Sneaky UFOs (Unidentified Farm Objects)

We're basically on the eve of Spooky Season. And I've already been spooked a few times!

You can refer to yesterday's blog to see what non-fiction UFO-related book I am currently listening to. So here I am driving in the thriving metropolis of Plover on my way to work today and this gigantic foreign object sidles next to me at the stoplight.

Yes, I flinched.

Basically this BAT (big ass tractor) scared the crap out of me. He could roll over all of us little vehicles and looks even more sinister when the light changed to green and continued toward what was a glorious sunrise.

Those darn Unidentified Farming Objects!

There is so much to unpack and I still have 3 hours of listening to go. I dread what dreams I'll have tonight. 

Unrelated (just kidding), are the old X Files episodes streaming anywhere?

Be careful out there. Sincerely!

Some Real Close Encounters

Eleven years ago I went on a road trip out to our nephew's in Rapid City, S.D., with my mom and 2 sisters. We eventually made our way into Wyoming, too, just to say we did. And to see Devil's Tower.

Whether you saw the 1977 movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" or not (I didn't), the merchants in the area were quick to remind you the tower is the focal point of it. And they'd try to sell you some outer-space trinket. I didn't buy anything but really should rent the movie at this point – now that my tower tour is over and I won't freak out having a close encounter with it!

But... then there's book club. So I might freak out.

This month, we are reading Imminent by Luis Elizondo. We don't often do nonfiction and I never would have thought to pick this one up. Not my area of interest. But it is freakin' fascinating! And I've learned the UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) are so 1970s. Now they are UAPs – Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, which are unexplained objects or phenomena observed in the air, sea, or space that display unusual behaviors or performance characteristics not attributable to known technology or natural causes. In other words, they do more than just fly!

And yes, I'm getting some freak-out goose bumps because people I know have had interesting "encounters" with 100% UP (Unexplained Things)! Including hubby. 

Our neighbors reminded me that when Jim went with them kayaking by the Port Edwards/Nekoosa area of the Wisconsin River a few years ago, they all say a strange, rectangular object in the sky that just hovered there. The whole time they were paddling. Of course I wasn't with them with my super-zoom camera so I couldn't capture a photo! But so strange.

Plus our neighbors also had an "orb" experience in their house. Just across the street! As I am reading the chapter now about mysterious light orbs (random floating, fuzzy round lights), I have double the goose bumps.

Like I said, not something I've ever been interested in. But I sure the heck am now. Maybe not enough to go back to Devil's Tower. Not sure I have bravery for that yet! But this book is pretty good. I'll give you an update when I'm done. (Whether you're interested or not.)

Any of you have any "encounters"? Would love to hear about it! I think.

Sacred Saturday Vibes

Saturday was a weather perfect day to witness the marriage of two "kids" we have been privileged to see  grown up and together. Ending up in holy matrimony. 

So I first met the groom when he was a new member of Carter's cross country team at Assumption. Of course hubby knew his parents and family because they had been at AHS together. But then, it was a sudden friendship into Nicholas' family. And coincidentally about the time I invested a lot more time into being a school sports photographer. 

I am sure I have decades' old photos of the groom and the bride, but I will not share it here.

The amazing parents of the groom! 

The new "sisters"! So lucky!

The bride's two brothers who can't decide who's taller. I vote older brother Nick based on hair product today!

Great photo op with the groom's parents and our mutual friends Sean and Michelle.

This new venue had a mostly black and white feel which worked great into the plan of black and white tuxedos and black bridesmaid dresses. Perfect.

Since this was our final of 5 weddings this summer, we can say that every wedding had at least one over-the-top item. This one was shooting/throwing out wedding t-shirts during the dance.

How fun – especially after I snagged one!

A great departing gift! Today, Sunday was surrounded by my Vikings game at 8:20 vs. the Steelers and that got exciting after singing in church choir -- then sad, per usual. 

Sad to the Vikes. And sad to U.S. Ryder Cup team! 😢

TDF (Technical Difficulties Friday)

Honestly it wasn't a hard day, just a long day. Which I should have realized when my work laptop needed a lengthy security upgrade. 

Then I had a meeting about a website launch that I heard 10 minutes before that that I needed to write some copy for by end of day Monday. I was not feeling any Friday vibes.

To sort of cheer myself up, I caught the end of today's Ryder Cup action at the end of my workday. That didn't go as well as I hoped. Let's go, USA!!

After running a few weekend errands in town, I figured I would relax with the remote since hubby's keeping stats at the Royals' football game in Edgar.

Unfortunately after watching Pretty Woman more times than I can count, I realized I used our non-cable remote to watch it on some unknown channel. And it took me a more-than-frustrating hour to figure how to get our TV back to our expensive cable channels. I was ready to throw so many things at the cable box! Life should not be so complicated when it comes to marrying cable and streaming channels!

Disclaimer: Jim considers me the IT/tech expert in the house but it's time to hire someone younger. I especially realized today I have official old person no-patience vibes running through my veins. And I'm not as smart as I thought.

I've also gotten sideline reports from Edgar that our Royals aren't doing so hot. Right now I'm just wishing we all have a great Saturday! 

Annual Checkup Challenges

So step one of the annual physical is getting some blood drawn to capture your current body situation as it relates to cholesterol and various unnamed things.

I fasted Tuesday night and went there Wednesday morning to "donate" blood. I have acknowledged many times over the years that I faint either at the sight of blood – or the lovely needle. So why stray from that pattern? 

So here I was and they poked my right arm... then my left arm... apparently I inherited tiny veins just like my previously mentioned tiny Hedberg eyes. Then I acknowledged I may faint soon and the ice pack for my neck became a reality. This is old habit for those of us who always faint.

Unfortunately, the phlebotomist then said the only option was the more painful blood draw from my hand. And it was. But I got a firm compression bandage and juice box out of it to keep me upright. Yay for physicals.

Of course, one of the outcomes of a physical at a certain age is the dreaded colonoscopy appointment. Sounds simple-ish but when you have to get in the drive-thru line at the pharmacy, you realize everyone on the planet needs their drugs, er meds.

I mean, I waited in line for close to 40 minutes for my "prep medications" and there were cars behind me. I feel bad for how much our society needs and relies on medications of some sort.

Unless we're all in line to clean out our plumbing in 2 weeks. 

Forever in Blue Jeans

Canadian tuxedo (noun): a denim jacket worn with a pair of jeans: if you can wear denim to the office, then you can wear a Canadian tuxedo.

I'm sure you feel like you've waited decades for one more great photo of a Canadian Tuxedo. I honestly didn't realize it hit legit dictionary word status, but it has!

I think I mentioned previously that we had a lot of different dress-up days (opportunities) during our United Way campaign. One of those was team spirit day. So while another writer and I were in San Francisco riding street cars, they voted on an All-Denim Day vibe (or Canadian Tuxedo Day). 

I knew I must have a jean jacket somewhere among my 42 jackets in the house. And sure enough I found it the morning of! Naturally, when we work in marketing we have the photo and video studio at our disposal. So here is the official team photo....

We were missing 2 writers gone to a conference but otherwise the rest of us were all in on the all-denim.

Then we decided to do a super cheesy photo (because we are fun-seekers, after all) and we call this one our Sears Catalog pose...

And if you recall Sears Catalog, you may also have Neil Diamond's Forever in Blue Jeans song in your head right now. If you didn't, it should be there now! 

🎶 Money talks... But it don't sing and dance and it don't walk.... And long as I can have you here with me, I'd much rather be forever in blue jeans... 🎶

Also, I love this team! Also, we do have an opening for a PR Specialist on our team if you and someone you know is looking to be as cool as a Canadian Tuxedo!

Winners for the Win

My lucky fox talisman is on fire this week! I mean I did get a win a BINGO Sunday and my Vikings got a victory, so I have to give somebody or something the credit!

As for central Wisconsin, both the Packers and my Vikings were playing at noon so I hoped that would increase my odds if I went to BINGO. Turns out it might have. There were more than 100 of us so the larger jackpots were in order. And here I am winning the "kite formation" BINGO for $70. Works for me!

While sitting there and dobbing my heart away I knew that my Vikings were somehow winning and my fantasy team was on fire, too. Maybe I should credit going to bed at 1 a.m.!

Got home after BINGO and took a picture of our flag at the end of the driveway before I even pulled into the garage. Gotta keep the good vibe going!

And it worked for once! A 5-star re-run, if I do say so myself. Jim enjoyed it too after his return from golfing in Minnesota this weekend. I'm like "thanks for leaving the good vibes there"!

Tonight, after some "winning" (I think tennis matches), I'm about to embark on the next season of The Voice. Where I will wait for quite sometime before I declare a winner!