As I mentioned, the week after Mark and I got married, we headed to the beach with his family. They are a large clan and around 25 people were there that week, including both of his sisters and most of their families and all 4 daughters and their families and significant others. We had a wonderful time hanging out on the beach and just enjoying the sun and sand.
They all have tents that are set up each day to ward off the intense sun of Florida, a necessary thing down there. I cannot take the sun like I used to and sitting in the shade is what I prefer now. I hardly stayed out in the sun at all this trip and still got a little bit of sun, but stayed protected and out of the hot heat of the day. Luckily, most days we had a nice swift breeze blowing causing some fun waves that the kids enjoyed and it helped cool us off too. I took more naps this trip than I’ve had on the beach in a long time. Nothing better than a beach nap with a breeze blowing.
With so many people there were 5 beach houses in all with everyone scattered around the island and this was the view from our beach house.
It was called PrimaVilla and it sits right on the beach. There are lots of beach rentals to choose from on St. George Island and Mark’s family have been going there for years.
Looking down the beach the other direction. Every day we walked out that little beach path below to the beach.
Mark was usually the first one to put up a tent each morning and then the rest of the crew would join later until there were 4 tents in all. You can see that most everyone huddled under the tents, moving during the day looking for shade as the sun crept across the sky.
Mark’s 2 grandsons had a fun time playing at the beach. They are 3 and 5 and Mark showed his oldest grandson how to fly a kite. With the brisk wind we had, it was no problem.
Several of the girls had beach umbrellas they set up and enjoyed reading and staying in the shade. There were lots of books being read on the beach.
Mark’s cousin had his 3 dogs on the beach and they had a great time. This one loved chasing balls in the water.
We ate our fill our seafood starting with the first night and eating at the Blue Parrot, a staple restaurant on St. George Island. It’s probably the best known restaurant and sits right beside the lighthouse on the beach. I had grilled shrimp and grits.
Mark had the fried shrimp plate. Seafood is better on the Gulf with the abundance of good shrimp, which we both love.
Many of the beach houses are older and not decorated to perfection, just comfortable and casual. Our place was very dated and could stand an overhaul in the decor, but it was fine for a beach house. One of the houses Mark’s sister was staying in had this pretty sleeping porch in the back which I thought was really cute.
Beach day and beach hair. Mark doesn’t have to worry about his. 🙂
I took snapshots along the way of the scenery of the beach. Sea gulls and crashing waves were the backdrop and sound at the beach. Nothing better than those sounds!
Mark played in the sand with his youngest grandson.
Those boys had a grand time at the beach, getting browner by the day.
Random shots during sunset, such a pretty bay shot.
Another day on the beach, napping and reading. We have 2 of those gravity chairs and they are so comfortable for a day at the beach.
More random shots of the scenery.
We only had rain half of the last day and then the sun came out again, so a really good beach week. It’s not enjoyable when it rains at the beach.
The lighthouse on St. George Island is one of the first things you see driving in.
Out to dinner one night in Apalachicola.
Apalachicola is a really cute town with many shops and restaurants. We only walked around one time when we were heading to dinner there, but went in a few shops.
Flamingos in the window.
The sponge company was interesting and yes, they did have lots of sea sponges.
We’ve tried to get in the Grady Market in the old Consulate building last year and this year and can never catch them open.
We discovered the Owl Cafe last year and loved our meal, so went back again for a special night out.
I had triple tail fish and shrimp and it was SO good!
Mark had a steak fish and now I can’t remember the name of it, but he loved his too.
We topped it off sharing pecan pie with ice cream and chocolate sauce and it was perfection.
Driving in the downtown streets of Apalachicola, you’ll see so many pretty homes, which I’ve shared before.
Last day on the beach and then we headed home the next day.
Another neat place we found this time was The Red Pirate and they are behind a putt-putt golf course on Hwy. 98 right across the bridge from St. George Island. We happened to stumble on it one night when we were hungry and looking for food and they had the best peel and eat shrimp. We got that, potato skins, and fried mushrooms topped off with Key Lime pie and wow, was it delish. Try them out if you’re in the area!
A beautiful sunset topped off our week at the beach and last night and then it was time to head home. We had a great time at the beach with Mark’s family. There are so many of them that we didn’t all try to go out to eat together, we mainly did our own thing, but hung out during the day under the beach tents. I’ll share more of Mark’s family along the way if they are comfortable with me doing that. I don’t want to invade anyone’s privacy, so will only share pics of them if they are OK with that.
It was a beautiful week and now we are back getting caught up on the house stuff. Moving day for me is next week, so I’ve been moving lots of stuff over myself that is fragile stuff and I’ll save the furniture and some packed boxes for the movers. We’re making lots of progress so I’ll be sharing it all! I’ll be back to normal again with fashion posts, but for now, this is all I can manage with moving, so thanks for hanging in there with me!
Dad Update:
Let me give you all another update on dad. This situation has been so frustrating. He was doing SO well after getting home from rehab a few weeks ago. He went through the second round of antibiotics again when the c diff symptoms started up in the rehab facility. When the diarrhea starts up again, that’s a sign that the c diff is raging again. He had done so well for a couple of weeks after coming home and then about a week after the end of the last round of antibiotics, it started up again. Mom called the doctor and finally heard back from them over a day later, but they wouldn’t prescribe the antibiotics again for the c diff until a culture was taken and it came back positive. She went through that process dropping off the culture last Friday, which meant that the whole weekend would go by with no answers. The doctor doesn’t seem that concerned. My mom has finally decided that they need to get a new primary care doctor. We do not think this doctor is caring for our dad well at all. We finally decided to take him back to the ER last Saturday so that they could do the test there and clarify so we could get him back on the antibiotics again for the 3rd round! It was positive for c diff once again and now he’s back on Round 3 of treatment. This is getting SO old, but we knew there was a possibility of this happening yet again since we heard from so many of you and others who have fought this terrible bacteria over and over. We are going to inquire about the fecal transplant when we take him to a gastro doctor soon and see if that’s a possibility. We’ve heard about it and my dad’s case might be one that needs to happen, so I’ll keep you posted on that. It’s not over yet, we are still fighting this stuff. Thank you as always for continued prayers for my dad!
- Rhoda
Beach trip looked wonderful. That food!! So sorry about your dad. I agree with your mom about finding a new doctor. I know that is a hard step to take, but it seems appropriate. You cannot play around with this at your dad’s age and what he has been through recently. So sorry for the setback.
Rhoda,
Looking at your pictures and so glad you and Mark had such a wonderful time at the beach, then reading about your dad made me so sad. I was so in hopes that he would be back on his feet. This horrible cdiff, we need to anoint him with oil and pray……
Thanks for keeping us posted. So glad you enjoyed the beach.
Looks like a lot of fun.
You are wise to seek a new doctor. My parents are just 80 but my dad has had multiple health issues including cancer for the last few years. They felt like they needed a new doctor, asked friends for recommendations and made the switch. When they have to call in they immediately get a call back. They even have a system in place where my mother can send a quick email and they will call her immediately. We have been very pleased with the care they are now receiving and it has helped morale tremendously.
Pat @Life At Lydias House: And this is the way it SHOULD be! I am 70 and am not nearly as old as someone that was 50 years old when I was a child. I LOVE that you said, “My parents are JUST 80”! I have been a nurse since 1982 and still work full time. My body is 70 but my mind is 35 and I am still “relatively” healthy and not necessarily because I have taken the best care of myself so a doctor who is attentive the needs of a “senior” is of vital importance. When I call my doc, I see him THAT day most times.
Rhoda: I have only one word for your dad, “Emory” https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/emory-clinic/geriatric-medicine/index.html. That is more than one word. I live a niece Sunday drive from Atlanta and your Mom and Dad may fit in that category too. I have two friends both seniors who received treatment for life threatening illness that would have had otherwise had less than optimal outcomes. God bless you all during this trying time. I’ll be adding you all to my prayers.
Thank you Cynthia for sharing this information. I know it’s a good hospital but they have to work within the parameters of their insurance company. We are hoping this next round of doctors will be more helpful for dad.
I suffered with c-diff 2 years ago for months. I did have the fecal transplant but the problem for your father is his age. With the transplant they put you to sleep as they do for a colonoscopy and that is risky for an aged person. C-diff is highly contagious so please pass that information on to your mother as she needs to be careful.
oh wow, I guess that more prayers for Mr. Vickers is warrented…what a challenge and he was doing AND LOOKING so well!!!!!!!!!!
Rhoda and Family,
So sorry for this setback and have sent a prayer up for your Dad.
M husband and I will be going to Destin Florida next year with our families ,have not been to the beach for years …loved looking at your pics. I too can’t take the sun too much anymore, and was wondering how your tents held up in the wind?
Thanks for your blog,
Sue
Sue, we had one day that was really windy but our tents held up fine.
I should have asked too if you used anchors for the tents?
BTW Congrats on your hubby and new home
HI, Sue, some of them used stakes and some didn’t. Mark used stakes for our tent.
Bravo to your mom for deciding that a new doctor is needed! So often our seniors don’t want to hurt their doctor’s feelings by changing….my mother in law was that way with my father in law….finally the three sons insisted and the change was just what they needed. Thanks for sharing your vaca and know we all understand that your new family may not want to be sharing as much as you have. Just seeing the happiness on your face and Mark’s during your vaca is enough sharing! LOL
Continued prayers for your dad. My grandmother had c diff and it took numerous rounds of antibiotics and quite a while for her to recover.
I’ve eaten grilled grouper at the Blue Parrot while enjoying the outdoor beachfront dining. Also love The Hole In the Wall Oyster Bar in Apalachicola. They have the best smoked tuna dip I’ve ever eaten (and I’ve eaten a lot).
I hope to go back to the Gulf in October. It’s my favorite place to go – Panama City Beach, 30A, St George Island and Apalachicola – I’ll take any or all.
Your precious mom is such a tower of strength. I pray for her as well that the Lord give her the wisdom and strength everyday to get through this ordeal she has such a calm spirit about her and I know God is showing Grace to her right now. Caregivers go through a lot and need prayer every bit as much as the ones they are caring for. So continued prayers for both of them.
Praying for your sweet Daddy and your whole family. I pray that as the weather cools down that he will feel much better as the heat always seems to aggravate any illness. I am also praying for you and your new husband to get moved into your new home and start building your new life together. God bless!!????
My stomach is rumbling over all that beautiful seafood that you showed! The two of you look so happy and perfectly suited for each other. Praying for a breakthrough for your dad.
Praying for your sweet daddy. He and your mom remind me so much of my own beloved parents when I was growing up in middle GA with Daddy in his garden and Mama canning and freezing all those fresh veggies.
My mother had c-diff and you’re all doing the right thing by taking this into hand and finding a doctor who takes it seriously. I think some physicians (not all, of course) look at their elderly patients and are not as aggressive in diagnosis and treatment. It’s often up to loved ones to make sure proper care is expediently done. Praying for you all.
The particular bacteria involved in this illness, stays alive in the home for many many weeks. A hired sanitizing cleaning, along with the fecal transplant would be ideal.
Praying for you parents. Your mother for peace, rest, and a clear mind. Your daddy for healing, rest, and renewed strength. And, for you, as you love them do what you can for them during this busy time of moving into your home with Mark. I LOVED your pictures of Appalach and the Island. So glad y’all had that time…thanks for sharing!!
Continued prayers for your mom and dad. Beautiful beach pics – sunsets are my favorite!
To Dear Rhoda,
Thank you for sharing so much of your heart and lives with us. My dear Dad also suffered from C-diff and he is taking a high dosage of probiotics every day to build up the good bacteria in the stomach which has helped him a lot. After all the antibiotics these can also help your dear Dad. Praying for your dad, with love from Sonja
Thank you Sonja, dad has been on heavy probiotics too since all this started, so that should be helping him as well.
What a wonderful trip you all had! Lovely photos of a beautiful place!
I will pray for your dad. C-diff is really tough. Hope he gets back on the road to his healthy, active self soon!
Rhoda, I’m so sorry you dad continues to battle this c diff. You are wise to seek another physician. Prayers for him and your mom… Gorgeous pictures of your beach trip!
So sorry to hear that your Dad is still struggling with this. I will keep him in my prayers.
Your beach trip sounds so fun and relaxing. I’m already checking into possibilities for us to vacation in Florida next March! Nice to get away from our very cold and snowy winters here on the Atlantic coast of Canada!
Have a great day
Rhoda,
What a wonderful week on St George Island! Nothing better than family or worse than trying to get a crowd that size together to eat! Glad you and Mark could slip off and do your own thing. Food appears to be delicious. Do glad you had this time to relax and refresh.
So sorry your Dad is having problems again. Bless his heart. He can’t seem to catch a break. We know our Lord is in control, so will continue to pray for just the right doctors and that he can see a great Gastro Doc soon. Take care.
So glad you are staying on top of your dad’s reoccurrence. Dificid is the expensive antibiotic but I can bear witness that it worked in my case. Yes yes yes….change dr’s! Get a gastro Dr who knows his stuff! Praying for a full recovery soon. I know he is so tired of it and your family too.
Thank you, Susan. we will have to look at Dificid next time for sure.
HI…It’s so nice to meet you and to read about your lovely adventures…It sounds like your trip to St. George’s Island was fun. We spend as much time as possible at St. Simons Island but we have never been to St George. We’ll have to check it out….I am so sorry about your Dad. I hope he will soon improve…..
Wow, what a beautiful place to visit! That lighthouse is absolutely breath taking! This will now be on places I would love to visit one day! So sorry to hear about your father, your family will be in our prayers!
Talk about good news/bad news. I was happy to read about your great time at the beach. I love everything from the beach houses, to the sand, to the ocean, to the food. I was sorry, though, to read that your dad has that awful c diff again. I hope it clears up soon and that he has an easier time of it now than last time. Prayers for him.
I just love the pictures of you and Mark at the beach…..everything looked so beautiful…and some amazing cloud formations in some of your pics too! Oh, praying for your dear dad once again. I was so hoping he was over this c diff business. We will continue to send up many prayers on his behalf.
thinking of your folks and praying for all of you to stay strong – he’s lucky to have all of you advocating for him, I think that is what it takes these days – don’t forget to take care of yourselves also!
Continued prayers for your dad’s healing and wisdom for you mom and she will find the perfect doctor for your dad. Beautiful photos from your vacation.
Beach trip looks wonderful! Diana & I had so much fun running around…..kinda like a Thelma & Louise trip. This makes me wanna go back to the beach 🙂 I am so sorry to hear the bad news about your Dad. Hope he is all recovered for good soon! My Mom was coughing up a storm today when I was in Greenville & I told the nurses to get her an appointment tomorrow at the doctor’s office & call me soon as she got out. As they get older you just never know.
Your beach trip looks lovely…Sometimes it’s nice to get away and explore different area and make new memories…I’m praying that your Dad overcomes that nasty bug that has gotten him down…Many prayers for your family, also
Your beach trip looks wonderful! It’s been years since we’ve been to that area. I’m so sorry to hear that your Dad has had a setback. Definitely change doctors if you feel like he’s not getting the right care. I’m keeping him and all of you in my prayers!
I believe he needs to see a specialist, an infectious disease doctor.
They are the experts in successful treatment of c-diff. Good luck!
Checking in to catch up a bit. I am SO happy for you! Seeing you and Mark together makes me thrilled for you. I will pray for your father and the decisions that need to be made.
~Adrienne~
i am so happy for you and Mark…..best wishes again!!! Your trip looks lovely. Apalachicola is my favorite town…..I love the houses and the shops. We have been visiting there since 2009, but we stay at the beach at Cape San Blas. St. George’s is so lovely too…..we always enjoy a trip there. I can’t wait to see more of your new home. All the best to you moving….just think …the best part is decorating….you are almost there!
Hi Rhoda! Belated congratulations on your wedding. So happy for you both. How horrible that your Dad is under the c.diff. curse again! Did he ever have an intravenous antibiotic? When I had c.diff., the ER doc gave me an IV of 2 different antibiotics. I *think* one of them was Levaquin. Forget the other one. Followed up with oral antibiotics. But that MD saved me that night. Within a few days I was getting better. And I did not have a relapse….which was in my mind a miracle. I think the IV treatment was the key. Anyway, prayers going up for your Dad and Mom, and the whole family.
Thank you, Jane for the well wishes! WE are very happy and looking forward to getting in our new house. Dad was on intravenous antibiotics initially, I think it was Flagyl from the beginning, now he’s on oral Vacan…can’t remember the entire name. He’s going to a gastro doc in a week or so and we are going to find out what other alternatives we have.
Lovely spot for a vacation! So sorry to hear that your dad is still struggling with his health. I hope he is on the path to wellness. Prayers heading his way.
Looks like it wasa great beach trip! So sorry to hear about your sweet dad. I will keep him in my prayers.