Dad's Day

Well I was off the hook to provide any type of Father's Day entertainment since hubby was still off on his weekend golf trip with the guys.

So I did what we probably would've done anyway. Sat and watched the exciting final round of the U.S. Open while crocheting a baby blanket.

Finished it with just a few holes to go so I headed into town and watched the rest of it with my father-in-law. That was nice.

It's still so weird (and lonely) even after 13 years to not have Dad to call on Father's Day. One of those things where you start to say in your mind, "Oh I have to get a card for Dad..." then remember. Good thing he instilled so much of his charm, humor, and know-it-all attitude in me that sometimes when I open my mouth, he really does come out!

Trust me, my siblings and I have no qualms about calling out each other as LeRoy 1, LeRoy 2, etc. We mean it endearingly, of course, but it's obvious none of us apples (or nuts) fall far from the tree!

Hope all you dads our there realize the great power you have to influence the next generation! Think what you want to be remembered for. 

Unrelated, hugs to all my friends coping with your first Father's Day without your dad. If you're feeling a hole in your heart, remind yourself that means he must have been a pretty special father!

Happy Father's Day!

RIP Mr. Deck Chair

 

While hubby is hopping around Minnesota golfing with buddies this weekend, I've been mourning the loss of my better half. Not him – Mr. Deck Chair!

If you want to know the answer to the question "Can you wear out a deck chair from too much use?" The answer is yes, apparently you can.

Well he was on his last legs. Had a big crack in his back. As Jim pointed out when he sent me this picture on garbage day, it was his time. "He was dirty and broken." Same. I am, too, sometimes!

Of course this photo was after he was already taking him apart to stuff his corpse into the garbage can. Sniff!

So I am hanging out with Mr. Deck Chair 2.0 and 2.1 this weekend. Yes, it takes TWO to replace the OG Mr. Deck Chair!

We'll soldier on!

Doh! Or Doe?

Interesting day as I transitioned between doh and doe. While earning the dough, of course.

Today was our last day in the office for awhile. Every time I thought I had everything together and ready to exit, I'd have a Homer Simpson "DOH!" moment when I remembered something else. Trust me, though, I was ready by lunchtime to head out.

Our full team of writers had our Last Lunch – not at all to be confused with the Last Supper. But I bet AI could alter this image. Not even going to think about trying it.

I gave a few hugs goodbye – because you know I'm a hugger – and was out the door well before 4 p.m. because our golf league tee times changed up at the last minute.

The weather tonight alternated a few times between long and short sleeves. Thankfully there was only a few sprinkles of rain before the wind blew those evil clouds past us. Molly and I did not do as well as last week but who cares? We had fun! 

And as competitive as I am, this is one area where I know my limits so I am 100% here for fun and spending time with a friend!

As I drove into the driveway, there was another DOH or DOE moment. I raced into the house to take a picture of her through my office window. Not the best photo, but she just hung out there, enjoying the evening for a good half hour. 

I know nothing about wildlife. I was just concerned she might be injured. Or, on a positive note, pregnant. Who rests in a yard when there's traffic nearby on the street and in the driveway? But then, she was gone!

Doh!

Anyway. A random plus-side is that the weather forecast for Friday calls for no, possibly minimal, rain. So get out and enjoy the Cranberry Blossom Fest events. We might luck out and have a weekend of weather in our favor! 

More Cake? Well, Sure!

The question isn't will I turn older next week. The question is whether I'll gain 5 pounds before my next birthday. Because I have the best coworkers!

OMG. Steff created the most tasty 3-layer coconut cake I've ever had the privilege of tasting! So good!

A little back story on how I fell in love with coconut cake. 

Throughout my growing up years, my mom and her sister Virginia would visit each other quite often. I felt like it was weekly. Taking turns at each other's homes. It always required some bakery items to go with the coffee, of course. Occasionally, when Mom was "hosting," she'd buy one of those Pepperidge Farm Classic Coconut Layer Cake. Could not get enough of that flavor! So good. So that was a lovely treat today!

My almost birthday twin Darcey and I felt spoiled yet again! We had to pose one more time by my ice cream light (my real twin gave me a few years ago) before I unplugged it and brought it home. 

Tomorrow's the last day in our current digs. I said loudly this afternoon, "OK, is anyone bringing treats of any kind tomorrow? Otherwise, I'm packing up my little plates and bowls." 

No response so I think the party's over. I mean I guess we're still pre-gaming!

After work, our team went to Guu's on Main in Stevens Point because our Nashville team member is with us this week and they have at least 6 flavors of deep-fried cheese curds. She was suitably impressed. Even though it's funny sometimes how we want greasy, gooey goodness to represent our state!

Go, cheese!

P.S. Unrelated to anything... my friend at work and I went to the Herrschners warehouse sale at lunch today. Holy million people but also million deals. Get there! I think it goes through Sunday.

P.S.S. It has rained all day. Apparently hubby still had golf league. Probably wearing his long underwear. Yep, mid-June and temps in the 40s and 50s. Be careful out there!

Early Signs of Aging

Even though my birthday is not until the end of next week, my coworkers surprised two of us today with early birthday wishes since we only have two days left in the office before we're sent home for a spell as office renovations kick into high gear.

My coworker Darcey (who just got back from Italy) has a birthday a few days after mine so she also got decorations and cake. Frosting for breakfast always works for me!

And my gift is so appropriate since we'll be working from home the next 6+ weeks before we come back to an every-other-week schedule in a different office building in Point. I will not mind being in close proximity to Mr. Deck Chair in July!

Another perk today was seeing an old friend who was covering a golf event at SentryWorld.

Rob and his family live out in Arizona but when he comes to Wisconsin for work it's usually a multi-week thing. Glad it was a nice day to sit down and chat a bit. 

The rain definitely came later! Uff da what a drive home! Needless to say, no one in this house is golfing tonight. I'm doing a quick design project then really really need to get some speed crocheting done!

OMMG (Oh Mother Memories, Goodness!)

My cousin shared this picture of my mom and of a Facebook "memory" from about 7 years ago. This is what she wrote then and why I miss my momma every day...

"Had a spontaneous visit with my Aunt Marlys. Davis and I were driving by and saw her out in the yard tending to her flowers. It was nice to visit for a few minutes. She told Davis how she remembered the day he was born. His Uncle Lloyd was painting her house at the time and got a call that Davis has arrived. 

She also told of how when she was little her teacher asked the students to pick milk weed pods to help support the war effort. She said she went home and picked two gunny sacks full. “Daddy had to take me to school that next Monday because I couldn’t carry them”.  I guess they were used to make parachutes and life preservers. 

Marlys said the teacher mentioned that she should have offered an award for the student who brought the most. She said, “ I thought - ‘that’s right, she should have’...”. That was probably the start of her efforts to help others.  Marlys should start recording all her memories - such a sweetheart!"

I definitely remember that Mom collected all that milk weed. It was an intriguing story. But I don't think that was when I realized that Mom was so competitive. I think we all inherited that. Well me with BINGO etc.

Just remember that no matter what you think or learn from your mother, appreciate it! If she is not here, you'll appreciate one minute with her for a story or a memory!

A Two-Some Weekend

Saturday was sort of like an episode of Wedding Crashers... but we were more like Wedding Surfers!

We happened to have two weddings on Saturday – one family, one friends. We somehow managed to get to both ceremonies. First our friends' daughter Allyse (one of Carter's prom dates from forever ago) at 1 p.m. When the ceremony start was delayed a bit, we wondered if we'd get to the other ceremony at 3 p.m.

Thank goodness both wete within 5 miles of Wisconsin Rapids.

After Allyse's absolutely beautiful wedding, we got out to Rooted in Red for Jim's goddaughter's Becca Austin's wedding. It's a nice venue for any outdoor ceremony, etc. The weather was just pleasant – not super hot. So nice. And so great to visit with Austin family and cousins.

Becca was the happiest bride!! Just loved to see her joy! 

After our dinner and some dancing – oh yes, two dances with hubby – we headed home and stopped at wedding No. 1 reception at The Ridges on the way. Got to officially congratulate the bride and visit with some friends. Full day of two-some fun!

Then this afternoon we started our "two-some" couple's league at Tri-City. The fun thing is that Jim and I go against another couple and we get to do a scramble format so we can keep the pace of play going. The non-fun thing is I realize once again my hubby is a phenomenal golfer and I am a complete dead weight. Unfortunately, according to couple's league rules, they have to use at least 3 of my drives in the 9 holes. 

I need more rounds than 2 before I can contribute, that's for sure! But somehow we came out ahead in the match tonight! Whew.

At least on a surprisingly cool Sunday I had my new Cutter and Buck golf pullover that I may or may not have bought myself on my trip to Minnesota last weekend. 88 degrees that day and yet I thought, "I should plan ahead!"

Very comfy and light but warm enough when whimps like me can't deal with wind and chill!

Side note: I love it and I'll be wearing it for much more than golf!

Carter called when we were putting out our last hole. Then we connected later when we were home. We're looking forward to seeing their place up in Duluth and showing them a few sights. How is it that all the weekends in the summer just fill up so fast?!

Hopefully something works out in July. Hubby hasn't been up there and I want to show both of them plus Mamie some of the must-see sights. 

At least we all agree it has to be a summer-type month.... not winter! Appreciate summer right now!