Low Fuel

Not sure if this is how I look at the moment, but it sure is how I feel. Out. Of. Gas!

In two days, managed to squeeze in 3 graduation parties plus 1 bridal shower and 8 hours of drive time thrown in the mix.

Was in a cyber dead zone (aka my mom's house) last night so didn't blog. Tonight I am back home but my "low fuel" light is on and I am going to postpone any sort of blogging effort until tomorrow. In a nutshell, I had a good time with family, friends and some wonderful young adults with promising futures.

And my future promises to hold some z-z-z-z-z-z-z....

Rain Fall

When the weather man predicts a rainy afternoon and we see nothing but sun, we just assume he is wrong. Again.

That was silly of us.

Hubby and I went to Plover to watch the Assumption girls take on Pacelli in the softball regional finals. Game was going to start at 4:30 but they moved it up to 4 p.m. Good call. It got done right before the downpour.

Unfortunately, even though the rain wasn't falling yet, we were watching the Lady Royals fall by an 8-3 final. Just too many balls hit right to their opponents and Pacelli was very quick on defense. Not to mention some power hitting.

All in all, though, it was still a good season for the girls and they are only losing one senior. So we'll see how next year goes.

Since the ballpark is on King Cone Road (I call it that), we stopped there quick and headed back to Rapids to catch our boys in action for their final game of the regular baseball season. The black clouds were a pretty good sign that game was probably experiencing Mother Nature difficulties.

I checked with a girlfriend whose son was playing and she said it was called off. They tried a few times to get the game going, but it was a wasted effort. Now it looks like it will just keep raining all night. I wonder if we'll end up seeing some flooding in these here parts. Hopefully nothing destructive.

Since we were home for the evening, I finally got around to gathering all my stuff for my niece Beth's bridal shower, which I am co-hosting on Sunday. Had to get it all together now since we have 3 graduation parties before I leave town for the nuptial northwoods. (Plus another when I get back Sunday evening.)

And sadly I think the temperatures are going to be falling with the rain. The only good thing about that is that I can skip the time-consuming task of shaving my legs! Every minute counts!

Plan B?

It's only when you have a plan and it falls through that you label said plan, Plan A, knowing you now need a Plan B. If you planned Ahead, you're in business. If not, you need a Backup plan. Stat.

That would be me right now.

Let me backtrack so you know I really was planning ahead. And it was a good plan...

Last year I attended a graduation party for our neighbor Sam at a beautiful enclosed shelter at nearby Nepco Lake. I knew right then I wanted to have Carter's Graduation Party there... kitchen, tables and chairs included, plenty of room, heat and A/C depending on May weather, beautiful scenery outside and 5 minutes from home in case of emergencies.

The one caveat, though, is that you cannot reserve a county park building until one year in advance of your date. For months, I've been keeping May 28 in the back of my mind, knowing this is the day I have to call the park office to reserve if for May 28, 2016, the day of Carter's graduation and party. That way I could have the party right after the morning ceremony so my family could travel down and take in both without having to spend a whole weekend.

I had it all planned out.

Except for the part where someone else in his class could have a mother with the same plan in mind.

When I called the office today and she said it was already booked, I responded with kind of a loud, "Are you kidding me?! Who is it? It has to be another Assumption family." She couldn't tell me who reserved it but did say it was for a graduation party. Ugh. She also informed me that it was reserved yesterday and, before I could protest, said the person reserved it for both May 27 and 28 next year. Hmm... So they are spending an extra couple hundred dollars just to decorate the day before?? In the back of my mind, I suspect the person will cancel Friday and only "said" Friday to get that first call in.

Of course, that's just me being bitter. And feeling foolish for not having a Plan B.

Still going to have it on May 28. Just would rather avoid the tent setup, locating tables and chairs, making over the garage, praying for perfect weather and all that.

So I am moving onto Plan H. As in HELP! Any suggestions from my local readers? Ideally enclosed, close by in Grand Rapids and with a kitchen or fridge. Tables and chairs would be nice, too. Does Kiwanis have that and do you have to be a member to rent it?

If nothing else, we've got 366 days to make this work on Blue Jay Drive. The good news is next year is a leap year so we get an extra day! Thank God for small favors.

The Price Of Love

I like this definition of grief. It definitely changes but it does not disappear. Not if you really loved the person you miss.

Today marks two years since my dad died. I swear I was not going to be one of those people who has to call attention to a death anniversary. But in some ways it still seems so fresh.

It's weird but my dad visits me quite often in my dreams. I don't recall his guest appearances before he died, but now he's somehow part of a crazy dream plot at least once a month. I've become used to "seeing" him. So when I dug out a picture today in remembrance, it shocked me back to reality. Wow. I really miss him!

And the dams opened. I think my tears rivaled the raindrops outside, as they ran unchecked down my cheeks.

This photo was taken at a family reunion some 6 or 8 years ago. I remember this moment vividly. I said, "Dad, we have to get our picture taken together since I am apparently the daughter who looks like you the most!" And he answered with his typical, "Is that right?"

And you just see that start of a sly smile... that opened the flood gates today. Just not fair we'll never banter back and forth again. Just isn't.

So I'll concentrate on the good memories and keep them alive in my mind and heart. That is the price of love, right?

Thanks for all the support! Grief is much more manageable when you are not walking the dark journey alone.

The Rain, Rain, Rain...

With 100% chance of precipitation, today reminded me of that Winnie the Pooh song:

And the rain rain rain came down down down
And the flood rose up up upper.
Pooh, too, was caught and so he thought,
"I must rescue my supper!"

Only if it was me, those would be containers of ice cream – not honey – that I would be rescuing!

It was seriously a non-stop heavy rain today. Normally, on a week day I wouldn't care. But today was supposed to be the first round of playoffs for high school softball. I could have gone to the game Assumption was hosting but now, with it rescheduled for tomorrow at 3:30, that seems unlikely. A little too early for me to play hooky.

Unless I get up really early and start my day really early. And you know what kind of morning person I am!

Not at all.

My other bigger concern is all the areas of the U.S. that are experienced serious, fatal flooding. How sad that lives are being lost along with a ton of property, too. It's inconceivable – even when you look at news photos. Uff da. Praying for all those impacted.

I will not complain at all about the little lake in our front yard. The only person really impacted was Carter, who had to move his car to higher ground so he won't have to slosh through water and mud in the morning before school.

It certainly is greening up the grass, too. Now I wish I would have finished my weekend warrior project in the front of the house. Those weeds and that shrub I was supposed to trim and hack are thriving in this rain. Dang.

Guess you can look forward to Weekend Warrior :: The Sequel coming soon to blog near you.

But first I gotta make sure my ice cream, er honey, is someplace safe!

And the rain rain rain came down down down...

Weekend Warrior :: Day 2

If making a bridal shower treat counts as part of my extreme weekend warrior activity, then I'll give myself at least a half-day credit so I am up to 2. But first, the important stuff...

Carter and the Assumption band provided music for another Memorial Day service – this one today at a cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids. Yes, it rained off and on, but it was still a very good crowd and many branches of service and their associations were represented.

A few images...

Jim's Uncle Joe (left) is a veteran and member of the firing squad for the 21-gun salute.

A steady wind made the flags fly – as they should!

A veteran prays as we remember the fallen in Wood County.

Oh yes I did just walk right up there and take this! Carter and his friend Olivia were too busy to smile, though.

Carter and Great-Uncle Joe after the ceremony. A brief break from the rain!

The sun came out later but it was too wet for the stock car races to go on. So our plan to see our nephew Colin race was off the agenda. Jim went golfing and I made homemade mints for my niece's bridal shower I am co-hosting next weekend. It was a good rainy day activity... except the sun was out.

Of course, when I was done, the rains came again. I don't know how hubby golfed but it is lightning and thundering right now and downpouring.

And I swear I just saw his new golf umbrella still in the garage.

I guess he's his own kind of weekend warrior.

Weekend Warrior :: Day 1.5

If shopping counts as part of my extreme weekend warrior activity, then I'll give myself at least a half-day credit. But first, the important stuff...

Traveled up to Rudolph this morning for their annual Memorial Day ceremony in the St. Philip's Cemetery. Carter and the Assumption Band were playing a variety of patriotic tunes to accompany their program.

I thought it was going to rain so I didn't bring my "big camera." So here a few somewhat distant and fuzzy phone shots...

Was excited to see my retired Pastor Ken as the guest speaker. An interesting and educational message as always!

While the band played the theme song from each branch of service, veterans of each stood to salute.

Area Boy and Girl Scouts placed flags on veterans' graves as part of the ceremony.

A 21-gun salute... well, 7 guns and 3 salutes. It represents so much!

The gentleman who plays "Taps" each year had to stay seated this year. A reminder of how all of our veterans are aging.

Group shot of the band at the end of the ceremony, just as the first drops of rain started to fall. The band quickly dispersed to Wisconsin Rapids, with a majority – including us – stopping at the dairy for ice cream or cheese or both.

It continued to rain the rest of the day and still is. So no, I did not get any yard work done. No, I did not get any indoor projects done either.

Carter and I drove over to the mall in Appleton to do some important shopping. We had to get some gifts for his host family in Germany, plus we both needed shoes. Well, he really needed waterproof ones for Germany. And I needed some black Skechers for work since the Velcro on my current pair is on its last legs. Or feet.

Found what we needed and were home a little after 4:30 p.m. At 5, we left to go over to some friends' for a barbeque. Yes, it's possible to do in the rain if your grill is partially in the garage and is surrounded by responsible adults. Ha, right.

Had a nice time and the "kids" even got a campfire started during a rain break. I felt a little guilty not being home and getting things done, but as I pointed out yesterday, this is sort of the transition to end of school year/start of summer. Who knows when we'll get together with this "school parent" group of friends again?

Always put your family and friends before work... except when you're teaching your child about work ethics. Then there are no exceptions...

Except tasty brats and fresh cheese curds.

Weekend Warrior :: Day One

By labeling this blog "Day One" I have high hopes I will physically be able to move tomorrow to continue my many projects. That remains to be seen.

It was a busy day. I got up early to get a rhubarb coffee cake in the oven for Book Club. Technically, neighbor Cindy is the host for May but since she just had leg surgery, I served as the event facility host and had it here.

After I got the cake in the oven, I showered and did a quick cleanup in the house, mainly dusting the pollen off the furniture and washing the front door window. Why? Because Murphy, the four-legged fur ball next door, likes to visit "Uncle Jimmy" every day and he puts his nose right up to the window to see if the crazy cat creature is around, too.

The "Before" photo....

And after...

Good thing he's so cute... and just has paws... so I couldn't make him clean up after himself!

Book Club was great. Finally discussed The Girl on the Train. A great read! Had four of us and the new rhubarb recipe didn't turn out too bad either.

After club, I went to the girls soccer game while hubby went to a softball game to watch the girl next door play. The soccer game was more a showdown than a shootout at high noon. It ended in a 0-0 tie. Crazy. Good defense, that's for sure. Was quite warm out today so got a bit sunburned on my right side. There aren't bleachers on opposite side of the field so I couldn't even out my tan!

Did some errands after the game – library, post office, etc – then launched into my next project. This one took a lot more muscle power than the window. First, I had to convince myself that I felt safe out in the yard. No snake sighting in 6 days! Then I had to convince myself I really wanted to tackle a probably 5-year overdue yard project.

And I did.

We have had these crazy-ass juniper shrubs spreading everywhere. They are known to be great "ground cover / spreading shrubs" but we don't want that. Much like the life-like kudzu in the South, we can't seem to stop this from spreading. It has covered our rock border in the front, not to mention sprawling out on the front walkway. I got the hedge clippers and some other cutter thing and tackled  that first.

Everywhere it's dark is where it had spread out. I didn't even know we had rocks along that whole side. Ha. Thanks to a drought winter, those shrubs may actually be dying. Trust me, we do not have a green and gold color scheme going in our yard on purpose!!

Next, I tackled the front...

Ta-da! We can start to see our rock border again! I only made it to the front of the deck and have more to do. But when my hands were cramped, my back started protesting and I was doing more squats than my fitness class, I decided to hit the shower and call it a day.

Especially after Carter comes around from the back of the house and says, "Uhm, Mom, what does a snake nest look like?" Yup. Time to quit. Not funny.

Tomorrow we do have an 80% chance of rain so I don't know if I'll get Day Two in or not. At least not outside. I do have plenty of indoor projects that require a warrior-like effort. I'll keep you posted.

Hope you had an enjoyable "summer" day! Don't overdo it this weekend!

Happy (non) Camper

It's funny that we traditionally transition to summer this weekend when that season is officially still a month away and no one around here is done with school. Oh, and the temps are in the 30s at night.

Doesn't sound like "summer" but I still dug out a summer / patriotic photo today to mark the start of Memorial Day Weekend. This was taken way back in 2007 when Jim and I had a weekend in Door County. This view is from the ferry heading to Washington Island. Oh what I'd give for a day like that!

We are not heading to any beach or campground this weekend. Haven't done that in years. We have enough going on just hanging around home – and going places close to home, which surely will distract me from any spring cleaning or yard work!

If you are bored or have free time, the Assumption girls have a big soccer game on Saturday against WR Lincoln. Showdown at high noon! On Sunday and Monday, Carter and the AHS band will perform at veterans ceremonies in Rudolph (9:45 a.m. Sunday) and Rapids (11 a.m. Monday). If that still isn't exciting enough for you, my nephew Colin is racing at Golden Sands on Monday.

See how relaxing it will be to have NOTHING going on?!

I guess if we get desperate to camp we can take a cue from this guy...

Yep. You might be a redneck if you spend your Memorial Day Weekend camping at Wal-Mart!

Whatever you decide to do, have fun and be safe!

More Girl Power

It's been an amazing week for some of "my" girls!

Tonight I actually got to an Assumption softball game. Usually I am coming into town late after work and miss a bunch of it. Today, though, I worked from home after having the morning off for some meetings. That made it possible for me to get to Robinson Park and see the Royals host the Iola-Scandinavia team.

Their game was rained out last week and I was bummed since it would only have been a few blocks from my office. For some reason the rescheduled game was moved to our neck of the woods. I-S has an amazing team and record this year. They were very tough competition but Assumption managed to keep pace.

Thanks in part to my friend Brenda's daughter Macyn (Carter's classmate, friend and homecoming date last fall, ha). She hit two home runs tonight! How awesome! I hope the fact that we lost 13-10 doesn't bring her down too much. What a cool accomplishment.

My next-door neighbor's daughter Madison has been on a hot hitting streak all season. I still haven't seen her hit one out of the park so I will somehow have to get to a game. The season is done now and playoffs start next week. I'll have to see how we can squeeze that in our schedule! She's pretty amazing to watch.

Speaking of amazing... One of my "mission trip daughters" had an amazing performance at her track meet the other day. Grace normally runs the 200-meter dash and a relay. The other day she ran the 100-meter as well.

And not only finished first but set a conference record! Whoa.

I guess one of the few advantages of not having Carter in baseball this spring is that I can pay attention to some other athletes and watch the girls in action! They are not only great athletes but have big hearts, too.

Now that's the kind of Girl Power to have!

Oh, the Struggles

I realize there are people in the world truly suffering today, including many of my friends and loved ones.

But this just made me giggle out loud. Oh, the struggles of transitioning from winter to summer clothes.

I am not one of those people who pack up the "cold weather" clothes and bring out the summer. It's ll all there in my closet all the time. One, because I can't afford completely separate wardrobes per season. Two, it is often like winter when the air-conditioning kicks into high gear at work.

Always need layers. Lots of layers.

The other day, though, I did try on some shorts to go golfing and they fit. Nicely, actually. Not as tight as last year. The early morning boot camps are paying off a bit.

So I thought. But then I went clothes shopping – twice in the past week due to some killer deals and a need for change. I know a lot of women love shopping. Not me. It was painful. Things look so cute on the rack, especially combined in some chic outfit. Then I try it on and I look lumpy or something. Ugh.

Those darn muffin tops! While I am getting stronger and starting to see some muscle tone in a few places. The few places I DON'T see it is my abs and waist, that's for sure.

Oh well, I found some shoes that fit anyway. And now that I going to have sweet Jamberry Toe Nails this summer, I better check my sandals, too.

It's tough being a woman. No wonder we need so much prayer support!

Good luck with your try outs, ladies!

Makin' Doughnuts

 

There are days I feel like Fred in the Dunkin's Donuts commercial from back in the day. Dragging myself out of bed at some ungodly hour to drive nearly an hour to work.

It's actually only 45 miles from our house to Iola, but the booming village of Plover has become the bottleneck to the east, making it a 50-minute drive even though a third of it is freeway speed. Typically I hit the red light at all four traffic signals on my route. Today, in honor of 12 years on the job, I see they are adding TWO MORE stop-and-go lights on my commute!

No kidding. They are up on both sides of the I-39 exit now. They are not operating yet but will be any day now. Grrr.

So today I veered off at stoplight #3 and went to Dunkin' Donuts to pick up some treats for work (since I have been such a treat to work with).

Got two dozen assorted to mark my "Dirty Dozen" years. Yum!

Not sure how that tradition started, but I (and many others) bring treats on my work anniversary and on my birthday. Actually, I "make the doughnuts" a lot, often bringing baked goods in what my co-workers call my Magic Blue Pan.

Today was probably one of the few occasions I purchased something already made. But I was stuck on that "dozen" number in my head. And who doesn't need a good Dunkin' Donut with their coffee?

Heck, with two more stoplights to sit for, I might even have time for a few coffee breaks on my commute!

Better log off now so I can get some sleep before it's time to make the doughnuts again!

Dust to Dust

It's Monday. I'm crabby.

It's cold again. High of 55.

I have what they point out on TV commercials about allergies... itchy, watery eyes. I want to gouge my eyeballs out!!! Grrr.

I should have known I'd get some sort of allergies when I sweep the floor and there are yellow-greenish dust clouds of pine pollen. I don't suffer every year. Just those "weird weather" springs where it's super nice then really cold again, then back to nice. Add to that, the wind is whipping those little neon dust particles everywhere!

On a positive note, I said goodbye to few hundred silver hairs today. Not that they are pollen green now!

Have a new hair artist. Sort of feel like I am cheating on my old one but she retired on me. Age 40 and retiring. Apparently I went to her too often with my emergencies. Paid for her EARLY retirement. So it's goodbye, Rachel, and hello Tina. Welcome, dear friend, to Robyn's 50 shades of gray.

This will be good. I am in the mood for change, I think. Definitely in the mood for pollen season to change to regular, non-sneezy spring.

Or, Lord, at least get me to Tuesday!

For Goodness Snakes

First, I better kiss up to Mother Nature for having the rain and storms hold off enough that we could have a successful Royal Event fundraising day at school. Thanks.

Secondly, I better apologize to Mother Nature because my son probably screwed up her ecosystem or natural food chain or whatever in our backyard. Yup. Interesting day ...

Carter and I went to 8 o'clock church and dropped Jim off at the school on our way so he could help set up the German Club booth. We picked him up after and when we all got home, Jim popped next door to say hi to the dogs playing outside and Carter and I went into the house.

Suddenly he is yelling from the living room, "Mom, there's huge snake outside! I'm gonna kill it!"

OK. I hate snakes and I especially hate them in my yard. I still get the heebie-jeebies when I think about the one in our garage a few years back. Uff da.

Anyway I text Jim: "There is a big snake in our back yard!" and he texts back: 'That's the garden hose." Ha. Not this time.

So how was Carter going to kill the snake? With his trusty Red Ryder BB Gun, of course! First, he was shooting from the deck. Can't blame him. I wouldn't want to get any closer. In fact, I was on the "safe side" of the picture window for the whole thing.

Carter might look good shooting, but he is not a crack shot. Probably shot at the snake a few dozen times and then he decided it was safe enough to move closer... and keep shooting. If you can't see the snake in the photo, it is just on this side of the wooden step and rail.

When he thought it was dead, he threw a garden hose nozzle at it. The snake moved slightly and was still sticking his tongue out! I think they still do this after they are dead, much like a chicken can run around with its head cut off. But just to be sure, Carter moved in with a shovel.

He actually got concerned about getting blood on his church clothes, though, so he threw a few bricks instead. I just covered my eyes and spared myself the horror show.

When it was dead – we hope – he scooped it up and threw it in the creek. End of story.

We thought...

So we all went to the Royal Event. Ate way too much food but had a nice time. Carter came home earlier to get going on homework. Jim and I were just getting home a few hours later when Carter texts me: "A different snake in the same spot. Not kidding. But it got away."

Oh nice. Remind me never to volunteer to mow the back yard!!

To escape the snake pit, hubby and I decided to go golfing. The only thing WILD at Homestead was the wind, the quickly passing storm clouds and my swing, of course. Didn't golf the greatest, but it was a nice escape.

Am I still freaked about the snake? Apparently. I was just typing about it and Carter came into my office. I didn't hear him behind me and when I saw him, I got startled and screamed. I think I scared him because I don't know where he went!

Perhaps I could just start screaming in the yard to keep the snakes away. But only if I can do it from the safe side of the window...

The Right Track

 

Our Royal Event activities continued today with our Tracks for Tina 5K that I mentioned last week. Now I can show you my t-shirt design. Ta-da!

I was happy with it and even happier that we had so many people signed up to get one. We were a bit nervous when just two days ago the forecast still called for Saturday morning rain and storms. Somehow that switched to a nice, very warm day with no rain at all. Yet. It's coming tonight and tomorrow instead so tomorrow's activities will be impacted. Glad the Tina Livernash Memorial Scholarship 5K survived unscathed.

We did more than survive. Tracks for Tina is on the right "Track." We had probably 20 more participants than last year. Getting close to 100 between walkers and runners, which is so awesome for this very personal and important fundraising effort.

Before the race, I helped with setup and did registration. Since I was also assisting with timing/results at the end, I wasn't able to run or walk it, but I got a few photos anyway.

Here is the group taking off at the sound of the start signal.

Hey, I know this handsome man coming down the finishing shoot!

After the race, the distribution of goody bags, the awarding of medals and cleanup, it was time to thank our many sponsors. Well, 3 at least. We made our rounds to several establishments – the Square Bar, Danny K's Pub & Grille, and Bulldogs Bar to express our appreciation.

When the 20 of us – family and friends – got to Anchor Bay later, we had a long, long wait to eat our lunch. After some maneuvering, they got us seated and fed. Good food. Good friends. Good times.

By the time I got home, I needed a nap. I rested a bit but didn't sleep. Finally found enough umption in my gumption to clean / organize my office a bit. I am starting to see the surface of the desk. Ha. Threw some stuff, recycled some and have a Goodwill box going. This is more than an hour process. But I had no energy to go longer.

Will hit the sack early tonight since we have some more work to do at the Royal Event tomorrow. It's mainly a eat and shop and eat and drink and play and eat. Did I mention food? Stop by the German booth for some good Black Forest Torte or something like that. There are two desserts and both are yummy. Though I am sure I will find my way to the cheesecake booth.

Did I mention the diet starts Monday?

Eventually, I'll be on the right track!

Band Rocks

Carter and Co. helped kick off Assumption's Royal Event weekend by joining the Vic Ferrari Band on stage tonight for two songs. The band started playing at 7 p.m. and announced that the Assumption band would be joining them at 10:40 p.m.

Oh boy. How to stay awake!

Dancing did the trick, naturally. What a great band!

It's late and I have to get up early so here are few photos followed by video of their performance with Vic Ferrari. They played two songs: Tusk by Fleetwood Mac and September by Earth, Wind and Fire. Enjoy!!

 

Countdown to Launch

After today, we can officially transition Carter's countdown to Germany in days, not months. One month from today he's off to see his "Bavarian brother," our "overseas son." We are jealous, of course, but so excited.

Lots to do on our end to get ready for the Flag Day launch.

Could have been and should have been making lists for the past 12 months, but why rush things? Until you have to, that is.

Now we'll have to figure out his clothing (for variety of weather) and shoes and, most importantly, gifts for the family – Lukas, his parents, his brother and his grandparents (since I have kept in touch with his grandma the most, thanks to Facebook). We have things in mind. It's just a matter of taking the time to GET THEM!

All the while keeping in mind his suitcase will have a weight limit. I think 50 pounds but I better double check that.

Thank goodness Carter's German teacher kept us on task with the rest, so we have his passport, traveler's insurance card, ATM card and 100 euros to get his spending started. The more I type the more I get excited and want to go!

Probably better get at that list so we can cross things off as we count things down!

It is going to be wunderbar!

The Big Gig

 

Wrapping up his 6th year in band, Carter is used to taking the stage with baritone in hand. This Friday, though, he'll be "kickin' brass" in a whole new way.

As part of Assumption's 34th Annual Royal Event fundraising weekend extravaganza, The Vic Ferrari Band will be performing Friday night at the high school. The popular local band is known for bringing a high-energy, fun show, covering all the hits across the decades. Something for everyone, basically.

And this Friday they have a special attraction... Guess who's bringing down the house with Vic? That's right. The Assumption Band! Carter and company will be performing two songs with them. If you want to know what they are, you'll have to come. I have been sworn to secrecy!

Just kidding. I just don't know.

Anyway, here are the details if you are in town: 


Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students in advance and are available at the ACS Scrip Office M-F 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

That evening, there will be concessions under the tent – including the famous Tom Voelker Fish Boil – open at 5:30. AND Mr. Jim Austin serving as your favorite bartender! Concessions include burgers, brats, beer and wine coolers.

The Vic Ferrari band will perform on the gymnasium stage from approximately 7-11 p.m.

A LIMITED amount of "sideline seating" is available, so they suggest you bring your own seating – bag chairs work best. Unless you plan on dancing for 4 hours, then you don't need a chair, right?

Should be fun. I doubt I would get pictures that will work but I will take some video and share it with Carter's legions of fans. I just hope I don't have to start worrying about groupies...