Close Encounters...

There are actually 4 of us in my new work department who are "former newspaper people." We already find ourselves talking about best and worst stories and things we do and do not miss about the daily grind.

Sometimes, though, we get jealous when a stupidly sensational story comes along and we are years out of the business and can't lay claim to it. 

Wasn't planning this to be my blog, but how can it not be?? Today's latest headlines from my town...

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Police: Man shoots at lights because of "aliens"

Posted: Jul 30, 2015 3:55 PM CDT  
By Robert Imrie, Content Manager, waow.com

WISCONSIN RAPIDS (WAOW) - A 36-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man who told investigators he was protecting the universe from aliens was arrested for shooting at street lights, Wisconsin Rapids police said Thursday.

Officers found Daniel Collins after a 911 caller reported that someone was shooting at street lights near the intersection of 17th and Prospect streets early Wednesday morning, Lt. Kevin Schwatz said.

Carrying a concealed 9mm handgun, the man admitted to shooting at lights, claiming he was an alien and he was protecting the universe from other aliens, Schwartz said.

People who heard the shooting reported the man fired two to four shots, Schwartz said. "He was not a very good shot because he didn't hit any of the lights."

Collins has been charged with two misdemeanors -- endangering safety with a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to online Wood County court records. A judge ordered him jailed on a $1,500 signature bond.

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I did just look outside and there is a full moon. Dang, we're missing all the action... 

Time Warped

The calendar may say 2015 but my mind is back in 1940.

Although I have known for months we are having a Hedberg family reunion this Saturday, I naturally am waiting until tonight to get my family tree stuff together. I previously forwarded all my names and dates, etc., to my two cousins hosting the event. But, I had hoped I could also get some Census records together and bring those along.

I had only done up to 1920. So that meant a trip to the library, where they now have free access to a genealogy website for the info. Darn, I wanted to fire up the microfiche machine! I did find out a few things and wrote them down.

Now I should really type them up so they look nice, but I actually will not be home between now and when we leave Friday afternoon – except to sleep. Well, I have to squeeze in work, making a dessert, going to a potluck picnic, packing, work, packing some more.

Probably best I log off and get to it.

I wonder if I'll figure out which forefather or mother passed on that procrastination gene...

Sly Excuses

Since we don't have a dog, I can't say he ate my homework, but I can say our cat made me late for class.

Thank goodness it is light out when I get up by 5:20 a.m. for exercise class, or it could have been ugly today. Real ugly and real stinky.

First I get dressed quickly because I hit the snooze too many times. Then Sly – short for Sylvester – leads me down the hallway with a loud "meow" that I know means she needs food and / or water. We don't even get to the livingroom before I notice a dark object on the carpet. It was too early for my eyes to focus so I couldn't tell if it was poop or puke.

I walked past it for the moment to get her food and water, mainly to silence her. So I take her breakfast downstairs to her dish and notice she dropped a nice gift in front of Carter's bedroom door. Now that would not be a nice good morning for a grumpy teenager getting up early for work.

So I got back upstairs, grab the paper towels and carpet spot cleaner and hit the hallway first. That turned out to be slimy puke of the hairball variety. Good morning, Robyn! Cleaned that and quickly disposed of the mosaic turd pattern by Carter's door, too.

Cleaned hands thoroughly and got out the door. Was almost 5 minutes late for class!! Still got a full workout in but just kept thinking, "That darn cat!" Now I know why that used to be the name of an old Disney movie. Those Sly felines have been acting sneaky and Sly-meee forever.

I don't know if she is just getting old or what but this is the third day in a row we've had to clean up after her. On Sunday I chased her around the house because she had a pooper hanging out. Cats do NOT stop when you want them to. They just run faster ... and hide! Then yesterday, Jim had to clean up some puke-age off the white carpet in our bedroom.

She better break these habits before the weather turns cold and she wants to snuggle in our bed. Thankfully, don't see that happening any time soon. Nice warm spell this week. I think Mr. Deck Chair is going to start acting up so I pay him more attention.

Pretty sure I hear him faking a cat call right now...

Zuke-ing it Out

Did you know that in some cultures – the ones without black thumbs – people actually grow an overabundance of produce in their gardens and they can't give it away fast enough?

I like those cultures, er, neighborhoods.

For the last several days I've been staring at 2 zucchini on my cupboard, courtesy of Good Neighbor Mike. Finally, tonight I figured I better do something with them before they go soft on me.

Knowing how I love to bake, even on the first day of 90-degree weather in 2 years, that's the direction I went. I did not want to follow my good ol' standard of zucchini bread so I made up a cake of sorts.

Took a milk chocolate cake mix, added in 2 eggs and the grated zucchini from a small and medium zuke. Naturally, I threw in some chopped nuts and a chocolate and peanut butter chips for good measure. Didn't want it tasting too healthy or anything, so I will top it off with some cream cheese frosting when it cools.

I did cut off a bit from the edge just to taste test it. I don't think it tastes like I am getting my full serving of veggies for the day, but I am sure with a big enough piece, I will!

Wonder if maybe that's how people grow green thumbs? I better start zuke-ing it out!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

We found ourselves with a day of simple plans. Get up. Go to church. Go to the Chicken Dinner.

Well, we all slept in. That's what happens when you are up past midnight. Hubby had to head to church to help with their lunchtime Chicken Dinner fundraiser. Just like their Friday Fish Fries during Lent, he is their go-to dishwasher. Like father, like son, right?

The "simple" plan, which was already out of sync, was that Carter and I would go have lunch there. I just had to get the boy up and go between 11-1. Easier said than done. I tried several times to get him moving. Finally, at 12:20 p.m., for fear of a chicken shortage, I told him I was leaving. He woke up then but it was too late. I was the winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Except that they were out of white meat by the time I got there. But I still got some chicken, tasty potatoes and gravy and other fixin's. Jim's mom and sister were both volunteering to serve and clean up tables but they took little breaks to talk to me as I dined alone, like other teen moms must get used to, I suppose.

Got home and decided to stay in the air-conditioning today. Another high 80s day. As much as I love the sunshine, I have plenty to do inside. I decided to tackle my closet and get rid of clothes that were either too outdated, too small, too big or too "young." There are things a 40-something mom probably shouldn't be wearing. I just really, really hate to dress my age! Seems old!

I managed to get halfway done in the closet and had 4 grocery bags filled. Jim did a quick run through his closet and added another bag. Five bags gone to Goodwill. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Naturally, I lost momentum after that. But if the heat wave keeps up, I might get through the whole closet this week. Wow, I do need to get a life. 

Maybe I should change winner, winner to "loser, loser"!

Running For Your Life

Nine years ago this week, my husband's cousins lost their 23-year-old son Ben in a car accident. Sadly, all too common these days, the driver of the other vehicle was distracted by a cell phone.

Ben had graduated a few months earlier from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was just launching a career as a mechanical engineer. It was beyond tragic that his life was cut so short, but thanks to his family's generous spirit, his life legacy lived on – in the form of organ donations.

The family decided that Ben, with his caring, helpful attitude, would have wanted his organs to be donated. As a result, his kidney and pancreas were transplanted into a young man – a husband and father from out of state. John, the recipient, is so grateful he joins Ben's family and friends each year in Madison, where they run or walk a 5K race as a team called "Running to Remember Ben."

This is the 3rd years Ben's parents, Jeff and Kathy Koppa, and sister Jennifer have organized this. Jim and I had the privilege to join this team of Ben supporters today for the "Capital City 5k for Organ, Tissue and Eye Donation," coordinated by the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin.

There were more than 40 of us sporting the red "Running to Remember Ben" team T-shirts with the number 22 on them – the number that Ben wore when he played for Marathon High School. (And by coincidence, the number his recipient wore in high school sports.)

Why is it important? Every 10 minutes there is a new name added to the national organ transplant waiting list. And, in Wisconsin, more than 2,500 families are hoping that their loved one will get an organ. It was both a moving and motivating event. Jim and I long ago committed with our "orange dots" to being organ donors some day, but this made it personal.

Linking to the Orange Dot concept, participants could place little flags within an orange circle for their loved ones.

Even our team mascot wore an orange dot sleeve for a bit. But it was too hot for extra layers! Thankfully with today's temps near 90 degrees, the race didn't start until 6:30 p.m.

It was pretty special that the race started right by the state capital building in "Capital Square" downtown.

Even though it was bleepin' hot, I decided at the last minute I would run the 5K with Jim's cousin Nancy.

Here we are with the start line getting set (with some weird camera angle giving us Jay Leno chins). There were more than a thousand participants apparently, but only about 500 were getting timed. The rest just did it for a nice walk in the heat, I guess.

Boy did I forget how much I hate running when it's hot! I'm sure only running once a week and not being prepared or hydrated didn't help either But we plugged along and finished in 32:32. I will not complain since it's my first running 5K this year!

Here we are sweating, I mean SPARKLING divas after we survived!

Even took a picture with Miss Orange Donor Dot. My face is as red as the shirt! Needless to say, it took awhile to stop sweating. But you know what helped?

Gotta love a race that gives you Dilly Bars at the end! Of course, this was after I downed a water and  granola bar. Yum.

Due to a major blister on the bottom of his foot, Jim decided to walk the 5K. Here he is with his cousin Kathy, Ben's mom, before the race.

He looked to be in good spirits when the race ended but I don't think that blister is going anywhere soon.

And here is what it's all about. Ben's dad Jeff (right) crosses the finish line with John, the recipient of Ben's organs. Linked by a miracle, it's pretty darn special, isn't it?

Really had an enjoyable time seeing the cousins, participating as a team and gathering afterward for pizza at the Team Koppa hotel nearby. So glad we joined the team.

And so glad to see firsthand the impact of that little orange dot.

TGIF (This Girl Is Flowering)

Don't look now, but there's something growing outside our new door. It's not something a girl with two black thumbs could readily recognize. But, according to my Gardening for Dummies book, they are what you call "flowers."

I swear I did not just buy these flowers today. Although I did purchase them already planted. I have had to keep them alive for a good two weeks now. Holy cow, they are a lot of work. You know when we have a dry spell you actually have to water them to keep them alive? Yes. That's a free gardening tip from me.

You're welcome.

While I was messing with that overdue yard work and landscaping mess, I decided to pretty up a few areas. Nothing says pretty like purple, right?

So I have the welcome basket and a hanging basket by the end of the driveway, plus a bucket in the white rock garden. I bought them all separately but somehow stuck with the purple theme. I wonder why...

Hubby actually took a picture of this plant the other day with the caption, "R.I.P." so I was determined to resurrect it. Apparently there are many ways to fill those "extra" 2 hours a day I have now that I am not commuting so far.

Do you know what kind of flowers these are? I just call them "living!" I believe they are petunias. I know that now that I Googled it, but I don't recall if it was on their price tags. Now don't go telling me these are super hardy and easy to grow. I have killed a cactus before. Nothing grows easily around here ... except my waistline and the hair on my legs.

Let's get rid of that visual and look at another Living Flower! Now these Tiger Lilies (right?) really are planted in the ground and came up on their own. I just had to weed a bit to encourage them.

It sounds simple enough. I just don't know how long I can keep this up. Meanwhile, cobwebs are growing on Mr. Deck Chair again. But I suppose if I want something nice to look at while I am enjoying his company, I better keep the water bucket handy or do a rain dance – which must be outlined in the sequel to Gardening for Dummies or that new release There Must Be Something Better You Can Do With 120 Extra Minutes A Day...

Door to Door

It is often said that when God closes a door, He opens a window. I think in my case, He just bypassed a window and knocked out a new door.

Literally and figuratively.

Figuratively, I have been thrown through a wide open portal and into a scary new work world. I know everything new takes time to adjust to so I am reminding myself to be patient and not worry about the alphabet soup (how many new acronyms??) I am drowning in.

By coincidence, I am deadlining on a freelance project so I have just been wiped out this week, as you may have noted by my lack of blogging. I still remain very positive and am especially excited about the literal new door that has opened, too.

Our front door has been in sad shape for years. Our biggest frustration – for us and guests – was that the sliding screen door refused to stay on track so would be difficult to open, sometimes falling off the track entirely. Probably didn't help that over the years a few people walked right through it. But still, there was something on the bottom, metal track that was crooked or something and it denied us a smooth opening.

We decided this spring we'd order a new door and get it installed while Carter was in Germany so we could surprise him. Well, that was our schedule, not our contractor's. He finally was available to show up today!

So before I even left for work, I had super clean windows... or lack of windows or a door! They got to work right away.

When I got home, I was greeted to a new door! We'll have some painting to do to match a few things up, but it looks nice AND guess what?

Look at that screen door slide closed!! It will be so nice to have the screen letting breezes in – and not the bees and flies. Kitty approves!

Seriously, I wonder how long I can keep these windows this clean. Maybe God isn't expecting that. He just opens a window, doesn't say we have to wash it.

I'm pretty sure with the big new door He opened for me that He just wants me to walk through one step at a time and enjoy the sunshine.

Yeah, let's go with that.

Immersion Excursion

Our Euro-Travelers got some publicity in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune today, complete with a a photo! "Frau" Bobbette Timmermann, Carter's German teacher, contributed a nice story summarizing their immersion excursion this summer. Enjoy... Someday Carter might get his own photos and "story" uploaded for you!


Students participate in German immersion program


WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A group of 14 Assumption High School German students experienced an unforgettable month during an educational and cultural German immersion program in Landshut, Germany. As part of the German-American Partnership Program (GAPP), these students stayed at the homes of the German students who had visited them in Wisconsin Rapids during April 2014.

Assumption German students attended classes June 15 to July 9 at the Hans-Leinberger Gymnasium (university prep high school), toured local industries (BMW and the Wittmann Brewery), visited an elementary school and took field trips to sites of historical, cultural and religious significance, such as Regensburg, the Bavarian Forest, Dachau, Berchtesgaden, and Füssen among others. The group also attended Mass at the famous Rococo Wieskirche at which two of the trip participants were honored with the request to serve Mass that day.

Besides gaining first-hand knowledge of a typical German school day and German family life, Assumption students also gave presentations about the city of Wisconsin Rapids, the American school system, hunting, Wisconsin sites, products of Wisconsin, as well as peoples of Wisconsin (e.g. German immigrants, Native Americans, Amish and Hmong) in our state. Eating new foods, dealing with the highs and lows of public transportation, and learning a different way of school and home life had a positive impact on both the students and families involved in the exchange.

The GAPP exchange between Assumption High School and the Hans-Leinberger Gymnasium has existed since 1994. Assumption students receive academic credit for their international experience. In April 2016, Assumption will host another group of students and their teachers from Landshut.

This summer’s participants were Carter Austin, Leah Becker, Shania Beenken, Ashley Bohn, Nathaniel Clark, Tyler Erdmann, Maria Gudelis, Jasmine Hunn, Trevor Newton, Mason Oertli, Megan Pawelski, Ashley Rustad, Hannah Stetz and McKenna Tiernan. Chaperones were AHS German teacher Bobbette Leu-Timmermann and Gerald Osowski.

Contributed by Bobbette Timmermann, Assumption Catholic Schools, Wisconsin Rapids.

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks

Without patting myself on the back, I have to say it takes a lot of courage to start a new career at my age. I don't know how people do it. I was so nervous I hardly slept last night. And this morning I had the "first day of school" jitters.

I got past the first wave of panic, though, and I think it's going to be OK.

Of course, the new job does have its perks. Got to sleep in until 7 a.m. and look at my trip odometer! A mere 5.4 miles from home instead of nearly 50! That was nice!

Overall, it was a good first day. They served me lunch so I would have energy for maximum brain power. They threw a lot at me but have my training stretched out several weeks so they won't throw me to the dogs.

My new title is "proposal writer" – not wedding proposals but writing convincing proposals for schools, etc, to implement our learning and testing programs into their classrooms. I will not be doing any writing for probably a month. That's OK. There a lot of tricks for this old dog to learn!

All new acronyms, computer servers, workflow and, of course, workplace. I did manage to successfully navigate my way to the two most important things in the building: the restrooms and ice cream machine.

Guess what I am eyeing in my cup? Oh yes, it's FREE ice cream!! Just another perk of the job. Not kidding. Good thing I am an ice cream snob (hard ice cream rules!) so I won't be delving into second-rate soft-serve every day. But probably often enough! If I start to take my own toppings to work, stop me!!!

Another perk is knowing a handful of people who work at Renaissance Learning as well. I have two former newspaper people in my department. One worked with me in Iola, too, so that's exciting. I also ran into two different people who have kids in Carter's class at Assumption. Small world.

Actually, large world there but I am just becoming a small part of it. Will be an interesting journey, but I am ready for it.

Berry Busy

When summer church services are at 9 a.m., you wouldn't think one would have to set an alarm, would you? I didn't think so either.

But this morning I got up at 8:27 a.m. and managed to shower, curl my hair, throw on a dress and makeup and get to church only 1 or 2 minutes late! Feel free to be amazed.

On the way home, I had to stop at Wal-Mart for a few things. The best time to shop is after church. I am appropriately dressed for public viewing for a change. So I was glad I ran into at least 3 people I know! Makes up for a previous scary appearance or 2.

I was trying to figure out what to do with some raspberries we got from friends. So I bought an angel food cake, some white chocolate pudding and Cool Whip. The result...

Another trifle bowl creation! This was before I refrigerated it for awhile. Was not as pretty in terms of layers – cake then pudding then berries – but it tasted great topped with a big dollop of whipped cream. Yummy flavors of summer! And so "light" I am almost sure it was healthy.

That was my treat today – well, twice – even though it is apparently International Ice Cream Day or something. I kind couldn't justify returning to King Cone after hubby and I stopped yesterday. So I had a little Schwan's Root Beer Float Bar to satisfy the daily requirement.

For the record, I did go for a 3-mile run so I could ease my conscience. It was a slow run but that gave me extra time to burn more calories, right?

Other than that, I was inside in the air-conditioning and working on some design projects, paying some bills, doing laundry and too many exciting tasks to mention! I hate to make you jealous so I'll stop right there. I probably should get to bed early anyway.

Start my new job tomorrow. I better set the alarm this time.

Senseless Sadness

On Thursday morning, four U.S. Marines were killed in Chattanooga, Tenn., when a gunman shot at two separate military facilities: a military recruiting center and a Navy training reserve center. The suspected shooter is 24-year-old Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, who also is dead, according to the FBI. The shooter's motivations are as yet unclear, but the investigation is being treated as "act of domestic terrorism." 

My first thought when I heard about this was, "Not again." We hear so many stories of senseless violence these days, we almost become immune to it.

Until we find a personal connection. Sadly, there is one in this case.

When one of my nephews had posted something on Facebook about his shock at losing his friend Carson, I assumed it was a car accident or something. I did not put 2 and 2 together until later, when word came out that one of the shooting victims was Sgt. Carson Holmquist of Grantsburg, Wis., the town where I was born and where some of my family still lives.

After learning further details, it seems 2 nephews and a step-nephew all went to school with Carson and my brother-in-law is good friends with Carson's dad. On top of that, Carson's young widow is the daughter of a man who grew up with us in our neck of the woods west of Luck. 

Small, sad world. So many connections. So many people hurting from this senseless act. 

Jim and I paid a visit to our nephew Tony today. Since they don't get a lot of news behind bars, he hadn't heard about the shooting. So we had to break the news to him about Carson, who was in the class behind Tony at Grantsburg High. Tony had hung out with both Carson and his brother. Like everyone else, he was shocked. I promised to copy and paste some news stories into a letter and send it to him so he could learn more.

Even though there are no clear answers at this point.

It makes me grateful once again that Tony and my nephew Matt both survived tours of duty in Iraq and made it home safely. And more importantly, stayed safe. 

I don't think we give our enlisted men and women and law enforcement personnel enough credit or appreciation for their bravery and sacrifices. I, for one, am going to try to do a better job of expressing that. 

Before it's too late.

Falling Off The Turnip Truck

To set the record straight, I did not just fall off the turnip truck yesterday.

I did that today.

Hubby says, "Hey, you want something to blog about?" So of course, I come running. You never know, it could be something good.

It wasn't.

Turns out this muffler thingy – guard, maybe? – is now dragging from the CRV and somebody needed to crawl under there and fix it or take it the rest of the way off. Let's see... it has to be someone small enough to get beneath, someone who brags about her "Gearhead Card" and, apparently, someone in desperate need of blog fodder.

That would be ME, I guess! So yes, I went straight from the turnip truck to the garage. The muffler thingy was just hanging on by a rusty thread so I gave it a twist or two and it came off. At some point, we'll let the true gearheads install a replacement. For now, at least it's not dragging.

Mission #1 accomplished.

Actually, make that Mission #2. My first mission was getting up and going over to a girlfriend's for coffee and cinnamon rolls. Since my friend Brenda is a teacher and I am between jobs, we both had today off. That worked out nicely. Had a good visit catching up. In fact, after two hours, I thought, this is perfect way to avoid housework and yardwork today. But my dance card remained wide open for the rest of the day. Dang.

So after Missions #1 and #2 were done, I went for the big #3. I decided I would finish that rock pile if it killed me. And with today's heat and humidity, it almost did. Probably stupid to keep going for hours, but I did. And it's done!

I realized I did not take a "before" picture but I found one from May when I was taking pictures of some torrential rainfall. Anyway, you can see it is an overgrown mess.

Here's Phase 2 after I'd weeded and dug out crap, replaced the brick border with a higher one, and placed some of the under-layment stuff. Oh, and got the 2 yards of white rock delivered.

Today, after blood, sweat and sweat-induced salty tears, I am basically done! I do have more items to add, such as a solar lighthouse perhaps, and I need to move my old bricks somewhere. I had stacked them like the leaning tower of the Great Wall of China... wait, what? You know what I mean. Now I might use them to enhance the fire pit area. We'll see.

For now, though, I don't care to lift another heavy object for quite some time.

Unless it's an ice cream scoop laden with cool and creamy yummyness. I think this little turnip worked for it, don't you?

Work Zone

So much for thinking that my 4-day "retirement" between jobs would be relaxing. That long-ignored To Do List is long! I didn't get very far today either.

It was a treat, though, to sleep in and not drive anywhere. When I realized it was going to be a cool day, I tackled the pile of white rock that needs to be placed in my new landscape area. In case you didn't know, two yards of rock make a big pile. In case you didn't know, it takes some major muscle to move it!

Needless to say, I skipped my "strength" class today and went straight to work. I was careful to handle small loads at a time so I wouldn't ruin my back. As a result, it didn't look like a whole lotta progress after 90 minutes. But I had sparkles running down my back to prove my effort!

It just happened that I had just run out of some underlayment material AND it started raining at point, so I took that as a sign to shower up and take care of some other items on my list. Can I help it the next task was visiting my hair artist? Definitely a priority!

After 2 hours of fun there, I dodged the rain and drove over to The Home Depot for some more supplies. I probably should get a membership card there now that I have been frequenting the orange retailer for the past month! From there, I came home and, thanks to the rain, did not venture back out to the rock pile. Guess I'll have to resume tomorrow when temperature and humidity may both be near 90. Uff da.

I did get a few small projects done nothing worth bragging about. If I get my office and/or bedroom closet organized, you will definitely hear about that! Too embarrassed to take "before" pictures, but maybe, if I am satisfied, I will take "after" ones. That seems a long way off since I have no motivation to start.

That must be that faux retirement in me talking!

A Baker's Dozen

Over the course of the last dozen years, I have had 12 different bosses, have commuted more than a quarter of a million miles, and provided treats in the Magic Blue Pan more times than I can count.

As of today, the Magic Blue Pan is retiring (sort of) and I am retiring, too – from publishing that is.

Yup, today marked my last day of employment over in Iola. Was not necessarily desperate to escape, just had the right things fall into place late this spring and early summer and was offered a job shortly after my birthday. The perks include a 8-minute commute versus 50 minutes and growth rather than downsizing tied to declining subscriber numbers and ad sales. Come Monday, it will be a very positive change, I believe. (Visit www.renlearn.com to learn more.)

Since I didn't want to leave my main two coworkers in a bind, I stayed through the car show, baked and brought one more treat in the Magic Blue Pan and spent all of yesterday and evening compiling "how to" lists on the many aspects of my job. That is why I didn't blog last night. Could barely stay awake by the time I was done.

So today I walk in for my last day and am greeted by fresh flowers from my department and a steaming cup of cappuccino and nice card from a friend. As soon as I started tearing up, I knew it was going to be a long day!

It went quickly, though, and I am not sure I got around to saying goodbye to everyone. My co-workers fed me a pizza lunch and had an "ice cream social" in my honor later.

Don't you absolutely love this sign? It is me to a T! And the real ice cream at our "social" was good, too.

After my exit interview and saying my last, tearful goodbyes, I got out of work by 5. And more importantly, survived my last long commute without mishap.

Tonight was our previously scheduled Girls Night Out gathering. We went to a Wisconsin Rapids Rafters game, where we got free food and drink, got a chance to visit with a variety of friends I saw there, and meet the mascot.

Hi Rosco! Always fun to bond with another R person, er rodent!

The Rafters lost but that did not put a damper on all the good vibes and love I felt today. There are so many people I will miss so much. Good thing for Facebook, this blog and cell phones texts.

Heck, actually talking on the phone might even work.

I Don't Sweat, I Sparkle

We had some wicked storms throughout the Midwest during the overnight hours. Lots of people lost power, not to mention trees and lightweight lawn chairs. I could hear the wind and rain while I was trying to sleep but all we got was rain. Still had power. And Mr. Deck Chair stayed put.

The post-storm weather was "thick," though.

Pretty sure both the temperature and the humidity approached 90 today. But, because I was naughty this weekend, I knew I better go to kickboxing after work. What was I thinking?

The first sign that I should have just stayed home was that I was the only one there. When that happens, the instructor goes "off course" and puts me through the paces like a personal trainer. Here's a dirty trick ... the batteries in the wall clock went dead so he didn't know how much time had passed. I, on the other hand, was flabbergasted that I had worked out so hard... in only 10 minutes!

When we figured that out, it was too late. I was hot and sweaty, well sparkly, and going blind.

Did you know that if you "sparkle" enough, it can pour down your face, into your eyes and it stings like heck! The salty sparkles burned so bad I could not open my eyes. Yikes. Good thing I always have a towel with me to mop up sparkles.

I still looked like a hot, wet mess but I went on a few errands right after class. Naturally, I ran into someone I knew at the library. She did not comment on how sparkly I looked.

Perhaps she was blinded, too. It can happen to the best of us!

Left Tackle

Most people know "left tackle" as a position in football. For me, it represents my To Do List after being away from home for days on end. It's all those chores I have left to tackle in one day. Even a day supposedly set aside to rest.

Good one.

So I woke up and got busy. Had some design projects I needed to get off my desk, plus loads of laundry to do. Took a break to attend a graduation party for a friend's daughter then came home to dust, sweep and vacuum – my Saturday chores – then bake.

Yes, it was a hot day in the mid-80s. Yes, I am one of those people who decides to turn the oven on anyway! Thank goodness for air-conditioning. I could have used that earlier when I totally made a rookie mistake with my baking prep.

In an effort to multi-task, we stopped by Wal-Mart on the way to the grad party so I could pick up a card. As long as I was there, I figured I better grab my ingredients for making a Hornets Nest Cake. Here's a tip: When it's 80 degrees, don't leave something in the car that can melt while you sit in the shade shooting the breeze and eating cake for more than hour.

Needless to say, my bag of butterscotch chips was one big misshaped chip when I got home. Still, I made it work – thanks to the magical powers in my new apron.

Ooh-la-la! Meet this fancy frau! This is NOT the apron Carter gave me. This is the one that Lukas' mom gave me, figuring I'd get a kick out of it.

Ja, I got a kick out of it AND a nice figure! Ha. Love it!

I really like the one Carter got me, too. It is the same style of apron I have been wearing for decades. I need a fresh new look so this Bavarian beauty will get a lot of use. Plus, I'm pretty sure I can only get away with wearing the really "fresh" one when Carter's not home.

Either way, the Hornets Nest Cake turned out fine. While it cooled I got some more car show-related work done and am pondering doing more.

Or tackling a piece of cake and going to bed!

Car Show and Tell

I actually did have a lot of work to do at the car show this year so did not have the usual amount of opportunities to take "conversation piece" photos. But I managed to get a few...

 

Here's me, just hanging out with Ryan Evans from Count's Kustoms (Chasing Cars TV show).... because I'm cool like that. No, I don't watch the show, but you know me, I am a celebrity junkie!

The swap meet area doesn't just have car parts. Here I could get my initials for my office wall. Some 3 to 4 feet tall and only $25 per letter. I passed when I wondered if my little hybrid could haul them!

Loved Charlie's Angels! The only reason I did not buy this is because it had "Kris" (aka Cheryl Ladd) on there and not "Jill" (aka Farrah). Not really. The $95 price tag had something to do with it.

I think I warned you there is an abundance of tattoos. Apparently this "Cadillac" fan was more concerned about finding the perfect hat than, say, a shirt.

No shortage of political controversy. Though no one batted an eye at this display.

Or at the sight of a multitude of Confederate flags.

And then there was the shirtless man who was strutting his stuff in front of  our booth. He just kept strutting. I don't know if he was trying to get steps on a pedometer or just needed to show of his tanned muscles.

Meanwhile, the dancing cowboy was wearing not a mere 10-gallon hat, but a 20-gallon one!

When it's this hot, why bother carrying a water bottle when you can hoist the whole pump?

I rarely (make that NEVER) take photos in a bathroom, but when I do I've spotted the Wicked Witch of the West. #Elphaba #Wicked 

Modified shopping cart with plenty of shade.

Modified cart with plenty of horsepower and traction!

Going on a lion hunt!

And this huntress caught a leopard or cheetah, which is amazing since they are darn fast, aren't they?

 

I missed this groovy pair in their '70s clothes and large wig. Just couldn't get my phone out fast enough to focus. Still am not sure where the costume party was.

More colorful hair to match an outfit. I really should try this. (Not.)

The colors in this truck spoke to me. Could have something to do with being a child of the '70s  and '80s. At least I kept my wig and platform shoes at home!

Carter drove over to the show today to get some license plates. Only 6 states left! Afterward we stopped at Shivers in Iola, where this photo was taken in 2007 with our friend (and someone's crush) Tamara before she moved on to a new job and her wedding.

Look how much the merry-go-round has shrunk in 8 years!

Took an artistic farewell shot, showing the trademark tower that is at the heart of the car show grounds. Another car show... another tale of survival.