'Tis the Season

Birds singing...
Bats swinging...
Spring beginning??

I actually felt badly for the birds I heard chirping outside my window this morning. Sure it got up to 68 degrees (allegedly) but apparently they don't have a weather app to see that it is only going to be highs in the 30s the next 3 out of 4 days.

Typical that it would be nice when the Twins played their first game -- on the road -- and will be back to the 30s on Friday when our Assumption Royals take the field -- at home. 

Still, baseball is baseball and it is fun no matter how many layers we wear or how many runs we score. Though I will admit that winning is far more rewarding for those of us snuggled (yet still shivering) under blankets and down jackets for 3 hours.

The nice weather today puts us all in a good mood. That and the fact that the Badgers are playing in the Final Four this weekend. And the fact that our German "son" Lukas will be here in a little over 2 weeks. And the fact that Carter is wrapping up Driver's Ed and has his test scheduled a few days after his birthday.

He has baseball games May 1, 2 and 5 so he had to wait. Baseball = Always the priority.

Still looking forward to some good times at the ball parks. Both hubby's team and mine opened with our arch enemies today and lost. His Reds to the Cardinals, my Twins to the White Sox.

The good news is that the Cubs are already knocked out of playoff contention -- this according to my favorite satirical publication, The Onion. Hahaha. 

Play ball!

 

Open, Sesame!

It was a magical day in central Wisconsin. And I'm not just saying that because I was on drugs...

Yup, had my fill of grass and crack today. Little by little the front and back yards are reappearing (along with little lakes). And I didn't just crack the windows open. I pushed them up all the way! Open, sesame! Come into the house, Fresh Air!

We ended up with a high of 59 degrees today and sunny, sunny, sunny. Oh, and windy. That's the part that prevented the date with Mr. Deck Chair. Could not quite feel the warmth.

I had a productive day, though. Carter and I were up for 8 o'clock church. Stopped to get a few groceries afterward, then came home on a mission. Different kind than yesterday. Today was getting things done around here.

As a pro-bono freelance job, I volunteered to design graduation party invitations for one of my "daughters." Finished that up by noon (quite pleased if I do say so myself), then hit spring-cleaning mode.

Washed some windows (inside and out) and set to work in the basement, trying to de-clutter and clean up the TV/game room and ping-pong/toy storage room. Felt like I got a lot done even though there is a ways to go. Have to get back at it after I blog, but needed to sit down. The thing about cleaning is that you find yourself standing a lot. Must be why I don't do it much. (Ha, ha)

Was glad I did get outside for nice walk. I will not completely ignore a beautiful day nor take it for granted. In case you didn't see the forecast, we'll be back to highs in the low 30s with chances of snow in a few days.

We might need to find some different drugs to legalize. I know there ain't no cure for the summertime blues, but what about springtime?

In search of doctor to make house call!

Mission Impossible

While Carter slept soundly in bed this morning, hubby and I were out of the house by 8 a.m. on a secret shopping mission.

After some recent discussion, we decided that perhaps I could use a "new to me" vehicle to beat in the ground on my 90-mile round-trip commute each day. And, consequently, "my" current Honda Civic would become custody of one new 16-year-old.

It was just a thought. We really hadn't planned on giving anyone a car for his birthday. And as beginner's luck would have it, we may not.

After some Internet research, we found a vehicle to suit my needs (yes, another Honda Civic). Unfortunately, when we got to the lot in Green Bay this morning, it had been sold. There's really no way we could have gotten over there any sooner in the week, so that is how things go.

We also looked at some other used cars on our route home, including a "very used" vehicle as old as Carter. Carter seems to be holding up better, though, and we passed on the idea of him driving something we didn't feel 100% comfortable in.

So we're back to square one and thankful we have time on our side. And Carter is none the wiser.

Oh wait, the secret's out?

Apparently so. Because when he drove me to Plover later, Carter mentioned the morning shopping-less spree. Great. He assured me that if he does get wheels for his birthday, though, he "will still act surprised." Whatever. I suppose it's better than his original birthday request he mentioned last week.

"If I just get a car and Eminem tickets for my birthday, that will cover the next few years of birthdays." Oh, OK, we'll get right on that. And certainly let you drive 9 hours to a rapper / rock concert in Detroit this summer.

You bet. Happy birthday.

Photographic Memory

Do you remember that one year when spring actually came? After driving to work through some occasional black ice situations, I decided to conjure up some images of spring... just so I could remember what it was like!

It worked.

I recall Sylvester loves to watch the world out the window come to life -- not to mention feeling the fresh air! I love the sound of soft rain and seeing the pretty flowers. And, of course, enjoy any day possible at the baseball diamond -- preferably not having to wear a parka!

It seems Mother Nature is getting in the mood, too.

High temps in the upper 30s today, creeping to the 40s on Saturday and, gasp, somewhere in the 50s Sunday. Not quite dating weather for Mr. Deck Chair and me.

Surprisingly, I did find a spring in my step, though. My next-door neighbor Niki called me at 6 to see if I wanted to go see a band tonight at The Ridges, where I had just dropped Carter off to work. The band wasn't starting until 9 (almost past my bedtime) but I said yes.

Glad I did. Road Trip is an awesome band!

I guess you'd just refer to them as a "cover band" but they did a superb job of covering every type of song from The Go-Go's to Lady Gaga and from Motley Crue and Miranda Lambert to Daft Punk. WE knew every song. They were crazy good.

And Niki and I got crazy tired and sweaty from dancing. And it was great. Actually stayed 'til after 12:30 a.m. Didn't necessarily want to go then but morning comes early around these parts.

Too bad spring doesn't follow suit.

Four Seasons Hotel

I can't remember if I've shared this before or not. Seems quite appropriate with the rain pouring outside my window, waiting to turn to sleet and snow before bedtime.

This also could be why my body can't decide if it has a winter cold, spring allergies or summer hay fever. It's just going to keep coughing 'til it figures something out, I guess.

I felt like I was bringing a portable pharmacy to work today with my cough drops, other lozenges to be taken once every 4 hours, my mucous-loosening pills and throat spray. You know what actually helped? The Soothing Throat Tamer tea. Seriously, that is what it is called. I think it's normally for bedtime, but I managed to alternate it with coffee to stay alert at work.

Will have to have another cup shortly. I was planning to get together was some friends tonight but have quarantined myself for the evening. I just can't get this cough under control. And, frankly, my body hurts. Ever get back aches or stomach muscle aches from coughing too much? Not fun.

What is fun is watching the Badgers doing well in the NCAA tourney. They're ahead at halftime. I think I'll sip my medicinal tea and catch the second half. 

Would much rather see that than sit around watching that darn snow fall, wouldn't you?

Still wondering if I can keep my date with Mr. Deck Chair this weekend...

Crowning Achievement

I worked in my home office today since I had a very special event this afternoon. See if you can guess...

Yup, I got the royal treatment alright. Temporary, though. Apparently when I go back in 10 days for the permanent crown, they will roll out the red carpet and have the formal ceremony.

It's the least they could do for the price I paid for it. And that was only the half insurance didn't cover. Wow. I no longer can snub my nose at beauty queens and pageant monsters, er, moms.

But I probably still will.

I had to go through more pain than them. Actually, the crown isn't bad. It's the root canal beforehand that requires the crown that is not for sissies. Mine was long overdue, but when does a person have $500 just laying around to give to the dentist? I finally bit the bullet, even though I would rather have used that money for a plane trip down South.

This way, I can at least play up the princess card a few days. Until the other princess in the house finds out and/or the clock strikes 12 and I am Cinderella again.

Still going to work on my "wave" just in case. Elbow... elbow... wrist... wrist....

Words With Friends

In honor of my mother's 82nd birthday, I have to share these puns. She has always been clever with her words and got a kick out of these when I read them to her over the phone tonight...

Good stuff, right? I tend to save up good pun jokes to tell her now and then. It's just good to hear her laugh.

I ended up calling her pretty late (for us old-timers) because I was sharing words with friends... not puns, necessarily. It was our first night of book club. OUR book club.

Remember I told you awhile back my friend Christine and I were looking to start a club? Well we had 8 members at our inaugural meeting of the Face To Facebook Club tonight discussing The Book Thief. I am not going to divulge the story line or ending of the book, but it rated a 4.8 on our 5-point scale. We highly recommend it.

That's pretty much all I can say. What happens at book club stays at book club... Well, except for our public recommendations and any personal thoughts I might have on the current book.

Since it's late, though, you'll be spared this time. (Whew. Right?) I really need to take my cough medicine and see if I can be quiet just once today!

I'll let you know tomorrow if THAT story has a happy ending.

We said BASEball, not SNOWball!

You know you live in Wisconsin when the first day of baseball practice looks like this...

I am not amused.

This was taken a little after 5 p.m. and the flakes continue to fall heavily and just keep getting bigger. Ol' Man Winter seriously does not know when to call it quits.

Carter did have practice today. They basically split the high school team into two groups and commandeered two gymnasiums for skills drills. I suspect they aren't going to get any real playing time in before their first game next Friday. Looking at the 10-day forecast, there could be some major melting going on, but melting will only lead to messy! Considering the April 4 game is set to be up north in Edgar, there's really, really a slim chance the season will kick off then.

But maybe Mother Nature will assert herself by then and kick the old man to the curb.

In the meantime, Carter and his teammates will try to get into the swing of things -- and I will, too, after being out of the office a week.

Frankly, Mondays tend to be a rude awakening no matter how many days you've been away. Today was just exacerbated (my seldom-used word of the day) by a print deadline, a co-worker's dead computer and a virtual pile of unread email. Yay, Mondays!

On the bright side, only 4 days to Friday AND it might be warm enough Sunday to have a date with Mr. Deck Chair.

Take that, Ol' Man Winter! And in case you didn't get the memo...

:)

Forward, March!

It was deceptively sunny today. The cold reality, though, is this: It's March 23 and the high was 23 degrees.

I am not liking this pattern. But it did make this image below 100 percent appropriate...

Am I right or am I right?

Needless to say, it was an indoor day. Probably best so I didn't push my limit with this cough crapola. Got up for early church, kindly declined the "passing of the peace" and managed to get through the service with only 3 cough drops.

Have been trying some various remedies from the lozenges to the new DayQuil "Severe" and my old prescription cough pills from when I had bronchitis a month ago. The reason I had some left is because I did not find them effective. The second time around and the same holds true. Who'd have thunk it?

I concentrated today on some of my 40 Bags in 40 Days Lenten mission, which obviously is waaaaay off schedule due to my travels last week. I will say I probably photographed about 40 items for sale and posted those on my "online garage sale" sites on Facebook. Hopefully a few things sell so it was worth my time.

Then I dragged a big garbage bag to the basement "living area" (aka ping-pong, game room). Put a few obvious items in for disposal and then, frankly, did not know how to proceed. I was flummoxed. (Isn't that a great word that needs more use?)

So I gave up for now and will have to create a game plan for that "play room." Basically, anything that looks like it came from a Happy Meal gets tossed. Anything "stuffed" probably smells old and can join them. As for books and books and decent toys, I can't decide if I price them for the babysitter's garage sale or donate them or what. I know donating is quickest, but I also know kids items go well at her sale.

I guess I should quit typing and get working.

Transform my Spring Forward in March to a full-blown "Forward, March!"

Silver Belles

Our Assumption girls basketball team's back-to-back bid for a state championship came full circle today. But not in a good way.

Last year we beat the team from Barneveld by 4 points to claim the Division 5 title.

This year, unfortunately, they beat us by that same slim margin. Dang. It was close the whole game. We had a 2- to 4-point lead most of the time but they tied it in the fourth quarter and our girls just couldn't capture the lead again.

They played their hearts out and were extremely disappointed to be the silver belles of the ball, rather than the golden ones again.

(Photo courtesy Katie Mancl)

We were all very proud of them, though! When their bus arrived back in Rapids, it was escorted through town by the fire department, ending at the high school, where we had a welcome-back pep rally of sorts. I'm pretty sure Carter has never played his baritone this many hours in one week before! Wow, busy for everyone.

After that event, most of us headed over to The Ridges for food, refreshments and reruns. Well, they did re-watch the game and then it was all about NCAA basketball. Since I got up early to get Carter to school for the band bus at 7:30 a.m., I bailed and came home.

Needed cough syrup and, frankly, just needed to be home. Between Vegas and two days in Green Bay, I really, really just want to be home.

But, like we tell our state runner-up hoops team, there is always tomorrow...

March Math

Today wasn't just any Friday. It was the "last day of my vacation and Austin family March birthday celebration" Friday!

With fish.

Jim's parents treated us to dinner (aka Fish Fry) at the nearby Wildhorse Saloon. We were celebrating the birthdays of my mother-in-law, brother-in-law Baird and elder stepson Casey. Everybody made it so that was great!

We all rolled out of there, feeling pretty full. But there's always room for cake and ice cream, right?

We stopped over at Baird and Sherry's for that. When we were taking the obligatory scrapbook photo, that's when we realized that Casey's age plus Baird's age equals Mom's age. I would never tell her age, but Casey turned 23 and Baird is turning 52.

Got that March math?

Good thing we only use it to count years -- not calories associated with fried foods and frosting!

What a yummy month this is turning out to be.

PTA :: The Sequel

In the hilarious 1987 movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Steve Martin's character struggles to travel home for Thanksgiving, with an obnoxious slob of a shower ring salesman (John Candy) his only companion.

I can identify with the travel "struggles." At times in the past 24 hours I was convinced we were making the Planes, Trains and Automobiles sequel!

The plan was to wrap up our conference by noon on Wednesday and then four of us from the show staff would be flying together from Vegas to Green Bay, with a brief layover at the Minneapolis airport. Wow, that word "brief" sure came into play.

We flew Delta both ways and we heard (over the speakers) so many departure delays we were surprised we made to to Vegas on time Saturday were surprised we were about to depart on time Wednesday. Well, we didn't. Despite their efforts for a quick loading to be on time, we weren't quick.

Then there was that "mechanical issue" with the air conditioning and heat. It was being down for "our comfort," but frankly there were a lot of us who just wanted to get going so we wouldn't miss our connections in Minneapolis. We ended up departing almost a half hour late and those of us in my traveling party pretty much knew it was going to be hard to catch our flight with our only 42-minute layover now reduced to maybe 12 minutes at most.

So our game plan was that the two of us "runners" (ha) would get to the front of our plane when it parked, disembark and run like hell to catch our departing plane -- and tell them to hold it for the rest. Well we did disembark quickly. And I did probably run my fastest 5K. Ever. But it was not enough. We got to gate and our plane to Green Bay was pulling out to take off.

What? Finally a plane is departing on time and it's OURS??

Turns out it was the last of the night to Green Bay and we could sit in the airport and wait 12 hours for the flight today or drive home. Even though it was 10 at night and a four-hour hike, we rented a vehicle and drove to my travel companions' home in Shawano (45 minutes out of Green Bay) -- with a much-deserved Shamrock Shake stop along the way!

I slept there and we went to the airport (crossing our fingers) this morning so we could get there at 11:30 to meet our luggage off the plane from the Cities. Luggage was there, thank goodness. I did a quick Superman phone booth change in the bathroom -- mainly applying deodorant and makeup -- then met Jim at a saloon near the state basketball field house, where he gave me an Assumption shirt, I did another quick Superman change in the bathroom and we walked over the game.

Have luggage. Have ticket. Have Royal Blue shirt. Whew. Made it!!

We sat a few rows up from the court but had to sort of turn at an angle to watch our girls take on  Heritage Christian Academy in the semi-final. Had a good view of our band but the spirit bibbed Carter was tucked behind people. Lucky for him, no photos today.

The game ended up being less stressful than I expected, which was good because I got some of my voice back and didn't want to scream it away in one game.

In the end, we made quite a statement with our winning score!! Whoo-hoo! Now we will play Saturday for our second consecutive state championship.

That should be quite the game as we play Barneveld, who gave us one of our two losses this season AND beat their opponent today by 19 points.

Better save up my voice for that one!

What Happens...

I'm beginning to understand the slogan: "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas." Not because I am doing anything wild and crazy while I help out at a conference, but because there are things you wouldn't believe unless you saw them for yourself.

Or unless someone took pictures.

Here's me trying something new...

Sushi!! I have to admit I did try it last year and could only gulp down one mouthful. I just couldn't get past the words "eel juice" listed as an ingredient on the menu. This year, though, I tried one that had no eel (sounds like a Christmas carol) and was more citrus-y with some cream cheese. Pretty tasty. I had not one, but two!

And I am obviously becoming a master with the chopsticks. I've learned that if I can't pick something up with them in two tries, just stab the food and pick it up that way! Anything goes in Vegas.

To prove my point...

When was the last time you saw cup holders in a bathroom stall? Had to laugh right out loud at the fact it was there. And the apparent design for a two-fisted drinker. Yup, anything goes in Vegas.

Including me staying up past my bedtime every night. Most of my conference is wrapped up now and it will only go 'til noon tomorrow. Then it will be time to say goodbye, hop on a plane and land back in Wisconsin before midnight.

Won't be blogging on Wednesday. You won't miss much as we all will be missing (together) the Pep Rally for the state-bound girls basketball team and a pre-season baseball meeting about a season that may not arrive for awhile.

I'll catch up with you Thursday when I can tell you all about the day in Green Bay, cheering on our Lady Royals... assuming what happens at state doesn't have to stay there!

Irish Blessing?

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Or as I like to call it, Shamrock Shake Day! (Even though I didn't have one.)

The weird thing about St. Patrick's Day is everyone seems to acknowledge it -- even if they are 100 percent Scandi-hoovian like me. My husband, and consequently my son, have a wee bit of Irish in them. They both would have appreciated a true Irish Blessing if I was home.... Woke up with absolutely no voice.

Squeaked my way through the first half of the day. Then managed to make myself heard by midafternoon. Will keep drinking (that's what we do on St. Patty's Day, isn't it?) to keep my throat lubricated. I will skip the green beer, though, and stick with water. Lots of it. Just glad the hard part of the day is over.

As luck would have it -- and some luck is fitting today -- we wrapped up conference meetings and such at 5:35 p.m. Why do I know the exact time? Those of you who know me well can guess.

"Ohmigosh I have time to sit outside before the sun sets!"

Although the temps have been nice since my arrival (according to my phone's weather app), I was only outside to board the cab at the airport and disembark at the hotel. Knowing I had about 20 minutes before the sun set tonight, or at least the pool area with chairs closed, I didn't waste any time.

I didn't bother trying to get up to my room to change. I carried my purse and two bags with stuff and just plopped down on a chair in the sunshine. At least I had short sleeves on. But still long pants and shoes. Who cares? I was sitting in the sun and it was 82 degrees. Despite winds at a constant 20 mph, I braved the windchill just fine.

We'll see if maybe that was a cure for what ails me. Knowing our schedule the next two days, that little dose is pretty much gonna have to do it. Sadly.

Ah well. That's why they call it work. After hearing the winter-storm weather reports for back in Wisconsin, I'll take it.

It's like my personal Shamrock Shake blessing!

The Voice :: Unplugged

A funny thing happened on the way to Vegas... I haven't lost any money yet, but I did lose my voice already. No gambling involved.

It was strange. Despite the fact I got up at 3 a.m. Saturday to catch my flight out of Green Bay, I felt fine. Then, as were descending into Las Vegas, I suddenly got this annoying little cough. By later in the day, my voice was close to gone.

This morning, it was worse. I felt OK but sounded like a heavy smoker or some showgirl with a sexy raspy voice. I didn't have a runny nose or cold-like symptoms, just the squeak. Unfortunately, today was the registration for the conference I am helping at and I had a lot of talking to do greeting people, explaining the schedule, events and so on.

My volume fluctuated and sometimes went to mute.

Typically, back at home, the guys say I am using "The Voice" when I merely am trying to make a stern point. Well, stern but impatient point.

Poor Daddy and Carter, here The Voice finally has been unplugged and they don't get to reap the benefits.

I am hitting the hay early tonight so I can hopefully sleep it off -- whatever "it" is. Three more days of work to be done and this was not on our agenda! Plus I need to be able to cheer at the state basketball tournament upon my return!

I guess what happens in Vegas really will stay in Vegas. I, for one, won't be talking about it.

Royal Rerun

I don't mind when history repeats itself -- when it's a good thing. Like our girls basketball team earning back-to-back trips to state!

In an unusual scheduling conflict, neither Jim nor I could attend the sectional championship game. He had a fantasy baseball draft and I woke up at 3 a.m. to fly out to Vegas for "work". So Carter represented our fan base on Blue Jay Drive and did a fine job of it.

Thankfully there were others taking pictures!

Today's game was held in Wausau -- neutral territory again -- this time versus Goodman-Pembine. I tried to find the game online or listen while on the airplane, since they have wi-fi these days, but had no luck. Thankfully some friends sent me quarterly updates. Our girls ended up winning by quite a decent margin. How awesome!

Now they head to the state championship tournament in Green Bay, starting next Thursday. I will return home just in time. Yay!

When I landed in Vegas and saw we were ahead, I thought, "I bet we're going to state again!" Pretty good wager, huh? Probably used up my luck right there. Better stay away from those penny slots while I'm here.

I know. Just call me high roller.

I'm just glad the Royals are on a roll!

TGIF (Thank God It's Fry-Day)

Around here, a person can find a pretty good fish fry just about any Friday, year-round. But during Lent, the area restaurants and organizations step up their efforts.

Hubby is locked in to help at the St. Lawrence fish fry every Friday during the Easter "season." He is running the dishwasher like Carter does at work -- only Carter gets paid for it! Since it's Jim's church, he is willing to donate his time -- as long as I can escort the boy around.

Tonight Carter did not have to work so I picked him up at school at 5 and we went to the church. Managed to drag hubby away from the dishwasher so we could all dine together... with the dozens of other people. Their fish is great. French Fries need some flavoring. But the side salads are pretty good and the dessert table always has a great selection. Since it was Pi Day today I had to go with Pie!

A good meal.

Even though Jim will work there the rest of Lent, I think I may branch off to other providers. Do you want some recommendations from my experience?

If you live around here, KI (Kellner International) does not disappoint. The Ridges is much improved so I like theirs. If you go to Anchor Bay, try their au gratin haddock. Wow. Yummy. Good. If you can venture a ways from town, try the perch at Ponderosa Pines. They have my top vote for the whole area!

Where do you get yours? I love fish so I am always open to try new places.

Any time of the year.

Happy Fry-Day!

March Gladness

After sort of cruising through the playoffs for a regional championship, the "real" March Madness began tonight.

Our Assumption girls played their nemesis on the court -- Wausau Newman -- who they faced at state last year (and beat) on their way to the state championship. I'm not sure how grids shift from year to year, but now we were up against them earlier in the playoff process.

While the game was set in neutral territory, it was still two hours away up in Antigo. There was no question we were going to go. The team went, the band went and a fan bus went. Hubby and I drove ourselves.

Got there an hour before game time and the gym filled up fast. The Pep Band was playing right away so I managed to sneak a picture of Carter rockin' his Spirit Bibs. Cool, eh?

The game itself was insane. One word to describe it: Intense. We were behind, then ahead, then behind. Lots of lead changes as the teams stayed within about 4 points of each other the first 3 quarters. We trailed after one quarter, led by two at half and I think led by two after 3. Nerve wracking.

In the fourth quarter, we somehow got our groove back and eeked out a sectional win. Way to go, girls!! Now they will play Saturday as only one game now stands between them and a return to State.

Let's keep the March Gladness rollin'...

Spring Back

After driving to work in the snowfall this morning, I wondered if spring would ever get here. The answer is no. And you can blame my southern sister Rayna.

The past few years, she has created a beautiful calendar highlighting some of her best photographs. We siblings are the lucky ones who get these as Christmas gifts and are reminded year-round of family (whose birthdays are featured like holidays).

This year, however, she neglected to include spring.

See? It's blank on March 20th! And, upon further inspection, if you look at June, she didn't include summer either. So I guess we'll just sit here in the Northwoods, suffering from spring fever.

Endlessly.

I guess I can't point all fingers south. While it's easy to have someone to take the fall, we know the factual reality of winter around here. It looks something like this:

That day in March... Yup, we just had it.

So I did not need to see that snow falling today nor drive through it. Did not need to see that forecast of below-zero temperatures tonight.

Did not need to see that blank space on the calendar.

The good news is that I have a week to fill it in!

Unlisted

I decided to bypass my "40 Bags in 40 Days" Lent list tonight for another list: This year's Oscar-nominated movies I want to see.

Went over to my BFF's house and it was basically a flip of the coin tonight which sad and/or sadistic film we wanted to view: Dallas Buyers Club or 12 Years A Slave.

Tonight we chose Dallas Buyers Club starring now-Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey. Wasn't too familiar with the plot or the fact that it is based on a true story. A quick synopsis: In 1985 Dallas, electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof (aka McConaughey) works around the system to help AIDS patients get the medication they need after he is himself diagnosed with the disease.

For those of us who recall 1985, it was the year most of us were surprised by the cause of Rock Hudson's death. What is AIDS? And who gets it? Can I get it if the afflicted person touches me or even lives in my neighborhood or goes to my school?

So much misunderstood. And so much helplessness about curing the disease.

That was reflected in this film, along with the main character's drive to help people in the same boat. Given 30 days to live, he was on a mission. His mantra: Dare to Live.

What would I do with only 30 days? Help others or help myself?

I doubt the answer is that simple. And that's what makes a good movie. Forcing us to think beyond the 1 hour and 57 minutes.

Christine and I give it two thumbs up.

5-4-3-2-1

For the second day in a row -- and I am sure it won't go beyond that -- I was able to take a walk outside. Without a jacket!

The numbers above, however, do not represent a countdown to spring. Or the inch-by-inch melting of snow today. They actually reflect an upcoming transition. Sadly.

We were blessed with a sunny high temp of 54 today. But it will then dip to 43 tonight and a high of 32 tomorrow, then a wickedly chilly high of 21 on Wednesday. Yup typical Wisconsin. Short pants on Monday and parka on Wednesday.

While we wait patiently for spring, my body is waiting to find that lost hour from Sunday. I am being mocked in my own household for admitting that "Daylight Savings has kicked me in the arse!" I mean it happens every year but apparently I adjust to it as well as we do to winter.

Have you noticed the adjustment to spring is far more enjoyable? If you like cruel jokes, that is.

We breathe in the fresh, crisp air but don't believe for a minute that it really is a new season. We know that Old Man Winter's other shoe will surely drop.

And I guess the weather forecasters have validated that once again. Just like I know from past experience I will eventually recapture those 60 minutes of snooze.

I might as well start now... In 5-4-3-2-1...

Bowling Ain't for Sissies

Bowling ain't for sissies. Just ask that elderly couple down the hall -- Mr. & Mrs. Austin -- who rolled out of bed this morning with creaks and groans. Oh my ailing back... hips... shoulders...

Yup. We are out of keggling shape!

I realize part of that is that fact that we bowl only twice a year. The other major part is that we bowled FOUR games -- with no rest (so we could make that basketball game)! So now we suffer but we soldier on like the troopers and embarrassed complainers that we are.

And managed to make the most of the beautiful "sprung forward" day.

Had to work awhile this morning. Have a guy covering a high-class car show down in Florida for one of our magazines, so I had to post photos online as he took them and emailed them to me. Had to do that awhile yesterday and Friday night, too. Just glad I didn't have to drive over to Iola to do it!

For "home" work today, I finished that coat closet and moved onto the bathroom cabinets -- above and below the sink -- which yielded another full garbage bag. Whoo-hoo!

Loaded up the CRV with five "to donate" bags Planned to drop them off at the Bethesda Thrift Shop in the mall, but when I got there, they were closed. Should have checked their schedule first. Oh well. As long as I was out, I got grocery shopping done anyway.

After I got supper in the oven tonight, I went for a half-hour walk. It was so nice to smell and feel the fresh 40-degree air. And it was daylight AFTER 5 p.m. Nice. Saw plenty of yellow snow in our neighborhood so I know the dogs (and their owners) have been wave braver than me in this cold winter!

I was just glad to get outside and put some muscles on this old bag to work. Obviously, my body has been splitting time between sitting and sleeping and I haven't been able to spare the time to strike up any energy for exercise.

At least I've kept my mind out of the gutter. As for the gut, let's not go there...

Springin' Forward

When you know you are going to lose an hour due to Daylight Savings, you sometimes feel compelled to make up for it. And despite the fact I was in bed 'til almost 9 a.m. today, I did a pretty good job of squeezing as much as possible into the limited hours.

I did have about an hour of actual work-work to do but after that it was go time. I had the house to myself while the guys were on their own mission to get some things done in town, including batting practice, so I cranked some throwback jams and got going!

With the 40 Bags in 40 Days Lenten De-Crapifying Challenge staring me in the face, I knew I had to tackle a major "focus area" to compensate for my late start. I chose the coat closet off our living room.

The thing about our coat closet is that the door opens and you see the coats and what's on the shelves and floor but you forget that hidden to the left the closet extends another few feet. That's where the time capsule was hidden. And by time capsule I mean items that reflect the early childhood of a little boy.

And actually a teenage girl, too.

I know what you're thinking. The '80s called and they want their clothes back! It just happened that stuffed in that closet was a duffel bag of items worn for a sister weekend "Opening Act." It was a good thing I had those saved all these years, er decades, so I had them for that one song several years ago. Now that that's done, do I have to say goodbye?

The jury's still out on that one, but I did manage to part with 3 fanny packs (who has that many in real life?) and quite a bit more. All totaled, I ended up with one full garbage bag for disposal, three full grocery bags for charity and one bag for potential sale. Not bad for one "trouble spot," eh?

I still have a few things to go through from that closet, but I ran out of time.

Hubby and I participated (notice I didn't say competed) in a bowling tournament this afternoon. It was a 9-Pin Tap format, which means knocking down 9 pins in your first roll is a strike. My kind of bowling!

Several friends were there, too, so we had a goofy (note photo) good time. The only problem was that it started a half hour late and we knew we'd be pressed for time to get Carter to school for Pep Band by 6:15 p.m. and even us to the regional championship game on time at 7. Luckily we arranged a last-minute ride for Carter. Our last of 4 games didn't end until a few minutes to 7.

Glad we stayed for our finish, though, since I bowled a 198 that last game! My highest score ever I am sure. And I know I have to put an asterisk there since it was only 9-Pin, but that won't stop me from bragging. I didn't win any prizes for that since my other scores aren't worth reporting. However, I did get to pick a prize when I successfully knocked down a split. That should hold us over until the next time we bowl.

In a year.

We got to the Assumption Girls Basketball game right at tip-off. Since this was for the regional title, the gym was packed with our fans and a ton from visiting Loyal. I had wanted to get there early enough to see Carter in Pep Band and take a photo. He had a special ensemble tonight. Clothing that is. He wore some new blue-and-white striped bibs. Very spirited. We missed the band and he would not allow me to take his picture later.

Good thing our girls are moving onto sectionals so I'll have another chance!

Yup, the Lady Royals continue on the road to state with a convincing victory. Nice job! This Thursday they will take on their conference arch-rival -- Wausau Newman Catholic.

After the game, we dropped Carter off at home and hung out with some Assumption friends down the road. Got home with time to spare -- when it comes to changing the clocks.

Pretty sure that Sunday -- officially a 23-hour day -- will feel more like spring as far as temperatures go. But after my busy day today, there won't be much spring in my step.

Don't forget to "spring forward" so we are one hour closer to spring... when it arrives in June.

Lucky Seven

The 7th of March is always a lucky day. We celebrate my #1 stepson's birthday. Hard to believe Casey turned 23 today. Wow. He has grown into a fine young man!

It's probably lucky, too, that his birthday falls on a Friday this year. I guess that constitutes a whole birthday WEEKEND, right? I imagine living in a college town that he can make that happen.

Other lucky (or at least positive) signs today...

Saw some puddles -- which means warmer temperatures! Not going to say too much to jinx it. Officially, we got up to 36 today. The first day above freezing since I don't know when. We'll take it.

Today was the beginning of the popular Lenten season Friday fish fries, too. Hubby was officially trained last week and will be part of the kitchen crew at his church, St. Lawrence, which serves every Friday night during Lent.

Today his shift was 4-8 p.m. Since Carter needed to be to work at 5, I left work a bit early, picked him up at home and got him there. Turns out both my guys were doing dishes tonight. One for pay and one out of the goodness of his heart. What did I do? Not dishes.

After dropping Carter off, I came home and did not do dishes nor dirty any. Had a toasted bagel with Nutella then headed into town to the school for the other fun part of the day.

Regional basketball playoff continued for high school girls tonight. Our Lady Royals beat Marshfield Columbus by another dominating score: 60-20. Tomorrow night they will play for the Regional championship against Loyal. Now that will be a tough matchup! Should be fun to watch.

After the game, I picked up Carter from work. Jim had made it to the game for part of the second half but after putting in all that hard work in the kitchen, I sent him home. Was happy we were all home by 10 so we can get some sleep!

The weather was so nice today I may not even need my mattress pad turned on.

Just kidding. Of course it's on.

But I may be able to sleep without socks!

It's in the Can

Back in the mid-'70s, when my age was still in the single digits, one of my sisters lived in Florida. Oh how my twin sister and I loved to get letters from Romey on Walt Disney stationery or receive little Mickey Mouse stickers. The best gift, though, came one Christmas.

It was a can of Florida Sunshine.

Unfortunately, the gift was for all of us -- not just me -- so I could not claim ownership or any rights to its use. I was young enough to believe, though, that opening that weightless can would actually produce the heat of the Florida sun -- right there in our living room.

On the coldest winter days, I would beg our mom to open that can! Why are we suffering when summer is in the can?? She never relented. So I never knew what was really inside. If anything.

For years it sat on the bookshelves in the living room, taunting me. I wouldn't doubt if it was still there.

If it is, I'm pretty sure if Mom wasn't down in Texas for the past month, she'd have cracked it open by now. I know I would!

Actually, with all the online shopping I do, I wonder if I can't find some bottled up Florida sunshine and have it delivered -- overnight, of course -- right to my doorstep.

I've got my can opener ready.

Treasure Chest

After much deliberation and soul searching, I have decided to give up winter for Lent.

Don't you wish it was that easy?

Actually, I had pondered a few things I should deprive myself of during the next 40 days. Even with our Lutheran "get out of Lent free" card, I do want to do something that could change something or someone. Maybe even me.

I did not get to Ash Wednesday church services tonight but that doesn't mean I am not in the right frame of mind. As it turned out, Carter and I went to the church for the 5:30 soup supper. When we saw tonight's flavors were not in tune with our palates, we went to Culver's instead.

We had all intentions of going back for 6:30 services, but then I got a text from a friend in need. I dropped Carter off at home and went to her house to help her cope with a life-changing crisis. I realized a few things. The most important was that the people in our lives and our hearts -- and our relationships with them -- are the most important thing.

Things, though, are not that important. But some of us cling to things -- or treasures (as referenced above) -- as we would a loved one about to walk out of lives for good. We get clingy, greedy and selfish. Let me hold onto these treasures. They are mine! 

We lose sight of the real treasures around us.

When I stumbled upon this challenge tonight after I got home, it came to me quite clearly what I need to do.

What an excellent Lenten challenge! You can read more about it here (http://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/40-bags-in-40-days-2014/). 

It definitely hit home with me. That and that beautifully organized pile of hoodies I can't part with. I know I won't fill a bag with them but I'm sure I can find more than two to bid farewell. Guess I can add the other closets to my "progress grid." I'll let you know how it goes.

In the meantime, I am still going to try to give up winter. Thank you for your support.

Fat Tuesday (the Tamed Version)

The scale reminded me this morning that it was Fat Tuesday. Not to be confused with Fat Monday, of course. That goes without saying.

Typically, the purpose of Fat Tuesday is to fatten up on all our guilty pleasures before we deny ourselves for the 40 days of Lent. Since I didn't want to start out too far in the Mardi Gras hole, I had a tame day.

In fact, the only thing Fat about my Tuesday was the margin of victory our Assumption girls basketball team had over Granton in round one of the regional playoffs. In all fairness, the matchup wasn't exactly fair, but they always pit the #1 and #8 seeds against each other in the first round. Logically, it would have been more honorable to just give our Lady Royals a bye instead of putting Granton through the pain of a 65-14 loss.

I took some video tonight of the Pep Band playing as the girls start their warmups. I apologize for the shaky camera work. In the first seconds I do want to point out that as our team enters the gym, they are jumping up to touch the retired #22 jersey of Kiley (Flugaur) Hackl for luck.

Kiley, a member of the AHS winning state team in 1998 (and former babysitter for our big boys), died a year ago this week.

Here is the video:



Since the game was so lopsided, there wasn't much to stop the clock in the second half. It was basically done in an hour. That's good since we could come home and give Carter a few extra minutes to do homework.

And give me too many minutes to contemplate something really fattening on Fat Tuesday.

Think we'll stick with hot tea and a warm bed.

(I know. I won't earn any beads THAT way!)

Spring-Loaded

I don't suppose we can blame the extended winter on some sort of computer glitch. Perhaps a delayed Y2K?

Now I DO believe it! With lows around minus 20 to minus 25 in these here parts, I will believe anything. And, of course, continue to realize it is all out of our control. So I really should shut up about it, right?

As my twin sister put it today, winter is just wearing us down. And that I do believe!

One thing that did put a spring in our step today was parent-teacher conferences. We weren't too concerned since Carter made Honor Roll the first semester, but he does have his struggles. His teachers confirmed that.

While Carter's grades are not perfect, he did receive high praise for his behavior, attitude and charm. Now we just have to cure his test-taking woes, and we're on the right path.

It seriously is comforting and encouraging to hear -- and know that we as his parents can take at least half the credit. Right?

I'll guess we'll stick with what we can control. Somehow, though, I don't think we can control a teenager much more than Ol' Man Winter. One can give us a cold shoulder but the other can certainly make us chilled to the bone.

I prefer the short-lived cold shoulder. I've got lots of hoodies to wear for that!

And the Oscar Goes to...

I am somewhat of an awards-show junkie. I like the Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys, Screen Actors Guild Awards and, of course, the Academy Awards (a.k.a. The Oscars).

The Oscars are a special exception. Why? Because I am the least prepared or knowledgeable going into them. For the Emmys, Globes and SAG, they include some TV shows I am familiar with at least. Grammys are touch and go. But consistently I rarely, and I mean rarely, have actually seen the movies nominated for top honors.

I consider the Oscars a guidebook of the 5 movies I should probably rent in the next year. Or make that 9. Yup, there are 9 movies nominated for Best Picture. How have I not seen any of them on the big screen (or even little screen)? I need to get out more.

For now, I will watch a while just to see if any actors and actresses I like win anything. And see if Ellen is as entertaining as usual. Since I am not rooting for any particular movie, I am OK with not staying up past my bedtime.

Plus I am full from a yummy supper and tired from some "organizing" today. Did you know I folded and organized about 30 hooded sweatshirts and only found 2 that I can part with? But that's a problem (and a blog) for another day.

You can see why I am exhausted.

I also sneaked in a couple hundred pages of The Book Thief. Now that's a movie I do plan to see -- on some size screen -- when I can!

Oops. Time to go. Enjoy the show...

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?

With more snow and a windchill advisory (again), you'd think March came in like a Lion. But I kind of think it was a Lamb, sporting extra-thick wool socks and an extra large fleece!

I was going to illustrate that with some graphic design today and ended up creating this...

You get the point.

I only ventured outside when I ran errands in town, getting groceries and stopping at the library to check out a new audio book. Both times I had to brush off my car when I got back outside -- not that I am a slow shopper or take too much time with my selections.

Oh wait, that IS me.

Got home and did my Saturday chores and then some. And by "then some," I mean while hubby was away at a hoops game with the neighbor, I did laundry, cleaned up 7 pairs of soccer and baseball cleats to sell and, get this, this undomestic goddess sewed buttons on two pair of hubby's pants AND darned two socks.

Darn!

Yes, I am that good. My reward was an hour to myself on the couch to start a new book, The Book Thief, and eat a tiny bit of Peppermint Stick ice cream. Yup, in the mother of all March surprises, I found one final container in the freezer in the garage.

So if you ask me, and you didn't, March is definitely coming in like a white fluffy snow lamb and minty-green grass!