Moms Know Things

You know. No matter your age, you never stop being a mom.

It was so sweet that my mom called me this week because she heard I was sad and she felt that mom-connected pain. She said she wanted me to know she loves me.

Oh gosh, does this mean we never stop worrying? I guess not.

At least now I can appreciate that what I once considered overbearing and bossy and nosey is actually just caring and concern and wanting the best for me.

Don't ask me how old I was when I figured that one out. Much too old.

But better late than never.

My advice to the young ladies out there is this...

Being a teenager is tough. I get that. I was a teenage girl once, too... Maybe a hundred years ago but I do remember the insecurities, self doubt, thinking my parents didn't know anything (spoiler alert: they DO)...

Just know that no matter what seems like an impossible, huge boulder in your path, you have options. You are loved. You are so loved. A hug is always an arm's length away. I give them out freely!

Do me a favor and hug your mom today. (Your dad, too!)

I don't care if she grounded you from your phone this week or hounded you about homework or grilled you about that boy you like, do it. She needs that. If you are really brave, tell her you love her, too! Then love yourself. Got it?

See how bossy and pushy I am? Because I'm a mom. And I love you. That's what we do.

And as a mom, when I got an unprompted phone call from my baby – my teenager – tonight, it set my universe right. Love is a powerful thing. Use it wisely.

And often.

Spring Thaw, But Not Really

When I heard rumors through the office that it was "nice out," I figured I better confirm it. Sure enough, temps were inching up to 50 degrees in Stevens Point – and even warmer down South in Wisconsin Rapids.

I ventured outside without a coat. Nothing like a lunchtime walk in the sunshine. Fresh air. Warmth. It does a mind and body good.

Have to admit I needed that boost. Just needed to feel something good and positive and bright this week! Of course, it's not going to stay THAT nice, but it will be above freezing anyway.

This weekend I got to enjoy some of the great outdoors at Camp Crop-A-Lot, too. Since Saturday was mild, my childhood friend and fellow scrapper Julie and I put on our boots and walked on a crunchy icy trail in the woods at camp. It was a bit windy but still not bad.

For our part, we didn't get lost and we got a good 2-3 mile walk in.

We also located Louie the Lion – the bronze Lions Camp mascot – for a quick selfie.

We Luck girls had a good and productive time at camp. The way the cars were iced over on Sunday morning, we thought perhaps we'd be stuck there until spring. But that darn, temporary spring thaw thwarted our plans.

Physically and mentally, it sure felt good to get outside this weekend and today. And guess what – I managed to get 10,000 steps. So that's a bonus.

And I was reminded of God's beauty and his blessings. We could all use that reminder, couldn't we?

Because I Knew You...

Sitting on my desk among all the random pens and flashd rives and photos of my hubby and son is a silver-framed image of me with a special young lady.

Emily gave this to me 3 years ago after we completed our joint church confirmation project. I served as her mentor so for 6 weeks we met weekly and went through a faith journey together – including projects, homework, and service work. Oh, and lots of insightful conversations with this sweet girl. We shared many prayers, hugs, and "ah ha" moments realizing the many blessings in our lives.

I learned as much from her as she did from me, I am sure.

Since then, I have been privileged to see her regularly in church, read her hilariously written family Christmas letters, watch her perform in dance recitals and school musicals, plus take dance team photos and her senior portraits. For as much time as I sit at my computer desk, you know I am not exaggerating when I say I think of this "adopted daughter" of mine at least once a day.

And now I can't stop thinking about her.

I learned yesterday after my return from scrap camp that Emily had died earlier in the day. Shocked. Speechless. Heartbroken. I couldn't – and still can't – wrap my head around the fact that this beautiful young lady is gone. My heart breaks for her parents and sister and friends.

How she died is not my story to tell. How she lived, though, should inspire us all.

Tonight there was a candlelight vigil at the high school, where she was mid-stride in her senior year. Hundreds – mostly kids – gathered to pay respects, share a memory, light a candle.

Though hubby and I were too far back in the crowd to hear everything said, I heard enough to know that the same funny, caring girl I have come to know since her childhood is the same beautiful soul as a teenager. The teacher who is in charge of the Mock Trial team shared how Emily was the most motivating and positive student he's ever had. "She brought the team together as no one had and said 'We're doing this. We're winning this." There was much laughter, too, as friends from classes and Drama Club and dance shared special memories.

Memories.

I don't like that word because that means she's gone. And that's all we have.

At the conclusion of the vigil,  part of the orchestra and members of the high school choir dedicated songs to Emily. The song For Good from the Wicked musical has always been a favorite. Always makes me cry. And now, always will.

I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives,
For a reason.
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are lead to those,
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Well I don't know if I believe that's true.
But I know I'm who I am today,
Because I knew you.
Like a comet pulled from orbit,
As it passes a sun.
Like a stream that meets a boulder,
Halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better,
But because I knew you,
I have been changed for good.
 
It well may be,
That we will never meet again,
In this lifetime.
So let me say before we part,
So much of me,
Is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me,
Like a hand print on my heart.
And now whatever way our stories end,
I know you have rewritten mine,
By being my friend.
Like a ship blown from it's mooring,
By a wind off the sea.
Like a sea dropped by a sky bird,
In a distant wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better,
But because I knew you
 
Because I knew you
 
I have been changed for good.

Because I knew you, my Divine Miss Em, I know a single smile can light up a room more than 100 candles combined. Because I knew you, my sweet girl, I have been changed for good.

God bless you.

Kardiac Kids

Going into tonight's game, our Assumption boys basketball team had already earned the name "Cardiac Kids" because of their nail-biter games this season. So why not add another heart attack into the mix with a showdown versus Marathon.

We were a game behind them at tip-off. We knew it was going to be tough. And it was a battle. Very physical!

At the midpoint of the first half, we were down 30-13. Not kidding. Marathon could not miss the 3. Our boys did not give up, though, and had a rally so they went into halftime down just 36-32. The whole second half was an edge-of-your-seat roller coaster. We'd come so close to tying, but couldn't. Didn't even have the lead.

Except when it counted. Down 66-68 with 3.9 seconds left on the clock, the Royals got the ball down the length of the court, somehow into the hands of Jake Sullivan, who sank a three-pointer at the buzzer giving us a one-point victory! Want to see it?

https://www.facebook.com/robyn.austin.39/videos/10155511014702569/

Yup. The Buzzer Beater Boys have done it again.

And that wraps up the regular season, too, with us tied with Marathon and Stratford for second place in the conference. As you can see from the final standings above, we're no slouches. Crazy how we had this amazing year and then over half the conference did, too. Playoffs should be a blast.

Grab your pacemaker. They start next week.

Hitting the Marq

Hubby rode down to Milwaukee with his cousin this evening to watch Marquette basketball. A well-balanced effort from all seven players on the floor was the key in tonight's 85-73 win over St. John's, according to the Marquette Facebook page. Ha.

I tuned into the game once but had no idea where Jim and Jerry were sitting so I was not about to watch the whole game just looking for them.

In fact, I didn't watch the Olympics either – except the cross country skiing finish (whoot!) – and didn't leave the house.

Must. Pack!

Seriously, I hadn't gotten to my Camp Crop-A-Lot prep yet. Now I at least have all the pictures in order and some of the accompanying scrapbooking paper. Will have to finish getting what I can together tomorrow night since I'm leaving straight from work Friday.

I better get to bed though now and save the all-nighters for the weekend. It'll all come together. It always does, thankfully!

The Olympic Sport of Commuting

Despite another Snow or Ice Day for area schools, some of us still had to get to work. Based on how scary it looked on the TV and on my own deck, I was pretty nervous. And, for the first mile or so, I had reason to be.

Our driveway, subdivision streets and Deer Road were pretty glacial. Kind of felt like I was cruising down the road like a Curling stone – only without the brooms and the Norwegians' fancy pants.

When I got to 80th Street, then my four-lane roads, it was fine. Not clear. Still slippery in many spots. But fine. Glad I didn't wimp out and stay home. I may need a day later this week based on my slow camp prep progress!

After work, I had a dental cleaning in Rapids. Roads felt pretty good by then. Saw some pretty ice-covered branches outside the dental office.

I'm sure there were actually pretty things to photograph but I didn't have the guts to venture any further to see them.

Besides, my curling skills require me to shuffle along. Otherwise, I'll be judged for my Quad Pull and Triple Klutz.

Be careful out there. I don't know if it's over yet!

It's No Day

Since I was neck deep in projects yesterday I didn't pay attention to this week's weather forecast. In fact, it wasn't until I stopped for gas on the way to work that I saw we were in for some freezing rain. After I go to work, I got a text from hubby that they'd closed schools in central Wisconsin – including the large districts of Rapids and Stevens Point. Some were closed for today and tomorrow already.

So yeah. I live under a rock sometimes.

And it was OK. We got nothing for precipitation in Point or Rapids during my work day. It was only misting on my way home. So I guess I dodged a weather bullet. And it was a No Day instead of a Snow Day for the school kids.

Tomorrow, though, it might be warranted. Weather guys just have to prove themselves right just because I am now paying attention!

See the pretty pink heart of Wisconsin? The lower dot is home and the upper dot is work. Uff da.

I fear it's going to be accurate because I talked to my mom tonight and she is seeing snow up in the purple area. And talked to College Boy down in the green and he said it's pretty much been raining the last 4 hours.

So we with either get ice or pink cotton candy falling from the sky.

Since I live under rock, anything's possible in my book.

Be careful out there!

Grilling and Chilling

Today wasn't exactly a day of rest since I had to do work work, freelance work, and bit of house work. That's why it was an especially welcome treat when my nephew Tony came over for lunch – with bratwursts from Ski's Meats in hand.

Those are the best ever.

Hubby fired up the grill (it was above 30 degrees out) and I had cheesy potatoes going in the crockpot. A little bit of both seasons! Had a super meal but short visit since Tony had to get sleep and errands done before working tonight, Jim had "open hit" for baseball, and I had my deadlines.

I was pretty productive but still have my biggest deadline hanging over my head... Camp Crop-A-Lot is this coming weekend already! Had nothing organized so I at least ordered pictures to be printed. Then I can figure out the details – papers, embellishments, etc – a little bit each evening this week I guess.

I could do more tonight but frankly, I may have to sip on some on cough syrup and go to bed early. Can't quite shake the coughing crud. It's not continuous – I was able to sing in church this morning – but when it comes, it's fierce and hurts.

Think I'll try ice cream first and go from there. What? We grilled today. It's a free pass for summer time activities!

All Aboard The Birthday Express

When you're not looking, the number 50 can come rolling down the tracks and you can't do anything to stop it.

That's what's happening to a lot of friends my age this year. When they're smart, they just hop on board the Birthday Express and enjoy the ride.

Tonight we got to help our friend Mike celebrate the milestone – and go for part of the ride with him.

We had dinner at Pullman's in Trolley Square in downtown Appleton. I knew the place because our friends Angelo and Robyn celebrated their wedding there a few years back. It's cool. There's a trolley-like rail car inside... but you just can't go in it.

There were 10 of us. Mike and Christine came up from Racine area, two came from nearby in the Fox Valley, and the rest of us hailed from Rapids. Thankfully the snow was sporadic enough we had safe travels both ways. Especially since we had to go "off track" and take the CRV.

By coincidence – or maybe not – the indoor trolley car is No. 50!

So now there are two things that are 50. Ha. Thanks for being a good sport, birthday boy!

Had excellent food (chew-chew) and great conversation.

We'll see if my diet gets back "on track" some day soon!

Winner, Winner, uhm, Fish Dinner

It was a great night at Assumption High School.

Before the boys varsity game, they honored Coach Weisenbeck for nabbing his 300th win earlier this week at Amherst. Tonight, he got a standing ovation, a basketball signed by all his players.... oh, and stinking huge win over Newman. We're talking 62-19. I don't always exaggerate.

It was a very quick game. Hubby was working at the St. Lawrence fish fry – as he'll do every Friday during Lent – and he missed the first half. Arrived a halftime so he didn't miss seeing us run up the score... or see his wife claim the 50-50 raffle prize! Tee hee.

I told you it was a great night at Assumption!

Got home in time so see some major quad action at the Olympics and upload some game photos. Almost too much excitement for a Friday! Thankfully, I don't have to conserve energy for anything tomorrow.

I just hope my quads don't hurt from merely watching men's figure skating. Lots of winners tonight.

Pretty cool.

All Together Now

Never take good fortune for granted. This morning I texted hubby that this was a great work trip. He was gone three days and we were Princess poop- and puke-free!

He got home from the airport mid-afternoon and texted me quite a graphic picture. (Ha, not what you're thinking.) And said I spoke to soon and jinxed it! Yup she made a little mess. Nothing like last week's 5-pile alarm.

So we'll keep her.

Meanwhile, we humans are both battling some nagging cough stuff. We always cycle through it, it seems. Hopefully this one is short-lived for both of us. There's just so much going around.

If we get cat-scratch fever, then we've got real problems.

Hope you are staying healthy or getting there soon!

(Commercial break over. Back to the Olympics.)

Feel the Love

It seems so weird to have Ash Wednesday fall on Valentine's Day. Or does it? We are talking about the greatest love, after all.

Of course, it's a bonus to hear from your loved ones who currently walk the earth with you, too.

With hubby out of town – exotic Columbus, Ohio, this time – it's just the Princess and me. So far, no special valentines from her, thank goodness. Did hear from hubby and the boys via text so that was nice, too. Even if all were home, I wouldn't have been able to fit anything romantic into the schedule.

Since it's Ash Wednesday, choir sang at our 6:30 p.m. service. Then I begged out of practice afterward to nurse a scratchy throat. I think there is hot tea with honey and a triple lutz or twizzle in my near future.

Kitty, who's laying on my desk here, thinks that's a good idea, too. Just bonding and reboosting our immune system... and pretending we love each other since it's Valentine's Day and all.

My wish for you on Valentine's Day is that YOU love YOURSELF as much as you are loved. Re-read the bible verse above if you have to. You'll realize you are loved A LOT!

XOXO

Fluffy and Fat Tuesday

If you are feeling fat after over-indulging for Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday), no worries. These pictures will make you feel like the svelte sinner you are. Or something.

I saw these guys (and gals?) on my way over to wrestling in Almond-Bancroft on Saturday. I made sure to stop on the way home to "round up" some photos. I don't know if this is a farm, a park or what. I hadn't "herd" of it or seen it before. It's right on County Road D between I-39 and Almond.

Might be worth a drive to take the kiddos. Try a warm day. Though it is cool to see their big, bad, breath!

I may not eat "buffalo chips" again!

Is that salad on Fat Tuesday? That looks like salad!

You like what I did with my hair?

Where's my warm, furry blanket? Oh wait. I'm wearing it.

Does this hump make my butt look big?

When you eat so much on Fat Tuesday, your body doubles in size. One head, two bodies! Just the right timing, I guess.

Now do you feel better about what you ate and drank today? Or did I give you a new fluff goal? Enjoy what's left of it!

Seasonal Athletic Disorder

My unedited sports photos from the last week or so felt as endless as this line of Lady Royals.

So even though I had a long day of work and I should watch the Olympics and I should spend time with hubby before he leaves on another trip and I should look deeper into my AncestryDNA results that came today... I just needed to get those pictures done!

And I did.

Girls basketball is already into their last week of regular season play so I figured I'd be too busy just watching to take photos. Right.

Anyway, early, long day tomorrow so it's off to bed after I watch replays of some, uhm what I assume from social media, gold medal performances!

Go USA! Go Royals! Go Scandinavia (yup I have proof I'm scandi-hoovian!).

Nepco-lympics

Wasn't exactly Olympic training today but it felt like it. Instead of watching the games from my recliner or sitting out in winter like these ice fishermen and maybe women, my neighbors and I dusted off our snowshoes and hit the trail.

I should clarify that Cindy and I may have dusted ours off. Her husband Mike just took his out of the Christmas wrapping paper for his inaugural trek.

Yes, it was only 19 degrees. But 2 hours later, we had worked up a sweat, burned calories, and drum roll please... I had over 10,000 steps!

Sun was out so we could see some pretty things in the woods. The trees in the park next to Nepco Lake also shielded us from the wind.

 Setting out.

We're old pros. We can sweat, er sparkle, and smile!

Interesting mix of seasons. Here we have milkweed, a fall leaf and snow on branch.

And here we have snow sitting atop little, tree-side mushrooms. Weird.

 We even saw a snake. OK. A snow snake, but still.

No worries. I out-ran that beast. Even in snowshoes!

While the first part of our journey was clearly marked and somewhat groomed trails, the second leg was still marked but definitely the trail less traveled. Wasn't exactly sure where we were but we just kept trudging along and figured we'd find the parking lot again.

We made it! Here I am under the winners' arch, celebrating our victorious finish. Pretty sure I earned the pewter medal... or what comes next... plastic?

It was fun and it was a decent amount of snow so get out and take advantage of it. Then, like I did, you can come home, make a hot drink, sit in your chair and watch the real games.

It'll put you in the spirit. And definitely admire what they can do!

Singlet Saturday

Singlet: Now there's something I don't need to type again – or see – for a year.

I say that but the reality is I did not go to wrestling regionals today under duress. It was under my own power. My own volunteerism.

It happened that one of our Assumption kids on the combined Nekoosa-Assumption-Port Edwards team was out most of the season on crutches. Now he's back and today was potentially the last opportunity to get any photos of him. It's only fair that the high school yearbook staff has images of all of four of our Royal wrestlers. Right?

So I traveled over to Almond-Bancroft High School – really only like 20-some minutes away – this morning with action to start at 10:30 a.m. It went pretty quickly for having several rounds and I was home by 3 p.m. Two of the Royals are regional champions so it was actually pretty cool to be a part of that. For the record, I am not traveling 2 hours away next week for sectionals. My work here is done.

Didn't do much the rest of the day besides upload photos and catch the Olympics here and there. Opening ceremony in South Korea was yesterday. I don't really care what's live and what isn't. I just like to watch. And not just figure skating, though I love that.

Since was hubby was down in the Dells watching Royals hoops, Sylvester sat down with me to watch some of the luge action. When a German guy was competing, she turns to me and says, "You mean you could have named me Wolfgang?"

I know. Way cool name. But you still look more like the Looney Tune Sylvester, so you're stuck with that. Though, we could add a middle name. The next competitor was Tucker something. Plenty of cool names in the Olympics. I may have to keep a list!

And the announcers have interesting names for the participants, too. A 5-foot-5 racer was considered "diminutive." I'm not even tall enough to be diminutive! Olympic dreams... shattered.

Guess I'll stick to photographing the action.

Flaky Friday

Don't forget that when we hear of a major snow system moving through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, there are poor college students who have to trudge to class 2 blocks, up hill both ways!

College Boy called me tonight when we were at the girls basketball game. I had heard there was some big snow "down south" and he confirmed there's been plenty in Platteville and still more to come. Good thing he actually got snow boots (close to it) when he was home at Christmas time. He said they are much better than the high tops with holes in them that he was wearing fall semester.

Obviously, it made my whole week that he called – without prompting – and didn't ask for money or actually need anything. "Just checking in," he said. Oh my heart.

By funny coincidence, the weather graphic also mentions Oregon, Wis., where my high school bestie Julie lives. Everyone shoveling these days.

And just because it was snowing to the south doesn't mean winter has gone away here. Still, on the positive side...

And, the winter Olympics have started! So who really needs to leave the house anyway? USA!

Throw-Up Thursday

Well I spoke too soon about how the anxiety-ridden princess was coping so well this week without her human. In fact, she lived up to both her titles: Princess Poops-a-Lot and Princess Pukes-a-Lot.

Was going down into the basement to feed her before I left for work this morning and sure enough, there were two poop piles. Thanks and good morning.

I didn't let it set the tone for MY day, though. I knew I had an awesome commute coming my way. Finally snagged The Greatest Showman soundtrack at Wal-Mart last night and it did not disappoint. Loved the movie and the songs. Put me in an up-beat mood all day.

How was I to know the Princess was home in an up-chuck mood all day?

After work, I went straight to a middle school basketball game to shoot pictures for the yearbook. From there I stopped at the grocery store quick and ran home to make my easy Hornet's Nest Cake for a work food day tomorrow. The plan was: bake it quick then head back into town for the boys varsity game.

I was just going into Jim's office to check the schedule when I thankfully turned on the lights. Oh, Princess! I think it was just one large puking session the made three piles as she made her way into the room. Since I'd left the spot cleaner and paper towels downstairs this morning, I went down to get them and found 3, yes 3, more poop piles. Good grief!

I was just cleaning those up when hubby walked in the door, home from his trip. Dang, 5 minutes earlier and I wouldn't be playing Cinderella.

She wasted no time jumping in his lap and bonding. She reluctantly let us leave to go to the hoops game. Glad we went. Jake, the eye-injured senior, was back in action and I think made at least 7 3-pointers. The team had 12 of them in our gigantic win over Athens. Clock was running at the end as we were ahead by 40. Yup the boys were throwing up – the ball – and making their shots. It was nice.

It's also nice to come home and have everyone in their places again!

Until we repeat the travel schedule next week.

Woeful Wednesday

Wednesday's child is full of woe... At least this furry child.

Anyone who says dogs are man's best friend does not realize this cat is definitely BFFs with the man in this house. While she has not done her usual anxiety-driven puking and random poop piles – yet – she is definitely missing her man.

I did give her a micro dose of calming essential oils last night so that helped again. Glad I discovered that last year during hubby's work trips.

This morning, as I left for work, Sylvester was making herself comfortable on the floor pillow in Jim's office. I thought, poor kitty, it's going to be a long day if you are waiting for Dad to get home. While she moved around a bit during the day, as I left for choir tonight, she was laying on his office floor again, giving me the sad, sad face pictured.

She hasn't let me approach her until now. As I am typing, she's laying across my keyboard, begging for pets and scratches. So apparently I am good for something when her human is gone.

Oh, and I feed her. Gotta love low maintenance.

Thankfully, her master will return tomorrow night. Just about the time she'll warm up to me.

Adventure Tuesday

I was on an adventure today. Well my stomach was doing cartwheels and somersaults, and riding a roller coaster all day.

Yes, my car started just fine. Yay. But then once I parked it in the parking garage at work, all I could thing of all day was, "Is my car going to start AFTER work?"

Seriously, I couldn't stop thinking about that! I did not want to get stranded – even momentarily – again. Thankfully, it started like a charm! Whew! Got home, backed it in the garage in case I need it jumped tomorrow, and I figured I'd just stay put.

Hubby informed me he arrived in N'awlins OK. Temperatures around 70, but a light rain. Should I be concerned he is in close proximity to Bourbon Street with Mardi Gras a mere week away? Nothing to see there, right?

I won't worry about it. I'm keeping myself plenty busy. Paying bills. Taking the garbage out. Keeping the cat calm. Doing some design work. And clearing my 8 o'clock schedule for some more This Is Us. In fact, knowing how cold it's going to be AND the fact I have the remote for a few days, I may just knock off some of those DVR'd Hallmark Christmas movies.

Let the adventure begin!

Just Another Mechanic Monday

It's the Monday after the Superbowl. People are either hungover or tired or both. So why does Monday have to out-do itself and become even Monday-er?

After staying up late for an emotional, clear-your-sinuses episode of This Is Us, I was tired today. Woke up to really chilly (not dilly dilly chilly) temperatures. And really really didn't want to go anywhere.

Yup, that says minus 15 degrees. Uff da. Good thing I have an indoor job.

Had a super busy day at work, but that's not just because it's Monday. It cycles into a busy time of year right now. And that's OK. The day flew.

Left 10 minutes early to go the chiropractor. She couldn't figure out all my pains. Have some right shoulder pain that radiates out to my finger tips and she hopes it was something pinched that she un-pinched when she wrenched my neck around. All in a good way. Still there but that was the least of my worries the rest of the evening.

Decided that since I was too late to go to kickboxing class, I'd go to the library and check out an audio book or two for my commute. Found two books, chatted with a friend, went out to the parking lot and my car wouldn't start.

Correct, my wonderful new (to me) car that I love. Just wouldn't start. And because it's a fancy push-button start type vehicle, I couldn't wrap my gearhead around the issue.

Enter the knight in shining armor...

So hubby should have had the night free to pack for a work trip to New Orleans in the morning. But no. The needy wife calls with an S.O.S. and he had to come to town. While he was enroute, I checked over the owner's manual – sitting in my freaking cold car, mind you. Tried a few things and it just wouldn't start.

By the time Jim got there I was suspecting it might be the juice in my key fob. Although the doors locked and unlocked fine. Since a car was facing me and Jim couldn't give my vehicle a jump start, we went to ShopKo to get the correct battery for the fob. Ran back to the library. I had power in the vehicle but not an engine turning over type power. Since a vehicle was still in our way, we ran down to Wal-Mart so Jim could buy a suitcase for the trip. I was really cutting into his time. Went back to the library and I had just tried unsuccessfully – again – to start the car when the one facing me left its parking spot. So I hailed Jim and stood in the spot 'til he could park there. Naturally the car started right away with the jumper cables. Hmmm.

Got home and I backed into my spot in the garage in case I would need a jump tomorrow. And hubby shoveled out Carter's car parked in the yard in case I need to use that tomorrow. Again, totally cutting into his prep time.

Enter the second knight in shining, amped up, armor...

So good neighbor Mike comes over because he happens to have some amp checker thingy that could read the juice in the battery and alternator. According to the doo-hickey, they are fine. So my guess is it was just a combination of cold weather and Monday.

Thank goodness Tuesday is right around the corner.

Forecast: Super Snow, Super Snacking

I've been in hiding the last few days. After Punxsutawney Phil insisted we have six more weeks of winter, I tracked him down and have been duking it out in his cave.

Sad to report, he won the battle. As evidenced by the fact it has snowed non-stop here the past 24 hours.

Hubby pretty much spent Saturday on snow removal. Meanwhile, I was tucked away at a scrapbooking retreat, where we remarked how pretty it looked as it fell, silently piling up on our cars.

I did come home to sleep Friday night and last night. Last night was fun on the non-plowed roads. This morning, I am off to sing in church, then will stop at my friend Becky's to load up my stuff and possibly do a page or two.

Am working on the 2012 book, which has proved to be a little emotional since that was Dad's last birthday and last Christmas with us. Mostly, though, it's been a good, somewhat productive time.

Later today, we'll commence to snacking and snacking and more snacking as we watch the Superbowl at our friend Chet's house. I think hubby's been going there for the big game since 1982. So it's tradition.

And so is the eating part, naturally.

Maybe I will have to go into hibernation as Punxsutawney FILL. Fill my belly.

Make good choices today! And good luck on your numbers!