Snow Bunny

Good thing for Carter the Easter Bunny is not a Snow Bunny. He only had to find his basket in the living room.

I still said I needed to take a "scrapbook" photo to show how much snow we had on Easter in 2013. I said he could do something funny like make rabbit ears or something. He said, "No, I'm going to just stand here and play the reluctant teenager."

Oh, this was so much easier when he was younger. Lucky I snapped a photo of him throwing a snowball at me before it hit me! Then I can say he was having a "ball' on Easter anyway.

We did have a nice day. Went to church then got some cleaning done while it was snowing/raining. Then I got outside and got a walk in before it started again. It was actually snowing pretty hard when we went over to Jim's parents' for an early dinner. It was over before we got to town, thankfully!

Had an awesome meal and nice visit there. Now it is bedtime. Feel like we need an extra day since we were gone all yesterday. But I'm sure we'll be nice and quiet in the morning so we don't wake up that reluctant teenager... I mean, angel, of ours!

Hope you counted many Easter blessings today, too!

Easter Blessings

My family had somewhat of a non-traditional Easter celebration this year. Since our dad is in his second week of staying in a nursing home to recover some of his strength, we decided to gather there instead of hunting for eggs in someone's yard.

So we hopped down the bunny trail to Grantsburg -- a 4-hour hike north from Rapids. While physically, I was anxious to see Dad and give him a hug, emotionally, I was not prepared to see Dad in a nursing home. I was just about speechless.

When we first got there, he was in the dining room with my brother and nephew. When we decided to go in a lounge down the hall to accommodate our potentially large number of visitors, Dad had a hard time walking that far. Even with the aid of a nurse and his wheeled walker, he shuffled so slowly, I wanted to cry. Then, when he needed a break halfway there, I just didn't know how to react. He just seemed so old and weak!

We ended up having seven of us eight siblings there with whatever family members could make it. Since it was my mom's birthday earlier in the week and she won a cake, we all got "Easter cake," too!

 I tried to get Dad to smile but he wasn't much for interacting today.

He had a little coffee and cake and was going to work on a puzzle, but didn't seem to have the energy. About 2 hours later, he went back to his room to rest. I tried to entice him to walk the whole way. I said, "If you beat me back to your room, I'll be a Packer fan for life!"

That got him started but he still needed that break halfway back. Sigh.

While he was going back, naturally, we couldn't let that puzzle go unfinished!

With a team of kids and grandkids on the job, we got 'er done! Hubby stood off to the side and said, "So this is how you get a room full of Hedbergs quiet!" That is funny. And very true!

By the way, I did beat Dad back to his room. I wrote in his Guest Book: "I beat you back to your room, Dad. Go Vikes!" I hope he'll at least smile about that some day.

When I see poems like this hanging in his room, it's a heck of a lot easier for me to cry than smile. Lord, I hope he can regain his strength and go home some day!

After we left there, we all headed over to T'Dawgs, a local bar/restaurant. I guess chicken strips were my Easter meal this year! And Carter got BBQ ribs. Oh yeah, he loved that!

 Got a nice three-generation picture with my mom and Batman.

Then we had to get a picture of the 7 R's who were there so we could wish Happy Easter to the 8th R (Rayna) down in Texas!

We are truly blessed to have each other. And I am thankful.

Easter-ish Images

While Easter is a few days away, I can share some of my favorite cartoons this year and hopefully not offend anyone.

This is not actually funny because it is close to the truth! I don't know how it is in your neck of the woods but our mega snow banks still have a long way to go -- despite the fact it almost got up to 50 degrees today. Officially, it reached 49 degrees in Wisconsin Rapids. And guess what? Come Monday, we will be lucky to make it above freezing for the high. Nice April Fool's joke, right?

Almost as good as the groundhog's joke on US. (Not forgiven.)

I love this one...

Tee hee. So catty, yet funny. With all of my previous egg-dying attempts, I won't knock the creativity. Do people really get their eggs to look like that without using paints or markers? I'd like to know how. My best efforts were two colors with a nice white stripe separating them.

Oh yes, I am that good.

And this is my favorite...

I just laugh out loud every year when I see it. So simple and logical, yet funny!

For the record, I did not buy any chocolate bunnies this year. Or even chocolate. When you have a child who is not a big candy eater, you have to improvise. And improvising is always more expensive somehow.

After work today I hopped my Peter Cottontail right over to the sports store in Plover to get some batting gloves and special socks (everything's special for Carter) to put in his basket. Then, after fish fry dinner at The Ridges, I got his other "perishable" goodies -- beef jerky, Skittles, Starbursts and gum. That's more than enough to fill his basket (if I can find it).

I opted not to buy chocolate because I always buy my favorite -- peanut butter eggs -- so I can eat all the leftovers! I really, really, really don't NEED to do that. Plus, I am starting two health/fitness programs on Monday -- one through work and the other through the fitness center -- so that would derail me immediately.

Trust me. It would not be a funny Easter image!

The Ail House

Not that we're in a competition around here, but it seems we're all ailing from something. And it ain't a simple case of Spring Fever.

Carter is on his first day of spring break and is already suffering from boredom. Cue the violins. Seriously, I would give anything for 10 days with NOTHING to do! He does have baseball practice two hours a day. And frankly, if he starts whining, I'll make a list of things for him to do. (You know how I like lists.)

Daddy is still suffering much more severely from that nasty head cold Carter passed along to him. I kid you not, he went through a whole box of tissues at work today!

I think the best cure for him is a day on the couch feeding his March Madness fever. Probably both the boys will prescribe that to themselves tomorrow.

I probably had the most improvement today. Either those gigantic pink and blue pills are working overtime. Or the little elves pounding ice picks in my head took off on spring break with Carter. I hope they don't get bored and come back early!

Of course, when I am looking to cure what ails me, I go a little overboard. (Me? High maintenance? No way.) So I got a nice half-hour chair massage at work. Didn't do much for the sinus infection head pain but it certainly worked out some knots in my back.

The saying that "there's nothing like a good book" was also part of my cure today. Got to attend a book club meeting at my friend Christine's house. I really enjoyed myself. Since I typically read one to two books per week, this was my kind of crowd. Even though I was just a guest tonight, I do have a list of the books they've read to date so I have some great suggestions for future reading.

Hopefully while sitting in a deck chair one of these days.

I lied. We do all have Spring Fever here. Be careful. I'm pretty sure it's going around.

Short Cuts

When I saw this illustration today I really had to laugh out loud... And feel a little pathetic at the same time. I am 100% guilty of this!

While I will not throw my mom under the bus here, I will just point out, I have clear memories of my childhood seeing my mother making a list of "Things to do Today." If only she wouldn't have had that word "Today" on there. Because the next day, she would make a new list, starting with copying over everything that didn't get done the day before. Sometimes, it was a rewrite of an entire list!

Think of what task or two she could have gotten done in the time it took to rewrite that darn list for a new day.

Sorry, Mom, but I take a short cut. Several, in fact. First, I do not put the word "Today" anywhere. Secondly, I always list at least one thing that is already done so I can have that satisfaction of crossing it off as "done" and, at a the same time, inspire myself to stay on a roll!

Yup, 100% pathetic.

Today's list was mainly work at home but make sure to get to the dentist and doctor. The dentist was not convinced I had an abscessed tooth. After a panoramic X-ray, he said my right-side sinuses looked a bit cloudy (Do dentists predict weather any better than groundhogs, I wonder?).

I said I would go to the doctor next to have him check out a sinus infection. Instead my dentist took a shortcut and prescribed the antibiotic that would help a sinus infection -- since it was the same as he would prescribe for an abscessed tooth. So no matter what my problem is, hopefully this will clear it up. Thankfully he gave me something for the pain, too.

So that meant adding "Go to the Pharmacy" to my list. Of course, I added that when I got home so I could cross that off. Did you doubt it?

Now the only thing I really should add is "Get Well." Hopefully I can cross that off before I have to make a new one!

Tuesday Tidbits

Web M.D.: What's the difference between a migraine, a sinus infection and an abscessed tooth? There is no punchline here. I really need to know! One of the great things about the Internet is you can plug in your symptoms and discover what is potentially wrong with you. One of the bad things about the Internet is that is you can plug in your symptoms and discover what is potentially wrong with you. Do I have an earache or am I having a stroke? I guess I'll find out tomorrow why the pain by my ear Sunday has traveled around to shooting pain on my right side of my head. First stop is the dentist. If it is not tooth-related, I am heading straight for the walk-in clinic. I don't even want to find any more symptoms. I mean I could have picked up malaria but I don't think mosquitoes are snow birds.(By the way, Carter gave Daddy his devastating head cold. So we may be under quarantine here one way or the other!)

Chatter Box: We had parent-teacher conferences this evening. We weren't anticipating any major news, we just wanted to see how the teen was acclimating to high school. Apparently, pretty well. In fact, he's so "comfortable," he doesn't mind talking in class. Even when he's not supposed to! Other than the occasional chatter comments, the teachers enjoy him and he shows them respect. We value that!

Baseball Buzz: Baseball practice is in full swing and the first game is allegedly just over a week away. I'm pretty sure the only way it will happen is if someone builds a dome here. And quickly. Even if the first game doesn't come for a few weeks, Carter insisted it was time for me to trim the locks. So it's goodbye Justin Bieber, hello Baseball Buzz. Nope, no pictures. He may look nice, but he's still all Teen. And you fellow teen parents know what I am talking about!

Bathroom Buzz: OK, I'll keep the details to a minimum. Let's just say we are so close to having our bathroom re-do done, that this morning, for the first time since November, I rolled out of bed, got to use my own toilet and walk across the new heated tile floor to our fabulous shower! At least something is almost back to normal around here! I still had to curl my hair using the dining room mirror, but we're getting there.

The Voice Squared

When I have to use my stern (not necessarily nagging) motherly voice, that's when Carter and Daddy say I am using "The Voice."

You might hear my loving hubby say something like this to the teenager: "You better listen... Mom's using The Voice."

Very funny, right?

Well tonight is a new season of The Voice television show -- the one where judges choose singers for their teams in "blind auditions," strictly on voice talent. I like that.

When Jim checked on Carter during homework, Carter asked what I was watching that was so loud. Daddy says, naturally, "The Voice is watching The Voice."

Ha. I can feel the love. Can you? Good thing I love them just as much as they love me or I'd have to whip out The Voice.

Real good thing.

Meltdown Delay

I was hoping that meltdown -- the weather one, that is -- would start today. I must have read the forecast wrong because it did not get that warm and the snow did not go anywhere.

Add to that: Someone -- not us -- won that monster Powerball last night and I've had an earache all day. So much for a nice Sunday!

I did manage to get to church (Palm Sunday already?), got grocery shopping done, some laundry and a little bit of cleaning up, along with some work work. Plus I made some buffalo chicken for supper and yummy cranberry bars for dessert. So yeah, I guess I was a little productive.

But every time I check my daily website (uhm, Facebook), I am reminded by the I Heart to Run page that "You either ran today or you didn't." I always feel guilty when I did NOT put forth any effort in that direction.

Why can't they just say: Either you had ice cream today or you didn't? If they want a YES answer, that's the way to go.

Seriously, I could have at least gone for a walk today. But I guess I kept piddling around with other stuff, waiting for the temperature to warm up and my mind/body to get motivated... and probably several other excuses.

I wouldn't normally feel that guilty, but yesterday while licking our delectable King Cone treats, I told hubby: "OK, this is my last ice cream for awhile. Tomorrow I am going to really kick it in gear! I never got around to getting that beach body last year!"

To which he replied, "What... you already have a beach body."

Well I love him for saying that (even more than ice cream), but I still have to get that tomorrow to come one of these days or I am the one who will have a meltdown ... the next time I step on the scale.

Only Robyn of Spring... So Far

Who wants to join my posse and track down that varmint who claimed spring was coming early?

Seriously, we are so far away from it. I had to take pictures today just to prove to my sister down in Texas that we are as far away from spring as she is from us in Wisconsin!

No, this is not a photo of our front yard after a snowstorm. This is today, March 23, 2013 -- three days into spring! To get a concept how big those snow banks are at the end of the driveway, I even stood behind one and had Jim take my picture.

My southern sister thought perhaps I was doing a "trick" shot and laying on some snow. Nope. I am on my tiptoes behind this snowbank! And with above-freezing temperatures like we had today, it won't be long before I am standing in Lake Austin!

Bring it, Mother Nature!

Since it was nice out, I should have gotten out and walked or ran or something. But instead we did a different kind of "running." The errands kind.

First we all had to go to Polito's -- home of the big slice -- for lunch since a new branch opened in Wisconsin Rapids today. Good stuff as always!! Then we dropped Carter off and hubby and I road-tripped to Stevens Point and Plover in search of much-needed accessories for our almost-completed bathroom. Went to 4 stores -- Target, Fleet Farm, Lowes and Menards -- and came home with a new medicine cabinet, towel racks and shower shelf things.

Our plan was that we were going to go to the musical at the high school tonight. But then we got on a roll getting stuff cleaned up and installed in our bathroom so we just wanted to keep going. Got to shower in our own bathroom tonight for the first time in 4 months! And oh, what a nice shower it is!! We should get the toilet re-installed by Tuesday. Carter will be thrilled to have "his" bathroom back.

Hopefully we'll be back in business before the snow melts... 'Cause who knows when that will be??

March Madness, Gladness or Sadness?

Did you hear that? That's me groaning rather loudly after I learned that the team I picked to win my NCAA pool lost in the first round! Are you kidding me? What were you thinking, Georgetown??

Of course, what am I thinking when I spent maybe 3 minutes filling out my bracket? I guess it will be a nice donation to some lucky person -- who hopefully lives in this house. I admit I know the least about college basketball of probably anybody. I just try to pick random "upsets" and hope I am right. I don't have a good track record with this. Yet it does not stop me from trying.

I guess I can't complain when that was the only downside of my day.

Work was busy as I continue to play catch-up. After work we picked Carter up from baseball practice (he made it to school) and then met hubby's family at The Wildhorse Saloon for supper to celebrate March birthdays for mother-in-law, brother-in-law and our college boy. I bypassed the fish fry and went right for the coconut shrimp. Yummy! Afterwards, we went over to Jim's sister's house for birthday carrot cake (Oh yes, I am spoiled some days) and visiting.

When we got home, instead of watching college hoops and seeing my Hoyas throw away their future, I finally got to watch the Assumption girls in their state championship game from last Saturday! Spoiler alert: We won!! Whoo-hoo!

Carter was mocking me for getting nervous and emotional even though I knew the outcome. It was hard to explain that it was still exciting to see how it happened. I mean really, the movie Titanic grossed millions and millions at the box office but we all knew how it would end! Thankfully, our "show" tonight had a happy ending. It was just cool to see everyone celebrating after our win and, yes, see Carter on TV a few more times!

Now it is time for bed and there will be no morning alarms set in this house. That is what turns March Madness into Gladness... for this bracketology loser.

Red-Eye Reduction

I like the setting on my camera that pops an extra flash to magically reduce those evel "red eyes" in photographs. I wish I could magically do that to myself! Now I know why the overnight flight is called a Red Eye.

Uff da. I am dragging!

When we took off from Vegas last night at 11:30 (1:30 AM central), it was obviously way past my bed time. Me, who normally is never comfortable enough to sleep on a plane, was actually asleep before the flight attendant gave her instructions! I slept through takeoff and woke up just in time for landing!

Unfortunately, that was only 4 hours and I had a 2-hour layover in Detroit that was not conducive to sleep. I did sleep that one hour from Detroit to Green Bay, too. What really refreshed me was walking out in the 19-degree Wisconsin sunshine.

Spring has not sprung yet. Not even close!

From Green Bay, I drove to work and thankfully was super busy catching up so I stayed awake. Jim worked from home today because Carter was home sick again (but is OK now). So I didn't get to see them 'til almost 6 p.m.

They liked the few items I got them in Vegas. I probably should have waited until Carter caught up on homework before giving him fun stuff that would distract him. Good thing I am such a good mom I could be gone 6 days and pick up right where I left off with nagging him about homework.

Oh yes. I am that good.

Well this super mom needs to get some shut-eye for the red eyes.

Viva, Las Vegas!

I don't even know if Viva means hello or goodbye or get some sleep. Right now, for me, it means it's time to sign off the computer and head to the airport for my first "red eye" flight!

Got done with our show project today by early afternoon so we had time to kill. I ended up doing some work in case I can't function in the office tomorrow after my red-eye. Then I did more work -- fun stuff -- and hailed a cab and checked out The Auto Collections at The Quad.

It is a prestigious collection of 150 vehicles none of us could dream of owning in our lifetime. Unless we win the Powerball tonight. So I gave my press credentials (well said who I was) and got a nice tour and took photos for our old cars magazine and website for work. I have to do something to ease my guilt for being out of the office, right?

Even worse guilt is that I am not home for Carter. Jim had to go pick him up from school. He has a miserable cold and runny nose and cough, etc. I think the teenager might miss Mom for once. Hopefully he heals fast. He absolutely hates missing school or, more importantly, baseball practice.

Not that spring has arrived in Wisconsin yet. Today at one point I checked temps and it was 77 here and 17 in Rapids. Ouch. Not wanting to go home to that but can't wait to get some hugs.

Good thing I had a few "huggers" to tide me over!

Star Power

My sisters occasionally make fun of me and my knack for finding celebrities... typically stars from days gone by (i.e. Erik Estrada and Henry Winkler) or such minor "celebrities" I have to explain who they are. Whether they are making fun of me or just in awe, I can't explain why I just get a kick out of getting pictures of celebrities or me with them.

Since I haven't had a celebrity (using term loosely) sighting and photo since Michael Waltrip at the Red Sox game last fall, I was due. And in Vegas, well, it just seems logical.

While Carter and the Assumption Royals baseball team start practice indoors this week, I got to attend a tailgating party of my own.

What's a party without a Playboy Bunny? Actually an ex one. Not kidding here, folks. Brande Roderick is an ex-playboy bunny who participated in the Celebrity Apprentice (a few years back) and now has her own trading card.

She was super nice and even took off her 4-inch heels so we'd be the same height in the photo. If you are not sure which one she is, she is the one who looks to be exactly half my Round Robyn size!!

In order to improve my self-image, I had to find someone much larger than me. Former homerun slugger Frank "The Big Hurt" Thomas fit the bill. Of course, after meeting charming me, his nickname is now "The Big Hug" Thomas (according to my hubby). Even though he played for the White Sox at one point, he still generously allowed a photo with a Twins fan. Another super nice person!

Today, I just happened to run into a few of those celebrities that had minor but memorable roles... some years back. Probably the weirdest combo of people in a picture but I had to seize the moment!

Here's me hangin' out with Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi" (no soup for me!) and my new pal "Flick" from A Christmas Story (all grown up and no, he hasn't had his tongue stuck to any flag poles lately).

Other than seeing the stars, I did see the sunset one night out my hotel window...

I haven't set foot outdoors since I got to my hotel from the airport Saturday. But heck, I don't think I'm missing much, do you?

St. Pat

I am 100 percent Scandi-hoovian without a drop of Irish in me, but I am married to Mr. Blarney and we have a son who inherited the Irish charm, so I feel I am allowed to say Happy Shamrock Shake Day! That's St. Patty's to you true Irish men and women!

Did not wear any green today, though, as I was working my butt off and had to be dressed pretty nice. Event management requires very long days but I enjoy being a part of it. For most of you, it would be completely boring for me to talk about. So unless I run into a celebrity or I win big on the penny slots, I won't have much to blog about this week. Besides the fact I am beat by the end of the day!

Sure miss my Blarney Boyz, though! Plus, the only thing I had that was close to a Shamrock Shake was mint gum. Don't ye feel bad for me, though. I'm sure I'll make up for it at some point.

If you were wearin' the green today -- because you qualify or just wish you did -- Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Time for this leprechaun to sleep!

Pot O' Gold

Since it was pre-St. Patty's Day today, it was only fitting our Assumption girls basketball team found a "ball" of gold at the end of their state-tourney rainbow!

As promised, I kept my blue fingernail polish on and wore an AHS hoops t-shirt today to give the girls good vibes that brief hour I was in Green Bay before my plane took off at 9 a.m. I am sure it helped!

The game started at 11:05 a.m. and my next plane was departing at 11:15 a.m. Not enough time to get a real sense of the game at that point. When we took off after a short layover in Minneapolis, I learned there was wi-fi on the plane. For just $5 for an hour, I figured I could log on and watch live streaming video of the game! I was so excited until I realized my laptop was not fully charged and I only had 29 minutes of power left.

So I paid for the connection and had to power down my computer every few minutes to let it rest and let the game continue a little bit. Every time I would power it back up, the game was getting closer and our lead was gone. With less than 4 minutes to go, we were tied and I had to power off since I only had 6 minutes left on my battery. Oh, the agony!

I managed to turn it back on for the last, truly agonizing minute and saw us win. Whoo-hoo!! However, the computer went dead immediately after and I missed all celebrations, etc. Physically, I also missed the pep rally back at the school at 5 p.m. followed by a big ol' pizza party at The Ridges.

I was really busy since the moment I landed this afternoon. And something tells me nothing in Vegas is as exciting right now as the party back home!

Congrats, Lady Royals ... Our new Division 5 State Champions!!

TGIFFF (Thank God it's Fish Fry Friday)

I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off today -- making up for lost time at the office yesterday while preparing to be gone a few days next week... then packing and playing, too.

The playing part was best. That really just involved going out to a fish fry at The Ridges with the guys -- and this time the guys included Casey, who is launching his Spring Break with a day or two at home.

Great to see the college boy again!! We enjoyed a nice meal, some catching up and some quick "Hello"s with friends who just happened to be there, too.

Then it was down to business for me, who has to leave the house before 6 a.m. to head to the Green Bay airport. I am doing a "work" trip as in working to help some friends put on a business event. It will be sad not to see the Assumption girls play their championship game but I will keep my blue fingernail polish on for the day, plus I will be in the same town as them, at least long enough to send them good vibes!

I also feel a bit guilty about leaving the state when my dad is not doing well. He's entering his 18th month of riding the Shingles on-again/off-again pain roller coaster. Right now he's in the hospital while they try to alleviate pain and determine a successful pain management program for him... and help him gain some strength back. He may be 85 but he's a tough ol' bird so I will see him at Easter and I bet he'll be fine. (Prayers still appreciated though!)

Well I better hit the hay. I've gone through the packing list so many times in my head I am sure I have what I need. Now if I can just turn off the brain so I can sleep.

Fast!!

Talking a BLUE Streak

My checklist before heading to the Division 5 state semifinal matchup between our Assumption Royals and the Wausau Newman Cardinals:

• Royal Blue AHS state t-shirt: Check.
• Royal Blue nail polish: Check.
• Royal Blue underwear: Check.
• Royal Blue WIN: That comes next!

Hubby and I worked through most of the morning then headed over to Green Bay at 11. We made a quick stop to eat and then parked at Lambeau Field, right across the street from the Resch Center, where the girls games are taking place this year.

The band was already playing when we got in and Assumption had a huge crowd of followers. Awesome!

Wausau scored first and that got us (as in fans in the stands) nervous. Somehow we (as in the actual players) took the lead back and never looked back. Knowing how strong and capable Newman is, we did not feel at ease, honestly, until it was all over and the scoreboard said this: Assumption 60-Newman 37!! Oh yeah! We are headed to the state championship game on Saturday!!!

What an exciting day! I have no voice left!!

I did take photos, yes, but we did not come directly home and I need to get some sleep. First we hung around and watched the first half of the Division 5 game after ours to scout the competition. (We will play Barneveld.) Then we stopped in Appleton to eat and shop (briefly, I swear) for some shoes for Carter and me. Then, of course, we had a celebratory stop at King Cone.

When we got home, we had to run the car over the shop where they are changing the oil tomorrow. Then we sat down to watch the game -- mostly crowd shots. Glad we DVR'd it. At halftime, our neighbor who was watching it at home texted Jim and said Carter had appeared so many times on screen, he'd need an agent! Ha. 

Well we watched and yes, he got into plenty of shots of the band and student section. Pretty cool. The game isn't quite over but I'll finish watching tomorrow night. I really need to get some sleep so I can catch up on what I just HAD to miss at work today.

It goes without saying: It was totally worth it!!!

Candid Camera

I have been on a scrapbooking mission all year to get a photo of Carter playing in Pep Band. And Carter has been on a mission all year to block that mission!

Every time I think I can zoom in on him -- from any angle in the gym -- he sees me and moves to block my view of his face with the big end of his baritone. Last night me and my covert operation really had to step it up a notch.

When Mom can't get a photo, she has to rely on her connections in the media. So I told my old friend Casey, who was there to shoot the pep rally for the newspaper, that I would love a picture of Carter in the band since he won't let me take one.

Dear Casey delivered...

I could never get that close so I could see his face, fingers, instrument and lovely Royal blue Pep Band t-shirt! So I am quite grateful!

But that wasn't the end of his fame.

Oh no. Another friend at the paper caught him earlier in the day... on video, no less! This is like his famous week or something. What I like about the video is that Jim (who helped with t-shirt sales, plus folding and bagging) also has a cameo. Nice.

Here is a link to the video: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/videonetwork/2222501544001/A-Royal-sendoff-

On that same website is the photo gallery with the Pep Rally images. Carter's picture above is the second photo and you might recognize this good-looking couple in photo #45. Ha!

I was so excited to let my family know to set their DVRs for the game tomorrow -- in case we become even more famous -- then I remembered we don't get "Wisconsin stations" up there anyway. We only get Minnesota affiliates (thus my growing up a Twins and Vikings fan). So I'll just "tape it" from home and we'll see what shakes out.

If you happen to be tuning in on ABC at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, look for us! Carter will be in front in the band and Jim and I will be the ones in Royal Blue!

Go Royals!!

Getting Pepped Up

Had a Pep Rally tonight to cheer our on our girls basketball team heading to state Thursday.

First order of business was buying the "state shirts" so we can present a mostly united Royal Blue front. Then it was onto special music from Carter and the Pep Band, some cheers from the student section, and a words of thanks from the team captain and the coach.

There were a few touching moments and even a few that brought some tears to eyes or lumps in our throats. They had a #22 jersey draped over the end chair next to the captain. This was the number worn by Kiley, the young woman and mother that I told you about last week who died unexpectedly at age of 32. She was on our last winning state team so we had a moment of silence for her and they said her jersey would be accompanying them to state. Very moving.

We also had a special guest appearance by Jack Bennett, famous in our neck of the woods for his successful coaching career at UW-Stevens Point. (Plus he is brother of Dick Bennett, former Badgers hoops coach.) Jack gave an inspiring pep talk to the girls about the importance of character -- building it, showing it on the court, and maintaining it everywhere else.

Kind of cool to have these special wishes for our girls. And I can say "our" girls since several of our closest friends in the "Assumption family" have daughters on the team.

I hope, for their sake, they are as excited and confident as the rest of us are FOR them! Go Royals!

Now Here's Something You'll Really Like...

Part of my job at work is maintaining our social media presence for some of our brands. (Which I love.) While looking for some crazy car accessory photos today, I came across this one...

It just so happens Lawrence Welk was born this day in 1903. So how fitting for him to introduce this record player for your car, which I assume had one heck of an anti-skip mechanism in it. If he was saying it on his show, it would go something like this... "And now here's something I think you'll really like..."

Oh gosh, I am showing my inner geek.

Yes, we were forced -- might I repeat forced -- to sit and watch the Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday evenings. Back then, you either watched TV with your parents or, well, went to bed or something. Not much going on to entertain ourselves on winter nights, that's for sure.

So it would Larry and his gang followed up by Hee-Haw, much more my speed since the music was a little bit more upbeat, they had humor and, of course, the Hagger Twins!!!!

Oh my. I AM a nerd. OK, it's all out in the open now... Just about. You really don't need to know how my twin sister and I dressed up to be the Hagger Twins, do you?

Oh, did you want proof?

Suddenly Lawrence Welk doesn't look so bad, does he?

All together now... And a vun... and a two... and a tree...

Still Riding the High

I went to bed at 2:05 a.m. and it was almost painful that I had to change my clock to 3:05 for daylight savings. Ouch.

Needless to say, I did not set an alarm. However, my body, for reasons unknown to me, decided to awake at 9 a.m. Let me just say, I don't do well on 6 hours of shut-eye. But I couldn't fall back to sleep so my day of rest was already a misnomer.

I didn't get much of anything done other than a few online projects for work. I couldn't muster the energy for much else.

Probably good we are all still riding the high of our team's victory last night! Spent the morning looking for photos, etc., other people had posted.

Someone from a central Wisconsin sports website took this picture of our pep band in its pre-game performance. I drew in the arrow so you could see where Carter is standing with his big baritone.

Here are some actual video highlights from the big win last night... You'll see my "adopted daughter" Brittney interviewed plus a cameo by Carter in the very last second of the video (far right on screen). LOL.

My family in Wisconsin better set your DVRs for 1:30 p.m. Thursday (ABC) in case your favorite nephew/cousin is on TV playing at state... his baritone, not basketball, but who cares? Everyone counts that day!



Be sure to click on "full screen" mode -- otherwise you won't see Carter. Even though that is the least important thing of the whole video. Ha.

Time for bed!

Sectional Sweethearts

I won't even bother building up the suspense about tonight's sectional final in La Crosse... The Assumption girls are going to state!!!!!!

I borrowed this picture from somewhere on the Internet since it is almost 2 a.m. (real time) and I am not about to start downloading photos!

Despite a gloomy, rainy day, the sun was shining on our sectional game! Thankfully.

We didn't head down to La Crosse until 4 p.m. Hubby had to go to work awhile in the morning and then to a fantasy baseball draft in Waupaca. While he was doing that, Carter and I slept in (ha). I was happy I slept through the whole night without coughing. Yay! Spent the morning getting Saturday chores done on Saturday for a change.

Even though it was raining or snowing most of the day, there was a break in the early afternoon so I went for a run. Just a nice easy 2-miler. Even though it was in the high 30s outside and felt quite mild, I didn't want to spend too much time out there and reactivate my strep. But it sure felt good to run OUTside!

The Pep Band bus loaded at 3:15 so I dropped Carter off then picked up a friend's daughter who wanted to see the game but not drive. Jim was home at 3:45 or so and we were on our way shortly.

I think we all were nervous about the game against Seneca. They had a good record like we did so we figured on a close game like the other night. We managed to get a lead early and we never looked back. Sure, they got sort of close a few times but we pulled away and stayed strong. The final: 49-31!

It was so exciting to have a huge, huge crowd of fans there, plus the band, and to see the excitement in everyone's faces when the final buzzer went off. After the awards presentation to both schools, our student fan section stormed the court and it gave us goose bumps. Very, very cool. I think back to high school when my school lost its sectional final by 1 point and, believe me, the feeling of actually GOING TO STATE is a huge deal.

As the day's final scores came in, we learned our first opponent at state will be Wausau Newman -- our conference rivals who gave us our only loss this year! This is going to be quite a wild and exciting week leading up to the Thursday showdown.

Put on some Royal Blue and come along for the ride!

TGIF (Thank God It's Fever)

Raise your hand if you are suffering through a serious case of Spring Fever!!

According to the Weather Channel, the temps reached 40 degrees in Wisconsin Rapids today. And no doubt warmth somewhere around that range every where in central Wisconsin. I wish I could have enjoyed it.

Most of us who probably were stuck at work all day could just catch glimpses of the sunshine and melting snow. But we knew something was up. From my window seat, I'd occasionally get startled by large chunks of snow falling off the roof. I say let the meltdown begin!

It sure felt nice after work to just wear a sweatshirt when we went to St. Lawrence to enjoy their fish fry. It's still in the mid-30s so, in Wisconsin, that means no jacket required!

We're a little concerned about the duel between Mother Nature and her Spring Fever trying to take over Ol' Man Winter's territory. What it means for tomorrow is supposedly freezing rain and icy roads 'til about noon. Then, it is supposed to be warm enough to just rain. Well, the snow may go, but there will definitely be a large pond in its place -- in our driveway anyway.

We're just hoping this won't wreak havoc on our plans to travel to La Crosse to cheer on the girls. While technically basketball IS a winter sport, it's time to quit being a tease, Ol' Man Winter, and let it go.

We'll even let you be an honorary Royals fan! Deal?

Silent Support

I went to work today for several reasons. The main one, of course, was that I felt fine and had plenty to do. That was followed closely by the fact I had previously scheduled a hair upgrade over a long lunch. The culmination, naturally, was that we had a planned Royal Road Trip to Neillsville.

I am a time management goddess. I squeezed all those things in -- plus remembered to take my two circus peanut-sized anti-strep pills!

Work was good, my hair appointment was better ... and the Royal Road Trip was definitely the best.

Since Carter rode the Pep Band bus over to Neillsville, we could make a bee line from work (just about) on Highway 10. So we worked 'til normal time and stopped in Stevens Point for a quick bite to eat, then were on our way to the sectional showdown with Plum City.

We got there plenty early and we needed to in order to get a good seat. We had an awesome turnout. Both schools had lots of fans plus their bands. An exciting atmosphere!

I knew that I needed to take my healing throat seriously, so I hoped I wouldn't have major reasons to yell. Cheer, yes, but yell in frustration, no. So I quickly adopted the golf clap (loud version) and the silent fist pump for great plays. I didn't even do my celebratory whistle because I did not need a throat setback. My silent support did the trick!

While the first half saw many lead changes, the Assumption girls got command of the game in the 3rd quarter. Their lead shrunk a bit in the 4th quarter but thanks to some starters from Plum City fouling out, we held our ground and won 65-50! Yay!

Now our #2 ranked Royals will play against #1 ranked Seneca on Saturday evening in La Crosse. I don't know if I'll have my voice back by then, but I'll still have my blue nail polish and my new conference championship t-shirt!

Culture Club

I've inherited several traits from my father. I suppose if you lumped most of them together they could just be labeled "stubborn." But I like to think of myself as hearty with stamina and staying power, willing to stand my ground until something changes or goes away.

Yep, I guess stubborn could be used.

I know Dad and I are not fans of going to the doctor. LeRoy and I like to "wait and see." Will it go away or, on occasion, get so bad we have to seek help? Immediately.

I've been dealing with some night-time coughing this winter. It's like stuff settles in my chest and I end up coughing through the night, waking up on occasion with a cough drop in my mouth. Every time hubby "encourages" me to go to the doctor, I say I will but... then I go a few night with nothing so I brush it off.

On Monday, though, I had a new symptom. My throat suddenly was hurting so bad, it hurt to swallow air. My first thought was "Uh-oh, I hope I don't have strep." But then I remembered that the few times I have had allergies in my life, this is exactly how it starts. With that sneaky sore throat that leads to everything else.

So I tracked down some allergy medication in the office and took a pill Monday and yesterday. It minimized the pain only slightly, but now I know that could have been the ibuprofen I was talking for my "I bowled too much this weekend" back pain.

Today, I decided I would go to the walk-in clinic after work. I sent Jim on his way to Madison to the funeral home for Kiley's visitation. All he said to me was, "Why are you going now, in Week 14 of this?"

Ha. Funny guy.

Probably because this is something different! When I got to the clinic and the doctor checked me out, he didn't think I had anything major going on. As a precaution, though, he took a throat culture. Oh I do not like that type of culture! Definitely the Culture Club I remember from the '80s. My knee-jerk reaction was not to jerk my knee but push him away with my hands. Whoops.

He wasn't hurt nor offended. Whew.

He said the strep test would only take 5-7 minutes so I waited. I'm not sure who was more surprised by the results -- him or me. He walks in and says, "Well, you have strep."

I know LeRoy would say, "That's what I thought!" Because he... me... we.... know everything!

So I had to go to the pharmacy to get my pretty pink antibiotic horse pills.

Not entirely exaggerating am I? I have to take those twice daily 'til gone plus, I am sure the doctor -- if he would have had more time -- would have ordered ice cream as needed. And I need it!

The good news is I am only slightly contagious for the 24-hour period after getting on the drugs. So while I wouldn't have to work tomorrow, I will go and stay secluded in my cubicle. Then later, when we go to the girls playoff game in Neillsville, I will be past my contagious stage.

Honestly, other than the throat hurting, I feel fine. No fever or headaches or anything.

Just one last pint of Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream in the freezer calling my name. 

Oh, LeRoy... come here...

Delayed Reaction

We woke up expecting to see those 4-8 inches of snow on the ground and wouldn't you know it, there wasn't even 4-8 flakes (not counting the ones that live here).

This is when I love that the weather man is wrong! In the end, though, he wasn't.

Snow started falling in the afternoon and we did get about 3-4 inches of it after all. Nothing to disrupt travel too much, but enough to require snow blowing. Fortunately, while the guys were at the batting cage and I was at a cleaning products party (so domestic of me), our good neighbor came over and blew our driveway out for us. Have I mentioned lately how blessed we are? If not, I should have.

Now hubby's outside finishing up the snow removal and I am allegedly gathering up garbage to take out to the curb. Shhh... I meant to take it out of our office and found myself on the computer, then decided to blog. You know how that goes. My A.D.D. knows no bounds!

I sort of have to blame Carter a bit. He handed me a flyer for driver's ed (I know!!) and that prompted me to check out some info online. I find it hard to believe we are about to cross this bridge because, well, we've come to it. Uff da. Mama is not ready for this. And really, is Carter?

He can't get his temps anyway for another 8 months so I can delay my reaction to this for awhile. No sense opening up my mind and letting the crazy out just yet. That day will come.

Just like spring will eventually get here, too. Right?

I hope so. Mr. Deck Chair and the Flip Flop twins have been crying from neglect. I'm just going to have to explain to them that if the weather man can't get the forecast right, how can we rely on a weather animal's prediction?!

Forecast

One month from today is Carter's first high school baseball game! In the meantime, we are under a winter weather "advisory." That's what they call it when it is less than a foot of snow, I guess, since we could get 4-8 inches while we are sleeping tonight.

You think spring will actually get here in a month? I have my doubts.

I guess I can't blame the weather dudes either since they have no control over the forecast. They just relay it to us and we decide (much like watching refs in a basketball game) if we want them to be right or not. Either way, when we check the forecast, we sort of know what is coming.

Oh, if life were that easy.

Much of what happens to us as individuals is as much out of our hands as the weather is for meteorologists. Some times we have just enough information to be prepared. Other times, we are blindsided.

There is a sizable network of friends and family in our community who are experiencing that right now.

A 32-year-old woman -- who in the mid-'90s was babysitting my stepsons and before graduating in '98, played on Assumption's state championship basketball team -- has died.

A week ago at this time, she was enjoying life to the fullest with her husband and 5 children, ranging in age from 7 years down to just 4 months old. The next evening, she experienced a stroke due to a blood clot in her brain. After several days on life support, her family said goodbye to her yesterday.

One cannot even comprehend the devastation that family feels. It was only a few months ago we were at the funeral home for this family when this woman's dad lost his brother to a sudden heart attack. Now, to have to bury a child, seems overwhelming. Those of us who know them or just know of them -- through the "Assumption" family -- are shaken by this. Naturally, what parent wouldn't be? What wife or husband wouldn't be? What child wouldn't be?

This could happen to any of us at any time. We can't always get a forecast. Kiley, though, knew how to prepare. She lived life with a rock-solid faith and, in the end, increased the quality of life for two people through her organ donations.

All of this is part of God's plan. It is not our place to even attempt to predict what will happen next and why. For today, He is just shaking us a bit and reminding us to love one another and be grateful for each person who holds a special place in our heart.

For today, that will bring sunshine.

Extended Stay

Have you noticed the days are getting slightly longer? I should clarify: I don't have more time to do things, but the sun seems to be hanging around a bit more each day. As I find the last calendars around the house to switch over to March, I should not be surprised at the extended stay.

But I still didn't get (or make) time today to get my Saturday chores all done. I did get up and go to 8 o'clock church, then went grocery shopping and did laundry. Then hubby picked me up and we joined some friends at a nearby watering hole for a long visit.

We cut our extended stay there short when Carter texted he was home from a trip with a friend to the batting cages -- and was locked out of the house. Whoops. So we went home and that gave me time to get some more laundry done.

Jim had a meeting tonight so I finally watched the rest of the Oscars I had DVR'd and a Hallmark movie I "taped" too. Then Carter comes out with more laundry so he has clean pants for tomorrow. It seems like a never-ending cycle but we should be good for a few days.

I did make some time to upload a few photos from yesterday...

This is my BFF (Bowling Friend Forever, ha) Christine... yes, we look like we are taking the game seriously, don't we? We both have bad backs so we were feeling it a bit today. Four games was probably 3 too many.

Hubby was in a jovial mood... how could he not be after bowling a 252 or something around that his last game? He better be careful or they'll draft him on a league! Not that there's anything wrong with that.

From the basketball game... our girls take the court after receiving the Regional Championship trophy!

Was not at a good angle to get a good photo but I can tell you this: All the girls in the front row are in Carter's class. Yes, freshman playing on varsity. And we only have one senior this year so this team is going to kick butt again next year.

What we know for this year is we'll be playing against Plum City on Thursday at a neutral site -- Neillsville. That's less than an hour away so not too bad. I'm going to have to put on another layer of blue nail polish. I mean, it would be unlucky at this point if I took it off, wouldn't it?

I guess that's something I can do with all this extra time we're getting on these longer days. Hmmm.... wonder if there's anything else...

Running Like the Devil

Not only was I running with the devil today (see photos), I was running like one, too. Not fast, just super busy.

I rode up to Stevens Point this morning with our friend Gregg (classmate of hubby's). As we watched the in-car thermometer temperature rise a few degrees -- up to 22 degrees -- we were hopeful for a great race day. Actually, even though the wind prevented it from feeling warm, it was not bad!

Here we are are in the beer tent pre-race. Not drinking, just staying out of the wind. Don't you love his number?? I was seriously running with the devil!

Hurray! I finished! I actually was thrilled first that I managed to finish within an hour and thrilled secondly that it was under 55 minutes. With my lack of serious training, I'll take that result any day. I was especially pleased that I felt good. Did not have any aches or pains in my legs or hips. Tomorrow may be a different story, but for tonight, I'm good.

The fun after the Point Bock race is gathering in the beer tent area for free beer. I gave my tickets away and enjoyed some Point Root Beer. Gregg and I also remembered to grab a photo at the finish line on our way out!

I was on a very tight schedule the rest of the day. Got home at 2:25 p.m., had to shower quick and be to the bowling alley for a 3 p.m. start in the charity tournament. Got there on time but then they were running late so I really could have had time to fix my hair rather than throw a hat on it. We got started about 3:30 and by then, after learning we actually were bowling 4 games -- and throwing out the worst -- I figured we would be lucky to make it on time to the regional finals game at Assumption at 7 p.m.

Bowling went better than expected. I always strive to get to 100. My first game was 113 and that ended up being my throw-away game since the other 3 averaged 150. Whoot! OK, I'll be honest, it was a 9-pin tourney so knocking down 9 pins instead of 10 counted as a strike. My kind of game.

We got out of there and to the school just as the National Anthem was finishing up. Had a tough time finding seats so we didn't sit together. It was another great game for our girls. After a slow start, we beat Loyal 54-37, earning the Regional Championship! Another whoot!

Now we move onto sectionals next Thursday at Neillsville. Should be a fun road trip!

After the game, we came straight home since we were tired. Well, I was anyway. And Carter went to a late movie with some friends. I do not plan on waiting up.

Running like and with the devil takes a lot out of you. I wouldn't suggest it.

Forward, March!

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross a lamb, an ice cream cone and the color blue?

The month of March coming in mildly, signaling the opening of King Cone this afternoon and an Assumption girls basketball playoff game tonight! 

Throw in the fact that it's a Friday today, too, and you know it was a good day!

I'll admit I was really counting down to this day since Tuesday when I found out King Cone opened in its Plover location today. That is on the way home from work with a slight detour -- unlike the Amherst site (not open yet) where it is just a turn into a parking lot. As it turned out, I had a pretty good plan how to drive right by the Plover one.

Tomorrow I'll be running in the Point Bock race in Stevens Point. Participants have the choice of picking up their race packets tonight from 5-7 or in the morning before the race. Since there is going to be 2,000+ runners, why not avoid the lines in the morning and stop by today?

So after a very fast, yet productive, day at work, we went to Point, picked up race packets for me and 2 friends, then just happened to drive right by King Cone on the way home. Hubby pretty much knew he had to signal left and turn into the parking lot! Oh, it felt good to be home. Ha. Jim got his usual Pirate's Booty in a waffle cone and I got a cup of Blueberry "Yes, Please" Cake (that's its full name). Yummy. Oh so worth the wait.

We stopped home quick to drop off a few things, then dropped off race packets for my neighbor Cindy, who unfortunately has been sick all week and can't race, and our friend Gregg, Jim's classmate who will pick me up in the morning and set my pace tomorrow.

From there, we headed to Assumption High School to cheer on the girls in their second regional playoff game. This game was much more intense than the Tuesday blowout, that's for sure. Lincoln-Alma Center had quite a scrappy team and they held close for the first 3 quarters. Scary. Thankfully, our girls really pulled away in the fourth quarter and ended up winning 62-37! Yay! (I cannot change my blue nail polish at this point.)

Now tomorrow night they host Loyal at home for the regional championship. Should be quite a game. Before that, though, I've got my 5-mile run and hubby and I have a mid-afternoon bowling tournament. To answer your question: No, we don't have much down time around here!

During all this, Carter has a friend over tonight. They've been instructed to "keep it down" so I get some decent sleep. At this point, with my lack of committed training for this race, that's not going to help much. But they don't need to know that. 

If March is coming in like a lamb, it's only appropriate I am counting sheep anyway... 1... 2... 3...