Sunday Blew Through

As Snoopy would write: It was a dark and stormy... morning. It seriously was like a switch flipped at 9 a.m. and it was dark enough our solar lights were starting to flicker on. Thunder, lightning, rain and, apparently, wind whipped through the area.

Our house out in the sticks, so to speak, was fine. But I did see tree limbs down here and there while running errands – like the library parking lot pictured above. And there was a power outage on my in-law's side of town anyway for a few hours.

All I can say is I'm glad we golfed yesterday! Although we really, really wanted to take the kayaks out this afternoon. Knowing our history of luckily out-paddling lightning, we thought it best not to press our luck.

So we went to a graduation party for our dear next-door neighbor and then came home and tried to walk off the cake before the next rain fall.

On a positive note, I got my 10,000 steps AND my flowers by the front deck will live to see July. May the wonders never cease!

Get Hot to Stay Hot

I've heard it said in sports, that team has to get hot to stay hot. Get that big winning streak going and keep it going. You can't "stay" hot until you get there.

So that's what we did today. In some fashion.

Met up with our friends Scott and Sandy from Green Bay. At high noon we teed off for 18 holes at the Lake Arrowhead Lakes Course. The air temp did actually get hotter than 87, but I had to screenshot it when it said the "real feel" was 99 degrees. It didn't seem that bad really. I think I have felt hotter before.

And perhaps played hotter, too.

At one point, I'm sure, Sandy and I were the hottest women in golf. Probably right around 3:22 p.m. or something.

For the most part, we didn't have to sit around waiting. Not until the 17th hole did we have people in front of us. So that worked out well. Not need to have hot, sweaty AND cranky golfers! I was only really cranky on a couple holes where I went from bunker to bunker.

But ask me about my par dance!

Thanks for asking. I only parred one hole – the 18th par 4. How did I par it? Oh, you know, the usual way. Chipping it in from some yards out! Seriously. Where was that all day??

It was nice to end on a high note to go along with the high temperature!

After our round, we stopped up the road at Trail's End for some dinner then went our separate ways – both vehicles stopping somewhere for ice cream en route to their respective homes!

Well, duh. It's hot. And you really can't call it a birthday weekend until ice cream is involved.

Early Bird Gets the Birthday

My birthday came early this year – thanks to Mother Nature. She put on such a sound and light show at 1 a.m. that it woke me up. I thought there might be cool streaks of lightning to capture, so I grabbed my phone and went to the front deck door. No streaks. But as you can see, it lit up our yard like daylight. Crazy.

So as long as I was up, hubby encouraged me to find my birthday card and present. Totally legal since it was June 28th. To my surprise, he got me a rocking chair. But not just any rocking chair...

This kick-ass lawn chair that rocks! I saw one at the races several weeks back and made an offhand remark like, 'That's what you could get me for my birthday." I'm not shy about dropping hints. And Jim listened. And got me one in my favorite color! And it is so comfy.

Of course, I was then wide awake and it took me awhile to calm down and get to sleep. I had to work today. I'm not THAT old. Thankfully, I had 95% of my M-M-M-Mint Chocolate trifle done. Just had to add a layer of whip on top and some Andes Mint shavings. Putzing is my middle name!

But worth it. I held off having some all day knowing we were going out to eat tonight. Brought home just enough after for Jim and I to each have some. Yum.

Went out to eat with our friends Mike and Cindy. Jim surprised me and we went to Two Lakes Supper Club. The food is phenomenal there. Soooo good. We were there last year to celebrate either my birthday or Cindy's (later in July) and we figured this would make for a great summer birthday tradition.

I did have them box up a piece of blueberry cheesecake for me. Just cuz. I heard a rumor calories don't count on your birthday!

Was a super day and was able to connect with my twin and my mom, too.

Always weird when we're 4 hours away from each other and rarely get to celebrate our birthday together. This picture still works, though. I don't think we've changed a bit!

Obviously, I've loved cake for a long, long, not telling my age, time!

Third Time's A Charm

Thanks to a letter from the DMV a few months ago – which I promptly misplaced – I was on the ball this time with getting my driver's license renewed. Or so I thought.

I was glad they sent the letter out because, really, how often do we look at our own driver's license? And when they expire in 8 years, who can keep track of that? So yes, the letter helped. And recent travels out of state where every security checkpoint between here and Mississippi pointed out my birthday (and expiration date) were coming right up.

So I ran over the DMV at lunch on Tuesday (relatively close by). I knew there was some new REAL ID thing that would be required next year – unless you have a passport. So I just brought my license and passport as forms of identification and thought I was on the ball.

Well, the DMV was saying the REAL ID will be much more convenient so if you lose your passport during domestic travel, god forbid, you still have a Homeland Security acceptable ID. He said even now they require it at airports like O'Hare. So I said I'd get that REAL thing instead of my, what, fake DL. Of course, that meant I didn't have proper paperwork. I also needed my legit Social Security card or a W-2 form. So I said I'd be back. Just in case they thought I would procrastinate further, they extended my license expiration date for 60 days. Free of charge.

Got home Tuesday, gathered my paperwork and had it in the car yesterday. But I didn't like my hair, so I decided to wait until today. Still one day before my birthday so I wasn't technically procrastinating.

I went to the DMV in late morning. I decided to travel light and just grab my wallet and not my purse. I don't know why because I never do that. And now I know why...

I get there and all cocky like, I hand over my license and Social Security and a W-2. Then Mr. DMV is like, "OK, I just need your birth certificate or passport then." I look at my useless wallet and realize my stinkin' passport is in my purse... back at the office. Oh fiddlesticks. (Or something like that.) "I'll be back," I said for the second time this week.

A half hour later and on my third trip to the DMV in three days, I had all appropriate documentation, decent hair, and a lengthy but worthwhile wait in the waiting room.

Third time's a charm, I guess. We'll see if I'm any better in 8 years.

A Good Date Spoiled

Mark Twain once said, "Golf is a good walk spoiled." The phrase stuck because, well, it can get ugly out there. Scenery beautiful, yes. My swing, not so much.

Still, a nice impromptu date night.

Since we are golfing with our friends Scott and Sandy on Saturday and I've only golfed once since we did with them in April (yes, 2 months ago), I figured I better swing out some of the rusty spots. Hubby and I checked out a couple courses and they were busy with league nights and such. But we decided to give the Ridges a go.

It was slow going due to league, so we ended up zigzagging around the front 9 a bit. No par dances for me – though I should have had at least 3 of them! I blame the mosquitoes and black flies and gnats and whatever the heck else was biting me despite bug spray.

And lack of practice.

Jim's been out a few times. But thanks to rain every other day, not a ton of play for him either.

Probably best we don't take it too seriously anyway. Makes for a better date!

To Infinity

There are so many things I love about this "retro" photo. Love that MY lighthouse (from when I lived and worked in Menominee, Mich.) is in the background. Love that little Carter is being safely escorted on the pier by his big brother. And love – well Carter especially loved – that Buzz Lightyear hoodie.

He lived in that thing. And it gives you a good visual of how long the Toy Story franchise has been around. That little boy can now catch a Buzz legally, and he doesn't need Star Command to do it.

So it only made sense that only people crying at the movie theater tonight were us "old" folks who've seen Toy Story 1, 2 and 3, and knew we couldn't live without seeing 4 – and hearing "To infinity and beyond" and "There's a snake in my boot" one more time.

I had a meeting at church and then met my friend Cindy at the theater. Cheap $5 movie night so she got there early and saved me a seat. It was a great movie. I won't give any spoilers but if you've seen them all, it is so worth seeing.

And bring Kleenex. Hey, I cried after #3 so that's not too much of a spoiler.

I just wish I could wrap my arms around that sweet little boy in the photo for comfort. But just like Andy in the movie, we all grow up sometime.

Neighborhood Watch Cow

I think our neighborhood watch cow and friend need an umbrella. Not that we need a Mary Poppins look-alike in the 'hood. But I hate for her nice dress to get all drenched in the rain!

And yes, that means it's raining. Again.

Just when I was going to leave the house for a walk, too. Gotta keep up my streak! Last week I got 10,000 steps each day Monday through Friday. Anyone with a desk job knows that's not that easy to do. Now it's Monday again and I'm short. Steps, that is. And yes, I do have an umbrella so I wouldn't have to get my fancy dress (or sweats) drenched either.

But boy, I'd rather be munching on something good like the cow is doing. I see the farmer has kept his floral "sweet treat" strategically out of reach. What a great plan. Flower survives and the cow doesn't scarf down something he doesn't need. He might not be happy but he'll be healthy.

Thanks to this rain – again – my flowers will keep surviving, too. Now if I could just keep MY sweet treats strategically out of reach.

Or go puddle jumping long enough to distract me from remembering they exist. Or pace the driveway under an umbrella. Many, many times.

Sigh. Where's Mary Poppins and her spoonful of sugar when you need her?

Boys, Bogeys, Bets

Today was our delayed Father's Day celebration since one of the boys couldn't be here last weekend. So we had normal Father's Day last Sunday and today was the rain date. Quite literally.

Basically, it meant the boys day for Jim, his dad, and the two older boys to go golfing at SentryWorld. And for me to go with this mom and sister for a girls day at the casino in Black River Falls.

Have truck, will golf. I like that our new-to-us truck fits plenty of clubs!

It was a blessing to have all boys under one roof this morning. After Jim made breakfast for them, he wanted a group picture since we don't know when the three will be together next. Depends who goes to visit Washington and who comes back home. I said they were looking too serious above. C'mon, you're brothers and you love each other. Show it!

There's the dimple crew! Better. Much better!

And all 4 brown-eyed bandits who stole my heart.

Adding Grandpa to the picture didn't quite work because Rey was a distraction grabbing the spotlight!

The guys had fun golfing and only got rained on a few times. There was plenty of Austin "charm" (aka B.S.-ing) thrown around, I'm sure!

Meanwhile... I signed up for my first casino card! Yup. Probably been 10 years since I've been (other than work stints in Vegas where I don't usually have time to gamble). My sister-in-law showed me the ropes and in no time I was donating to the Native Americans.

I tried to find lucky machines based on how they called to me...

Really should have won more on the Rise of the RA (Robyn Austin) machine. But no. I also thought I should connect well with the OMG Puppies machine. Because there was a puppy at my house. No luck there, either.

I did cash in on one with a Solar name because I love the sun. So I came out close to even at day's end. We had fun.

This evening, Casey and Rey headed back to Minneapolis to start packing for their move in two weeks. Carter headed back to Platteville to clean his house because we're visiting him in two weeks. Ha. Empty nest once again.

Yay, says the cat.

Oval of Friends

Since we spent the evening at the race track, I should refer to our social circle today as a social OVAL. If you know anything about racing, you know what I mean.

We were on quite a social circuit today and tonight. Had a graduation party this afternoon. From there we went to Marshfield to watch our nephew Colin race. He qualified with fast time, which meant he got to carry the flag during the National Anthem. Always a cool perk (and picture).

His car has had some issues this season so this was the first time we saw him a full evening of racing. After qualifying the best, he finished second in his heat race and then finished second in the feature behind the same guy! I don't even think he lost by a car length. He got right up there in the last lap. Dang.

Still, they were happy the car behaved. You gotta finish a race in order to win it, right?

After that, we stopped at Homestead to see friends at the bar. From there, we were texted of some other friends having a fire so we stopped there – it was on the way home, of course. It always is when it comes to friends!

Now, my baby is about to arrive. A spontaneous trip from Platteville. Plus a last time for all the brothers to be together until... next time. So I better log off so I don't miss a long-awaited hug goodnight!

We're all winners today.

Doggone Doghere

What a difference a week makes. Last week at this time I was helping to find a friend's missing dog. This weekend a dog came to us. In other words, our grand-pup is here! Our grand-pup is here!

Son #1 is visiting this weekend one last time before he and his soulmate take their puppy and their belongings and move to the Seattle/Bellingham, Washington, area.

I think Rey will adjust fine as long as she has her ball to fetch. She's an expert!

"Again!" 

Run, Rei, run!

Over course, hubby and I enjoy the visit far more than Sylvester. I bet the whole neighborhood heard her hissing and growing and screeching. She's in her master's closet now and doesn't trust us. But she fails to understand this is probably the last time she'll see her furry "cousin."

Jim and I will be OK. We have neighbors to give us our dog fix. And we're pretty certain the planes fly West from here!

T-Ball of Fun

Pretty sure the last time I was at a T-Ball game, this handsome little fella was playing. Since he's old enough to buy his own beer now,  I'd say it's been awhile.

Tonight I realized once again that is the most entertaining 45 minutes a person could spend on a weeknight. They are just. So. Cute! It was just a hoot watching these little kindergarten-age kids go at it. Without a complete grasp of the game.

Awhile back I took some pictures of a friend's daughter in her sparkly tutu for a dance recital. So it only makes sense we show her playing in the dirt – with the boys – too.

Payton is a cutie, that's for sure. And was so excited to get on base – technically, they let them all get on base – that every time she'd light up with a big smile.

She was paying attention on defense, too. So there's potential she can dance AND swing!

Speaking of dancing, this pretty much sums up most of the action...

I don't know these kids but it looks like the boy is wondering what he's gotten himself into with the dancing first baseman. At least she was having fun and that's what counts.

Especially since they still don't keep score.

Play ball!

Big is Beautiful

Good news. I learned today that the elusive "summer body" is not required in a state that doesn't have summer. So there you go, Wisconsinites and Minnesotans. We're good so far. And you're welcome.

I was further reminded today that being big can be beautiful. Take Blue, for instance. He is a big sweetie! And we say that to his face. "You're so big!" "Look how big you're getting!" And he takes no offense.

Even his "big" brother Buddy doesn't mind that people compare their sizes. He just loves his "little" brother Blue.

Why can we be more like dogs?? I mean, I don't want anyone pointing out to me, "Look how big you're getting, Robyn!" But I wish I could brush it off (literally, ha) when I think those things about myself – or imagine others thinking that. Just because we have a thick waists doesn't mean we have thick skins, right?

It would be nice if I could go with Buddy and Blue to the groomer tomorrow and shave a few inches off! Too easy, though. Instead I am trying to exercise – again. Do yourself a favor and don't stop exercising because starting again is sooooo hard. I did one little workout yesterday with lunges and squats and it was all I could do to walk today, let alone keep up with the boys on leashes! Yikes.

I'll just keep moving forward and remind myself that just because I see myself as "big," doesn't mean I am THAT big. Case in point...

Look at this big, beautiful bouquet of flowers!

Nope. Not so big after all.

Don't judge yourself by your size. Judge whether someone thinks you're a big sweetie. And just wants to hug you and love you.

That's what counts. Big time.

Night Cat-rol

You can almost set a clock by Sylvester's Night Patrol hours. As soon as it's dusk, she parks her furry behind at the front screen door and stares out. And stays there – except for occasional interruptions – until dark.

What is she seeing? Rabbits hopping across our yard. Blue jays flitting about. Squirrels being squirrely. Mosquitoes buzzing around the deck. June bugs pinging at the door and windows. Nothing scares her. Even lightning and thunder and she'll park it right there.

Not a fan of rain, though. If the wind drives it through the screen door, she bolts. The notion of a "drowned cat" is real life stuff.

Actually she's not a fan of rain for other reasons, too. The first two questions out of her mouth this morning were:

1. "Is this Father's Day business over now so we're back to Kitty's Day?"
2. "Is it really raining again? All this rain is wreaking havoc on my tan lines!"

I hear ya, sister!

On the plus side, this may be the first summer my flowers make it alive to the Fourth of July! Always a positive, right?

Swinging Down Memory Lane

I'm at the age where I can remember lyrics to just about every '80s song but can't remember what I did two days ago, let alone two years ago. That's why my blog comes in handy. It is my main resource for my memory and for scrapbooking!

Today I was trying to remember who I took a work trip with back in 2004. I knew I had scrapbooked about it because it was my co-worker's first time in Vegas so we saw all the sights at night. So I grab my thick volume of Family Memories circa 2004. That's 15 years ago if you can't do the math. Found a few treasures down memory lane...

Little 6-year-old Carter and I swinging at the park.

And Daddy helping him on his first solo ride without training wheels. Awww. Where does the time go?

Carter's almost fully adulting now. In Platteville for the summer and working at the Potosi Brewery on the Wisconsin-Iowa border. I don't know if I have mentioned that before. Because, well, my memory and all. Basically he came home from Germany, applied a few places down there since we're paying rent at his college house for the next year.

He got hired at the brewery and started before Memorial Day weekend. It's a pretty nice operation there, I guess. Brewery, museum (it's the oldest brewery in Wisconsin), a gift shop, and brew pub. Carter is working in the kitchen at the brew pub. Might graduate up to bar tending, but who knows.

Hard to believe he's old enough to do all that when it seems like yesterday (when you look at photos, that is) that he was just starting to pedal off without our help. You really can't stop time. But then, who would really want to? I wouldn't trade most of what's happened in the decade and a half since, that's for sure.

Count your blessings each day. Eventually they pile up. And it's pretty darn special.

Dad's Day

Happy Father's Day to all you dads and dad-like role models! Special hugs to those of you who, like me, are missing your dad in heaven today. It doesn't matter if it's your 1st, 6th, or 30th Father's Day without him. We miss him.

But we also know there's a piece of him living with us each and every day! I obviously get my dad's good looks. Haha. But I also got his sense of humor, hard work ethic, knowledge (know-it-all) and, well, stubbornness for lack of a better word. Though it's pretty accurate.

Of course, I'm not the only one who takes after their father. Looks and otherwise.

Hubby definitely gets his father's good looks and charm and, as you can see from this beanbag toss game, his competitiveness and athletic ability.

Dad-in-law was a natural. Must have been all those years playing baseball!

And here's Jim and his sister Sherry with Dad. I love this picture!

So glad we had Jim's family over for dinner. Although Jim got phone calls from sons #1 and #3, only #2 was in town to make it out. Appreciated that! Plus, it was good that Colin could have competition from at least one cousin!

It was summertime fun without the summer. You can probably tell it wasn't sunny. Thankfully the rain stopped for us to be outside for a bit. Still was cold enough we needed the heat on today. You read that correctly. Not feeling like mid-June one bit.

Good thing there's always family love and fond memories to keep us warm.

Happy Father's Day!