I'll keep this brief since it is the bewitching hour of midnight! Am thankful for many things today...
Thankful it's Friday and I managed to get caught up at work.
Thankful my father-in-law's surgery went OK.
Thankful we got to take in the Assumption boys basketball games vs. Edgar -- seeing Carter's old teammates play plus seeing the varsity team win a very physical battle!
Thankful for time and treats and table talk with friends after the game.
Thankful it's the last day of No-Shave Movember so I can shave tomorrow!
OK, gross. I made that last one up. But I am sincerely thankful for Fridays!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Transitions
Our household is in a state of transition -- and I'm not just talking about our ripped-up bathroom that better transition into something soon. All three of us embarked on a different chapter of our lives today. Nothing earth-shattering. Just signals of changing times.
Jim worked from home and joined the old "gang" at lunch. This was the first time without their friend Davey, who died last month. Just won't be the same any more. I'm sure they probably spent some of the time talking about him and most of the time missing him. I am quite sure Davey will always be there in spirit.
My transition is more a sign of aging, I guess. I picked up my new "night driving" glasses. Yay. While it is good that I can see better, I'm just less than thrilled that my eyes are progressing to that stage. Next it will be my hearing. And before you know it, I'll be wearing Mom Jeans. Gasp!
Carter's transition was thrilling for him and a bit of a bittersweet moment for me. After 14 years of getting his hair cut -- and usually buzzed with the clipper -- by Mom, he went to a hair "artist" today for the first time. Ever. Trust me, I had to hold back the urge to take photos. Ha. That's just the scrapbooking mom in me.
The hair-cutting mom will miss being needed. But he wants something more, shall we say, trendy now. Ms. Tina did a fine job and she definitely has a new fan in Carter. I like how it looks, too. And at some point, he may even give me permission to take a picture!
The only family member who didn't have to cope with a change today was Sylvester. According to Jim, she has been on the same chair for 6 hours now. Eventually, she may make her way to the food dish or litter box.
I hope she can handle the transition as well as we did!
Jim worked from home and joined the old "gang" at lunch. This was the first time without their friend Davey, who died last month. Just won't be the same any more. I'm sure they probably spent some of the time talking about him and most of the time missing him. I am quite sure Davey will always be there in spirit.
My transition is more a sign of aging, I guess. I picked up my new "night driving" glasses. Yay. While it is good that I can see better, I'm just less than thrilled that my eyes are progressing to that stage. Next it will be my hearing. And before you know it, I'll be wearing Mom Jeans. Gasp!
Carter's transition was thrilling for him and a bit of a bittersweet moment for me. After 14 years of getting his hair cut -- and usually buzzed with the clipper -- by Mom, he went to a hair "artist" today for the first time. Ever. Trust me, I had to hold back the urge to take photos. Ha. That's just the scrapbooking mom in me.
The hair-cutting mom will miss being needed. But he wants something more, shall we say, trendy now. Ms. Tina did a fine job and she definitely has a new fan in Carter. I like how it looks, too. And at some point, he may even give me permission to take a picture!
The only family member who didn't have to cope with a change today was Sylvester. According to Jim, she has been on the same chair for 6 hours now. Eventually, she may make her way to the food dish or litter box.
I hope she can handle the transition as well as we did!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Golden Tickets
Powerball fever is definitely sweeping through my neck of the woods. Probably yours, too, with tonight's jackpot estimated at some $500 million. Even the cash payout of maybe $280 million isn't too shabby either.
Hubby and I play the numbers regularly -- same ones week to week -- so we don't think it's fair that people who just buy it when it's "big" have the same chance of winning. Like a piddly little $8 million jackpot wouldn't be enough??
I guess we're guilty of doing that, too, though. We are in with 40 other people at work, who only do this when it gets "big." As in big enough to split between 42 people and maybe allow us all to retire. Quickly. Oh the dream!
So we have our tickets and, as usual, I won't give it another thought until I hear about the winners... usually from some other state.. or someone who's won before. Whoever has the Golden Ticket is going to have one heckuva holiday season!
But don't you worry about me. A friend just tormented me with this picture from her kitchen counter...
This season is heaven for mint lovers. And I don't need millions to enjoy it! Maybe a thousand minutes on the treadmill, but if I win the lottery, I can pay someone to do that for me!
Back to dreamland...
Hubby and I play the numbers regularly -- same ones week to week -- so we don't think it's fair that people who just buy it when it's "big" have the same chance of winning. Like a piddly little $8 million jackpot wouldn't be enough??
I guess we're guilty of doing that, too, though. We are in with 40 other people at work, who only do this when it gets "big." As in big enough to split between 42 people and maybe allow us all to retire. Quickly. Oh the dream!
So we have our tickets and, as usual, I won't give it another thought until I hear about the winners... usually from some other state.. or someone who's won before. Whoever has the Golden Ticket is going to have one heckuva holiday season!
But don't you worry about me. A friend just tormented me with this picture from her kitchen counter...
Back to dreamland...
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Back on Track
The first rude awakening was hearing an alarm for the first time in 7 days. Oh yes, I was that spoiled. Back to reality today after being out of the office from Wednesday to Monday.
After dropping off the steamer at 8, we got a little bit of a late start to work but was neck deep in "it" in no time once I got there. Plenty to catch up on and get on pace for my normal deadlines. Was pretty productive and even made my lunch-hour trip over to the fitness center.
That was a tougher reality than the alarm. To illustrate...
Yup, a bit of a challenge today. But hey, I went and am doing my best to get back on track.
From work, we went straight to the high school for the girls basketball games. I was able to watch JV play (Carter's classmates mainly) and they kicked butt. Then I had to work concessions for the Varsity game. So I not only missed my "adopted daughter" playing on her 17th birthday, I also missed a major butt kicking -- something like 70-23 over Pittsville. Gosh, I hope the rest of the season goes as well!
Got home just before 9:30 so we're having a bit of a late night here at the Austin household... Carter started homework, I started some laundry and hubby's taking out the trash.
Life it back on track... just a few hours behind.
After dropping off the steamer at 8, we got a little bit of a late start to work but was neck deep in "it" in no time once I got there. Plenty to catch up on and get on pace for my normal deadlines. Was pretty productive and even made my lunch-hour trip over to the fitness center.
That was a tougher reality than the alarm. To illustrate...
From work, we went straight to the high school for the girls basketball games. I was able to watch JV play (Carter's classmates mainly) and they kicked butt. Then I had to work concessions for the Varsity game. So I not only missed my "adopted daughter" playing on her 17th birthday, I also missed a major butt kicking -- something like 70-23 over Pittsville. Gosh, I hope the rest of the season goes as well!
Got home just before 9:30 so we're having a bit of a late night here at the Austin household... Carter started homework, I started some laundry and hubby's taking out the trash.
Life it back on track... just a few hours behind.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Getting Steamed
Final score from today's action: Wallpaper Steamer -1, Robyn - Big Fat Zero.
I guess I'm not cut out to be a stripper! How is that the always reliable Diff didn't work on our wallpaper and now the highly recommended steamer didn't? Is it just me?
Grrr. I think it is!
Took today off and rented the steamer. Got it home and was getting steamed almost immediately when I couldn't get the hose connected to the "hot pan" thing. Well I tried everything, including Googling it, and couldn't make it work. Had to call on the next-door neighbor, who was at his shop 10 minutes away. He saved the day. And no, I couldn't have figured it out on my own.
Once I got it going, it required some sweat equity, but was easier than the Diff attempts.I had the wallpaper off the wall in about 3 hours.
Or so I thought.
In reality, I just had the first layer. In most places, the "backing" was still adhered to the drywall. Is it OK to score that and steam it again? I had to call on Mr. Neighbor again and after an educated consultation (of course), we decided to give that a try. Well, I would be giving it a try!
That was quite unsuccessful. It required much scrapping and the backing was only coming off in little shavings -- like wet sawdust. After it took a full hour to get two little areas stripped, I called it quits. Probably too late for my back and arms to thank me, but just in time to prevent my steam from blowing its top!
Next step: We'll return the steamer first thing in the morning then consult with our painter to see what he wants us to do. Then we'll see if I have to strip some more or if we pay someone else to. Legally and fully clothed, of course!
I guess I'm not cut out to be a stripper! How is that the always reliable Diff didn't work on our wallpaper and now the highly recommended steamer didn't? Is it just me?
Grrr. I think it is!
Took today off and rented the steamer. Got it home and was getting steamed almost immediately when I couldn't get the hose connected to the "hot pan" thing. Well I tried everything, including Googling it, and couldn't make it work. Had to call on the next-door neighbor, who was at his shop 10 minutes away. He saved the day. And no, I couldn't have figured it out on my own.
Once I got it going, it required some sweat equity, but was easier than the Diff attempts.I had the wallpaper off the wall in about 3 hours.
Or so I thought.
In reality, I just had the first layer. In most places, the "backing" was still adhered to the drywall. Is it OK to score that and steam it again? I had to call on Mr. Neighbor again and after an educated consultation (of course), we decided to give that a try. Well, I would be giving it a try!
That was quite unsuccessful. It required much scrapping and the backing was only coming off in little shavings -- like wet sawdust. After it took a full hour to get two little areas stripped, I called it quits. Probably too late for my back and arms to thank me, but just in time to prevent my steam from blowing its top!
Next step: We'll return the steamer first thing in the morning then consult with our painter to see what he wants us to do. Then we'll see if I have to strip some more or if we pay someone else to. Legally and fully clothed, of course!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Round Trip
Carter and I just got back from a 500-mile Round Trip. And by round, I mean a trip where we ate enough fatty food to make us round in no time!
The first miles came early Black Friday. Well, not early like most hard-core BF shoppers refer to as early! I slept in until 7 a.m. and attempted to get my shopping partner up and out of bed. Of course, Carter changed his tune from the previous evening. He groggily asked which stores were we going to, then said, "Oh, we can go there any time." And rolled over and went back to sleep.
This was the only snow we had to contend with in the Rapids area. So I made my way to 2 stores in Stevens Point -- JoAnn's and Dunham's Sports -- got in and out with no problems and got the items I needed. Well, wanted and sort of needed.
Got home and loaded up the vehicle with our suitcases and treats for the Cookie Bake. We stopped at school to take in game 1 of the Cranberry Classic Basketball Tournament. Got to see our girls JV (with Carter's classmates) win against Marshfield Columbus.
Then we hit the road, stopping first in Rudolph, then in Luck, then at my parents, then Grantsburg, then to Romey's, and finally to Raylene's for the night. Each mile north we saw more and more snow. Yuck.
Saturday dawned cold -- as in single digits or close to zero. The Cookie Bake "party" started about a 11 a.m. and carried on a good 8 or 9 hours!
New this year we had a distinguished panel of judges to taste test and determine the best cookies! From right, Carter, my grand-nephew Anthony and his friend Jared.
It didn't take long for Romey to try to bribe the judges. Didn't work.
They had quite a task, too! Look at the variety! With 11 participants, that was a lot to sample. Trust me, they only got a few "leftovers." But after judging the entries with a 1-5 grading system for both taste and presentation (this is serious business), they determined a winner.
Your blogger/photographer got 3rd place... Romey the briber got 2nd... and RoAnn, who may or may not have bribed them, got 1st!
First prize was very important because the boys, er judges, had been taking pictures of us with their phones and using a Fat Booth app that made us all look hideously blimp-ish... which could happen after a Cookie Bake anyway! They also could "age" our mugshots, too. We're doing that on our own. So as the winner, RoAnn got to have her picture deleted with a promise of no future use. The rest of us have to wonder if and when our fat faces will show up on the Internet.
Dang. Shoulda tried the bribery route!
Of course, some people got gifts or prizes anyway. Raylene got a cute towel and gift bags from Romey and RoAnn who are trying to show their non-Fat Booth, skinny chin faces. Ha. My sisters always make me laugh.
Game time! Ashley and Angie wait to start "In a Pickle," a fun new game.
Renell, Sara and her fiance, my nephew David, wait their turns.
In the other room was a close battle of "Sequence." Note the snow-covered field in the background!
Afternoon capped off with a noisy game of "Pit" followed by a quieter game of "What's Yours Like?"
Had a great time and it was so good to see everyone who could make it!
Carter and I stayed another night then made our way home in the busy traffic today, with one major pit stop at the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire. Got some gifts taken care of there. Got home in the late afternoon and am ready for bed right now!
Just have to finish unpacking and try to keep away from 11 dozen cookies!
The first miles came early Black Friday. Well, not early like most hard-core BF shoppers refer to as early! I slept in until 7 a.m. and attempted to get my shopping partner up and out of bed. Of course, Carter changed his tune from the previous evening. He groggily asked which stores were we going to, then said, "Oh, we can go there any time." And rolled over and went back to sleep.
This was the only snow we had to contend with in the Rapids area. So I made my way to 2 stores in Stevens Point -- JoAnn's and Dunham's Sports -- got in and out with no problems and got the items I needed. Well, wanted and sort of needed.
Got home and loaded up the vehicle with our suitcases and treats for the Cookie Bake. We stopped at school to take in game 1 of the Cranberry Classic Basketball Tournament. Got to see our girls JV (with Carter's classmates) win against Marshfield Columbus.
Then we hit the road, stopping first in Rudolph, then in Luck, then at my parents, then Grantsburg, then to Romey's, and finally to Raylene's for the night. Each mile north we saw more and more snow. Yuck.
Saturday dawned cold -- as in single digits or close to zero. The Cookie Bake "party" started about a 11 a.m. and carried on a good 8 or 9 hours!
They had quite a task, too! Look at the variety! With 11 participants, that was a lot to sample. Trust me, they only got a few "leftovers." But after judging the entries with a 1-5 grading system for both taste and presentation (this is serious business), they determined a winner.
First prize was very important because the boys, er judges, had been taking pictures of us with their phones and using a Fat Booth app that made us all look hideously blimp-ish... which could happen after a Cookie Bake anyway! They also could "age" our mugshots, too. We're doing that on our own. So as the winner, RoAnn got to have her picture deleted with a promise of no future use. The rest of us have to wonder if and when our fat faces will show up on the Internet.
Dang. Shoulda tried the bribery route!
Holiday clothing is not mandatory, but encouraged. Romey had blinking earrings and here Renell shows off her blinking snowflake and her sassy shirt with 3 reindeer: Prancer, Dasher and VIXEN.
Game time! Ashley and Angie wait to start "In a Pickle," a fun new game.
Renell, Sara and her fiance, my nephew David, wait their turns.
Had a great time and it was so good to see everyone who could make it!
Carter and I stayed another night then made our way home in the busy traffic today, with one major pit stop at the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire. Got some gifts taken care of there. Got home in the late afternoon and am ready for bed right now!
Just have to finish unpacking and try to keep away from 11 dozen cookies!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Giving Thanks
I made this little graphic for my Facebook page to illustrate that I may be thankful for many things, but most importantly, I am thankful for the people in my life. Family and friends I hold dear.
Of course, I don't have photos of everyone so this is the tip of the iceberg. That's what's so amazing! I can't believe I would ever have a bad day or anything to complain about when I have all these people in my life and my heart... plus my church family, my school family, my sports family, my work family, etc.
Lucky me!
Today I also have to give thanks for a perfect Thanksgiving Day! Oh not perfect in the mind of a mighty hunter who wants snow to track deer, but perfect for a sun-worshipper like me!
The temps were 60-ish again so after I got my salad made for dinner and my last Christmas Cookie Bake items made, I went for a 3-mile run in shorts and short sleeves, then relaxed in a lawn chair for half an hour in the sun.
Oh yes I did!
That's my kind of Thanksgiving! Especially when I've learned my family in northern Wisconsin and in Minnesota have 2 inches of snow or so. Keep it! (And please be gone when we drive up there tomorrow!)
The day was capped off by a great meal at Jim's parents. His sister and her family were there and Casey was home from college to join us. I am still so full I can't imagine having to eat until Sunday. But of course, I will. I saw a cute cartoon today that said, "It's the holiday season: Don't forget to set your scales back 10 pounds tonight!" No kidding.
Right now, as I digest and blog, Carter is feverishly cleaning the basement in hopes we'll buy a ping-pong table on Black Friday. I can tell you right now, I am not going to any store tonight to get nearly trampled like last year. And I may set an alarm, but not before 6 a.m. And there will be no ping-pong table purchased on Black Friday.
But I certainly won't tell him that until he's got the basement cleaned! Ha.
I am also thankful today for my wisdom. Maybe manipulative wisdom, but it's getting some cleaning out of a teenager. Can't beat that for a finale to a beautiful day.
Thank the Lord!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Task Master
Well my career as a stripper is over before it started. A wallpaper stripper, that is.
Could not get the DIF method to work so it looks like I will be using a vacation day Monday to rent a "steamer" that helps it along much better than my spray, scrape and strip method. We shall see. So with that task on the backburner, you'd think I just relaxed away the day.
Nope.
Woke up when Carter nudged me at 6:50 a.m. to help him tie his tie for school. Then, naturally, I couldn't fall asleep. So I got my "Saturday chores" done after breakfast -- as in last Saturday since I am that far behind. Then I sent hubby and my father-in-law off to golf while I went to the eye doctor. I had a feeling they were going to dilate my pupils for the exam so I did not want to try and golf after that.
The sacrifices we make.
Had an interesting time with the eye doctor. He warned me 9 years ago when I had Lasik surgery that eventually, probably in my early 40s, I'd need reading glasses and maybe more. Well the time has come for that. I can use the "reader cheaters" you buy at Wal-Mart and that's fine. My concern has been night driving and not seeing things too clearly. Turns our the astigmatism that haunted my childhood and early adulthood is sneaking its way back. Grr. So I will be getting "driving glasses" for night-time navigating. That's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
With that task out of the way, I stopped at the Post Office to get Christmas stamps, then went home and made some treats for my contribution to this weekend's cookie bake. So far I have the chocolate mint cookies my friend Julie and I made, plus some other cookies I made up and then the treat today I created. Maybe I'll take some pictures and share the recipes one of these days. I still am not done with my cookie treats so I will have to tackle some tasks in the morning.
This afternoon, since it was the perfect 60-degree golfing day, I got out for a run anyway before we went browsing at Home Depot for bathroom flooring and cabinetry (oh, and paint), then grocery shopping. By the time that was done, it was time to get Carter so I let Jim do that while I started supper. We had an early supper of pancakes and sausage -- sometimes breakfast is the best meal of the day at any time of the day!
Carter and I went to 6:30 Thanksgiving Eve church, where part of the service included that Heroes of Faith video I helped with and the other part of the service, well, AFTER service, included a pie social. Can't beat that! I steered clear of the pumpkin just in case I get my hands on a piece tomorrow!
Got home from church and headed back out on the date with hubby. We went to Rusty's Backwater Saloon near Stevens Point to hear his high school classmate Kathy sing with a country/rock band called Swamp Donkey. Don't ask. She doesn't even know what that's supposed to mean!
She is an awesome singer so we had a great time listening to great music. Yes, I felt old with all the college "kids" out and about, but at least we felt "cool" knowing someone in the band! Ha.
Could not get the DIF method to work so it looks like I will be using a vacation day Monday to rent a "steamer" that helps it along much better than my spray, scrape and strip method. We shall see. So with that task on the backburner, you'd think I just relaxed away the day.
Nope.
Woke up when Carter nudged me at 6:50 a.m. to help him tie his tie for school. Then, naturally, I couldn't fall asleep. So I got my "Saturday chores" done after breakfast -- as in last Saturday since I am that far behind. Then I sent hubby and my father-in-law off to golf while I went to the eye doctor. I had a feeling they were going to dilate my pupils for the exam so I did not want to try and golf after that.
The sacrifices we make.
Had an interesting time with the eye doctor. He warned me 9 years ago when I had Lasik surgery that eventually, probably in my early 40s, I'd need reading glasses and maybe more. Well the time has come for that. I can use the "reader cheaters" you buy at Wal-Mart and that's fine. My concern has been night driving and not seeing things too clearly. Turns our the astigmatism that haunted my childhood and early adulthood is sneaking its way back. Grr. So I will be getting "driving glasses" for night-time navigating. That's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
With that task out of the way, I stopped at the Post Office to get Christmas stamps, then went home and made some treats for my contribution to this weekend's cookie bake. So far I have the chocolate mint cookies my friend Julie and I made, plus some other cookies I made up and then the treat today I created. Maybe I'll take some pictures and share the recipes one of these days. I still am not done with my cookie treats so I will have to tackle some tasks in the morning.
This afternoon, since it was the perfect 60-degree golfing day, I got out for a run anyway before we went browsing at Home Depot for bathroom flooring and cabinetry (oh, and paint), then grocery shopping. By the time that was done, it was time to get Carter so I let Jim do that while I started supper. We had an early supper of pancakes and sausage -- sometimes breakfast is the best meal of the day at any time of the day!
Carter and I went to 6:30 Thanksgiving Eve church, where part of the service included that Heroes of Faith video I helped with and the other part of the service, well, AFTER service, included a pie social. Can't beat that! I steered clear of the pumpkin just in case I get my hands on a piece tomorrow!
Got home from church and headed back out on the date with hubby. We went to Rusty's Backwater Saloon near Stevens Point to hear his high school classmate Kathy sing with a country/rock band called Swamp Donkey. Don't ask. She doesn't even know what that's supposed to mean!
She is an awesome singer so we had a great time listening to great music. Yes, I felt old with all the college "kids" out and about, but at least we felt "cool" knowing someone in the band! Ha.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
On Break
What's the reward for squeezing 5 days of work into 2? Three days off... well, make that a 5-day break from the office!
I'm officially on my Turkey Break and may even take next Monday off to extend it. Have to use up vacation days or lose them and, as you can tell from the Christmas ads and movies on Hallmark, time is running out!
My plans? Well, right now I've got some DIF soaking into the wallpaper in the bathroom so I can get my stripping routine started. Somehow this probably isn't what hubby had in mind when I volunteered. Ha.
Later, I get to help Carter study for an English test. That will be more fun for me than him, trust me. Likely I will lose patience when he can't define words or use them in a sentence. But I will try to remain calm. I'm on break, after all.
Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be that fantastic Almost Indian Summer day with highs near 60. Somebody in this house better find an open golf course! Just sayin'.
I do have cooking and cleaning and baking and blah, blah, blah that I SHOULD do. And there's always more stripping to do. Maybe I'll be on a mission tomorrow so I can relax the rest of the week. I'm nothing if not goal-oriented.
Right now my goal is to get this stripping business down to a science. If anyone wants to slip one-dollar bills my way, that's fine. I will use them to buy Band-Aids for my blisters when this is all said and done!
I'm officially on my Turkey Break and may even take next Monday off to extend it. Have to use up vacation days or lose them and, as you can tell from the Christmas ads and movies on Hallmark, time is running out!
My plans? Well, right now I've got some DIF soaking into the wallpaper in the bathroom so I can get my stripping routine started. Somehow this probably isn't what hubby had in mind when I volunteered. Ha.
Later, I get to help Carter study for an English test. That will be more fun for me than him, trust me. Likely I will lose patience when he can't define words or use them in a sentence. But I will try to remain calm. I'm on break, after all.
Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be that fantastic Almost Indian Summer day with highs near 60. Somebody in this house better find an open golf course! Just sayin'.
I do have cooking and cleaning and baking and blah, blah, blah that I SHOULD do. And there's always more stripping to do. Maybe I'll be on a mission tomorrow so I can relax the rest of the week. I'm nothing if not goal-oriented.
Right now my goal is to get this stripping business down to a science. If anyone wants to slip one-dollar bills my way, that's fine. I will use them to buy Band-Aids for my blisters when this is all said and done!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Peace, Love & Ice Cream
Since both King Cone and our local Dairy Queen are closed for the winter, I thought I'd get my ice cream fix today in a calorie-free manner... sharing our photos (finally) from our Ben & Jerry's tour in Vermont!
If you are a true ice cream fan, I hope you'll enjoy every lick of it!
If you are a true ice cream fan, I hope you'll enjoy every lick of it!
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| Ben and Jerry do a lot of philanthropic work across the community and globe. It's good to know we're eating ice cream for a good cause! Eases the conscience when we loosen our belts, right? |
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| Ice cream always gets a thumbs up from me! |
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| We arrived a little early for our tour on Sept. 23, so we goofed around. Well, I goofed around and forced hubby to take photos of me in my glory! Ha. Does this bowl make my butt look big?? |
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| If there's a Hall of Fame for eating ice cream, how could I NOT be in it?! |
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| Nothing like diving right in. M-m-m... Euphoric! |
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| Nothing sweeter than Ben & Jerry and Robyn & Jim! |
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| Ooooh, the magic bus... |
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| The McDonald's Golden Arches got nothing on this arch! (In my opinion.) |
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| Got to share a free pint after our tour. We chose Chubby Hubby and not because I have one! We just couldn't resist fudge-covered peanut-butter-filled pretzels in vanilla malt ice cream with fudge and peanut butter swirls! Could you? |
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| Speaking of chubby... Body by Ben & Jerry's? Yup, that's the culprit alright. But mine would have to say, "Also brought to you by King Cone, Dairy Queen and Schwan's!" (And no, we didn't buy the T-shirt. No reminders needed!) |
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| I would love to walk in this door to work every morning! The colors look yummy! But I think the employee discount on ice cream would still require a second job. |
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| Come back soon? You bet! Next time we just happen to be passing through Waterbury, Vermont! |
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Not Enough Hours
Most of us at one time (or multiple times) or another have felt there are not enough hours in the day. Usually it's not because we're enjoying the day so much we want it to last longer. Mostly, it's because we have so much to do and not enough time.
I just couldn't get enough things ticked off my list of Things to Do today!
Went to 8 o'clock church, then stayed between services to video people sharing their "hero of faith" stories. Then Carter and I headed to ShopKo to get him some pants. He was in desperate need of some more khakis for school. After wasting too much time there, had to swing by DQ since that closes tonight for the season.
By the time I got home, I realized I better get my grocery list together for our meals, Thanksgiving and cookie bake stuff. Plus, I needed to buy a few wallpaper-stripping supplies. So off to Wal-Mart I went and wasted more of my day.
Then when I got home, I quickly put stuff away and had to sneak in a run since it was a 50-degree day again. I was wearing blaze orange but only went 2 miles where I knew it was too residential for hunting. Had to be safe.
Got home and started laundry, supper and cookies. I swear the first time I sat down since this morning was 7 p.m. And I still didn't get to my "Saturday chores" or actually strip any wallpaper. Now that I sat down, I don't know if I can get up.
Hubby said he could give me more hours in the day if I wanted it. He'll just set his alarm for 4 a.m. and kick me out of bed. Hmmm. I think I'll accept my unproductive day and try to tackle some more tomorrow!
I just couldn't get enough things ticked off my list of Things to Do today!
Went to 8 o'clock church, then stayed between services to video people sharing their "hero of faith" stories. Then Carter and I headed to ShopKo to get him some pants. He was in desperate need of some more khakis for school. After wasting too much time there, had to swing by DQ since that closes tonight for the season.
By the time I got home, I realized I better get my grocery list together for our meals, Thanksgiving and cookie bake stuff. Plus, I needed to buy a few wallpaper-stripping supplies. So off to Wal-Mart I went and wasted more of my day.
Then when I got home, I quickly put stuff away and had to sneak in a run since it was a 50-degree day again. I was wearing blaze orange but only went 2 miles where I knew it was too residential for hunting. Had to be safe.
Got home and started laundry, supper and cookies. I swear the first time I sat down since this morning was 7 p.m. And I still didn't get to my "Saturday chores" or actually strip any wallpaper. Now that I sat down, I don't know if I can get up.
Hubby said he could give me more hours in the day if I wanted it. He'll just set his alarm for 4 a.m. and kick me out of bed. Hmmm. I think I'll accept my unproductive day and try to tackle some more tomorrow!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Mad Town
The 3 of us had a great day down in Mad Town, aka Madison for you out-of-staters.
Thanks to some friends with season tickets, Jim and Carter got to go to the Badger game and I visited my friend Julie from grade school, high school and life!
We got down there about noon so we could eat lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. Since that is connected to the East Towne Mall and we got done eating by 1, I shopped for exactly 22 minutes before we had to depart for the stadium.
What can you get in 22 minutes? Well I got 2 presents taken care of, believe it or not. I had a "welcome to the big city" moment when the checkout guy admired my nail polish. I said, "Oh, it's magnetic." He says, "As in made of magnets or magnetic because it makes me look at it?" I explained the magnet thing and where I got it and he said he'd have get some. For himself! Ha.
Our game plan was that I would drop off the guys at some point close to Camp Randall but far enough away that I would be able to park there on my return. Found a good spot 6 blocks away and that worked out great. I just went south on that street and it turned into Hwy 14 south of Madison and took me right to Julie's town of Oregon.
Other than programming my GPS incorrectly and pulling into their neighbor's driveway, I had a great afternoon there! We looked through some of my scrapbooks to give her ideas for her daughter's graduation one. Then we made some yummy mint chocolate cookies I can use for my upcoming cookie exchange. I'm quite sure our high school Home Ec. teacher would be very proud of us! Working as a team like we spend every weekend in the kitchen together!
There's something to be said about friendships that not only withstand the test of time, but distance, too!
I left her place when the game was almost done and headed back up to town. Had no problem meeting up at our parking spot. Even though the Badgers lost to Ohio State, they had a great time. And stayed warm. Carter was thankful we "forced" him to bring a jacket. Otherwise, he honestly thought 55 degrees meant shorts weather!
Since I pretty much demanded they take the little camera with them, here are some highlights from the game and the "fifth quarter" with the marching band!
Thanks to some friends with season tickets, Jim and Carter got to go to the Badger game and I visited my friend Julie from grade school, high school and life!
We got down there about noon so we could eat lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. Since that is connected to the East Towne Mall and we got done eating by 1, I shopped for exactly 22 minutes before we had to depart for the stadium.
What can you get in 22 minutes? Well I got 2 presents taken care of, believe it or not. I had a "welcome to the big city" moment when the checkout guy admired my nail polish. I said, "Oh, it's magnetic." He says, "As in made of magnets or magnetic because it makes me look at it?" I explained the magnet thing and where I got it and he said he'd have get some. For himself! Ha.
Our game plan was that I would drop off the guys at some point close to Camp Randall but far enough away that I would be able to park there on my return. Found a good spot 6 blocks away and that worked out great. I just went south on that street and it turned into Hwy 14 south of Madison and took me right to Julie's town of Oregon.
Other than programming my GPS incorrectly and pulling into their neighbor's driveway, I had a great afternoon there! We looked through some of my scrapbooks to give her ideas for her daughter's graduation one. Then we made some yummy mint chocolate cookies I can use for my upcoming cookie exchange. I'm quite sure our high school Home Ec. teacher would be very proud of us! Working as a team like we spend every weekend in the kitchen together!
There's something to be said about friendships that not only withstand the test of time, but distance, too!
I left her place when the game was almost done and headed back up to town. Had no problem meeting up at our parking spot. Even though the Badgers lost to Ohio State, they had a great time. And stayed warm. Carter was thankful we "forced" him to bring a jacket. Otherwise, he honestly thought 55 degrees meant shorts weather!
Since I pretty much demanded they take the little camera with them, here are some highlights from the game and the "fifth quarter" with the marching band!
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| We're here! |
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| Waiting for the team to take the field! |
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| Not bad seats. Can see the huddle! |
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| Seeing a goal-line scoring attempt on the big screen. |
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| Half time entertainment! |
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| Game over. Loss for the Badgers does not stop the Fifth Quarter action! |
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| Fifth Quarter fun! |
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| Chilling out. |
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| Post game report from the sidelines... Carter liked how they did the wave and some interesting cheers going on between the student sections! He had a good time! |
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| On the way back to the car, they say Barry Alvarez (black sweater). I think they could have used their former coach today. Just sayin' |
Friday, November 16, 2012
Orange Friday
While many people (maybe me) are already getting excited for Black Friday and all of its Spend To Save possibilities, in Wisconsin, that excitement is surpassed by the preceding Friday -- that's Orange Friday for those unfamiliar with the annual gun-deer hunt!
And it's TODAY.
My hubby does not hunt. And I do not come from a family who hunted. But as someone traveling a hundred miles a day on a country road or two, I fully support their efforts!
Funny thing is, we see so many deer on our commute, I am always stumped when I hear how challenging hunting is. But now I get it. All week we've seen dozens of deer eating in the fields by the road on our way home. Tonight, not a single one. Zip. Zilch. Zero.
They are onto us.
I guess if they start seeing blaze orange in stores and hear about Hunter's Widow events, they know something is up. And they scatter.
I do hope that you hunters have a safe and successful 9 days. And please do your part to keep the roads clear!!
Deer don't pay attention to "Deer Crossing" signs anymore than we do. I tell you, though, when we were in New England, they take that very seriously. Among the "Moose Crossing" signs were a few strongly advising drivers to pay attention in order to save their lives.
I guess banging into this big fella would smart a bit!
On that particular day, we were taking pictures of the river and learned of a moose upriver. So we drove up and stopped with all the other motorists to take pictures. He seems far away. But he really wasn't once we moved up the road a bit.
Either way, if I saw something this big when I was out hunting, I'd probably just shoot it. With a camera, that is. And move on.
To see what's at the next crossing.
And it's TODAY.
My hubby does not hunt. And I do not come from a family who hunted. But as someone traveling a hundred miles a day on a country road or two, I fully support their efforts!
Funny thing is, we see so many deer on our commute, I am always stumped when I hear how challenging hunting is. But now I get it. All week we've seen dozens of deer eating in the fields by the road on our way home. Tonight, not a single one. Zip. Zilch. Zero.
They are onto us.
I guess if they start seeing blaze orange in stores and hear about Hunter's Widow events, they know something is up. And they scatter.
I do hope that you hunters have a safe and successful 9 days. And please do your part to keep the roads clear!!
Deer don't pay attention to "Deer Crossing" signs anymore than we do. I tell you, though, when we were in New England, they take that very seriously. Among the "Moose Crossing" signs were a few strongly advising drivers to pay attention in order to save their lives.
I guess banging into this big fella would smart a bit!
This is our friend we saw along the Ausable River in upstate New York on the last full day of our trip.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we were continually warned to be on the lookout. And as the passenger, I kept my camera handy and kept looking!
See? He's just across the stream!!
...Eating his lunch!
When I zoomed in closer, I see he's got a battle wound... maybe from a hunter (they have a gun season like we do for deer), maybe from a car or maybe from Rocky or Bullwinkle.
To see what's at the next crossing.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Out-Takes
Just a few out-takes from the day...
Football Fever: It's the State High School Football Playoffs in Madison today and tomorrow. Carter's longtime "summer friend" Harry and his team from Amherst got to go... and they won! How exciting for him and the teeny community we drive through every day on our commute. I'm sure even though Harry and the other freshman were on the sidelines, they were thrilled to be at Camp Randall and, of course, thrilled to bring home the first state football championship for their community. Very cool.
More Football Fever: Speaking of football and Camp Randall... Jim and Carter get to go to the Badgers game on Saturday. They are excited for that and I am excited I get to drop them off and spend the afternoon with my BFF from high school, Julie, who lives down there. Win-win for everyone... and hopefully for the Badgers, too!
Persistent Pain: Called my parents tonight and was sad to hear my dad is suffering from Shingles pain again. Dang. And double dang! He had two really good months where the medication was working and he was on top of the world. Now it's back to more meds for Shingles and for pain. Grrr. I welcome any prayers for some relief for him. Thanks!
Attitude of Gratitude: I am still posting an "I am thankful for..." item on Facebook every day this month. When I hear about my parents or friends who are sick or suffering, I am doubly thankful I have my health. Despite some challenges this year, I came out on the good end. So far. And maybe just for today. But I'll take it. Thanks!
Football Fever: It's the State High School Football Playoffs in Madison today and tomorrow. Carter's longtime "summer friend" Harry and his team from Amherst got to go... and they won! How exciting for him and the teeny community we drive through every day on our commute. I'm sure even though Harry and the other freshman were on the sidelines, they were thrilled to be at Camp Randall and, of course, thrilled to bring home the first state football championship for their community. Very cool.
More Football Fever: Speaking of football and Camp Randall... Jim and Carter get to go to the Badgers game on Saturday. They are excited for that and I am excited I get to drop them off and spend the afternoon with my BFF from high school, Julie, who lives down there. Win-win for everyone... and hopefully for the Badgers, too!
Persistent Pain: Called my parents tonight and was sad to hear my dad is suffering from Shingles pain again. Dang. And double dang! He had two really good months where the medication was working and he was on top of the world. Now it's back to more meds for Shingles and for pain. Grrr. I welcome any prayers for some relief for him. Thanks!
Attitude of Gratitude: I am still posting an "I am thankful for..." item on Facebook every day this month. When I hear about my parents or friends who are sick or suffering, I am doubly thankful I have my health. Despite some challenges this year, I came out on the good end. So far. And maybe just for today. But I'll take it. Thanks!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Cup of Sugar
That old practice of borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor is alive and well on Blue Jay Drive. In fact, in just the course of a day or two, three of us have created a Pay it Forward-type Bermuda, er Betty Crocker, Triangle.
I have to bring treats to a meeting tomorrow so I planned ahead to bake a pizza for supper, then keep the stove on so I could make some Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars. Good plan, right?
Well, it worked down to the last ingredient -- the chocolate chips! Kind of important.
So I call Niki next door and she's still at work. Call Cindy across the street and scored a bag of chocolate chips. Yay. She said she understood because she just had to borrow a can of tomato sauce from Niki the day before. So Niki helps Cindy and Cindy helps me.
Then, after baking the bars and realizing we needed an emergency run to Wal-Mart to get 2 gallons of milk and a belt (with Carter, it's always an emergency), my cell phone rings and it's Niki -- home now and baking Amish Friendship Bread... and out of Baking Soda. Oh I can get that! I'm at the store!
So Niki helps Cindy, Cindy helps me and I help Niki.
It's a great system. Plus it really makes us all sound like domestic goddesses, doesn't it?
And we are. Of course.
We just don't plan ahead!
I have to bring treats to a meeting tomorrow so I planned ahead to bake a pizza for supper, then keep the stove on so I could make some Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars. Good plan, right?
Well, it worked down to the last ingredient -- the chocolate chips! Kind of important.
So I call Niki next door and she's still at work. Call Cindy across the street and scored a bag of chocolate chips. Yay. She said she understood because she just had to borrow a can of tomato sauce from Niki the day before. So Niki helps Cindy and Cindy helps me.
Then, after baking the bars and realizing we needed an emergency run to Wal-Mart to get 2 gallons of milk and a belt (with Carter, it's always an emergency), my cell phone rings and it's Niki -- home now and baking Amish Friendship Bread... and out of Baking Soda. Oh I can get that! I'm at the store!
So Niki helps Cindy, Cindy helps me and I help Niki.
It's a great system. Plus it really makes us all sound like domestic goddesses, doesn't it?
And we are. Of course.
We just don't plan ahead!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Dried Up
This may be the world's shortest blog tonight.I think my creative juices are dried up for the day. Probably shouldn't be tackling so many little "design" projects on the heels of a scrapbook weekend. I am running out of steam!
Good thing it's all for fun! Right?
One thing that is not dried up is our bathroom carpet. Remember when the plumber came a month ago and offered a somewhat easy solution? That didn't solve our "mysterious leaking shower making carpet wet" problem. So we had another qualified professional look at it tonight.
Looks like Santa may be bringing little Jimmy and Robyn a new or at least FIXED shower. Good thing we've been nice this year and not naughty!
That's probably for the best. Then I can cross us both off the Christmas shopping list. The big boys are taking care of themselves and Carter is half done. Just a few things left to figure out before the bank account dries up, too!
Good thing it's all for fun! Right?
One thing that is not dried up is our bathroom carpet. Remember when the plumber came a month ago and offered a somewhat easy solution? That didn't solve our "mysterious leaking shower making carpet wet" problem. So we had another qualified professional look at it tonight.
Looks like Santa may be bringing little Jimmy and Robyn a new or at least FIXED shower. Good thing we've been nice this year and not naughty!
That's probably for the best. Then I can cross us both off the Christmas shopping list. The big boys are taking care of themselves and Carter is half done. Just a few things left to figure out before the bank account dries up, too!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Hoop Habit
It's strange to not have a basketball player in the house. It is definitely less running around at this time of year, but we are still going to school on the way home from work each day to pick up Mr. Pumping Iron. And we'll still get to all the high school home games -- boys and girls -- since Carter will be playing in Pep Band. So we can sort of be basketball parents, in a hugely remotely connected way.
This afternoon, hubby mentioned the middle school boys have their first home game this evening. He was planning to see the 8th-graders play and both Carter and I wanted to go with. Why?
Well Jim wanted to watch some of the players who were on Carter's baseball team. I wanted to see and visit with some of the moms on that team. And Carter wanted to bond with some of the 8th-graders' older sisters.
(Oh yes, a mother doesn't lie.)
So went to the game. Jim got to visit with a dad and watch. I got to hang out with the lawnchair cheerleaders and Carter sat on the stage at the end of the gym with 3 girls. Even though we were remotely paying attention, I can recall we did win. By a large margin. So a win-win for all.
Next time, though, I will have to be more considerate of the those moms. They probably actually want to see their kids play!
One month into the off-season and I've already forgotten what it's like. With up to 40 games in the next 3 months, I better remember!
This afternoon, hubby mentioned the middle school boys have their first home game this evening. He was planning to see the 8th-graders play and both Carter and I wanted to go with. Why?
Well Jim wanted to watch some of the players who were on Carter's baseball team. I wanted to see and visit with some of the moms on that team. And Carter wanted to bond with some of the 8th-graders' older sisters.
(Oh yes, a mother doesn't lie.)
So went to the game. Jim got to visit with a dad and watch. I got to hang out with the lawnchair cheerleaders and Carter sat on the stage at the end of the gym with 3 girls. Even though we were remotely paying attention, I can recall we did win. By a large margin. So a win-win for all.
Next time, though, I will have to be more considerate of the those moms. They probably actually want to see their kids play!
One month into the off-season and I've already forgotten what it's like. With up to 40 games in the next 3 months, I better remember!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Ponchos and Patriotism
As it turned out today, my friend and I wrapped up scrappin' weekend early enough for me to get back for Carter's second of two Veterans' Day performance. The Assumption High School Band was set to play at 11 a.m. at the Veterans' Park along the river then at 1 p.m. outside the courthouse, where they were dedicating a new Veterans' Memorial.
Didn't quite work out that way.
As we were driving to Rapids around 11, we noticed the light morning sprinkles quickly turned to a downpour. A long, healthy downpour. Jenny and I look at each other and though, "Uh-oh, hope it's not raining in town!'
But it was. Big time.
Apparently, when the band members boarded the bus, some 10 blocks from the park, it was not raining, It started to sprinkle when they got there. Then it just poured and poured. They did not have rain gear for themselves or the instruments. But the band director told me later they found it more comical than anything else. Plus, could they really complain when the very veterans they were there to honor withstood conditions a hundreds worse when they were serving our country?!
After the wet ceremony, the kids jumped on the bus and went back to the school for an hour to dry things out. They pretty much had to put on cold, damp uniforms when they headed to the courthouse for the 1 p.m. ceremony. This time they had ponchos on. But since they moved everything indoors -- in a room too small for the crowd at hand -- the band had to play inside so the veterans and their families could hear the music.
The solution? Playing in the hallway.
They made it work. Of course, it got so warm so quickly, most of them quickly shed their ponchos. Carter was on the far left ...
....so I was able to see him (and photograph him) from my spot in the hallway. I had arrived early
and got one of the first seats in the main room, but gave it up for
someone who had a better reason to be there. It was a standing-room-only crowd with not much space to stand. But no one complained.
The representatives from each group holding a flag had a mess on their hands as all the flags were soaked from the previous ceremony. Again, no one complained about any of this.
And the band did a great job with some patriotic numbers, the Star-Spangled Banner, a medley of theme songs from every branch of service and a pretty brass ensemble version of Taps.
Since hubby was in Marshfield visiting his aunt and uncle, I picked Carter up at the school afterwards and we made our way home via DQ (he deserved a treat today) and Wal-Mart. I unpacked all my scrap gear and showed him "his" albums. Forty-one pages' worth from the weekend. Not bad.
Now I've got a few interesting photos (and soggy memories) for his ninth-grade book ... whenever I get to that. Not soon. Am relaxing tonight. Hitting the hay early.
And thanking God once again for the veterans in my life. Salute!
Didn't quite work out that way.
As we were driving to Rapids around 11, we noticed the light morning sprinkles quickly turned to a downpour. A long, healthy downpour. Jenny and I look at each other and though, "Uh-oh, hope it's not raining in town!'
But it was. Big time.
Apparently, when the band members boarded the bus, some 10 blocks from the park, it was not raining, It started to sprinkle when they got there. Then it just poured and poured. They did not have rain gear for themselves or the instruments. But the band director told me later they found it more comical than anything else. Plus, could they really complain when the very veterans they were there to honor withstood conditions a hundreds worse when they were serving our country?!
After the wet ceremony, the kids jumped on the bus and went back to the school for an hour to dry things out. They pretty much had to put on cold, damp uniforms when they headed to the courthouse for the 1 p.m. ceremony. This time they had ponchos on. But since they moved everything indoors -- in a room too small for the crowd at hand -- the band had to play inside so the veterans and their families could hear the music.
The solution? Playing in the hallway.
Since hubby was in Marshfield visiting his aunt and uncle, I picked Carter up at the school afterwards and we made our way home via DQ (he deserved a treat today) and Wal-Mart. I unpacked all my scrap gear and showed him "his" albums. Forty-one pages' worth from the weekend. Not bad.
Now I've got a few interesting photos (and soggy memories) for his ninth-grade book ... whenever I get to that. Not soon. Am relaxing tonight. Hitting the hay early.
And thanking God once again for the veterans in my life. Salute!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Nice Finish
I was a little more on task today and finished Carter's Middle School Scrapbook by supper time. Yay!
My only major distraction came in the form of a photo texted to me. It was a scrumptious-looking Peppermint Stick Shake that I finally found out is sold at Arby's. Wouldn't you know it -- there's an Arby's right across the street from our hotel?
So I walked over there -- for exercise, of course -- and picked on up. It sort of like chugging 50 candy canes. Yup, that strong. I think I could handle it in a really small dose. The one benefit is that I had really fresh breath! All day!
After supper, I got started on Carter's grade school book. I'm cruising along! But time to sleep.
Instead of counting sheep, I will count pages... I'm at 37... 38...
Z-z-z-z-z-z-z...
My only major distraction came in the form of a photo texted to me. It was a scrumptious-looking Peppermint Stick Shake that I finally found out is sold at Arby's. Wouldn't you know it -- there's an Arby's right across the street from our hotel?
So I walked over there -- for exercise, of course -- and picked on up. It sort of like chugging 50 candy canes. Yup, that strong. I think I could handle it in a really small dose. The one benefit is that I had really fresh breath! All day!
After supper, I got started on Carter's grade school book. I'm cruising along! But time to sleep.
Instead of counting sheep, I will count pages... I'm at 37... 38...
Z-z-z-z-z-z-z...
Friday, November 9, 2012
TGISF (Thank God it's Scrappin' Friday)
It was probably a good thing we had to give Carter a ride to school today. That way I was up and out of bed at 7:05 and yes, somehow out the door by 7:10.
Why yes, that does mean I didn't shower. And yes, it does mean I looked like a slob. And yes, I was extremely lucky I did not run into anyone I knew at Wal-Mart or the gas station. I'm really lowering my standards by allowing myself out of the house looking like that! Ah well. It is the weekend!
I did shower before my scrap sister Jenny came to pick me up at 10 and we were on the road to Stevens Point. While Point is only 25 minutes away, it took us 4 1/2 hours to arrive at the hotel. We had a required detour to Wausau to check out the new Hobby Lobby (pause for a moment in awe), then met Jenny's hubby for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings, where were unlucky enough to have the world's slowest and least eager to please waiter on the planet.
That is why it took us so long to get here!
Now that we're here we've been busy scrapping away. I am coming along fine on Carter's Middle School book. First pages I do in the morning will be 8th-grade baseball. If I stay on task -- without major detours like today -- I foresee a productive weekend.
Need rest to accomplish that so it's lights out for me.
Why yes, that does mean I didn't shower. And yes, it does mean I looked like a slob. And yes, I was extremely lucky I did not run into anyone I knew at Wal-Mart or the gas station. I'm really lowering my standards by allowing myself out of the house looking like that! Ah well. It is the weekend!
I did shower before my scrap sister Jenny came to pick me up at 10 and we were on the road to Stevens Point. While Point is only 25 minutes away, it took us 4 1/2 hours to arrive at the hotel. We had a required detour to Wausau to check out the new Hobby Lobby (pause for a moment in awe), then met Jenny's hubby for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings, where were unlucky enough to have the world's slowest and least eager to please waiter on the planet.
That is why it took us so long to get here!
Now that we're here we've been busy scrapping away. I am coming along fine on Carter's Middle School book. First pages I do in the morning will be 8th-grade baseball. If I stay on task -- without major detours like today -- I foresee a productive weekend.
Need rest to accomplish that so it's lights out for me.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Packing It In
Forgive me for yawning while I type this. The day took a lot out of me!
Worked from home today but hubby had to head to the office. Since I had the computer to myself, I chained myself to the desk and got a lot done in fewer hours -- but did manage to take a shower by noon. Well, maybe 2 minutes after.
What I missed in Iola was a power outage. They ended up sending employees home early. Figures! The one day I'm not there. So I took it upon myself to log off and get onto more important things... like packing for Scrap Camp.
I have every project-related item packed and up near the front door. I have my clothes packed and just have to remember the toiletries. And then just remember the required snacks, my caffeine source, a cooler, laptop, etc, etc. Oh, and red licorice. Just gotta get that together and we're good.
That's a relief since I spent 2 hours with the guys delivering Butter Braids and visiting Jim's aunt and uncle and his parents. Got home in time to work on my Scentsy party order. Yup, I was simultaneously blogging, working and holding a party all week. Ha.
I have to get that paperwork done before I go to bed since I am hopefully hitting the road around 10 a.m. We'll see what else I need to pack in my schedule in the 12 hours!
I better make a list.
Worked from home today but hubby had to head to the office. Since I had the computer to myself, I chained myself to the desk and got a lot done in fewer hours -- but did manage to take a shower by noon. Well, maybe 2 minutes after.
What I missed in Iola was a power outage. They ended up sending employees home early. Figures! The one day I'm not there. So I took it upon myself to log off and get onto more important things... like packing for Scrap Camp.
I have every project-related item packed and up near the front door. I have my clothes packed and just have to remember the toiletries. And then just remember the required snacks, my caffeine source, a cooler, laptop, etc, etc. Oh, and red licorice. Just gotta get that together and we're good.
That's a relief since I spent 2 hours with the guys delivering Butter Braids and visiting Jim's aunt and uncle and his parents. Got home in time to work on my Scentsy party order. Yup, I was simultaneously blogging, working and holding a party all week. Ha.
I have to get that paperwork done before I go to bed since I am hopefully hitting the road around 10 a.m. We'll see what else I need to pack in my schedule in the 12 hours!
I better make a list.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Morning After
The morning after the elections dawned foggy and dreary. The sun never peeked out from behind the clouds all day. So I picked a random vacation photo to spread some sunshine!
Did it work?
This was taken in the quaint little hamlet of Jay, New York. I actually took this next to or out the window of the covered bridge there. I was so excited to see a few leaves had finally changed color that I had to somehow frame them in a shot.
It sure brightened my day today. Not that it was personally as dreary as my surroundings.
I actually took a half day of vacation and squeezed it into the middle of the day, 10:30-2:30. I went down to Waupaca to see my hair artist Rachel, who fixed me up good with some fall color. Across the street is DQ, so I swung in there to grab a 10-pack to go... of Dilly Bars. Dropped that off at my pink-ribbon-survivor friend Karen's with some cookies I made. It was so nice to have a few hours of "girl time" with some great "girls"!
And there was more of that to come.
After work, we picked up Carter at school, ran a few errands in town and got home by 6:30. My friend Becky stopped by later to drop off some essential scrapbooking supplies (her Cricut cartridges and mine) and we had a nice visit.
I can't tell you how enjoyable it was to see old friends. A nice, peaceful, post-election quiet time.
Of course, it helped that the phone is no longer ringing off the hook with computer-automated special messages. I wonder if we'll ever be that popular again!
I can live without it. Can you?
This was taken in the quaint little hamlet of Jay, New York. I actually took this next to or out the window of the covered bridge there. I was so excited to see a few leaves had finally changed color that I had to somehow frame them in a shot.
It sure brightened my day today. Not that it was personally as dreary as my surroundings.
I actually took a half day of vacation and squeezed it into the middle of the day, 10:30-2:30. I went down to Waupaca to see my hair artist Rachel, who fixed me up good with some fall color. Across the street is DQ, so I swung in there to grab a 10-pack to go... of Dilly Bars. Dropped that off at my pink-ribbon-survivor friend Karen's with some cookies I made. It was so nice to have a few hours of "girl time" with some great "girls"!
And there was more of that to come.
After work, we picked up Carter at school, ran a few errands in town and got home by 6:30. My friend Becky stopped by later to drop off some essential scrapbooking supplies (her Cricut cartridges and mine) and we had a nice visit.
I can't tell you how enjoyable it was to see old friends. A nice, peaceful, post-election quiet time.
Of course, it helped that the phone is no longer ringing off the hook with computer-automated special messages. I wonder if we'll ever be that popular again!
I can live without it. Can you?
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Our Right
I don't care who you voted for... and I really don't want to know... But I'm glad people care enough about our personal freedoms in the United States that they will go to any length to vote.
I heard stories about one man who had to have CPR to get revived at the polls and his first question, upon coming to, was: "Did I vote?"
I heard stories of folks on the East Coast who had a heck of a time actually getting to their voting places and were lucky to have electricity there, too.
In central Wisconsin, we had snow all day. Not kidding. And even though it clung to grass and trees, it did not stay on the road too much. Not enough to deter drivers from getting to the polls.
Hubby and I waited until after work to go. First we went to the school to pick up Carter, who started a weightlifting regimen, and pick up our Butter Braid order. Then we went to vote. Surprisingly, we didn't have to wait in a long line at the town hall. I think everyone voted earlier because we were #4,235 and #4,236. Considering the population of our township is 7,800 -- and who knows how many are of voting age -- I think we had a great turnout.
That's good. No matter if my vote canceled out Jim's (and I'm not saying it did), it's still our right and our duty, really, to vote. Right now the polls are closing in Wisconsin and 10 other states. The early news "projections" show a tight, pretty much tied race. We'll see how the night goes.
I definitely am not staying up late like I HAD to in the newspaper days. I'll never forget 5 a.m. the day after the Bush-Gore race and we still didn't know who won. The paper had to go to print with a "Too close to call" headline. If it's too close to call tonight, I will be content to go to sleep and find out in the morning! Nothing I can do about it now anyway.
I voted. And that counted.
I heard stories about one man who had to have CPR to get revived at the polls and his first question, upon coming to, was: "Did I vote?"
I heard stories of folks on the East Coast who had a heck of a time actually getting to their voting places and were lucky to have electricity there, too.
In central Wisconsin, we had snow all day. Not kidding. And even though it clung to grass and trees, it did not stay on the road too much. Not enough to deter drivers from getting to the polls.
Hubby and I waited until after work to go. First we went to the school to pick up Carter, who started a weightlifting regimen, and pick up our Butter Braid order. Then we went to vote. Surprisingly, we didn't have to wait in a long line at the town hall. I think everyone voted earlier because we were #4,235 and #4,236. Considering the population of our township is 7,800 -- and who knows how many are of voting age -- I think we had a great turnout.
That's good. No matter if my vote canceled out Jim's (and I'm not saying it did), it's still our right and our duty, really, to vote. Right now the polls are closing in Wisconsin and 10 other states. The early news "projections" show a tight, pretty much tied race. We'll see how the night goes.
I definitely am not staying up late like I HAD to in the newspaper days. I'll never forget 5 a.m. the day after the Bush-Gore race and we still didn't know who won. The paper had to go to print with a "Too close to call" headline. If it's too close to call tonight, I will be content to go to sleep and find out in the morning! Nothing I can do about it now anyway.
I voted. And that counted.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Today's Blog Brought to You by the Letter A
We officially wrapped up our first season as a Cross Country family with a banquet and awards ceremony this evening. Actually, it was a potluck and the awards hadn't arrived yet, but the sentiment was there.
The coaches recognized each team member and mentioned any career highlights from the season and their PR improvement. Carter's personal record improved by more than a minute and a half, so he's got nowhere to go but up! Still, with all of his hard work and 100% participation in practices and meets, he earned a varsity letter! How cool is that?? We are very proud of him!
Gimme an A!
The boys' team was an interesting mix: 4 seniors and 4 freshman. As the coach pointed out, these young men have to take the reins next year and be leaders... and recruiters! Hmm... Come next fall, Carter and his friends will be the most experienced members of the team. That is hard to comprehend when he wasn't even running 3 months ago. What a strange and awesome turn of events!
Other than his love for baseball, this is the first sport we've heard him commit to a year in advance. I guess we've gotten over our disappointment he didn't go out for football again. As long as he is staying active and hanging out with a positive group of kids, we can't complain about which sport it is.
Of course, this also gives me incentive to keep running. One of these days I'm gonna catch that kid!
The coaches recognized each team member and mentioned any career highlights from the season and their PR improvement. Carter's personal record improved by more than a minute and a half, so he's got nowhere to go but up! Still, with all of his hard work and 100% participation in practices and meets, he earned a varsity letter! How cool is that?? We are very proud of him!
Gimme an A!
The boys' team was an interesting mix: 4 seniors and 4 freshman. As the coach pointed out, these young men have to take the reins next year and be leaders... and recruiters! Hmm... Come next fall, Carter and his friends will be the most experienced members of the team. That is hard to comprehend when he wasn't even running 3 months ago. What a strange and awesome turn of events!
Other than his love for baseball, this is the first sport we've heard him commit to a year in advance. I guess we've gotten over our disappointment he didn't go out for football again. As long as he is staying active and hanging out with a positive group of kids, we can't complain about which sport it is.
Of course, this also gives me incentive to keep running. One of these days I'm gonna catch that kid!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Extra Hour
Did you make use of your "extra" hour last night (or today) as we transitioned to Daylight Saving Time?
Hubby changed every clock in the house except for my alarm clock. He doesn't want to guess how many minutes "fast" I need it! So I changed my own. Apparently I wasn't paying close attention because I screwed up the AM and PM settings. So my alarm did not go off at 6:44 a.m. for church because my clock thought it was 6:44 P.M.
Good thing Jim was half awake so he could push me out of bed at 7! It wouldn't have been a big deal but I had to speak at church this morning so I really didn't want to be late! It was a busy service -- it was All Saints Sunday, plus we welcomed some new members and we began our "Heroes of Faith" series. That's where I come in.
Basically, we are taking short video snippets of congregation members who wish to share who their hero of faith is and a little about them. We (not me) will string all the videos together for a nice presentation at our Thanksgiving Eve service. My part in this is I video (for 2 of the Sundays) the people making their statements. I also got to kick off the series by giving a 3-5 minute talk about my own Hero of Faith.
I generally don't fear public speaking in the least but I still have some church anxiety hanging on. So I typed it up ahead of time so I had something to go by in case I got too nervous and forgot everything. I won't go into details but I shared some struggles my brother has survived in his life and commented on his enduring faith. I told the congregation that my one and only brother is my hero of faith because time and time again he has shown me that true Christians don't just HAVE faith -- they LIVE it. Thanks, bro!
It went OK and some people were touched by it so hopefully that inspires them to share, too.
After church I went a little crazy on several projects. Our "Vikings on a skid" were not on TV so that kept me focused. First we gathered up 9 grocery bags full of items (clothing, jackets, shoes) to donate to Hurricane Sandy Relief. There's a semi leaving Rapids as soon as it's full. That felt good to do our teeny tiny little part.
This afternoon I was busy making chili for Carter's cross country banquet tomorrow and baking some treats to take to my friend who is still recovering from her mastectomy. After that I got cruising on Scrap Camp packing.
I officially have everything set to finish Carter's Middle School album. I started gathering and sorting items for his Grade School book, which I would like to start when I get the other one done next weekend. It's getting to be a challenge. While I have his grades 1-6 photos and report cards, I am missing some of the 8x10 photos and some first day of school images, etc. I guess there's no time like the present to get all of that found and/or printed and organized. This will be a good thing.
The bonus was that I got to watch a Christmas movie on Hallmark while I was sorting.
Wow, a lot sure can be done with that "extra" hour!!
Hubby changed every clock in the house except for my alarm clock. He doesn't want to guess how many minutes "fast" I need it! So I changed my own. Apparently I wasn't paying close attention because I screwed up the AM and PM settings. So my alarm did not go off at 6:44 a.m. for church because my clock thought it was 6:44 P.M.
Good thing Jim was half awake so he could push me out of bed at 7! It wouldn't have been a big deal but I had to speak at church this morning so I really didn't want to be late! It was a busy service -- it was All Saints Sunday, plus we welcomed some new members and we began our "Heroes of Faith" series. That's where I come in.
Basically, we are taking short video snippets of congregation members who wish to share who their hero of faith is and a little about them. We (not me) will string all the videos together for a nice presentation at our Thanksgiving Eve service. My part in this is I video (for 2 of the Sundays) the people making their statements. I also got to kick off the series by giving a 3-5 minute talk about my own Hero of Faith.
I generally don't fear public speaking in the least but I still have some church anxiety hanging on. So I typed it up ahead of time so I had something to go by in case I got too nervous and forgot everything. I won't go into details but I shared some struggles my brother has survived in his life and commented on his enduring faith. I told the congregation that my one and only brother is my hero of faith because time and time again he has shown me that true Christians don't just HAVE faith -- they LIVE it. Thanks, bro!
It went OK and some people were touched by it so hopefully that inspires them to share, too.
After church I went a little crazy on several projects. Our "Vikings on a skid" were not on TV so that kept me focused. First we gathered up 9 grocery bags full of items (clothing, jackets, shoes) to donate to Hurricane Sandy Relief. There's a semi leaving Rapids as soon as it's full. That felt good to do our teeny tiny little part.
This afternoon I was busy making chili for Carter's cross country banquet tomorrow and baking some treats to take to my friend who is still recovering from her mastectomy. After that I got cruising on Scrap Camp packing.
I officially have everything set to finish Carter's Middle School album. I started gathering and sorting items for his Grade School book, which I would like to start when I get the other one done next weekend. It's getting to be a challenge. While I have his grades 1-6 photos and report cards, I am missing some of the 8x10 photos and some first day of school images, etc. I guess there's no time like the present to get all of that found and/or printed and organized. This will be a good thing.
The bonus was that I got to watch a Christmas movie on Hallmark while I was sorting.
Wow, a lot sure can be done with that "extra" hour!!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Talkin' Turkey
Tell me about it!
It was a tough course for this old lady! Basically, it follows the state cross country course from last weekend. So, there are lot of up and down hills to conquer. I have a new respect for cross country runners. It is not a simple 5K. Not at all.
Since Carter left his running shoes at school and one of our stopwatches, I ran without a watch today and no music. I felt like I was running fast but all those hills just slow a person down. So my time was not as good as I hoped. But Carter only beat me by like 3 minutes I think, instead of the 10 minutes I expected.
It does give me incentive to really train for next year. If no new people sign up, then maybe I can trot into that winner's circle. And trust me, I'm not the only one in this house who's gonna try!
Gobble, gobble!
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