Turning Pro

I would have to say Carter has had the art of putzing down to a science for a long time. We're talking the night-time bed-time routine. Always finding 3 or 4 reasons to come back out to the living room and say "good night" or put something in his backpack or remember to brush his teeth ('cause that's a new thing, ya know).

He's such a natural at it. Too bad he can't turn pro and make his millions ... then buy his momma a mansion like they all do!

It's no wonder the word procrastinator stars with pro.

I am trying not to procrastinate for an upcoming scrapbook weekend so I started my prep work tonight. It was a nice night to be in the cool Scrap Cave! First I finished the page I started the last time I scrapbooked. Oh let's see, that was back in March. (That's terrible!) After getting that done, I started getting my pictures grouped by "page" and in order for the rest of the 2009 scrapbook.

There's a lot of work to be done. We did a lot of photo-worthy stuff the second half of that year! I'm actually going to have to refer to my blog to get things in the right order for sure. Then it will be the next step of picking out appropriate papers and matching alphabets and all that good stuff. Then I'll be ready for camp. Good thing I've still got 3 weeks. I cannot be accused of putzing just yet!

After a few hours of hard work, I had to treat myself to some Peppermint Stick ice cream. What -- just because I bought out the Schwan's man's supply doesn't mean I ate it all right away! By the way, he informed me last week that we are one catalog away from my catalog (the winter/holiday one). He knows me too well!

Too bad there's no need for career ice cream eaters... I'd turn pro in a heart beat!

Goal Tender

Carter started soccer tonight. The interesting thing about the organizational structure at Assumption is that middle school soccer is co-ed -- not separate teams for boys and girls.

Now Carter has been playing co-ed soccer for the past 6 years so this isn't something new, but those teams were clearly dominated by boys since the rec league also had all-girl teams. Usually one or two girls and that was it. But they were pretty darn good, I can tell you that.

Tonight at the first practice there were 4 boys ... and 14 girls. Oooh, Carter. This oughta be interesting! Now we'll see if he is intimidated or, in usual fashion for the Austin men, lays on the charm.

This year they play on the big field, too, so that will take some adjusting -- mainly a cardio adjustment. I sure hope he doesn't volunteer to be goalie just so he doesn't have to run around. I think they'll need him on the field to round out the team. But what do I know? I'm just a soccer mom with goals of my own I need to tend to...

My oldest sister Rayna asked us girls over the weekend how we are coming along with the goals we set at our annual sister weekend last year. One of my other sisters quickly responded to the email: "What goals??"

We were each given a neat little notebook in which we penned a personal goal we wanted to accomplish by Wild Women's Weekend XII in 2010. That's coming up in less than a month now. We didn't have to share it with anyone but I think we all did. I will say, though, I've been negligent in following up on it to see how my sisters are faring with theirs (if I can even remember them). Mine, though, has never been far from my mind.

"I want a firm start on my novel -- an outline of the story, the list and backgrounds on all the main characters, and the first chapters written. Make the time!"

It seems 365 days would be enough time to do this but I didn't follow my own advice and make the time! I am proud of myself for making enough time to write every day -- mainly in this blog, but I have only spent hours (not days) on book material. I keep changing the direction I am going and now, after doing some great writing "exercises" during my vacation, I may change it again! But that's a writer's prerogative, right? (No wonder many of us never get anything published!)

Well, thanks to my sister's prompting, I did invest some quality time with the keyboard tonight. I'm sort of on a roll now so I may jump the gun sooner rather than later on getting a handy-dandy Netbook laptop. That way, I could get some additional writing done on my commute to and from work while poor hubby drives. That's my thinking. But am I spending a couple hundred dollars on a sister weekend goal or a real-life goal? That's where I need to pull the trigger.

That's the goal I need to start tending. Hand me my cleats and shin-guards!

To Air is Human

We spent so much in time indoors Saturday, we hardly noticed another heat wave was developing.

Had a fun time at Koz's Mini Bowl. I guess they call what we were doing "duckpin bowling." I call it "the only kind of bowling where I can get a 200+ score!" Good stuff!

There were 5 of us couples who ventured down to Milwaukee from Rapids for the party. One couple went to the Brewers game later but the rest of us went to a place called Dave & Buster's. Basically a Chuck E. Cheese for adults. Played Skee Ball, Whack-A-Mole, basketball (hubby rocks at that!) and trivia. Between 4 of us, we won just enough tickets to send the birthday girl home with a brand new ... deck of Packers playing cards. That's one expensive deck of cards! Oh well, it was fun earning it!

This morning we noticed it was 80+ degrees already when we hit the road after breakfast. Wow! By the time we got home and then picked up Carter at Grandpa and Grandma's, there was no question we were turning on the air conditioning!

It was one of those afternoons where it felt good to be home, wanted to relax but I knew I should do something -- plus I wanted a little sunshine. So I took a bike ride (that way I had a breeze). That gave the house just enough time to cool off, too. Nice.

Carter and I went grocery shopping later and got a few things he discovered he needed for school. Now we should be done (I've said that before, haven't I?). He will start another new school adventure this week. Soccer starts Monday with his first practice.

Weather man says it's going to be 88 and humid tomorrow. Between us at work with our inconsistent air and Carter at the warm school, then practice, I guess Sylvester will once again be the spoiled one, napping in the cool A.C.

Not sure how that happens but I can't complain. We've certainly been blessed lately in more ways than I can say.

Split Happens

Hello, Weekend! I see you have plans for me again!

Today we are heading down to Milwaukee for the rest of the weekend. Our destination: Koz's Mini Bowl. You might remember I posted pictures in March of this place. It sort of has skee-ball size bowling bowls that you just use on short lanes (with teenagers hand-setting the pins on the other end).

Our friends Mike and Christine had so much fun there that Christine decided that's where she'd hold her 40th birthday party!

So I'm wearing my only bowling shirt -- the one that says "Split Happens" -- and we are hitting the road shortly. Should be a fun time! (And when isn't it when you're doing things with friends?)

Carter is going to be left out but he'll be bonding with Auntie Sherry and Grandma & Grandpa Austin. Our poor neglected cat is probably thinking: "Thank god, another day with the house to myself!"

Sorry, Sylvester. One of these days we'll spend a weekend at home. I'm almost sure of it.

Good Things

It's turning into a pretty good week...

Carter is adjusting well to his new school and classmates. Monday things will change again when soccer starts after school! He'll figure out what's going on by Halloween, I'm sure.

It has been a pretty good racing recovery week for our nephew Colin, too. Thanks to a lot of man hours and help and new parts and old parts and duct tape, his super stock race car was ready for racing tonight.

He ended up finishing third in the heat and then second in the feature. It was a great race! He also extended his points lead so he just has to hang on for one more week and he has a track championship. Keep your fingers crossed!

Finally, it was a good week because sometimes surprises crop up when -- and where -- you least expect them. All I had to do was crop off the bottom of the sign and it's a like a dream come true...

Now who can top that?!

Back to School

We're happy to report from the Austin camp that Carter survived his first day as a 7th-grader. New school. New schedule. New locker. New kids.

He did alright.

Of course, even though bussing doesn't start until next week, I still had to snap a few photos on the first day. Here we have Daddy, the Assumption alum, and Carter, the Assumption newbie. (They don't look related, do they?)

Since there wasn't a bus to ride, cousin Colin was kind enough to offer to give Carter a ride for the next 5 school days. This may be a unique week where he rides in Colin's Saturn one day and in his race car the next (if things pan out at the races tomorrow night). Lucky kid.

I will admit I was a nervous mom today (big surprise, eh?) and was doing a little clock-watching, figuring he'd get home from school about 3 p.m. and hoping he'd remember to call me!

He did.

I could tell by the excitement in his voice that it was a good first day. "I can open my locker in 8 seconds! Maybe even 5!" That was the first important thing. He also said he found all of his classes fine and just followed the crowd when he needed to. He mentioned there are about 3 girls to each boy in his homeroom. Yikes. And for their last period of the day, they got ice cream. I hope he realizes that's not an everyday occurrence!

He said he was a little embarrassed that he was worried for nothing. (Doesn't sound like anyone we know, does it?)

Right now we're heading into town to catch a little of the first home football game. Hubby went to Wausau with some friends to watch the races. Carter and I will go see if we can find some new friends of our own.

Go Royals!

What I Did on my Summer Vacation...

Summer vacation is officially over for Carter. Other than the part where he has to head back to school at sunrise, I don't think he's complaining.

He had a full summer -- and Daddy and Mommy did right along with him -- between the regular league baseball season, tournament team baseball, Kidz Camp in Iola, vacation in Florida, a Brewers game and some evenings at The Harbor. Yep, he's got it rough.

Now it's "so long, summer" and "hello, seventh grade!"

He had his "locker drop off" and open house this evening at Assumption Middle School. A smart opportunity to drop off the school supplies that he doesn't want to have to lug in a backpack in the morning. Plus, it was a non-pressured time to meet the combination locker and learn to work it and love it!

I think he'll be alright. He got his locker open on the second try and fit everything in there that he needed to. On the way home he asked: "Where do I put my backpack?" Oh that has to fit in that little skinny locker, too, plus your coat this winter. So yeah, it's not that big of a storage space after all.

Before he went to bed he said he's feeling much more confident! I don't even know if he had trouble falling asleep because I went over to the house of a girlfriend of mine who was not on my "summer vacation" list. Haven't seen her in months and it was a great visit. But getting home close to midnight? Probably not a good idea on a school night.

I gotta get used to saying that now :(

Sleepy Head

Not sure if it's the full moon or what, but I have not slept decent in many a night!

Right now the computer chair is propping me up but I will be hitting the hay in no time. I'm jealous of Carter who has been able to sleep in this week. Also jealous he's been taking it easy. But I won't be jealous of his homework later this week, that's for sure!

I've got enough of my own. Sort of.

This adjustment to the new/expanded job thing is coming along -- just not at the speed I would like. There are so many new things to remember that I feel like I am forgetting things. So far I am a quick study and am doing things right. Now I just have to pick up the pace. Tomorrow I am working at home just so I can have a "catch-up" day with no phone or office-related interruptions. I look forward to being productive.

And look forward to a day with Carter, who is too old to need me home with him now. Though he's been so bored the past 2 days he just might want me home with him. (Lucky me!) Plus there's that outside chance that since it is his last day before school starts, we might get to go out to lunch or something. Depends how productive my morning is.

The good thing about working at home is that I have one big ol' pot of coffee close by to kick me into gear! Judging how I feel now, I'm gonna need it.

Different Perspective

We are counting down hours now to school starting -- about 60 for those keeping score with us at home.

Since Carter is done at Kidz Camp, we are letting him sleep in a few days before the alarm clock starts going off at 6 a.m. on a regular basis. Don't feel sorry for him. This is exactly when he got up all summer long so, thankfully, he'll have a minimal adjustment for school.

Today he stayed home and was taxed with one chore: Clean his room. Well, more specifically, clean off and organize his desk so he can use if for homework starting Thursday. I told him last night that if he got it all done today then he could relax tomorrow and Wednesday.

His response: "Mom, I don't really see what I have to do."

Really? It doesn't matter that you can't get to your desk let alone see the surface? (Asks pot to the kettle.)

His version of a clean room and mine have rarely lined up. We definitely have different perspectives on what organized means, but I am not one to judge. After seeing what he did accomplish today (even though he "took it easy" this morning, he said), I'm leaning toward taking a day off to clean my desk!

Though I think I'd need more like a week or a month to really flip this house! Maybe I could get Carter to help... He's got nothing to do for 60 hours!

New Traditions

This was a special Sunday to start -- and hopefully continue -- traditions.

I hit the road early to meet up with my best bud from high school for a day of shopping and visiting in the Dells. Julie lives on the south side of Madison and has lived there (just 105 minutes away) for years. However, it wasn't until last November we got together and said, "Hey we need to do this more often! Why shouldn't we meet up once every 4 or 6 months?"

Well it turned into 9 months, but we did it. (And found Wisconsin Dells to be a nice halfway point.) So now it has officially vetted itself as a tradition. And we must continue it!

Had nice chit-chat time while shopping the huge outlet mall in the Dells. We didn't buy much because we're more used to buying for our kids than ourselves. Seriously! After browsing a few hours, we had a good lunch at the Moose Jaw (recommend it if you're ever there).

I got home in time to do some quick grocery shopping, edit some stories for work, then "study" for my fantasy football draft. Which brings us to our next tradition...

Hubby and I have been involved in fantasy football leagues for year. (I think just about 20 for me now.) We decided it would be fun to introduce the boys to it. So we set up a 6-team league with Casey, Clay, Carter, nephew Colin, Jim and me. This evening we fed the boys supper and held our inaugural draft. With so few teams, we all should be pretty satisfied with our pick of players and our final rosters. You just never know, though!

I'll just be happy to have weekly interaction with all my boys for the rest of the calendar year anyway. We'll see if my team -- Momma's Boyz -- keeps me just as content!

Balloon Rally

This weekend is the 10th annual Children's Miracle Network Balloon Rally and Music Festival in Wisconsin Rapids. Typically, they have launches set for around 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights and 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. So far, due to sketchy weather (rain, fog or wind), there hasn't been a launch this weekend yet. Maybe they'll get lucky Sunday morning.

Carter and I ended up spending the entire afternoon and early evening at the airport. Our church had one of the food vending booths so we helped sell chicken sandwiches and Schwan's ice cream treats. Can you believe I didn't have ice cream all day, though? Honest.
Carter found this mammoth snow-cone type treat! I ended up getting an Elephant Ear later right before we took a 90-minute break from 2:30-4 p.m. We took the Ear over to our friends Mike and Christine's house and shared (honest) as payment for cooling off in their air-conditioning. That was nice.

It wasn't long after we got back that the balloons started arriving. The organizers knew it was going to be too windy to launch, but they still "inflated" them with hot air for the crowds to see.

There weren't too many balloons around this evening, but the ones that were there were pretty -- and unique, like this Honey Bear one.

A couple landed at the show grounds, too. Not sure where they were launched from, but the wind probably got them to Rapids pretty quickly.

Carter humors me for a scrapbook picture before running off to find friends. He did manage to accidentally run into a gal pal named Autumn (who you may recall). I wonder if they planned this. Hmmm. Actually, it was unlikely. There were thousands of people there this evening so it was hard to see anyone!

When it got darker and our shift was done, we got to enjoy the Glow. All the balloons light up at the same time. Pretty cool. We didn't stay for fireworks, though. We just wanted to get home and sit down. Now this feels good! I hope I have enough energy to get out of this chair and get to bed. Where's a hot air balloon ride when you need one?

Happy Endings

Today was Carter's last day ever at Kidz Camp in Iola. The childcare program is available for first- through sixth-graders so he will be too old (and perhaps too mature) to come back next summer.

Of course, we're not going to start thinking that far ahead. It is the end of an era, though. He has been commuting with us for 6 summers now! He has made a lot of great friends at camp and has met -- and hero-worshipped -- a lot of awesome "counselors." What a neat experience for him!

We should all be so lucky to have such a happy ending.

Tonight we went to the races. After a wicked rain storm on the way home from work, we weren't even sure they'd have them. But it cleared up in time.

Colin qualified third fastest time. But then in the heat race, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and could not avoid a crash that happened in front of him. So his Super Stock got a little banged up.

For the feature, he was leading the last 12 laps or so. There was a caution and restart with 6 laps to go and Colin still was holding onto the lead -- by inches. On the last lap on the very last turn before the finish line, he got knocked out of the lead (quite literally). We're talking majorly banged up. But the good news is Colin is OK. The car, on the other hand, will have to undergo some major work this week so it is ready for racing next Friday. We aren't quite done yet. Colin's happy ending will come in 3 weeks if he can take home that season championship. He's poised to do it now. He just has to hold onto that spot.

We all know that's not as easy as sounds. Good thing he's got all you fans out there in cyberspace to cheer him on!

Pre-emptive Strike

Pre-emptive: Designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence.

I had to laugh today when one of the guys I work with warned us that he will be making a crabby phone call first thing in the morning. "So forgive me now for whatever sinning happens," he said.

I told him I had heard of pre-emptive strikes and pre-emptive wars but never pre-emptive forgiveness on what appears to be pre-meditated sinning! But who am I to say? I don't know everything.

Carter and I did a little pre-emptive strike of our own tonight -- to deter or prevent anticipated anxiety.

I had to stop at the Assumption Middle School to drop something off so we took his new class schedule with us and took a little "field trip" up and down the halls of his new school.

It was good for him to see how easy it will be to find his locker (his name is on it), his homeroom and his other classrooms. They are all well marked with room numbers and teacher names that match up with his schedule. Imagine.

For the most part, his schedule is the same up through lunch hour and it varies in the afternoon, depending on the day. That'll be the only part he'll have to pay attention to. Of course, it should be a lot easier than grade school where they had A day schedule, B day schedule, etc., (that got out of sync as soon as there was a weekday off). Now he just has to remember if it's Monday or Thursday, etc.

Then there's that business of a combination lock on the locker. I don't think there's any pre-emptive action for that. You know that's the thing that little Anal Retentive Robyn Jr. will lose sleep about next week!

Sigh... Everybody loves change.

Casual Summer

It's 8:10 p.m.... The sun is setting... The blanket is on.... Summer is over...

So of course it's fitting that we finally got the air conditioner fixed at work after 6 weeks of ugh (that's Scandinavian for "hot, stale air"). The best part about it was that it was ultra-casual wear summer at work. I mean we couldn't go around in spaghetti straps and Daisy Dukes. But we were allowed to wear shorts! Nice shorts you'd wear golfing or to church in the summer, but shorts nonetheless. I'll miss that.

I'm already missing the longer daylight hours! No more walking or biking way after supper. Gotta plan that earlier already.

My parents have a bigger adjustment.

I was talking to my mom tonight to see how post-twister cleanup, etc., is going. It's getting there. The "shrapnel" has all been hauled away and their yard is looking as normal as it can. I was talking about the sun setting and she said, "Yeah, we can see the sunset pretty good now." Not that they wanted to lose their whole western tree line to accomplish that! They also have a great view of the lake again. Ditto on the unfortunate reason for it.

We both agreed that it's much nicer to have the cool and breezy days this week compared to that heat and humidity last week (which I know was not good for my dad). Of course, she tells me, the extra humidity made her African Violet houseplants bloom like crazy. What? How does that happen? She doesn't just have a green thumb, she must have green lungs. She just breathes and her plants blossom.

I didn't have the heart to tell her the little plant she sent home with me earlier this summer has met its demise. I'm going to try to nurse it back to health but I think we're going to have to set it out with next week's garbage.

This is why I wisely did not plant any flowers outside this summer. One, I knew we wouldn't be around much at all. Secondly, well, I may have a stubborn streak about some things but I am first to admit I have no horticultural talents! Maybe next summer....

I guess we can still enjoy what little is left of this one. We brought some corn home so we'll finally get some good corn on the cob tomorrow night. And the guy at King Cone tells us they aren't closing up shop until late September!

So it ain't over yet!

Small Stuff

There's always some motivational speaker or writer somewhere shoving that "Don't sweat the small stuff" message in our faces. Well, sometimes the small stuff gets on my nerves and I can sweat it out if I want to.

Yes, this is the mood created when I wanted to do a simple download on the computer tonight and it took flippin' forever -- instead of the mere 15 minutes I had expected.

Trust me, I know that the word expected is part of the problem. If we don't have expectations then, hey, we're not disappointed and gosh, it's easy not to sweat the small stuff (or big stuff sometimes).

So I gotta take a few deep breaths here and focus on the small stuff that actually made my day, right? Is that what you're telling me?

...Sigh... Let's see...

Carter hit his target tonight with the BB gun! Two days into this and we still have 6 eyes between the 3 of us... That's good.

I reconnected with my high school BFF today and we are going to meet for lunch Sunday in the Dells -- a good halfway point between the 2 of us! That's very good.

We got our extra "baggage" back from Florida (driven up in our friend's parents' van) so we got to go deliver presents to the "big boys." This was a small thing that meant a big deal to me because I got to see my younger stepson (formerly known as "the truant") for the first time since Christmas. He has not really wanted anything to do with us, our guidance or concerns about him or school. Thankfully I had no expectations about him welcoming us with open arms so I was happy with a small gesture. He saw us and even cracked a smile or two.

And that is the small stuff that can fill a big hole in my heart.

For today.

Armed and Aimless

Beware obnoxious squirrels: The Red Ryder BB gun is out of its package and we know how to use it. Well, one of us knows. And I'll give you a hint: it ain't Carter and it ain't me.

For some redneck stress relief, hubby got out the BB gun we gave him for Father's Day. Carter has been begging. So Daddy set up an empty milk jug in the backyard and we all commenced to target practice, taking turns shooting from the upper deck.

Hubby has a natural aim -- not bad for a non-hunter.

Carter, however, couldn't seem to hit the broadside of a barn. Please note, we were not shooting at any buildings so I cannot prove or disprove this theory. He did have some difficulty. I gave it a shot and managed to hit the jug on my second try.

My arm muscles couldn't quite handle the cocking or whatever this maneuver is. I finally got it figured out later. Each time, though, I still expected to get an "automatic" type second shot right way like an arcade game. Didn't happen. (Probably a good thing.)

We moved the milk jug closer and Carter finally hit the target.

I was just relieved there was no "kick" to it all. So nobody had to worry about shooting their eye out or breaking their glasses like on Christmas Story.

Though Carter would make a cute Ralphie, wouldn't he?

Ahh, good times in the almost Northwoods. (And my stress is gone!)

Breeze, Glorious Breeze

What a treat today to have temperatures (and humidity) in the 70s! Beautiful, pleasant light breezes and mostly sunny skies... No excuses not to get that long overdue yard work done!

After church, we all tackled our jungle. Hubby mowed, Carter raked and I weeded. Three hours later and I think we are back in the neighborhood's good graces. (Not that they said anything, but I could even admit we looked like we'd abandoned our property for too long!) At least that's done. For now.

In the early afternoon, Carter and I took a road trip down to Adams. We were on a mission to get a particular item we knew was going to be at the flea market there. Unfortunately, on Sundays they all seem to pack up early and clear out. So there were only about 5 booths left doing business. We did find a neat little Cincinnati Reds antique truck-shaped bank for Jim. So that was something anyway. Guess we'll have to go back on a Saturday to get to "our" booth!

Spent a little time on the deck reading today. I am reading/analyzing a book for a first-time aspiring author. I need to get it done and get feedback to him so I can get working on my own manuscript! I should finish it tonight or tomorrow.

Did get to see some of the final round of the PGA Championship. Just makes me want to golf (but not there -- too much sand among other things). I haven't swung a club since May so right now I'd go just about anywhere! I think the weather will be perfect for that this week, don't you?

C'mon, just twist my arm. Just a little. Don't make it hurt.

A Non-Event

Hard to believe (since this is mid-August) but this is the first Saturday of the summer that we had absolutely nothing going on. No events we had to attend. No place to be but home. Unreal. So I was torn between working hard to have a super productive day or finally just kicking my feet up and relaxing!

I sort of did both.

We all slept in -- well, got 8 hours of sleep -- so that was a good start.

After breakfast, I tackled a little organizational project that has been staring me in the face for months. I've gotten hundreds of pictures developed but never did anything with them once I got the out-of-order piles of prints. So I spent the better part of the morning getting them in order and in boxes or envelopes clearly labeled so I am set to use them for scrapbooking. (See, I have a reason for doing everything!)

After that I worked out, did some laundry and then sat out on the front deck. I had to get a few magazines read (or at least looked at) before I added them to the recycling box... which I had to get to town and empty before the center closed at 3. That was OK to be rushed. It was something like 88 and humid so I really didn't need or want to be out on the deck too long. I just hate to lose my Florida tan, that's all.

I dragged Carter with me to town so we could wrap up his school shopping. First we had to drop off recycling and then, since we were close by, had to check out the flavor of the week at Dairy Treat. Blueberry Twist! M-m-m. Had to stop. Just got little cones, though, because we were heading to Staples next and it wasn't that long of a drive.

We got the last item on his supply list at Staples, then got him some pants at Wal-Mart. Now he is officially done and ready -- with 12 days to go before school. Glad I got all the other stuff before vacation because it was a zoo in the school supply aisles at Wal-Mart!

By the time we got out of there and home, it was after 4:30. The day had officially gotten away from me. I didn't feel I had been productive enough but the "I need to sit on the couch and watch golf" feeling won over anyway. So I watched a bit of the PGA action in Wisconsin.

Then, I guess, I felt guilty and did some filing and organizing in our office. That didn't last long either before it was time for Smoothies! It was Carter's idea. (I'll blame him for enabling me and my addiction!) Anyway, I made Pina Colada ones tonight with Pina Colada Yoplait yogurt, crushed pineapple, about half a banana, a touch of imitation coconut flavoring and vanilla frozen yogurt. Yes, it was as good as it sounds! Nice and cool, too.

I hear tomorrow will be the start of a "cool front" around here with temps in the mid-70s the next several days. Guess that means I will be able to set foot outside without melting tomorrow and might be forced to get some neglected yard work done.

We'll see how it goes. It's supposed to be another non-event day so could get a lot done!

But it is the final round at Whistling Straights...

Friday the Thirst-teenth

My husband is one to say, "If I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all." He's just trying to be clever. We all know how super lucky he is to have me, right?

Today was the only Friday the 13th for 2010. And because time flies so quickly and I am losing track what day of the week it is, I was ill prepared for the supposedly unlucky holiday. I had no time to work up a good case of paraskevidekatriaphobia -- that's "fear of Friday the 13th" for you lay people.

And that's OK because it was really just a normal day (barring any strange events in the next 2 hours).

Had a busy day at work since we were off yesterday. Before we knew it, it was 3 o'clock and time to go. I love summer hours -- but only 3 more "early release" Fridays left!

We had some wicked weather go through central Wisconsin so before noon they had already called off racing for tonight at Golden Sands. Part of me was bummed because it was supposed to be "Kids Night" and Carter could have ridden in his cousin Colin's super stock for a lap. (I guess they'll do it 2 weeks instead.) The other part of me was sort of relieved we didn't have to go somewhere tonight. We've had quite the busy week!

We had already planned to hit The Harbor in Waupaca after work. Now instead of rushing off to the races, we were able to stay awhile. The Harbor bar & grill is located on the Chain of Lakes and is always a pretty spot to tip back some cold Diet Coke and watch the sunset. It was too cloudy for much sun, but drinks were going around.

There ended up being at least a dozen of us from work -- including 3 former employees who have moved on to other things but still live close enough to enjoy The Harbor on occasion. We had a nice time. Carter knows most of them, too, so he had fun. We had supper there and hit the road around 7:30 p.m.

Since I was designated driver, I got to choose the route home. We just happened to go past Scoopers Ice Cream Parlor down the road. Did you know a single scoop of hard ice cream there is equal to about a pint? I'm serious! Well worth $2.90 for a "scoop" of Mint Chocolate Chip. Oh yeah!

Had to run a quick errand in town when we got back but am safely home on this suspiciously scary day -- and aiming to be in bed ASAP so I can wake up to a normal, Saturday the 14th tomorrow.

Bake-ball

I'd have to say today was one for the record books. I'm just not sure which book to put it in.

We had today off to take in an afternoon Brewers game at Miller Park. This has been an annual tradition for several years with what I call the Sports Guy Contingent.

Jeff (left) and Pete (middle) all worked with hubby as sports writers at the newspaper a dozen years ago. Since Jeff and his wife Kristin (far left) live in the Milwaukee area, we meet up at their house and head to the game.

Today was just too hot to even think about tailgating so we ate lunch at some Chinese-American sports bar. Sounds weird but it was good. We took a free shuttle from there down to the park.

Game time was 1:10 p.m. Not sure what the temperature was. We think 90 -- which means this has to have been the absolute hottest game on record for this Sports Guy outing. It rivaled the incredibly steamy July 3rd game 3 or 4 years ago -- but at least for that one we were in the shade!

Today we were baking in the sun along the third-base line. Totally baking! In the 3rd inning, when I saw paramedics tending to a heat-stroke victim in the women's bathroom, I said we better stay hydrated! So the drink of choice at Miller Park was not Miller today, but cold water. That helped -- and the fact we could finally move up a row in the 6th inning so we finally had some shade!

It was a good game. Brewers scored 3 runs in the first 2 innings so that was cool (well, nothing was cool really -- it was more likehot, sunny bake-ball than baseball). They beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-4!

A few photos:

Rickie Weeks at bat.

Ryan Braun at bat. Based on the thousands of Brewers t-shirts I saw in the crowd today, he is definitely the most popular player!

Another one for the record book: With his 4 hits today (including a home run!) Casey McGehee set a Brewers franchise record for 9 hits out of his last 9 at bats! Nice job.

Since we were on the third-base side, we got to see Braun up close (sort of). Poor guy never got any shade out there all day.

The highlight as usual is the Sausage Race! Can you imagine how hot it was in those costumes today? Yuck. Bet they all felt like they just came off a Weber grill! I know we did.

But it was fun! And who can beat a day off just 4 days after vacation? I'll take it.

Perfect Angells

It's always a good day when you can spend 3 hours with a friend you haven't seen in 20 years!

Thanks to the age of online social networking, I reconnected with my college friend Liz about 2 years ago. When I was a resident assistant (RA) at Angell Hall at UW-La Crosse the year of 1988-89, Liz was the assistant hall director there and lived on my "cube" (or wing).

Since she lives out in New Jersey now, I didn't think we'd ever see each other for a visit unless I got to Milwaukee where her mother lives. But small worlds being small worlds... Her sister lives in Wisconsin Rapids! Only about 5 minutes or so from me!

So Liz is in Wisconsin on vacation this week and visiting her sister and brother-in-law in da Rapids for a few days. Tonight our schedules were free so she popped on over and we caught up on 20 years of fun (and life). It was awesome!

Carter entertained her adorable 6-year-old son Brian with the Wii and Hot Wheels so we were free to chat. It's funny how young we all were when we lived together in college. You just don't know how people are going to turn out -- what they're going to be like in their 40s. I'd say Liz and I are batting a thousand in the "we turned out darn good" category.

I'm just sayin'. We're both still down to earth and funny and kind and good looking -- but that goes without saying. (Right.)

We have a few other members of our Angell staff that we have both been in touch with so maybe we will get that reunion tour going one of these days! It's a treat to see an old friend and be reminded that while we both have had our share of challenges, we both have become stronger women because of it. And very blessed.

As perfect Angells (staffers) should be.

Unexpected

This has been a week of little surprises. Not the "surprise birthday party with yummy cake" kind of surprises. More like the "oh, I wasn't expecting this turn of events" sort of unexpectedness.

We learned our jobs are changing again at work. We know from experience and many previous corporate "right-sizing" efforts to expect the unexpected. In this day and age, we have learned to be "fluid." Our job titles may remain essentially the same, but our job duties are everchanging, ever evolving. Fluid.

Both hubby and I will face some interesting transition challenges in the next few months or so, but we are both so grateful to remain employed, we'll do what we have to do.

Not all surprises are bad.

Carter surprised us last night when he asked us to play chess. This was unexpected. Not in a bad way. Just had no idea he knew anything about it. Turns out he didn't -- before yesterday. He learned from a friend at Kidz Camp and thought it was fun. (Trust me, if Mom or Dad had suggested it, he probably wouldn't have even tried it!)

So he took on Daddy first. Daddy showed no compassion for the newbie and check-mated him in somewhat record time. Then it was my turn. I was trying to be fair (read: nice mommy) and not kick his butt, but then I got too far off my strategic track and he nearly beat me. Saved by a stale mate!

Today Carter went to his former afterschool babysitter's for the day so he could see the kids one more time before he is too old (and too cool) to associate with them. He was like a celebrity there. "Carter's here! Carter's here!" During naptime for the little kids, Carter taught Audrey (the sitter) how to play chess. He ended up beating her but was no match for her checker-playing ability. Apparently that really put him in his place because tonight he did not request a chess rematch with Daddy or me.

We did get one more little surprise tonight.

My stepson Casey had mentioned he wanted to come out for supper one of these nights. Since we have plans the rest of the week, we said tonight would work best. I did not realize until he was on his way that he was bringing a friend with.

I will say it was kind of cool to finally set a place at the table for another girl! (Not that I don't love all my boys.) And it was also very cool to meet his very nice, pretty and down-to-earth girlfriend... that we did not know much about. He can be quiet, that Casey. I'm sure he didn't want to make a big deal about it so that we wouldn't either. I only showed her 2 scrapbooks. (Hey, Casey was so adorable! Still is!)

We had a very nice evening. Sometimes the unexpected can be a pleasant surprise! Makes me wonder what else the week has in store for us...

Back on Schedule

I was awakened by an annoying sound this morning... and had to make fast friends with Mr. Snooze. Oh how I did not miss my alarm clock on vacation!

Since we stayed up late (in my opinion) to watch Mad Men, I was a little slow out of the gate this morning, but about an hour into work, it felt good to be back. Not as good as laying on a beach sipping a smoothie, but OK good.

I tell you, if we won the lottery, I would not get a chance to be bored. Here we had a whole week off and I didn't even get anything done around the house. I could use a hefty jackpot to help me get things started -- like cleaning out my closet, organizing some family tree stuff, scrapbooking...

I'm not envisioning it's going to happen (winning or getting those things done), but I can dream.

Carter was back at Kidz Camp today, too. He is going Monday, Wednesday, Friday this week, then all next week, then that's it. Do you realize in just a little over 2 weeks, school starts? I knew it was a bad sign to see Sunday Night Football last night on TV already. Now, knowing school is less than 20 days away, we might as well admit summer is over.

Except for the part where it's 90-some degrees and humid.

With mosquitoes.

On the way home from work we made sure to stop at King Cone for ice cream. With Labor Day right around the corner, our days there are numbered, too! You'd hate to miss out on one more Blueberry Waffle Cone treat!

I better get off the computer and see what else I need to get done before the leaves change!

Florida Fotos

A teeny tiny portion of our photos from Florida...

The early bird gets the ... sunrise photos!

A beach routine -- filling up the Fat Tuesday drink coolers with slushy drinks from Fat Tuesday. Cheers from Christine, Jim and Mike!

Blinded by the white.... Carter poses on the first day. Yes, I'm from Wisconsin. No, I'm not a farmer but I have a "farmer's tan."

I was taking a picture of Carter and this guy rudely walked in front of my lens!

Family picture before the Everglades airboat trip -- just in case they had to search for us or identify us later!

Was all concerned about getting a picture of one of these yellow flowers. Learned later that one of every 4 is a "home" for a black widow spider! Glad I didn't lean over the boat!

Had our ride in an airboat like this one (which ended up getting stuck in the weeds). Glad them not us!

One of the gators near the boat.

Another one we spotted!

This one was part of the show with Crocodile Dundee. Look ma, no hands!

Anyone know a good dentist? Scary.

Glad there was a muzzle on this little guy when Carter held him!

Lots to do and see along the beachfront. Here is a photo op bench (from the Forrest Gump movie) at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Had excellent cajun shrimp there!

It was nice to take breaks in the AC sometimes but every time we'd see the boys play their video games we wondered why we didn't just stay in a hotel in Wisconsin. Would they know the difference?

Spent a few hours at Jungle Island in Miami. Not sure how they got those parrots to behave! Well actually, they didn't. The one took Jim's glasses right off so we had a picture without them! Silly birds!

A photo (without birds) at the entrance.

Good thing they didn't fly off with Carter's hat!

Saw lots of neat things at Jungle Island, including hundreds of pink flamingos!

Also saw unique (but gross) things like this albino alligator...

And this liger -- the world's largest cat, weighing in at something like 900 pounds.

Did you know Godzilla dines on a light salad before toppling buildings and eating people?

I don't want to know what this guy dines on. Glad I didn't volunteer from the audience!

Some unique buildings and architecture in downtown South Beach.

One of first to arrive at Sun Life Stadium for the Marlins vs. Phillies game Wednesday.

Hanging out with my guys.

Billy the Marlin mascot.

The Jungle Queen riverboat that took us on a 3-hour tour of the Fort Lauderdale canals.

I think this was the house used in filming Where the Boys Are. It was hard to keep track when shooting photos and listening to our guide. There were just so many nice homes!

Random nice home...

Another random nice home... I have dozens of these. I'll stop now!

Don't forget Mr. Rich with the new and used yachts. The used one on the left is just not big enough so he has to sell it!

Friday was a super wavy day at the beach...

Here hubby gets a face full!

Time to "wave" goodbye!