We had scheduled our departure on Thursday, January 29, but delayed our leaving until January 31 because of weather conditions on Thursday and then another day because we were not feeling that well on Friday. We finally started our drive at 8:30 on Saturday morning the 31st. The roads were clear but trees and roadsides were covered with snow and ice especially throughout Kentucky which looked like a winter wonderland. We drove to Norris to Jack and Loy's and arrived about 5 pm. Jack cooked his famous chicken chili, carrot salad, cornbread(made by Loy) and bread pudding. Turned in early and left on Sunday am about 8:30 after coffee with Jack and Loy. Had sunny weather on the way to Ocala were we arrived at 7pm....stayed at Best Western at exit 320. Had nice large room (#438) with walkin closet and sitting area with sofa and chair.
Since Bella Luna, a fave restaurant, has closed, we chose Olive Garden to eat. To our surprise, it was very good...Al had Chianti Braised Short Ribs served with portobello mushroom risotto and steamed vegetables. I had Chicken Marsala in a savory sauce of mushrooms, garlic and marsala wine served with Tuscan potatoes and bell peppers.
We left about 8 the next morning after a quick breakfast. We had a beautiful drive with some rain mixed in arriving in Ft Meyers about 2pm. We shopped for groceries at Publix....very crowded....then to Captiva arriving about 3:30 just in time for some rain. Staying at Margarethe and Rene's Guest House. Al unpacked entire car by himself! Went to Tween Waters Crow's Nest to bar for dinner...Al had Ribby Beef sandwich and I had Grouper sandwich both with curly fries. It is cool here, in low 50's. House is as we left it.
