Easter Day, 2013

It's hard to believe, I know, but today is indeed Easter Sunday, so may you all have a wonderful and blessed Easter!  

And, then there are two fellas in the family who are also celebrating a birthday....

Kevin Nelson (#49)

Colin (Chad & Jackie Korkowski Hanson) who is 2!

So, everyone can celebrate today in one way or another...Easter candy or birthday cake :)

Parade day....more memories made

As the Korkowski group took their seats for the parade, we decided that maybe we could even be a parade entry for next year.....we had enough to quality, I think!  

We're in position....and ready!

Gorgeous animals....

Oh, oh....what's she got in mind?

Sorry, lady....he's already taken!

The men in the group loved all the old cars...

Who said real men don't eat quiche, oops, meant wear skirts?

Okay, you tell him he looks cute in a skirt!

From days gone by......

Because it was so special....

All the posts for the next week have been scheduled ahead of time so that we can start the packing...and moving out...part of the Florida experience.  However, after last night, I just needed to share our experience at Holy Thursday services; it was unlike anything we've ever experienced, and it was wonderful!

If you remember back to when we first arrived, I mentioned the diversity of the church and the fact that they have regular services in English, Spanish, French Creole (and Polish up until a few weeks ago).  It was on our 'bucket list' to attend a service in each language, and we did attend a Spanish Mass a few weeks ago, but it looked like the French Creole would have to wait for another year.  But, then we noticed that the Holy Thursday service was a trilingual Mass (and the only service yesterday), and so we went.  Well, we shall never forget the very beautiful and moving experience!  First, the procession into church consisted of the many priests of the parish, current and retired, and then people from each ethnic group.  And...the music!  Nothing somber about it at all....think Caribbean and steel drums with everyone clapping to the beat. :)  The choirs consisted of all three ethnic groups so there was no shortage of voices and volume.  The readings were done in English, Spanish and French Creole, and the homilies were given in each language as well.  During one song close to offertory time, little Haitian girls, all dressed in their absolute finest stood in the aisles and used their hands to 'dance'...much like the motions used in a hula dance.  The Haitian women were exquisitely dressed with white dresses (almost like wedding gowns) and wore lace mantillas over their heads.  This service was truly a treat for the senses!  We are so glad we were able to experience this unique service before heading home.  There is supposedly a very similar service held at Thanksgiving time.  And, this information came from the lady seated next to me, whom I had never seen before.  We did a bit of chatting before Mass began, and she asked where we were from.  When I told her, she said 'we too; Maple Grove'.  Then I said 'Alexandria'. And, she replied 'we have relatives there' and when I asked her who, she said 'John & Phyllis Kern'.  Well, we played bridge with them for years, and then last year, while they were visiting this same couple, we met John & Phyllis for lunch.  A very small world and a very BIG night....a truly wonderful experience!

Time for a birthday next.....

It's a time-out before more St. Patrick's Day pictures....first, we need to send birthday greetings down to Doug Inman (#36) as he claims his special day.  Unfortunately for him, it's on Good Friday this year so hope you enjoy fish or seafood for dinner! :)  We're betting that finding something good for dinner will not be a problem....so, happy birthday, Doug!

And, then there was parade day......

After telling everyone for the past year what a fun parade that Naples puts on every year, you hope it really is 'fun' for everyone, but 30,000+ people can't be wrong (according to the organizers for this year).  It was a day made for parade viewing...temps in the mid to upper 70s with bright blue skies and a nice breeze...PERFECT!  We all donned our festive accessories before heading out.....

Bev & Cliff Korkowski, Faye Magnuson, Theresa Krentz, Sr. Cordy, and Derald Krentz

Derald & Theresa being checked out by Faye

Derald, Cliff and Ron....aren't you all really proud of how they look??

Cliff and Derald had a contest going to see who could amass the largest bead count.....

and although Derald looks like he is going ahead of Cliff, in the end, the victor was Cliff with 26 beaded glitz!  Next time, Derald, next time.....

Memories on the beach......

It was 14 years ago today that Joe & Jen Majhess exchanged vows on the beach in Key West Florida, and then we all enjoyed champagne toasts as we watched the sunset over the gulf.  A beautiful day indeed!  Happy anniversary, Joe and Jen.....champagne toasts to you :)

Claiming it for their own......

It may not be as treacherous as Sir Edmund Hillary's conquest of Mt. Everest, but to Hannah and Kiatta (Rick & Deize Korkowski) it was every bit as exciting to ascend the 'mini mountains' of Minnesota and place the American and Brazilian flags atop one of them!  Brrrrrr....looks way too cold and like too much snow.......

How time flies......

One day they're a baby....and the next thing you know, they're teenagers!  And, today is no exception....Emily Korkowski (Joe & Sue) turns 'sweet 16' today, and she's probably already standing in line at the DMV to get her driver's license.  (Don't you all remember how exciting that was?)  Well, happy birthday, Emily...good luck with that driving test!

St. Patrick's Day festivities revisited....

With a lot of activity at the condo over the last week and a half, things got a bit backed up with pictures and 'reporting' but we're back into our routine...at least for the next week....so we're going to roll out the pictures from the St. Patrick's Day celebrations we had going on.  We're going to run several different days of pictures, so please be sure to check them all out....it was great fun to give you all some visuals!
First, just a few days before the actual St. Pat's Day, and the evening of the day that Derald & Theresa Krentz and Sr. Cordy arrived, our townhouse association threw a wonderful poolside party with lots of decorations, catered appetizers and dinner, and of course, a bit of imbibing of the green (Margaritas, of course!)  We enjoyed cheese/crackers, salad, soda bread, as well as the traditional corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots...it was so good!  To top it off, desserts were brought by several of the 'locals' who baked their best....and some of our residents are died-in-the-wool Italian ladies who can produce the most delicious eats ever!!  It was the pre-party to the big parade two days later.....

Theresa and Cordy....don't you love the St. Patty's 'ears'?

Derald & Theresa ready for dinner

Cliff and Bev in the 'green'

Our margarita man.....

Cliff giving some sort of dissertation....!

Theresa, Sr. Cordy and Bev...(why is Theresa the only one drinking in these photos??)

It was fun while it lasted......

Derald and Theresa Krentz have been on the road for weeks now, but with the help of their GPS, they should be able to find home in the next day or two!  Unfortunately, beaches, warm/hot temps and outdoor dining won't be part of the action in the days to come.  While daughter Lisa and her family spent a week on Marco Island, grandpa and grandma Krentz did 'boy care' in the mornings while Mike & Lisa attended conferences, and on their last full day there, we drove down to check things out and to have lunch just off the beach.  It was a gorgeous day to be outside......

The view from our table during lunch.....

Lisa and Dylan checking out more bodies of water...

Grandpa Derald, Dylan and Lisa

Dylan resting up....just for a bit!

No 'beware of dog' sign needed......

One day while searching for the 'ultimate garage sale', we happened upon this monster in a front yard.  Oh my goodness, is that some sort of 'mother-in-laws tongue' plant gone wild??  The lady in the background, who lived in the house, had absolutely no idea what the plant was called...said it was there when she bought the house.  Our thinking was that if you had that monster thing in your front yard, would you even need a security system?  Our advice...keep your distance or you may find one of those tentacles wrapped around your neck............

News from the Zuidema's.......

Yesterday, we saw a 'star wannabe' in the making, but today we have those who have already achieved celebrity status!  Check out the link below which is a 3-minute video on Minnesota tourism and you can count on seeing some family members.  About 50 seconds into the video, you'll see Natalie and Courtney (Nate & Andrea Magnuson Zuidema) playing in the sand, and at approximately the 2:31 frame, you'll see both girls enjoying the water on the tube.  Then in approximately the 2:39 frame, you'll get an even better look at Andrea and Courtney paddling across the water.  Andrea says this video will be used in upcoming commercials on TV to promote Minnesota tourism.  (Our local banker, Dave Kjos, also appears.)
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/industry-minnesota/index.aspx    Click on the view of downtown Minneapolis to start the video.  

And, to put the cherry on top (no pun intended here), Natalie recently competed in the 2013 Father/Daughter annual Girl Scout's 'Pinewood Derby' where she took top honors in the 'coolest design'....with a banana split car! Way to go, Natalie!

They're coming your way soon......

Today, thanks to a wonderful gift, we headed to Ft. Myers to see the Minnesota Twins vs. the New York Yankees. It was the hottest ticket in town, and the stadium had an all-time record for attendance at 8633 fans!  Skies were overcast for most of the game, but the temps were in the upper 70s so it was really quite nice.  Considering when these two teams meet up, it's sort of 'David vs. Goliath' but the Twinkies did an amazing job, even though the final score was 9-7 (Yankees).  The score was tied for much of the game, and even in the last inning, we laughed that those fans who had already left may have been a bit too early as the Twins pushed to the final inning with the possibility of them winning 9-10.  So, to those fans back in Minnesota, the 'boys of summer' looked good today...now, just warm it up for them so they can keep those muscles limbered up!

Today's starting line-up

The fan favorite...Joe Mauer

The final score....Yankees 9, Twins 7

Some day, she'll be a star......

There is no doubt in any of our family's minds that Abby (Shawn & Amy Korkowski Oxentenko) will be on stage some day...she has no fears of standing up and performing in front of anyone, whether it be dancing, talking, or singing.  We're just not sure yet what direction it will all go!  However, one of the things high on her Christmas wish list a few months ago was a pink guitar, so grandpa and grandma K. sought one out for the young singer.  And, until she gets a real live audience, this is what her 'captive' audience looks like for now......

Will you be my friend???

You never know where you may meet a 'new friend', and this guy looks mighty interesting!  Ed Korkowski recently signed on for volunteer duty with his employer (FL Light & Power) during a day set aside for beach cleanup; more specifically, Ed's job was painting beach signs.  I think Ed got the better deal, no matter what.....how would you like to walk around on a hot beach in that confining outfit?  

Good food...and interesting places.....

We're always on the prowl for good food in interesting places...whether it be a total dive or a little on the 'ritz' side...just as long as it's good!  Yesterday, we did a bit of scouting.  Well, we had been told by a couple different friends down here that The Cove restaurant had great breakfasts....BUT, no one was willing to really tell us how to get there!  You see, it's the size of a postage stamp where the kitchen grill is basically in your lap.  There is no room to wait for your name to be called...you must sit in the lobby of the adjoining hotel until your table is ready.  It is nothing fancy at all....in fact, it's almost the total opposite, but the clientele's appearaces suggested money was not an issue...i.e. clothing and jewelry being our biggest clues.  Cliff, the ever faithful ham-and-eggs person (boring!!!) went with just that, but I went back and forth between corned beef hash and S.O.S.  Now, how many of you know what S.O.S. is???  Well, in the end, the S.O.S. won out (it is on almost every breakfast menu down here)....and it was to-die-for.  A huge plate full of creamy goodness served over toasted bread and additional toast points.  It was a great decision!  And, maybe I just won't tell our friends how we found it.....     And, you military people are probably gagging about now, but you haven't tasted the S.O.S. from The Cove!

And, along that same vein, Jim and Staci Korkowski checked out a restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (one of my favorite Food Network shows).  No word on what they tasted but the menus look very intriguing.  You can check it out for yourself at http://www.worldfamouscoffeecup.com.  

How much longer???

It may seem like the winter that has lasted for nine months, but really, spring can't be too far behind, can it?  And, today is the 'official' first day of spring, so hang in there...this too shall pass........

Today's birthday boy.....

We're back to a birthday party today....Shawn Oxentenko (#41) adds another candle to his cake but no worries this year about a big surprise party!  Here's to a much quieter celebration...happy birthday, Shawn....

Anniversary wishes

Today it's an anniversary to celebrate...Jim & Staci Korkowski, who are celebrating 18 years of wedded bliss.  A little birdie tells me they celebrated Jim's birthday and their anniversary out in Las Vegas....no word of any big jackpot won!  Happy anniversary to the two of you!

Super powers....or the luck of the Irish??

We all know that Sr. Cordy probably has a few more 'connections' than most of us, but over the last couple of days, we're beginning to think maybe it's all for real!  Examples:  yesterday morning on our way to the parade, we were running a few minutes later than planned as we headed to our favorite parking spot.  As we arrived, it was block after block of parked cars...not good!  And, we had two cars in the entourage.  As we got to the end of the line, lo and behold, we thought we saw a spot...but oh no, there were two spots....really, truly!  And, of course, we gave her the praise.....

Then, this morning, we decided to attend the 10 AM Mass at St. Peter's.  Got there early (you know the whole routine by now!...arrive early for a parking spot)  As the choir did their pre-service warmup, they posted the songs for Mass on the board...and what would you think they might be?  First, there was the Prayer of St. Francis (Make Me a Channel of Your Peace) and then...Amazing Grace!  Well, by then, we were all very impressed with her super powers.  So, if you plan to go the casinos, buy a lottery ticket, or just want a good luck charm, she's your lady!!

Just a teaser.....

As I continue to download, sort and file pictures from the last several days, I thought maybe just one little picture would give you a hint of some of the pictures to come!  This was taken yesterday morning as we all headed out to the St. Patrick's Day parade in Naples.  I think it's safe to say that everyone knew where we were headed......many more pictures to be posted in the week ahead.  

And to those who have sent me pictures in the last few days, have no fear...they will most certainly be used.   Needed to have the blog 'scheduled' for the better part of a week in anticipation of the family visits.

It should be a national holiday, right?

You don't need to tell the Irish what today is.....Happy St. Paddy's Day to all of you, Irish or not.  Let the partying begin.....and we'll have a lot of pictures to show you regarding the St. Paddy's partying going on this weekend...stay tuned!

Mosaics at the beach.....

Down at the Naples pier, even the walkways have a touch of class with mosaic designs embedded in the sidewalk areas.  This sea turtle is just one example of beauty at your feet.....

Another mega birthday date....

Twice this week, we have a triple birthday celebration, and today it's birthday greetings to:

Bill (#37) and Megan (#32) Nicholas....no forgetting your spouse's birthday in this household!

Emma (Seth & Jean Korkowski Pfeifer)
Age 5

Ham....again!

Just one day last week, the topic was 'ham', and here we go again today...only it's a different sort of ham going on!  When Dennis is not out on the road in the semi, he can most likely be found at this cool ham radio set-up, where he spends time making contact with other radio operators from all over the world.  The globe on the desk and the map on the wall are not strictly for decoration here but rather a great way to see where the other ham operators are coming from.  Over and out!