Making the Cut

It's hard to instill a lesson about the negative impact of procrastination when things work out in the end – despite it.

When job plans in P-Town fell through, College Boy came way late to the game of finding summer employment in central Wisconsin. We're talking applying in May when most kids have their jobs lined up around spring break time. I scrambled and sent him links to numerous jobs and he applied to maybe 8 or 10.

Last week, his first week home after finals, he had 5 interviews lined up Monday through Wednesday. By Wednesday afternoon, he had two job offers. He accepted the one for a local landscaping company. It sort of surprised me because the photo up top is one taken the last time he mowed our lawn.

You may think I'm kidding but I know Daddy taught him that day and I honestly can't recall when the boy did it again. But it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

Especially when they get paid to do it.

Since his new firm takes care of our lawn and landscaping at my work, I got to see the CEO (Cutting Evenly Often) in action.

Pretty sure he'd take that weed wacker after me if he knew what Mom was up to. He said I couldn't put this picture on Facebook. He did not specifically mention the blog. But I might not have heard him clearly over the din of the nearby lawn mowers.

Chalk it up to workplace hazard.

Final Handshakes

As much of a nightmare spring sports can be when it comes to juggling school, work, travel, rainouts and makeup games, you hate to see it end. Unless, of course, it's the last game possible and it ends with a Wisconsin-shaped trophy in your hands.

Such was not the case for our Royal ball clubs tonight.

Softball and Baseball both played at 4:30 p.m. – the girls hosting Blair-Taylor at home for round one of sectionals and the boys traveling to No. 1 ranked Pittsville for round two of regionals.

I had hopes the boys could pull off an upset and bust the playoff bracket. So I opted to go to their game, figuring I could catch the undefeated Lady Royals later in the week.

I was wrong on both counts. I was keeping tabs on the girls' game while at the boys' game. Was crushed when they fell to the Blair-Taylor team, 3-0. Such a great season!

The boys had their game in hand ... for awhile. We had a 2-0 lead for several innings, then fell behind but still within reach. Then, there was that one inning that turned the tables for us, and our boys lost 7-3. What an effort!

It's always so sad to hear the last "line up and shake hands, boys" and see the last kneel-down and coaches' talk.

There are some amazing seniors on both our teams that will be missed. Proud of them and their "careers" as Royals. Might even catch a few at the ball parks this summer.

You know Coach and I are always up for a good game.

Memorials

My tribute to Memorial Day included this poppy I got from a local vet at the grocery store. (And a chance to show off my Wonder Woman fingernails!) I also was part of a memorial for Dick Trickle at the race track and a memorial to high school at a graduation party.

Busy day. And Mother Nature did not want to cooperate!

The cool air and wind were steady. The rain was intermittent. Not good for a race day or party day.

Our nephew Colin raced in the Dick Trickle 99 Memorial Race at Golden Sands.

They had little flags lining the edge of the spectator area. In the background you can see officials drying the track – something they had to do a few times in the afternoon.

Colin qualified 2nd. Some other races began. Umbrella up. Dry the track. Onto next race. By the time Colin's race started, another dark cloud was moving in and we just hoped the 99-lap race would wrap up in time. After several delays – for cautions, not rain – the clouds broke open again. Umbrella up. Race over with 6 laps to go. Colin finished 8th.

We did not stay around for the final race, trucks I think, because it was still raining and we had a graduation party to get to.

That was held close to home at the Lake Wazeecha shelter. It was not an enclosed shelter so the friends and family were literally chilling all day. I had not warmed up from the races, so I did not overstay my welcome after enjoying my 6th piece of graduation cake of the weekend. I left before they had to roll me out of there!

My scale is going to have a come to Jesus meeting with me tomorrow. Uff da.

Tonight we are all home again. Carter is back from a weekend with friends up north. And we're all reminding ourselves we have to set alarms in the morning.

Yes, a holiday weekend. Yes, a day off. But with all the fun, there is work remaining to be done.

I see myself coming off my sugar high about 10 a.m. Tuesday. I'll either crash at my desk or just be going through crabby withdrawals. Just warning the masses.

The day after Memorial Day is Memorable Day.

Low Stress, High Calorie

It's not so unusual to eat my way through a weekend. But when each "meal" involves cake, I'm sure I'll be paying for it at the meeting with Mr. Scale. Pretty sure I'll be avoiding him this week!

Can't believe it's been a year since we had Carter's graduation party on the Sunday of Memorial Weekend. Once again, the holiday weekend is proving to be busy with lots of food, friends and Royal Blue.

On Saturday we had two graduation parties. Today we had three. Tomorrow we have a 2-for-1 combo.

I know how much work goes into planning and executing a nice party. It would be rude of me not to sample the food they labored over and cake or cupcakes or bars they offered for dessert. So for the second night in a row I am going to bed with a full stomach and will probably have a stomach ache before dawn.

That's much too much food! But so good. And the company was great!

Awesome to spend plenty of time with friends – especially those on the same "party circuit" – and great to not be the one in charge.

Low stress this year. But the calorie count... probably off the charts.

Totally worth it. Congrats, graduates! Nice work, moms and dads.

Time Keeps Ticking On

It was fitting that the day before the anniversary of my dad's death, that I got this message in my Dove chocolate.

Now don't judge me for having a Dove treat. It was obviously a sign from above that I should have it. The only problem is that I can't think of a single quote from Dad. He said too much. He had an answer for everything. A wonderful trait I believe all of his children inherited. I "pull a LeRoy" pretty often, according to hubby. So Dad's legacy lives on, trying the patience of spouses everywhere.

Can't believe it's been 4 years today If you don't think 4 years is long, think of the difference in a child finishing 8th grade and a young man or woman finishing 12th. As I witnessed today, there's a huge difference.

This morning was Assumption's graduation ceremony. I attended to see many friends of Carter and children of dear friends celebrating with pomp and circumstance. I even got a little teary-eyed because I've known some of these "kids" since they were really kids.

As I experienced last year and many friends are experiencing this year, time keeps ticking on and we can't stop it nor slow it down. Yes, children can grow up in a blink of eye. And despite the trying teenage years, you will love them more with each passing minute.

We are generation of parents inordinately involved in our children's lives. We wouldn't dream of missing a game, a concert, a dance performance – if we can help it. Even with both parents working, one or both manages to find the time or make the time to participate or spectate if they have a flexible employer.

Just because I miss my dad dearly does not mean he was the perfect father to me. He worked hard and therefore had little time for basketball games and choir concerts. Doesn't mean he loved me any less. He was doing the best he could. But it took some time to figure that out. And thankfully I had many years with him to appreciate his efforts. And, of course, appreciate how smart he was (answer for everything!) and how friendly and funny.

Yup. Time keeps ticking on. We want to enjoy every minute with our children while we have them. Then, we become smart enough to realize what our parents went through to raise us, and we want more minutes with them.

Is there ever enough time? No. But we can treasure the minutes while we have them.

Trust me, those memories fill holes in the heart later on.

Water Resistant

When you hold onto a grudge or focus on a problem too long, think of the elephant ear.

OK, I can't find my Gardening for Dummies book but I think this plant is some variation of that elephant ear plant I've seen. All I know is, like the elephant, they can hold their water. You really gotta shake them up for them to let it go.

At a glance, this looks like a huge raindrop. And it is. At least the size of dime, sitting there with the sun shining and no plans to move. Just expecting itself to disappear naturally.

Problems that are the size of a dime don't seem that big. But for a raindrop, that's a pretty good size. Still, we're talking elephant ears here. How big is a dime-size drop comparably?

Big, but not huge, right?

Lately I have been focused too much on a problem that I am ready to shake off but it is clinging to its elephant ear, not disappearing on its own or sliding off in a positive direction. With some self-help study (which I may share some day), I have finally come to the realization that it is up to the elephant ear how long it wants to hold that large but not huge raindrop in place. I can try to reduce its size with my positive, warm, sunny attitude. But the rest is up to the elephant.

Honestly, if I can't change other people, why would I think I can change an elephant?

Personally, if I had a big drop of water in my ear, it would drive me crazy. And it has. And it does.

But it's time for me to concentrate on shaking off my own problems and let the rest of the herd do what they want with theirs. Not my circus, not my, uhm, elephant, right? I can only be in charge of my own happiness. I can spread it but some people, er elephants, may be resistant to that, too.

I guess it is possible to transition from a wet elephant ear to a wet blanket. I am helpless to stop it in others. But I remain hopeful I can in myself.

Stay positive. Welcome the "rain." Learn from it. Shake it off. Move on.

Playing for Keeps

This is the best time of the year for spring sports. The playoffs!

This is what the teams worked hard for all year. To play for keeps. As in, play to WIN so you can keep on playing!

Both the girls and boys teams were at bat today. The girls start playoffs a week earlier so our Lady Royals were hosting the Augusta Beavers, starting at 4:30 p.m. It should have been a Friday game but Augusta has graduation tomorrow. (Or something related to it.) So I went straight from work to the girls game for a bit. It was tough to leave since it was still scoreless in the 3rd, but the boys were starting their first game of regionals and were at home so I couldn't miss that!

Took some pictures at both since it was the first sunny and warm day in ages. I was at the baseball game a few innings and the boys took a 3-0 lead. No lead, no matter the margin, is ever safe in baseball. I didn't want to leave the close matchup with Marshfield Columbus, but I was getting texts our softball team finally was scoring so I didn't want to miss the finale when they'd get their regional championship plaque!

So back to the softball field I went! Got there in time to see the last 3 outs and our Lady Royals rejoicing with their 9-0 victory. Pretty cool! Still undefeated. Wow. Next week will be sectionals for them.

Stood around to take a few pictures then headed back to the close baseball game. As luck would have it, our boys never did allow Marshfield to score, so we won round 1 of the regional playoff! Hurray! The fun part will be playing against #1 seeded Pittsville on Tuesday. We lost to them twice in regular season, but third time's the charm, right?

Let's hope. Both our teams will be playing again on Tuesday. But different towns. Nothing will keep me away from Pittsville, though. Time to bust that playoff bracket.

And play for keeps.

How Now, Brown Cow

 

Moo-ve over, teenagers. If you want to learn the art of selfies, just ask a cow.

I HERD some great photo tips today while I was out for a walk in the neighborhood. Since not everyone can do the super model runway walk like this cutie above, there are ways to work the angle for in-cow-dible results.

Just ask my Bess friend Bess.

Not to fat shame her, but whoa, Bessie. Lay off the high-carb grass. She's a beautiful, brown-eyed babe but you might not know it from this angle. Nice calves, but... what a heifer (not exactly).

Now, to make the moo-la, here's the straight-on sultry look. There's the Divine Bovine we know and love. In fact, the skinny shamers are like, eat a sandwich, Bess. You're skin and bones!

When taking a close-up selfie, always focus in on your best feature.

Or not.

I know. She'll kill me when she sees this! Glad she was a good sport about it.

Another thing I learned at Camera Cow-llege...

Ever notice how cows eat salad all day and they are still hefty? Cameras don't lie. I am totally putting my diet out to pasture.

Kisses from Heaven

Remember that one day when the sun was shining? That was nice, wasn't it?

I like this saying about rain: "A raindrop landing on your cheek is a kiss from someone that lives in Heaven and is watching over you..."

How appropriate since one, it is raining – again, and two, we are just a few days away from the anniversary of my dad's death.

After nearly 4 years, I know he is watching over me. Not only does he send me kisses in the rain, but he often visits my dreams. Most times, I am dreaming something about getting my parents' house cleaned out for a sale. But it's not just for my mom. My dad is always in the dream, too, like he's still around. Not sure if that means he is telling us kids to support Mom more.

Or if he's signaling me to get rid of all the clutter in my life.

I can see that playing out both ways. Good advice either way, right?

Next time he's in my dream, though, I might casually mention that he doesn't need to rain down kisses on baseball days or softball days... or golf days. Those days are few and far between. The other days, well, the smooch fest can resume as usual.

Thanks, Dad!

XOXO
 

Sunny Disposition

Once again it has seemed like our weather play list is stuck on repeat – much like the deja vu nature of the Groundhog Day movie. We wake up, it rains. We wake up, it rains...

Today, though, when the groundhog emerged, he saw his shadow. Do you know what that means? I'll tell you what it means. It means the sun was finally shining! Oh, sweet sun!

I really didn't have time to take a walk break at work, but I took one anyway. Had to get out and witness this unusual event. Thankfully, it was sunny, breezy and warm enough that it helped dry out the ballfield, too, so the baseball team could wrap up their season with a doubleheader tonight.

Since my kickboxing class got canceled, Carter and I went over to Witter Field to catch the second game. The Royals split the series with Northland Lutheran. Probably didn't matter too much since the seeding and playoff positions are established for the start of regionals on Thursday.

Nice to be out at the ballpark and not needing 5 layers like the last few games have required. I did not have my camera with me so I got to be lazy and visit with girlfriends – giving full attention to the game, of course.

Sure would be nice if this is the weather that would stay on repeat for the next week. Unfortunately, Mother Nature is not known for her sunny disposition.

Spring in Wisconsin

Remember that really warm and humid day last week? For the record, that was the only day in 2017 – so far – that I did not "warm up my bed" with the electric mattress pad. The. Only. One.

Today has me wondering when did we last have a 24-hour stretch with no rain? And now cold (as in 40 degrees) to boot.

Yesterday, as part of the Assumption Royal Event activities, they had to re-route the 5K because the walking/running paths were under water. Today was the main event with outdoor activities including kids games, inflatable rides, a petting zoo and a dunk tank. B-r-r-r.

It was cold enough and sprinkling often enough that we just stayed inside, taking advantage of all the food offerings. Well, not all of them.

I had a yummy pulled pork sandwich for "breakfast," a German schaum torte (meringue, toffee and whipped cream type dessert for "lunch," then homemade apple pie and ice cream for "dinner." As an afternoon snack I had a piece of cheesecake. But don't judge me for that ONE. I had food tickets left and ended up taking 4 pieces to go. So you can judge me after I inhale those.

C'mon, I shared with the guys in the house. Perhaps against my will, but I shared.

Hubby and I were at the Royal Event for most of the afternoon. Part of it was spend surveying the condition of the baseball field. If the rain could hold off until we get the last games of the season in this week and the next few for playoffs, that would be great.

The baseball games tomorrow night were rescheduled from last Wednesday, which was the rain date from a previous cancellation. So yes, it would be great if they could play.

Not sure how many layers we will need, but I suspect it's somewhere between the Tuesday and Saturday illustrations above. B-r-r-r-r-ing on Spring in Wisconsin!

Love Triangle

As much as I enjoy doing things for others, if I am going to get up at 4:30 on a Saturday morning, there better be something in it for me.

And today there was.

A year ago, hubby and I were casually looking for a replacement vehicle for me. My Honda Insight is a great commuter car but now that I am driving 6 miles to work instead of 100 round-trip per day, I was ready to upgrade to a "grownup car" as I termed it. And I guess, any car with cruise would qualify. Yep, commuting 500 miles a week and no cruise. That was no fun. At least it wasn't bad in the new, shorter commute, but it got me looking around.

Enter Bonus Boy #1, my stepson Casey, who started wheeling and dealing cars last year in the Twin Cities. And guided a recent search.

Through a series of endless texts and communications this week with this charming car salesman, I had word late yesterday that a certain Honda I had my eye on was still in the lot – and mine for the taking if I got over to the Walser Toyota lot in Bloomington, Minnesota. I just happened to sort of be going that way today anyway for a bridal shower for my nephew's fiance.

And by sort of going that way, you can see in the triangle, I hit the road at 5:30 a.m. and headed straight west to Minnesota. Thanks to road construction and rain delays, I got there a little later than I hoped, but Casey was ready for me.

Despite the constant rain, it was a great day for car shopping ... when you know what you want. We test drove my Honda Accord and I loved it. Turns out it had more bells and whistles than I expected. I was drawn to it because it had cruise, backup camera, a moon roof and heated leather seats.

I was excited it also had bluetooth phone connection, navigation/GPS screen and a handful of other surprise options. The deal was sealed.

Even with the rain, we just HAD to get a picture! I had to borrow the dealership umbrella because I emptied everything – including 2 umbrellas – out of the Insight so it was ready for trade-in.

I hit the road around 12:30 for the second leg of the triangle from Bloomington to the Luck area. A slow, traffic-jammed, rainy drive. But there was still cake left when I got there so that was a bonus!

Had a very nice bridal shower (organized by my sister Rayna) for Zach's soon-to-be bride Liana.

Here she is with my sister Rachel, mother of the groom.

And with the grandmother of the groom!

It rained the whole time we were there and the whole drive back to Wisconsin Rapids, the third leg of the triangle. But it was a nice, comfortable cruise home.

Why is it a love triangle? Because I love my new car (and that salesman). And I love my family. And I love being back home to a full house!

Year One in the Rearview Mirror

A year ago at this time, I was shedding tears left and right as I struggled through the last of our baby's "lasts" of senior year in preparation for graduation. How was I going to live in my empty nest?

How indeed?

Strangely, after struggling through the first few weeks – OK, months – of empty nesting last fall, the time went crazy fast. I can't believe today was Carter's final final of his freshman year at UW-Platteville.

Made the trek down there myself since hubby had to coach baseball this afternoon. I brought some totes and a large suitcase so I could help College Boy pack the last of his clothes into those. All of it was clean, some fresh out of the dryer! He had everything else good to go. Pretty much. So we got it loaded in 4 trips each to the CRV.

His RA officially checked him out and we were on the road heading home by 2 p.m. with Platteville and Year One in the rearview mirror.

For the first time ever, he didn't sleep on the trip so we could actually have a conversation – when I wasn't compelled to sing along to an '80s station I found on the radio. Got home a little after 5 and he was out of the house by 6:30. I told him I didn't need to capture all of his time the first night because he's here all summer.

How unlike me. Is it possible to turn off the Clingy Empty Nester switch so easily? I guess we'll see at the end of the summer. But take heart, current parents of seniors, you will get through this. Don't skip through the tears of sadness, joy, pride and grief. They are all part of the process! And necessary, I think.

A year from now you'll be picking up your Finals Week survivor and their piles of stuff and they will tell you, too, that they feel like high school was a lifetime ago.

On that I can agree.

The Other One

As much as I love and respect the often-repeated Serenity Prayer, I liked this "other" version of it the minute I saw it today.

For me, it could just end at "serenity to stop beating myself." Doesn't matter the reason. I do it too often because I allow others to have the power to make me feel like I'm not good enough. That I'm the idiot. I'm the failure. I'm worthless.

I don't love myself enough to stop it. I should say I didn't love myself but am working to change that.

That's what I like about this prayer. ... The courage to forgive myself because I'm working on doing better. And, I might add, the recognition that it is a process and we make progress, but it never ends.

Seriously, that is why I am always so apologetic for my existence. When I say, "Sorry, I'm trying to change" or "I'm working to get better at that," it just points out I haven't mastered whatever "it" is that I am working on. Therefore confirming, in my mind, I am a failure.

That is why it takes so much courage to forgive ourselves for trying. It's actually quite bold to love ourselves for the people we are, knowing there may be a long journey to the people we want to become.

And, the final portion, acknowledging that God loves me just the way I am... no matter my progress or lack of it. No matter others' opinions of me or societal standards. No matter how many times I've tried to be that "better" person and failed.

Having that wisdom. That's a huge deal.

I'm glad I stumbled upon this prayer today. I needed that reminder that even if I have a long way to go, I have actually come a long way, too. And I am good enough right where I am.

Not going to stop the journey. Just pulling into a rest area to get my bearings.

Storm Shelter :: No Money Down

It was Wicked Weather Wednesday in Wisconsin. Just like Tuesday, but with more alliteration.

After sleeping fitfully through last night's storms, we were treated to another round later this afternoon. We were under a combined Tornado Watch-Severe Weather Watch for the afternoon and evening, resulting in our doubleheader baseball and softball games getting called off and rescheduled to next Monday.

Since I had no excuse to skip kickboxing, I finally went for the first time in several weeks. Between work work and chiropractic work, I've had to stay away. It was a tough class. An understatement.

After class, my Wonder Twin Gwen (yes, Wonder Woman has stunt doubles) mentioned we were in a Tornado Warning. I looked at my phone and it only said Storm Warning. So we both figured we better hustle to Wal-Mart and shop quickly to beat it.

Now Robyn and "quick shopping" do not go hand in hand – even if I have a list. It took me forever to pick out a wedding card and two birthday cards because obviously it is a major decision, much like which car to buy or which college to attend. Gotta pick the right one.

So by the time I was in the grocery area, I could hear the rain pounding on the roof. Then it got loud. Really loud. Like the hail kind of loud. When I did make it the checkout aisle I wondered how fast I could run to my car in that stuff – and not get those cards wet, of course.

I didn't even get a chance to check out before the lights flickered off and on several times. Then completely out. No power. Just generator lights.

All shoppers were ordered to head back to Layaway, which conveniently doubles as a storm shelter. "This is a Code Black." Which now I know means, don't stand by the entrance taking pictures of hail. Get your butt to the back of the store so Wal-Mart doesn't get sued for injury and negligence.

I left my items on the checkout conveyor belt, grabbed my purse and headed to Layaway. I HAD to make a birthday treat tonight, so there was no way I was going home empty handed. Unless the storm got serious, that is.

As luck would have it, my Wonder Twin was there and we both were comforted knowing we would be with each other when we died. Well, how fitting my final resting place should be at Wal-Mart. Cleanup in aisle 5... Ashes.

Since we all didn't fit in the layaway area, some of us hung outside the door and browsed the shoe aisles. Gwen and I talked and tried not to look at the famous "People of Wal-Mart" type folks. Then I realized I was one of them. I was the sweaty, gross one and I am sure there were relieved when we were dismissed some 20 minutes later.

Power still hadn't come back on – it is out in much of the area – but the self-serve checkout kiosks worked.

On the way home, I saw a road closed and lots of emergency vehicles. Snapped a pic while driving by. It appears the uprooted tree is resting on power lines. That would explain some of the outages anyway.

When I got home and found that much of the town and area were still without power, I commenced to baking at lightning speed and now blogging quickly. Never know when the power will go off since we do have another round of storms coming.

Once again, I am praying for any victims – whether personal injury or tree/property injury. Apparently the wacky weather is here to stay.

Twisted

Today had all the ingredients for wicked weather in Wisconsin. Temperatures were in the mid-80s in Wisconsin Rapids. Windy was gusting all day. And it was pretty humid.

Thankfully, in Wisconsin Rapids, that's all we had. In fact, I mowed the front lawn after work to get steps and sun, and we grilled steaks and fancy brats tonight to observe Tony's first day (well, night) at his new production job in Stevens Point and to celebrate a visit from No. 1 son Casey.

In my back home neck of the woods, though, it was a different story.

This is a picture shared on a news channel in Barron, which is near Chetek, where this trailer park was obliterated by a twister. At least one dead and dozens injured.

I get scared seeing stuff on the news knowing I have a lot of family living up in that area. Thankfully, all are present and accounted for. Some had wind, rain and hail, but that's it as far as I know. My mom said she got nothing. That tornado system, though, just kept trekking north and east so who knows how much more damage will be caused before we go to bed tonight.

Just saying a prayer of thanks that we're OK. My loved ones are OK. And praying for the victims and very busy emergency personnel dealing with the aftermath.

Hopefully this twisted weather won't hang around for long.

Brush It Off

In typical Monday fashion, my stress level reached a pinnacle today. So rather than use this blog as a forum for venting and negativity, I will just BRUSH IT OFF, as the napkin from Buffalo Wild Wings reminds me.

Just focus on the positive things in life – even if they don't involve me directly, right?

Carter has one of 3 finals done and has 4 job interviews next week. Rain came and went and did not cancel spring sports. Both the baseball and softball teams won tonight, sweeping the tough Marathon teams. And I had ice cream for supper.

Hey, I don't take that "brush it off" advice lightly.

Thank god, though, that it's Tuesday tomorrow.

Happy Mother (Nature) Day

If you can't spend time with your own mother on Mother's Day, Mother Nature is a great second choice.

I did get to do some special bonding with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and a few other mothers on her hubby's side of the family. Then Jim and I were off to the river with our neighbors. When it's sunny and mid-70s, you gotta take advantage and paddle!

The first time we were out this year, the trees were all still bare. It was nice to see plenty of green besides my kayak.

Saw an eagle's nest early on, but no action in the vicinity.

Sneaked up on a blue heron!

We're wondering when this tree is going to just fall right on top of us. Just keeps hanging on. For now, that is. Makes for a neat picture anyway.

Putting the mothers in Mother Nature!

Jim and Mike sharing a story or two.

Love this picture. Looks like Cindy is on a mission to pass Mike!

Wind was not constant. Water actually looks calm here as we approach the southern end of "the big island."

Rounded the bend and this poor mother duck was escorting her babies across the windy waves. I'm sure these ducklings were willing to do anything for Mother's Day and were hoping crossing the big river wasn't one of them!

Saw an eagle in flight and followed him into a cove. With his bright white head, he was easy spot. That and the huge nest he was guarding.

As pure luck would have it, the baby popped his head up just as I was taking this picture. What a lucky shot! Guess he is starting his photo-bombing early.

Despite the fact my phone blared Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child of Mine when Carter called while I was floating towards the nest, the eagle stayed in place, looking stoic like they do. This is not helping me win my argument for a new camera with better zoom...

It was pretty cool to be talking to my son on Mother's Day while floating on the river and having this view. Sort of the best of both worlds!

Which we deserve on Mother's Day, naturally.

Powered By Potatoes

I do not know enough about fuel components to understand how a vehicle – much less a race car – could be "powered by potatoes," but we saw some serious spuds at work today.

Hubby and I spent the day at the Wisconsin International Raceway. There's always that one driver from Canada that qualifies a place as "international," right? The track is located outside Kaukauna – that's in the Green Bay area for you western Wisconsin folks.

Our nephew Colin is racing the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series this season. Each round will be at a different track. Since we don't know how many of the 6 we'll make, we figured we better get to the first one for sure! And this one, at least, was sponsored by Wisconsin Potatoes.

It was a nice day. Cloudy and slightly cooler over there, mainly because of the wind, which blew all kinds of dust and grit into out eyes and nose and mouth and probably ears. Still. Much nicer than a May weekend in Wisconsin could potentially be!

It was a good day for #87. He qualified 4th out of 33 drivers. The fastest qualifier actually broke the track record so we knew competition would be tough today. But Colin took the checkered flag in the Fast Five Dash (for the 5 fastest qualifiers). Then, in the 50-lap feature, he fought hard and was sooooo close to finishing 3rd – he probably needed 3 more laps – and he ended up finishing 5th. That's a great start to the season!

Took lots of photos but will share just a few here...

Rolling out the racer.

 Fast Five Dash win!

50-lap feature action.

Do I lose my gearhead status if I say it's pretty?

 Gotta get past people!!

 Passing #66 was a turning point that put Colin in the top 5.

Finishing 5th and so close to 4th!

I think before my next race, I am going to eat french fries so I can be powered by potatoes. They are obviously the source of crazy speed.