Still One Family

At the beginning of the spring sports season when I took the group photo of the baseball and softball teams together, I said there were "Two teams. One family." They're still one family. But going their separate ways.

The good news is that the softball team won their sectional championship today and are going to state next week! Wow!!

The sad news is that baseball lost their game. The Regional Championship was in our grasp a few times today but Pittsville, ever the annoying (very annoying) spoiler, would not let us have it. We ended up losing 8-5.

It's tough to be so thrilled for the girls when the guys had their own great season come to an end.

I'll miss our senior boys. Not just because of baseball, but all 4 were favorite "photo subjects" of mine for basketball, too. It will be different at Assumption without them. Now it seems so final. I was trying not to cry when Coach Austin was saying goodbye to a few after the game.

Good kids. Great family. Thanks for everything, seniors!

And good luck, Lady Royals!

Rain Delay

Mother Nature gave a day of rest for all the high school athletes in spring sports. Even though that wasn't on the schedule.

This afternoon was supposed to be the Royals' Regional Championship game at Pittsville. But the forecast of 100 percent chance of rain was 100 percent correct.

At one point during the day, the "officials" delayed the start time from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Then, when our boys and coaches were already on the bus and en route, a deluge made the field unplayable again. And the coach got a call it was time to turn the bus around and head back to Wisconsin Rapids.

Until tomorrow.

So yes, the Assumption baseball team will play at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Pittsville. Our softball team will play Wausaukee at 5 p.m. at the Almond-Bancroft field for the Sectional Championship. And our soccer team has their second playoff game at 6 p.m. at Aquinas in La Crosse.

If you have a private or a Delorean, you could make all three. I'll be supporting hubby and the boys at Pittsville and hope it won't be Mudville.

There's still a 20 percent chance of rain tomorrow. But I think Mother Nature and her pal Ol' Man Winter owe us one when it comes to spring sports. Don't you?

Go ROYALS!!

Now, Who's Excited?

There's three reasons right there that it was a pretty excited evening in Assumption Royals territory!

I attended the baseball game because I knew the Royals and Loyal were closely matched and it would be close. I was so nervous on Coach Austin's behalf that I didn't even take my camera out of the car. When we fell behind, I started to wonder if maybe that jinxed it.

Seriously, ya'll know about sports superstitions!

Thankfully by the 5th inning, I found the correct place to stand that led to some hits and the score of one run for us to tie it up. I stayed in that exact pose for the rest of our at bats in innings 6 and 7. Must have worked. In the bottom of the 7th, one of our seniors hit a walk-off single to bring in our guy on third base. There was much rejoicing!!

Now for a quick turnaround, they play again tomorrow afternoon at Pittsville for the Regional Championship. I don't recall us ever beating Pittsville in all the years Carter played. It's OUR turn now. Good luck, boys!

The girls softball and soccer don't play until Thursday. For softball, they're one victory away from state! Fingers crossed!

Of course, the exciting thing for me today has nothing to do with sports. My countdown is now just 2 weeks until the Skol Sisters are in Scandi-hoovia! Whoo-hoo! And look what arrived in the mail from my twin...

Uff da! Now that's a cool apron! Might have to bake some victory treats!

Skol, Royals!

Holiday Racing

As part of the tribute to fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, they also have a Dick Trickle Memorial Race at Golden Sands Speedway. Since it was only going to be 95 today instead of 98, we were a good uncle and aunt and went to see our nephew Colin race.

Flags were flying and a few veterans got to ride around the track during the National Anthem.

Saying it was hot is an understatement. But we tried to be smart and stay hydrated.

At some point in the late afternoon, though, right when it was 94 or 95 degrees, the track ran out of bottled water at the concession stand. The crowd wasn't huge today, but they were thirsty! I'm sure beer sales were up, too!

Colin did OK. He stayed in the top 5 for about 86 of the 99 laps. Then he had a little spin-out and had to go to the back of the pack. In the end, he finished 7th. In our minds, a top 10 finish is always good. But we aren't the driver or crew. Hopefully they're happy with a well-fought race.

Got home by 6 p.m. and soaked up the A/C!!

I had some freelance design work and I did mind it one bit. Nice to not be sweaty. Or have those pesky mosquitoes buzzing in my ear!

The three-day weekend was a good one. Tomorrow is back to reality when – again – I'll be grateful for a job working inside.

Hot Spots

Hard to believe we had snow on the ground just a month ago and today we crushed our high-temperature record. In Wisconsin Rapids, we had 98 degrees – and that was at 5 p.m. – which obliterated the 89-degree record from 1978.

That's just showing off, Mother Nature!

Based on our jam-packed schedule the past 48 hours, we could have done without the heat. But the mosquitoes were our worst enemies. And, frankly, rain would have been a whole lot worse. So we hopped around our various hot spots – resembling the plot of that '90s movie Four Weddings and a Funeral.

We actually had four graduation parties and a funeral.

This weekend was Assumption graduation. I was asked a few months ago to photograph it since the usual person was to be out of town. So my Saturday morning was picture taking. The afternoon was a trip up to Wausau for the funeral of my friend Becky's mom. Since today marks the 5-year anniversary of my dad's death, it brought back a lot of memories and tears.

After the service, it was back to Rapids for a graduation party. It was not quite 98 yesterday but still very hot! Got home by 10 p.m. but had hundreds of commencement photos to sort through so skipped blogging for sleep.

Today was church, then a car wash (decided to go out on a limb and put my snowbrush away, too), then a run/walk, and three graduation parties. The mercury sat at 80 degrees by the time church was over at 10 a.m. and just kept climbing!

Thankfully there shady places to sit. But not much of a breeze to cool anyone off. And the mosquitoes were definitely in full force by late afternoon.

Am tired of the smell of Deep Woods OFF. But feel blessed to spend time with many friends and, of course, enjoy some pretty good frosting! I mean yummy graduation cake (and cupcakes) with good frosting.

Hubby and I figured we'd just enjoy ourselves and not worry about how much we were consuming via food and beverage. We won't have another weekend quite like this one. And we've got all week to behave and mitigate the damage. Probably stay clear of the scale until Friday! The way the forecast looks, any fat should melt without even trying.

Thank God for friends, memories, bug repellent and A/C!

Let's Not Get Carried Away

Somehow we skipped spring and went straight from Snow Season to Skeeter Season. And I don't like it one bit.

Or one bite.

We should be so lucky to have just ONE bite! What we have here is what's known as a bumper crop of mosquitoes. Like we are trying to grow them on purpose? No. But they are here and they are hungry!

Since the baseball and softball teams played last night, we had a free night and I suggested to hubby that we squeeze in some golf. This weekend will be packed with graduation parties and more. So we went to Homestead Golf Course (aka Mosquito Acres) after baseball practice got done.

Skies were darkening and we were under a thunderstorm watch, but we teed off anyway. By the third hole we were not only getting eaten alive, but the thunderclouds produced some lightning – so we stopped in the clubhouse for a spell.

Went back out and no rain. And no breeze. And the skeeters were still there. I can't even count how many times we sprayed bug dope on. Just ineffective with these nasty buggers.

And it didn't help my golf game. Sure, I'm usually rough the first time out, but it was hard not to rush your shots when you have bugs dancing on your face. Gah! And yes, a few curse words flowed just to christen in the new golf season!

All in all, we still had a good time – but not to the point we got carried away.

With too much fun or by the super-powered skeeters!

Hot Bats

Yup. This was game-time temperature for the Royals Softball Regional Final this afternoon. Thank goodness there was a welcome breeze!

It must have helped the girls have hot bats, though. They ended up 10-running their opponent – Wausau Newman Catholic – to claim the Regional Championship!

Now onto Sectionals next Tuesday!

The temperature didn't drop too much before the boys had their Regional game (round 1) at 7 p.m. In between games, I went to Book Club – and to cool off in the A/C at Perkins. I'm smart!

The boys had hot bats, too. Well, technically, not a ton of hits, but they still managed to 10-run Granton and now will advance to round 2 of Regional play on Tuesday as well.

From the forecast, it's not going to cool off much in the next few days. Hopefully the bats will be hot again come Tuesday.

Go Royals!

Be My Guest

The fun thing about having college kids home for the summer is that you have someone to pick on again.

And someone to feed.

Well, that's fun if you go out to eat and someone else handles the cooking part!

I kidnapped Mr. C and took him out for dinner at Sportsmen's Pub and Grille down the road. He didn't fight me on that. Not at all.

It was nice to catch up (while Dad was home mowing the front mosquito haven). We also were pre-celebrating the almost summer job. Not confirmed yet but he's had two appointments there this week and is just awaiting that "official" call or email. Don't want to jinx it.

Frankly, it was just an excuse to spend time with him before our summers get busy.

We made sure we were home in time for the Celtics game. Two out of three residents here love the Celtics. I support them as well. But really don't follow NBA playoffs. Probably more than hockey. But no, not really, to either. If the guys are happy though, I'm happy.

Plus, I get a good rating on Yelp or TripAdvisor for our wonderful guest accommodations,  you know!

Half Full or ....

For some reason we see a glass half full or half empty, but we'd never think something like the moon is half empty – despite its craters and the fact it's made out of cheese. (That's what it looks like through my zoom lens, anyway.)

Many of us are just wired to go through life focusing on the empty.

Except when we remember no to.

My twin sister gave me one of those "power of positive thinking" CDs to listen to on my commute. I feel like I should really listen to it every day just to get it through my thick skull. I do try to practice an attitude of gratitude, but I get lax after awhile until I get a re-boot.

Sadly, my vision tends to get clearer as my prayer list grows. In the last week, two friends have become orphans – one expected, one not; two have parents in the hospital; one friend has breast cancer; several loved ones are fighting emotional and physical battles, too.

Here I sit whining that I had really hoped to lose that last 10 pounds before my big vacation. God should just slap me, shouldn't He?

So I am grateful that, for today, my glass is half full and my moon is shining brightly.

Thanks for the reminder, Lord.

Rain Check, Please

What do you do when spring sports get rained out for the evening? Go out to dinner!

Figured we take advantage of a free night to catch up with our nephew Tony over a good meal. I went directly from work and met the guys at the Water Street Grille in Stevens Point. Pretty tasty. We all had something different – Jim jambalaya shrimp, Tony stuffed chicken breast, Carter pulled pork, me Cajun fish of some sort. Quite the variety!

Not sure how the rest of the week will shake out, weather wise. Depends on which forecast you believe. Regional playoffs for softball start Wednesday and for baseball start Thursday. Of course, even if doesn't rain, there'll be some tears flowing. A couple of our friends are coping with the graduation of their oldest children this weekend. I remember our boy's "final" week well. Finals, baccalaureate, practice, pomp and circumstance. Steady rain of tears throughout.

By Mom, not him.

Now he's home for the summer and – assuming he passed all his finals with flying colors – we can consider him a junior in college. Yikes.

Can I take a rain check on this aging business?

Check, please!

Moving the Spirit Out of Hiding

I have been writing some devotions for our church bulletin. Here is today's installment for Pentecost Sunday.

We recently participated in a Johari Window exercise at work. It was invented by a pair of psychologists back in the 1950 as a model for mapping personality awareness. It works pretty simply. First, you describe yourself by selecting 10 characteristics from a fixed list of adjectives covering everything from “adventurous” and “dependable” to “organized” and “witty.” Then, you ask your colleagues to describe you from the same list and see what matches up.

And what doesn’t.

It's interesting to see how others perceive you. Especially when it's strictly in a work environment. Of my 10 adjectives I selected, my co-workers only selected five of the same. Naturally, they thought I was cheerful, witty, and modest (a-hem). But no one picked "spiritual."

How is it I label myself as spiritual but they don’t recognize it? Do I hide it from the outside world? Do I just practice that trait while I'm in church?

I don't think so. But it made me take a closer look at myself.

I suspect I am more careful at work of what I say because, well, you can't risk offending anyone these days. But they do say actions speak louder than words. If my co-workers label me as caring, helpful, empathetic, friendly, kind, and giving, then the spirit is obviously working through me and using me to spread God's message through my actions.

It doesn’t mean I can’t do a better job. There’s always room for improvement, right?

On this Pentecost Sunday, how is the spirit moving you? Has God given you the language to proclaim His gospel? Has the Holy Spirit transformed your faith into action? What does He see when He’s looking in your “window”?

May the Holy Spirit breathe life into all of us as we better ourselves and our church community!

Family Bonding

Got to spend my day with a few of my "other" families. They are far more important than the Royal Wedding, so we had to turn down our invitation to that. Please forgive us, Harry and Megs. Hubby had to coach a double-header in Stevens Point and I had my own full schedule here.

Today was the Assumption Royal Event 5K that I told you about last month. It's a fundraiser that my BFF organizes for her cousin Tina Livernash's Memorial Scholarship. I help on the committee with design work and race day registration. Oh and photography.

Not sure who these girls are but it's fun to see them wearing "my" shirts!

While it was a good time with the Livernash family, we had our own family there, too. Our nephew Colin was actually the overall winner! Not racing stock car today, but he's got wheels! Way to go. Wow.

After the race, I went home, changed clothes and headed down to Nekoosa for a baby shower for our neighbor's son and daughter-in-law.

My friend Cindy is glowing as the grandmother-to-be, isn't she? And don't you love the shirts from the parents-to-be? Hers says "Preggers" and his says "The Man Behind the Bump." Besides the wonderful presents, they're all pretty darn excited about what this summer's going to bring! Since Isaac used to babysit Carter once in awhile, I am confident he'll be a good daddy.

After the shower, it was baseball time. Not the Assumption Royals. Twins are hosting the Brewers this weekend so that means it's on TV here in central Wisconsin Our friends Mike and Christine came over with their Brew Crew and it was too much blue karma in the house. Twins blew it.

Still it was great to see our old friends and talk silly for a few hours!

Was reminded this afternoon that it was five years ago today that I last saw my dad alive. He wasn't looking the greatest, as you can see, but I had hopes he'd last longer than another week. Was blessed with the opportunity to say goodbye. We don't always get that.

That's why days like today are important. Spend time with people who matter when you have the chance.

I am certainly blessed to have many "second families" around here. Thank you!

Blame It On... Robyn

When you get a good chunk of your 10,000 steps from dancing... you know you've had a good day!

Tonight kicked off the Assumption Royal Event weekend. The country band Blame It On Waylon played and, even though I know very little country music, I danced. So that was fun.

It was a later night than we planned and that was my fault, says hubby. Because I twisted his arm to go "for an hour." Ha. That doesn't happen when we get around people we know!

Mr. College got home at 8:30 p.m. and it was nice that for once we had plans, too. He's home and gone already but I am hoping we will catch up on Sunday. I remember how quickly the "we have all summer" time frame can go!

For now, though, it's bedtime as us old folks have to sleep and leave for Royal Event and baseball in 8 hours! And suspect my legs will be hurtin' units

I'll blame that on Waylon!

Team Yanny

I am too old to catch on to any social media trends but there's been a few "controversies" I've just had to weigh in on...

A computer-generated voice has become perhaps the most divisive subject on the Internet since the gold/blue dress of 2015. It's one word, but the source of furious disagreement is which one. Is it Laurel – or Yanny?



For the record, all I hear is "Yanny" though I try to hear "Laurel." It just doesn't work!

Also for the record, that dress was totally gold and white. How could anyone see blue and black?!

See what you think on both subjects and start a fight with your spouse. Ha.

Duck, Duck...

Finally have some playmates on my lunch break. I've been playing Duck, Duck, Gray Duck this week at the Schmeekle Reserve across the street from the office.

And yes, it's Gray Duck not Goose... Originating from Sweden, the game was originally called "Anka Anka Grå Anka," which translated means “duck duck gray duck." See what I am learning in prep for my trip?

The guy above was hilarious to play with because I was walking on the boardwalk just coming off and I saw him approaching on the dirt path. I stopped and he walked right by my feet and onto the boardwalk and just waddled away. Who needs dirt, grass, or water?

Today, I saw these fellas...

The younger one (I'm just guessing here. I really know nothing about ducks.) was very focused on finding duck treats in the water.

The older one is like, "Really? That crazy camera lady is right there. Let's get out of here."

 He looked back with a big sigh and got out.

The other guy was like, "No, there really is some yummy stuff here!"

Eventually, they both got out of the water and neither of them chased me. Technically, I didn't call either one the Gray Duck, so they didn't have to.

I know I didn't say Goose. But these guys will have a hissy fit and chase whether I'm playing the game or not.

Playtime is over, my feathered friends. Tomorrow I might just hang out with some humans for a change.

Service Now In Service

Officially had my first official church council meeting tonight as an official member.

And I officially have a sore back side from a long meeting sitting in those metal chairs! The joys of service work.

Even though I somewhat joke to the pastor that I was coerced into accepting this 3-year gig – which will turn into 6 when I'm not looking – I am looking forward to this new role. I know I'll learn a lot because I have already.

I have to keep in mind that the premise of having a church council is to make decisions for the good of the church as a whole. Just like government makes decisions for the good of the whole country. But we'll hopefully set a better example.

For me the biggest challenge will be listening and not just sitting there with my opinion on the tip of my tongue. Because that is always my challenge. And I get impatient and interrupt. I do not want to be THAT person on council.

I'm already that person in my marriage and probably at work. I am aware of it. I just have to keep practicing holding my tongue. Biting it when necessary, but definitely holding it until it's my turn.

Of course, that might shorten my term. Hmmm...

Kidding. For real!

Scandi-lous Sunday

It's not unusual for mothers to have dark circles under their eyes. All those late nights and early mornings. Sounds like my life right now... minus the diapers, teething pain, and ear infections.

Got home late last night from my excursion over to Minnesota so headed straight to bed. Three late nights in a row and I am on the edge of a haggard mother look. So I opted to skip blogging and get some rest – even though I was too excited to sleep.

Yesterday was our pre-trip meeting for my upcoming adventure to Scandi-hoovia! Less than a month away!

After early church, I headed over to my oldest sister Rayna's place in Hudson. Took her to lunch for Mother's Day since we called her our "Upstairs Mom" – she IS old enough to be our mom and all our bedrooms were upstairs. So it was a logical moniker.

After lunch, we found an ice cream place, quite by accident, I assure you.

Headed back to her place and my twin showed up so we could all ride over to Stillwater to the meeting together. It was a gorgeous summer-like day and the tourists – and hopa tree blooms – were out everywhere!

Nothing could compare to our excitement, though! We got a lot of travel details about the trip. You know, everything from passports to money to proper phone chargers!

Couple interesting things... Sweden is a cash-free country so credit cards are the only way to go. And we'll be there during Summer Solstice time which translates loosely to the Land of the Midnight Sun. Sunrise at 3:30 a.m. and sunset at 10 p.m. How crazy!

During our meet and greet – there'll be 35 of us traveling on this bus tour – we were also treated (using the term loosely) to Swedish food. What we know from our childhood holds true today... Swedish meatballs are a thing (and still yummy) and so is pickled herring (which only came out at Christmas at our house and I still can't grow to like). Apparently, though, the Swedes like to sneak in anchovies in food, too. I guess they are little fish like herring so I shouldn't be surprised. But I started to wonder if my DNA test was wrong!

Needless to say, Raylene and I – self-acknowledged picky eaters – figure we'll probably lose weight on this trip. And we'll need to pack some tasty protein bars or something. Ha. As Lene pointed out, "I'm going for the scenery and the experience – not necessarily the food." Uff da. This is going to be an adventure!

And in case you were wondering, thanks to the 49-year-old twins, we bring the average age of the traveling group down quite a bit. Bonus for us. We'll need to feel young one last time!

Waggin' Wheels

Had a racing double-header today. The first involved wags and the second involved wheels.

This morning, I wagged my tail through a 5K to benefit our local humane society. My "half" sister Chris and her daughter Corinne did it with me.

Since Chris and I did a half marathon together in a previous, very distant, life, we thought we'd run it and walk as needed. We ran to begin with and then walked and talked the rest of the way. Appropriate with the dozens of people participating with dogs – thus the water station above – that our tails and tongues were waggin'! It was fun. And surprisingly sunny, too!

And we got cute shirts! Peace. Wag. Walk. Love it!

After the race, I grabbed some stuff at the store, went home and showered in record time, and Jim and I stopped in town to watch the Assumption girls play softball. They were hosting a mini-tourney today. We watched the noon game – and I mean watched with no picture taking. Unfortunately, they lost that one by 1 run and a later game by a few runs. Bummer.

We hit the road after the first one and headed east. Our nephew Colin was scheduled for his first stock car race of the season in Kaukauna – sort of by Appleton/Green Bay area for those who don't know the East Coast of Wisconsin.

First, we had to stop at a few golf stores for some Mother's Day shopping. For me. Got a golf outfit or two from my man. Sweet!

Went to the racetrack for our date night and at least got to see Colin qualify for the feature.

We started off in sweatshirts and, yes, long underwear for me again. And had our winter jackets on in no time. Yes, it is mid-May! Grrr and brrrr.

Unfortunately, it started to sprinkle then rain harder so we headed to the car. We sat there for about 45 minutes looking at the radar on our phones and the windshield, of course. Track officials were still hopeful to get races in later. Finally, we decided to head home.

Stopped to eat at HuHot Mongolian Grill because, well, that's what you do when you are "in the neighborhood." Yummy good stuff!

Just as we were on the highway out of Appleton, we heard they called off the races for the night and will hold them at noon tomorrow. I guess it was a good call for us to leave. But neither one of us can make it tomorrow.

I'll continue in the wheels mode and travel west to the other side of the state. So I better get to bed. I might be too old for two races in one day. But I bet I do it again!

TGIF (Talented Girls I Find) Special

Got a taste of culture – and fun entertainment – tonight at the Rapids School of Performing Arts Spring Dance Recital. It was both moving and hilarious. Mainly, and God bless their little hearts, the little girls just starting out were so cute you couldn't help but giggle.

I knew dancers belonging to about at dozen friends – from as young as our friends' granddaughter Willow to the seasoned entertainer known as my "niece" Megan, and plenty of girls (many Assumption Royals) in between! Neat to see the talent progress.

One surprise for me was a number they dedicated to my girl Emily, who died 2 months ago. A girl did a solo dance while a string quartet played the same moving version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow that they played at Em's candlelight vigil. Was beautiful. Was not expecting to cry tonight but oh how I miss seeing that girl dance.

Well, I just miss her. Period.

Just when I was recovered, a group of girls dance to She Used to Be Mind by Sara Bareilles. I doubt it was intentional to sound like another tribute. Probably I was the only one in there who was crying over that, too.

Part of the lyrics:

She's imperfect, but she tries
She is good, but she lies
She is hard on herself
She is broken and won't ask for help
She is messy, but she's kind
She is lonely most of the time
She is all of this mixed up and baked in a beautiful pie
She is gone, but she used to be mine

Uff da. Where are my kleenex when I need them?

Thank the Lord the recital ended on high note – four numbers that were excerpts from the musical Hairspray. You can't help but laugh and tap your foot to that. The kids not only danced, but sang for that. My dear Megan (aka Mz Hairspray) did awesome.

And you thought I had big hair!

Fun stuff. But about 3 hours and it's now after 11 and past my bedtime. Not that I have to get up and dance two shows tomorrow.

But I'm open to requests. Once I get my big hair in place!

The Grass is Always Greener...

Raise your hand if you're loving the sight of green grass! It's true what they say: The grass is always greener... after a spring rain.

Or something like that.

When the weather was nice on Sunday, I donned my weekend warrior clothes and got to tackling some of the winter accumulation of leaves and crap in our center rock garden-ish area. You know me. Two black thumbs. Every possible landscape area is garden-ISH at best.

As a desk worker who only gets a sore neck and back from sitting too much, it was tough work. Holding and operating that leaf blower for a good hour to get all the dead leaves out – while keeping the white rocks in – was a challenge. And I've been feeling it all week!

For the record, I did clear it out in a similar fashion last fall so I don't know where these came from! But when all was said and done, I had 6 wheelbarrows full of leaves and dead branches and I think dead plants – or they're dead now anyway.

Unfortunately, that was just the start. We have a lot of work to do around the yard – including raking up a ton of weird leaves that look like dead banana peels and picking up dozens of small, medium, and large branches in the back yard. Make that WET banana peels and branches.

It's been raining all day and will continue on and off for several days while the temperatures drop. Probably good I didn't plant anything because it would freeze before it had a chance to die naturally at my hands.

I figure we'll get to those other projects and cleanup duties eventually. For now, we'll enjoy the very green grass and rain-washed white rocks.

The beautiful contrast should be just enough to distract people from the jungle around the corner.