. 

Matthew came to play while his family went to the Girls Hockey Game.....Coon Rapids Girls Hockey Team is going to State!!  They beat Anoka 4-1.  Go Cards!!!

I guess I'll run some errands today like grocery shopping etc.  but then I'll hunker down and wait for the snow to fall.  Love and prayers, m

Keeping Busy

Yesterday I had lunch with the retiree's, no wannabee's there...and found myself sitting across from a newly widowed (like 2 weeks ago) friend.  It reminded me and a few other widows in the bunch, of the importance of getting busy.  You can sit and feel sorry for yourself....or you can get up and do something about it.  You need to make your own fun.  It was a foggy drizzley day up to then, and I knew I had to make my own sunshine....and low and behold the sun did come out.....I guess the Son was there!!!....along with a few angels!!

I came home from that, and actually went to the basement to throw in a load of laundry and then threw in the second and the first in the dryer....by then I found out that my first Friday group was meeting for dinner at 6:00...so guess what....I went to dinner at Applebee's.  Was a group of only five of us....but that didn't dampen the conversations.  Lots to get caught up on....along with some shocking news that the one that was missing got engaged on Sunday.....boy...you don't dare miss a month....cause I hadn't a clue that she even had a boyfriend.  But I guess even so, the others were as shocked as I was.

When I got home, I went down to get the clothes out of the dryer and put in the second load....but they weren't dry......now what?....I tryed changing the settings and turned it back on.....but it did not make any difference.  So now I have two loads of wet clothes.  I guess I better call a repairman this morning and see about getting it fixed.  It's only the heat that doesn't work....it fluffs just great!  So between the car and the dryer it looks like my tax refund with be well spent!

I did get the car in and got a claim accepted by the insurance company yesterday.  It looks like I will take it in on Monday morning, and won't get it back till Friday.  But they will arrange for me to have a rental too.  I took it to a place that Jimbo had suggested as it was where they had taken Bucks Suburban a few weeks ago to be fixed before they sold it....but when I got there and was looking around I noticed a framed poster on the wall from the Mpls Auditorium from the 50's, and asked about it, and found out it was a copy they got from Sherwin Linton who has all of his vehicles repaired there.  At that point I knew I was at the right place, and Gene would have approved....actually he probably sent me there.  Sherwin is a country singer that lives here in Coon Rapids, and also a record collector that Gene bought from and was on a first name bases with.

So today I will call and see about getting the dryer fixed and my clothes dry in the mean time.  Then this evening I will watch Matthew while the rest of his family goes to watch the CR Girls Hockey game.  This is the section finals and hopefully will send the girls to the State Tournament next week.  So keep your fingers crossed for that!

I got reports about Jeannie and Bucky yesterday, and Jeannie is doing very well and will be out of rehab on Sunday.  Then Janet will stay with her as long as she has too.  Maybe a month before Jeannie's son comes down and drives her rig back home.  Bucky is continuing to visit and say goodbyes to family and friends between naps....also getting a few last games of cribbage in.  Seems to be having more pain each day, but the morphine is mostly dealing with that.  Seems that his heart is still very strong.  Keep those prayers coming for Buck, and also for Annette his wife and family.  They all seem to be quite strong through this, and I know it's all those prayers that are helping.  Love and prayers, m

Fog and Drizzle?

What's up with that?.....but the drips keep falling from my roof!  That's a good thing, cause I had a lot of ice up there.....so lucky not to have any water leaking in anywhere.

I got a report from my site counter this morning, and I've gone over the 7000 visit mark.  Wow an average of 38 people read this everyday.  That's why I am healing!!  So many prayers and so much love coming my way.  I hope that I am able to return that love and prayers to all of you.  I try to keep a smile on my face and show how good I feel along the way too!  Love ya all!!

Yesterday, I got a chance to return some of that love by picking Judy up from the airport....and take her home to Shakopee.  She thought I might need to take her back to the airport next Tuesday....and I would have been happy to do that....but she now has a ride.

I got a chance to be updated on Jeannie and her healing and recovery from the stroke she suffered a couple of weeks ago.  They were going to find out yesterday if she gets to stay in rehab another week.....if the insurance would cover another week....they think she will be ready to go home next week.....so they were hoping the insurance would cover that.  I haven't heard from Judy as to what they decided, but hope that is the answer.

Janet is on her way to Yuma to be with Jeannie, but she was only to Phoenix last night and was supposed to be staying the night with Dar, but when I emailed Dar last night she hadn't arrived yet.  So I hope she is having a safe trip and will get to Yuma today sometime.  She will stay with Jeannie till she's able to function on her own....and then her son will fly down and drive Jeannie back to MN.  They are hoping she can make it till April 1.  Keep the prayers coming for her speedy recovery.

I also got to watch Matthew last night....or watch him play video games.  He is really getting good at that.  His family all went to the section Hockey playoffs, and Coon Rapids did win their game, but then they stayed to watch the end of the next game....I can't remember who was playing that game....but it went into double overtime and they were still playing when Annie and the girls came to pick up Matthew about 10:45 p.m.  I guess Doug and Nicole stayed and watched to the end....but Annie had to get some of the others home that they had taken with them and get Matthew home to bed.  He was sleeping on the couch by 9 p.m.....so it didn't matter for him, but Annie was exhausted as she was up till 12:30 the night before....and has a sinus infection....she thinks.  Congrats Cardinals!!  and good luck in the finals....whoever you play!

This morning I am taking my car over to get an estimate and appointment to get it fixed.  I got a dent in the passenger door and the sliding door sometime on vacation.  We think the first day in downtown Naperville parking lot....but Bonnie and I didn't notice it till Tuesday and that was Saturday. 

For lunch I am meeting the retiree's and wannabee's.  I was asked what wannabee's were.....it's those that are still working at the college....but want to be retired.  Not many of them get to come and have lunch with us all the time....but they wish they could.

No other big plans for the day.....but I really should start that luandry....I never have since I got home....and lord knows I had a suitcase full when I got here....so it's really a big load now.  Somehow I just haven't been interested, or had time to do it....I always find something better to do.....well maybe not better but different.

Bucky seems to be holding his own and getting lots of time to say those precious good byes to all his family and friends that mean so much to him. Please keep all of them in your prayers, or check out his caringbridge site and leave a message for him.  The girls read him all the messages everyday.  His real name is Dennis Haugen so that is the name on the site. 

Love and prayers to all of you, m

Oh Happy Day!

My butt is healing!  Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers....they seem to be working.  The doctor said that it looks healthy and is narrowing (healing) from the inside out like it's supposed too.  She was willing to not see and ream me out for another month, but I am planning another vacation, so she will see me again on the first of March.

The urologist didn't have a clear diagnosis for treatment for me, as they don't know what was causing my ureters to be plump (his discription) on the CT scan I had in January.  So they will do a renal scan on March 1, as I already had the appointment to see Dr. Nelson that day.  It could be one or two of three things, and one would be nothing at all.....and do nothing at all.  The other two could need a stint put into the ureter to unblock it.....or might have me catherizing myself every so often.  So for now it's a wait and see what they come up with.

Bonnie immediately volunteered to bring me down to Rochester on the spot.....and as my test is at 7:30 in the morning, she suggested we stay over night....and they are willing to do that for me.  What great friends they are.  Bonnie and Bob are from the Rochester area, and they have lots of friends and relatives in the area, so Bonnie is checking to see if we can stay at one of them.  If there is no room in the inn.....I will get us a room at the Microtel in town.

Today I am going to the airport at noon to pick up Judy who is flying in for her granddaughter's birthday on Friday.  Then this evening, I will watch Matthew while the Coon Rapids High School girls play hockey in the section tournament.  I believe they play Irondale this evening.....Irondale beat Blaine on Saturday and double overtime.  So go Cards!!!

Enjoying the warm melting weather.  My ice on the roof is starting to melt....and so far no damage....thank God for that. The driveway is pretty clear....but still has some slippery spots.

Nothing else to report.....Buck is still hanging in there.....he has a strong heart.  Keep the prayers coming for a peaceful death and for the strength of his wife and family.  Love and prayers, m

Woke to More Sunshine

I'm sure it will follow me all the way to Mayo today.  I feel certain my butt is getting better and urologist won't find anything either.  You'll have to wait till tomorrow to find out!!

Yesterday I did get those jackets done.....was quite a trick to get one of those patches on.....it was over the pocket, and I finally managed to get in on and still have use of the pocket!!  Then one of the jackets already had so many letters all down the arm I could hardly fit another on.  Congrats to those girls!  Good Job!!

I then managed to deliver Valentines to Katie and Tommy and Jack and Nick.  Didn't get to hand them to them but gave them to a parent with strict directions that they were for the kids not them.  But it also got me a hug and kiss at each home.  Then I came home and gave my self a valentine.  I did my taxes, and low and behold....I get a refund on my State Taxes bigger than I owe on the Federal.  So a present to me!!!  It took me all afternoon and evening.....all those medical expenses....luckily I saved every receipt.  Would you believe I had almost 5000 miles driving back and forth to Rochester and other doctor appointments?!

I also called the insurance company about my dent I got on vacation....and called Mayo and changed my March appointment to one week later so I can go to Arizona in March.  So it was a very good day all around.

This morning Jimbo is taking me down to Bonnie and Bob's in Rosemont and then they will take over from there.  Wow!!!  I owe them big time.  With all my other drivers gone for the winter, I've had to rely on them.  I know I could make it all the way down there this morning on my own....but after they finish reaming me out and packing it.....I couldn't do it with out them!!!  So Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to Bonnie and Bob.

Must jump in that shower or Jimbo will be here and I won't be ready!  Love and prayers, m

Above Normal Temps Bring a Happy Valentines Day!

That means lots of sun!  I can't tell you how much better I feel when it's sunny!!!  Well I guess I've told you that before.....but I really do!  I smile a lot more too!

Yesterday was one of those good days.....I wore my new boots I got at Tom and Karen's Shoe store when I was there last month.....and that made me feel good as well.  Started the morning with church and a chance to see and get hugs from lots of people I hadn't seen since before I left for Florida.  So I got to talk about the trip and  hear about their lives since I left.

After church I ran and got that green thread I needed, a few cards and headed back home to wait for Jimbo to pick me up to go to Wayne's birthday party.  He also picked up Bill, and the three of us went.  They were so glad they went.  It was good to see Gene's side of the family, and they wish they had had more time to visit.  They had lots of good food and a keg of beer, but Jimbo is dieting....so he couldn't help them much in getting rid of it.  Everything was great....but probably way too much....they'll be eating for a month!

From there Jimbo and I went to Bucky's pizza party.  Tom and Karen had sent pizza to Buck on Friday, and he wanted me to be there when they made it.  So all his family came, all the grandkids and one of Annette's daughters and her two boys as well.  We ate pizza and then took some great pictures.  He really wanted to write a letter to Tom and Karen to thank them, but asked me to thank them for him....I'm sure Annette will send a thank you too!  It was a nice evening.  I felt honored to be there to witness it.  He's looking weaker each day, but still is able to flash that smile.  So keep praying for him and all those grandkids!

So today, I will sew those jackets, and then I will deliver some valentines....spread some of that love!  So wishing you lots of sunshine, smiles and love today!!  Happy Valentines day! Love and prayers, m

More Clouds,,,,but Promise of Sun

Yesterday started out like this too!  But the sun did shine, and I loved it.  Part of that is that Matthew came to play at my house while his sister and parents went to the HS Girls Hockey game....and they won!!  Part was the warmth that the sun brings and the melting of all this snow!

I not only got to see Matthew yesterday, but I also went to dinner with Norma, Sandy, Bonnie and Rosie.  Lots of time to talk and share my trip pictures and some special pictures I got in the mail while I was gone.  My nephew Nate lives in Hawaii and made me a book of his photo's he took of sunsets and sunrises and waves and surfers and the like.  It is absolutely beautiful and they loved it too!

After dinner we went to the college for the operetta "HMS Pinefore" and I must say between the orchestra, and chorus and great singing and dancing....it was one of the best productions I've seen at the college.  If you get a chance go see it.  Did a lot of laughing too!  Ran into Jan and Lloyd Ranum there too!

Today I'll go to Wayne's 80th birthday party, but first I need to stop and buy thread to sew those jackets I was going to do yesterday....I got the sewing machine out and went through my container of thread and wouldn't you know it....I had 4 spools of green but all a bright Christmas green....and these jackets are dark forest green....almost black, and the Christmas green would look hidious.  So hopefully I'll get them done this evening after the party.

Now I have to shower and get to church....my Sunday to distribute communion.  Love and prayers, m

The Warm Weather is here but Where is the Sun?

Several people have thanked me for bringing the warm weather from Florida back with me....I'm not sure I have anything to do with it....but I do encourage the Sun to follow me around.  I'm thankfull for whatever the reason.  My brother has banned me from leaving next year as it got too cold while I was gone.

I did go to see Buck yesterday, and was lucky enough to be there when a box of deep dish pizza's arrived from Chicago.  Tom and Karen (Chicago Kiecker's) had sent.  Buck was so excited he wanted to make them right away.  Unfortunately they had Chinese coming from his Square Dance group later in the day.  They told him they would have a pizza party another day, and invite the family....and Buck said "you come too" to me.  I hope I can.  He also told me what a great job I did raising my kids.....and I told him he did too!  It was a good visit, and I managed not too many tears....but saying goodbye was hard.  I did get a hug.

I picked up my trip pictures from Costco, and already put them in an album.  I then went grocery shopping, and think I've got enough to hold me for a week or two.

In the afternoon, Sandi Moinicken  brought her granddaughter's letter jackets over for me to sew on their new letters and a few other patches....so that is my job for the day.

Later this afternoon, Bonnie and I are meeting Rosie, Sandi Hitch and Norma Paulson for dinner and the college play "HMS Pinafore".  So it should be a fun day.

Today is crazy cousin Janet's birthday, and also Tina's.....Tom and Karen are also celebrating their Anniversary.....so a big day.  We are all waiting for neice Carrie to have her baby due yesterday too!  Maybe next year we'll have four things to celebrate....in preperation for Valentines day.  Gives us an excuse to keep celebrating.  OOOOPPPPS!  I forgot Reudi.....it's his birthday too!  Love ya!!

Tomorrow I get to celebrate another birthday.....this time for Gene's brother-in-law Wayne who is turning 80.

Still looking for a driver for Tuesday....don't have to leave till about 10 a.m. as my appointments are at 1 and 1:45....but I have to have blood drawn and a urine sample first....so 10 a.m. should give me plenty time for that.  Any volunteers?  I can supply the car and gas!

Guess that's all for today....Jeannie is improving....doing well in rehab....and Judy has finally gotten some sleep.  She'll be home next week.  Keep those prayers coming for all my concerns, love and prayers, m

Home Sweet Home

No matter how great the warm weather felt, or how cold it is here, it feels good to be home.  Looks like it will be a busy day....and it is going to warm up this weekend...so can't complain.

Bonnie and I ate what food we could find in the car snack bag, so we didn't have to stop driving.  We only stopped for gas and bathroom breaks.  By 3:40 we were in her driveway trying to sort out her stuff from mine. I then stopped at the Post Office to pick up the mail I had held since I left, and finally made it home at about 4:10.  I unpacked, opened a big pile of mail....made dinner.....and settled into the comfort of my big house.

Talked to Jimbo last night and he will go with me to see Bucky this morning. I wrestle with what to say....as I know some of the things people say to you in this condition....and I don't want to cry....but I want him to know that I care and what a great grandpa he's been...okay now I'm already crying.

I've sent all my trip pictures to be printed at Costco and I need to pick them up....I also have to buy a few groceries.  Need some bread and milk and things like that.

Also have to start thinking about doing my taxes....got lots of things in the mail for that.....and oh before I forget, I need a driver for Mayo next Tuesday.  So I'll be working on that too!

Daytona Beack

New Smyrna Beach

The women I mentioned yesterday (Mary Ann Wagner) died at 4:30 yesterday morning, and Jeannie was moved to rehab and is doing well.  So continue to pray for her and Bucky.  Love and prayers, m

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig!

I'll be home before the sunsets....and it's shining brightly into the hotel room here in Hannibal, MO.  We drove through some bad snow yesterday and saw a couple really bad accidents and many cars in the ditch.  Bonnie and I took turns driving white knuckled through it from just north of Nashville to about 50 miles into Illinois heading toward St. Louis.  So all of Kentucky.  Passing Semi's made for an almost white out situation, and speeds of 40's and 50's at times.  But other times we were able to make 65 and were surprised to make it as far as we did by 5:00 p.m.  Looks like we'll be home this afternoon easily.

I know Bucky is home in hospice care and they should be moving cousin Jeannie to rehab today....but I got an email that another North Suburban Women's Club friend would probably not make it through the night.  So please pray for her, and her friends and family.  Mary Ann has fought ovarian cancer for about 4 or 5 years now...I even saw her last month at the play at Lyric Arts.  I can't believe her fight is coming to an end.

As for me, I am ready to be home and out of the car.  But on the whole it was a wonderful trip and I want to thank all the people we stayed with, or visited along the way.  Florida provided lots of sunshine and all of you provided lots of love, laughter and great food.  Love and prayers, m

Hit the road Running!

We got all the way into Tennessee yesterday and had great weather (all sun) and good roads.  You guys must be praying hard.  Today they say the snow will come in the evening in Nashville....and we should be long past that, as we are only 100 miles south of there right now.

Bucky is home and in hospice and his girls care.  Jeannie is in the hospital....but Judy is there with her to help out.  Nothing else to report.  See you soon.  Love and prayers, m

On the Road Again!

Just can't wait to get on the road again.  Leaving in a few moments and just wanted all of you to know that I haven't forgotten you....but don't have time this a.m.  Will write more this evening when we find a hotel. 
But I must congrat all the Wisconsin  Packer fans including Uncle John and family, Gary, and grandson Jack.  I forgot to do that yesterday.
Also add Jeannie Podzimek to your prayer list she had a stroke yesterday....a mild one but is in the hospital in Yuma, AZ.  Bucky is now home and in Hospice care, and my butt is fine.  See you later, love and prayers, m

Foggy, Wet and Mild

The full day in Florida.....we leave in the morning.  Moving pretty slow this a.m. trying to decide what to do.  We definately want to go to St. Augustine and probably that chocolate factory.  Other than that don't have any big plans.

It looks like we need to make our way north as fast as possible tomorrow to avoid the snow that is going to come in on Wednesday....looks like we'll hit some no matter which way we go, but we hope to avoid as much as possible.  We were going to stop in Panama City Beach and see Gary, Kathleen and Gary's mom....but looks like our best bet is to head straight north and get out of Florida as fast as possible.

I'll post a few more pictures.....don't know if you'll here from me in the morning.  But wish us well and safe driving.  Love and prayers, m

Daytona Beach by Noon!

Got into our beach front hotel by shortly after arriving in Daytona Beach.  It is a Holiday Inn right on the beach.  Went out for lunch and then took a stroll on the beach and a few pictures.  Going to relax and watch the superbowl in our room....a nice size flat screen TV.  Then tomorrow we will tour St. Augustine and we think maybe a free candy factory tour...Bonnie wants the free samples at the end.

I'm adding a few more pictures....these are from the Naples area.

Bonnie and Dorraine Newland in Panama City Beach

A little windy out on the fishing pier Naples

Cousin Jim, friend Janet, Bonnie, Kathleen, Gary and Me on the beach in Naples.

All is well wishing we didn't have to leave....but also wanting to be home.  Love and prayers, m

Direct your feet to the Sunny Side of the Street!

That's what I've been doing for the last two weeks, but since we headed Northward again.....it rained this evening.  Supposed to rain again tomorrow also.

Yesterday we had a fun day of touring the Edison/Ford Museums and homes.  It was very interesting and informative.  Then we drove out to Sanibel and Captiva islands.  We went to the very highly rated J.N. Ding Darling Preserve.....but unfortunately the road through it was closed on Fridays, and so we decided to walk the 2 mile trail.....but saw almost nothing other than a few ibis and egrets.....a dead baby snake about 10 inches long and 1 beetle.  A big dissapointment.  We then drove on to captiva and stopped at a beautiful beach and picked up some shells.  We did find a great place for lunch recommended by Carol and Bill the night before.....The Hungary Heron.  We really enjoyed that. 

Last evening we played cards and drank wine with Kathleen and Gary, and then went to bed. 

This morning we all headed toward Clearwater Beach area....but Bonnie and I stopped for brunch at a Panera in Venice with a high school friend of Bonnies.  A few hours later we caught up with Kathleen and Gary at a Hotel on the beach in Clearwater....but not till after Bonnie had to drive over that high long bridge in St. Pete.  I thought she might passout she was so white knockled.  She insists that I drive out of here tomorrow morning.

It was misting when we got here and Bonnie needed a break so I went to Kathleen and Gary's room and played cards with them for about an hour until Bonnie recovered.  We then all played cards for a few hours and then went out to dinner.  Gary had found a highly rated pizza place only a mile away, but we drove around the causeway first before finding it.  He did a great job....really good pizza....but doesn't beat that of Annie's in Colfax, WI.

Tomorrow we are parting ways.  Kathleen and Gary are headed for Panama City Beach, and Bonnie and I to Daytona for the next two days before we head home.  Really concerned about the weather next week.....say a few prayers we avoid any big storms.  It doesn't look too good right now.

Jim Zimmer and I on their balcony in Destin

Bonnie and I on the Destin Beach

I heard the other night that Bucky is going into Hospice on Monday.....so lots more prayers needed for him too.  When we heard, I was at the dinner table with Jim, Janet, Bonnie, Gary and Kathleen, and we all joined hands and said some prayers on the spot.

Sorry to be leaving this wonderful weather and head home, but I guess it's time.  Love and prayers, m

Sunset on the Beach

What a lovely end to a beautiful day.  We drove a short distance to Fort Myer, had lunch and got checked into our rooms....we were being lazy and decided to spend the afternoon laying next to the pool.....which we did till about 4:15 when we had to shower and dressed for dinner.

Dinner was out on Fort Myers Beach at a beach front restaurant that had outdoor seating right on the beach and were so lucky to see a beautiful sunset and catch a few dolphins swimming by too!  We met Bill and Carol there and had a nice dinner and then sat for a few hours just visiting.

Tomorrow or today when you read this, we will venture out to Sanibel Island and also go to the Ford/Edison house and  museum.  It is supposed to be another beautiful day in the sun.  So looking forward to that.

Prayers for Bucky and family are still being needed.  Love and prayers, m

P.S. I am writing this on Thursday evening as I have to use Gary's computer....cause can't get on the internet with mnine.....we can't figure out why.  So you may not hear from me on Saturday.  m

Moving On Up

Will be in Fort Meyer the next two nights.  Meeting Bill and Carol for Dinner tonight and touring Sanibel Island today....that is if we ever get going.  It took us hours to get a motel booked online....but are now set for the next two nights.  We also are doing laundry before we leave and I need to jump in the shower and get dressed....so we can wash the towels.

Bonnie is already got her suitcase in the car....and so does Kathleen....but Gary and I are not quite as ready.

Had a wonderful time with Jim and Janet, and enjoyed their hospitality and tour guiding both days here.  Yesterday Janet took the women to a store called the Best of Everything....which was mostly jewelry and purses at great prices....so we all spent money there.  Then we went to a beautiful shopping center called Water Side....which claimed a few more of our dollars.  We also stopped and had a bite to eat at an outdoor bar....and enjoyed the day in shorts.  The weather has been fantastic.

Hope to have my own wi-fi at the next location....as I have had to use Jim's computer here....can't find the password to get mine in.  But his is working fine. 

Took my last antibiotic this morning, so hopes that it works for the next week till I get home.

Bucky is still in hospital.  But don't know any knew details.  Keep the prayers coming.  Love and prayers, m

Sunshine on My Shoulder Makes Me Smile!

I've been smiling a lot!  It's already 71 at 7 a.m. this morning, and we are promised more of the same as we had yesterday....so low 80's.  I'm so sorry about the snow and cold you are having in Minnesota....but so glad I'm here missing it.  Just hoping it clears away before next week when we head towards home.

Yesterday, we took my mini van and let Jim drive to give us a tour of the town.  We walked on the beach....and also found a pier to walk out onto....but saw a lot of very nice homes and lots of great landscaping and flowers blooming everywhere....it really is like paradise.  We went to a restaurant in a marina which they call "The Dock" and sat outside right on the dock over looking a bunch of yachts and fishing boats (not the kind we have on Sylvia) but sea worthy ones.

Had a enjoyable dinner last night of leftovers from the night before, and great conversation along with the food.

Today we are having a quiet morning, and then the women are going shopping and touring the town again....while Gary stays back to fix us one of his great meals for dinner tonight.  I'm sure it will be great.

I got word last night that Bucky is still in the hospital, and greatly in need of prayers....so please don't stop.  I've said a few extra for his wife and family as well.  I have only one more day on antibiotics....so hope my butt continues to improve without them till I get home.  But for now it is fine.  Love and prayers, m

Would you Believe 80's?

Florida is living up to it's name "Sunshine State".  Left Orlando area in the 70's and moved down to Naples yesterday, arriving about 2:15.  Relaxed with a cup of tea and some crackers, next to the pool and waited for Kathleen and Gary to arrived.  What a wonderful house Jim and Janet live in.....in a wonderful location as well. 

We had dinner outside next to the pool as well, and sat and visited till it was time to turn in.  Today Bonnie, Janet, Gary and Kathleen all went for a walk and left Jim and I to get me on his computer (we can't figure out the password to get me in on mine).  I can't upload pictures till I get to a network I can use with my own computer where the pictures are stored.

Jim is going to drive us around Naples today, and we will lunch out somewhere on the beach, and see the sights.  Tomorrow Kathleen, Gary, Bonnie and I will venture out to see the sights on our own.  Jim's orientation tour should help us know where we want to go back to.  So far this is the nicest place we've been.....weather wise.....so it's shorts and a t-shirt attire today.

Haven't checked Bucky's Caringbridge site yet.....but I'm sure he still needs those prayers.  Love and prayers, m