Pro-Craft-Stinate

While I was cleaning out the basement recently, I came across all kinds of totes of surprises. Things I really hadn't seen since we moved into our house 19 years ago. And some things had been neglected longer than that.

Case in point: Winnie the Pooh.

This is evidence (not that you needed any) that I've been procrastinating – or pro-craft-stinating – since at least 1998.

Yup, exactly 22 years ago at this time of night, I was working my swollen, numb fingers frantically to finish this for the nursery. My plan was to add the baby's name (didn't if it was a boy or girl) and its birthdate.

To be fair, I thought I had another week to work on it when I went to bed that night – according to doctor's prediction. But Carter Joseph Austin had other ideas the next day.

Anyway, if anyone still does cross-stitch and wants to finish this for yourself, I'm pretty sure the current college house decor is the exact opposite of the Hundred Acre Wood. Some friends suggest I finish it for old time's sake, but that's a heckuva lot of Pooh body left to stitch. And do I remember how to read a pattern? And do I want to?

Until I get around to making up my mind, Mr. Pooh Bear has gone back into the tote with a few other UPs (unfinished projects). There's no rush for me to decide right now. Everyone claims we have nothing but time now.

But it sure is flying, isn't it? 22 years. Wow. My baby's a big boy now!

A Trifle Inspiring

I'm not saying that DQ stole my idea for a new Blizzard. I am saying I'm pretty sure my Not My Circus Trifle inspired them. And they should thank me proper.

I mean look at the yummy goodness you get when you combine frosted animal crackers (aka Carousel Cookies) with crumbled Funfetti cake, white chocolate pudding (died pink) and sprinkles. I have been onto something good here for years.

Now look what DQ is serving up for the spring and summer...

Coincidence? I don't think so. Still, I suppose it's easier to buy one then re-create it with a full-size trifle. I would probably eat that, by the way.

So I settled for a medium Frosted Animal Cookie Blizzard and will give them their well-earned thumbs up.

And hey, if you need more ideas, give me a call. I'm a mixologist at heart and have some strong opinions about ice cream. I'm your dream girl, DQ.

When I'm not curtseying my allegiance to King Cone, that is.

The Big 5-Oh

Today is Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Some of this info was gathered from other people. But I wanted to include it in a blog for future historical reference.

- We are (at average) at 42 days of social isolation. It is DAY 50 for Jim and me. Yup, the big 5-0!

- In the U.S. alone, there are just under 1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases with 55,000+ deaths as of this morning. In Wisconsin, we have 6,289 positive cases and we reached 300 deaths today. In Wood County, we remain at 2 confirmed (and recovered) cases and 410 residents testing negative.

- Schools (including universities) have been closed since March 17 and are teaching remotely online. Schools will not reopen for the 2019-2020 school year. Some have called off graduation ceremonies and others, like Lincoln High School here in Wisconsin Rapids, are postponing to August.

- Only “essential” retail stores are open such as grocery stores, hardware stores, and pharmacies. Some other essential stores like liquor stores have curbside pickup.

- Amazon delivery windows average 3-4 weeks when they used to be a maximum of 2 days. However, I am getting some deliveries fairly quickly now compared to a month ago when everyone was ordering toilet paper.

- No gyms are open, and it’s almost impossible to find weights, exercise equipment, bikes, etc.

- All extra curricular/volunteer/business meeting and other gatherings – including my Book Club and Church Council – are now on virtual meeting platforms (i.e. Zoom, House Party, Go to Meeting, Whatsap, Webex, Google Duo, the list goes on). Hang in there, life will continue and eventually, all together, we will get to a new normal for us.

- There are lines/tape inside the stores on the floors to keep people 6 feet apart. Some stores like Walmart have one-way traffic down aisles and require their workers to wear masks.

- Bars and restaurants are open only for takeout, home delivery, and drive through. There is a big push to buy local and support small businesses. We've enjoyed some really tasty food from Mo's Bar and Grill and our locally owned Dairy Queen, of course.

- Playgrounds and sports fields are closed. Most beaches, parks, and cemeteries are closed to the public. No visitors are allowed in hospitals.

- All major and minor league sports competitions have been canceled as well as college and high school spring sports. The NFL draft was done virtually this week. Pretty different but not bad.

- All festivals and entertainment events have been banned. Many summer events have been canceled already. SummerFest has moved to September. State fairs in August are considering their options.

- Weddings, family celebrations, and graduations have been canceled or postponed. Funerals are limited to 10 people graveside.

- People are doing drive-by parades to celebrate birthdays.

- Young kids can’t understand why they can only see grandparents and other extended family and friends on a screen or thru a window if someone visits in person or via online video.

- Visitors are prohibited at nursing homes and assisted living residences. Anywhere really. I haven't seen my mom (or most of my family) since before Christmas. This is very hard.

- Hugs and kisses are not exchanged. Very hard for us huggers!

- Places of worship are closed or online. It's a new way to do things, but my church has successfully transitioned to YouTube and I still l feel like we're gathered together on Sunday mornings.

- We have to stay away from each other more than 6 feet.

- Shortage of disposable masks and gloves in hospitals.

- People are wearing masks, some places require that you wear them to enter! People are even sewing their own cloth masks for sale or donation to medical facilities, families, and friends. 

- Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bleach, antibacterial wipes and anything Lysol or Clorox is in short supply and limited per person.... IF you can even find them! (This goes the same for flour and yeast).

- Stores are closing early to disinfect everything. (24 hour stores are even closing by 6, 8 or 9 p.m.)

- Store checkouts, pharmacies, and even fast food drive-thru windows have added plexiglass between the employee and the customer. You have to reach around or under to pay!

- You can't find isopropyl alcohol easily. The supply per person is limited.

- Australia, USA, Canada, and Europe have closed their borders.

- Western Australia has been divided into 9 territories and an instant $1,500 fine issued for crossing the border without a valid reason (transport workers, essential services etc).

- Gas is cheap – about $1.25/gallon in Wisconsin Rapids. But we have not place to go. No one is traveling for leisure. Airports are empty. Tourism has the worst crisis in history.

- Wi-Fi and cell phone providers have extended their limits to provide connection to the Internet for people to continue to work from home and for students to learn from their teachers.

- We don't know if baseball seasons will start, hockey season will continue/end or any summer camps, etc. will run. Lots of teen/college summer jobs are up in the air.

- Colleges have not made definite decisions about whether to take their classes online, in person, or open at all for the fall.

- Society appears to be divided about whether or not we should continue to isolate or open back up and get the economy going. It's an election year and politics are messy and complicating this issue.

So much has changed since I shared the "status of things" a month ago. It's almost scary to think of where we'll be in another month. I know I'll still be working from home since Wisconsin is mandating that until May 26. Hopefully, I and my loved ones will still be healthy then, too. And, as I do today, I will take nothing for granted.

We are where we are with what we have. Let's be grateful.

The Drago Draft

It's always fun when you can watch the NFL draft and actually get excited for someone you kind of know. Sort of.

Back when college boy was in middle school and playing football and hoops (above), it was always interesting when we played against Amherst. Even at that age, this one kid – very tall and muscular kid – with spiky blond hair stood a head above our little No. 13. We just referred to him as Drago over the years because he reminded us so much of the character in the Rocky 4 movie.

Not in a bad way – like how we felt about the Russians at that time. But just he was big. And that was my opinion as the mom of the undersized Rocky. But the kid had toughness and talent.

Fast forward to this weekend, and now Amhert's Tyler Biadasz, the former center for our Bucky Badgers, has been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. Congrats! I still won't cheer for the Cowboys but I wish him the best!

And you see the resemble, right? Opponents should be nervous. "He vill break you."

Get My Kicks With Temp 66

I never know when to completely trust Mother Nature. In the not too distant past, we had an April snowstorm dumping 20 inches on us. So when the calendar season and Mother Nature align with a lovely spring day, I'll take it. And what a blessing today was!

Earlier in the day, the weather app on my phone said it was 62 degrees with a RealFeel temp of 72 degrees. That's when I threw on some shorts, took Mr. Deck Chair on the back patio, and parked myself for an hour. Ahhh-mazing!

It did feel like 72! And I forgot to check the temp mid-afternoon but it was 66 at 6 p.m., so I bet it got close to that 70-degree mark at some point.

Since hubby was golfing over in the Green Bay area, I didn't feel guilty relaxing but felt I should get something done. Preferably outside.

Got all the leaves blown out of my rock garden and raked up. Took our Viking flag down now that the draft is over – and hung my anti-COVID flag. Yes, welcome friends! Can't wait until we actually can have company so they can see it!

That was about it for any productivity. My 2017 Arizona-Grand Canyon digital scrapbook is basically done. Just awaiting any photos Carter may want included. I'm not ordering it until there's a deal on "free extra pages" anyway. Might get started on my next one. I think I'll stay with the out West theme and do our Colorado trip from fall of 2014. Again, that'll make me anxious to visit again!

Probably should get serious about getting these done, though. If Mother Nature keeps cooperating, I'm not going to want to spend much time indoors, that's for sure!

Hope you found some fun in the sun today, too!

Spoiled with a Good Walk

They say golf is a good walk spoiled, but I'd say today we were spoiled to finally get to golf – even if we had to walk!

First time out for the 2020 season and I realized some habits didn't die over the winter.

This is the first time my friend and neighbor Marigene and I golfed together. After I hit an undesirable drive on the second hole, she said, "You know, you can swear and it's OK with me." And I'm like, "Yeah, you can't stop me." Like I said, she obviously hasn't golfed with me before.

Swing. Swear. Look for ball (how hard can it be to find a pink ball?!). Repeat.

And seriously, I played like crap as per usual my first round of the season. But I honestly didn't swear (much) because it was just so stinkin' great to be out and do something that felt NORMAL!

And we only had one rule: There are no rules!!

Here's a pretty putt setup. As in pretty long. I didn't sink it on the first try, that's for sure!

Social distancing as required! We actually did pretty good at staying at least 6 feet apart. But our balls became BFFs halfway through the round and just followed each other shot after shot!

This is what I mentioned yesterday about not being able to pull flagsticks out. (Don't touch them!) And our balls couldn't go all the way into the cup. That way we're not all reaching in and leaving grimy germs everywhere when we take them out.

Despite a crappy score card, I did earn one par dance on a Par 3. I'll take it. Oh yeah! You know it!

I told you I didn't lose all my habits!

It was a very cheap round of golf. And even though they didn't have beverage service, we found plenty of piles of fresh coffee beans on the course! Can't wait to get caffeinated tomorrow!

After our very, very enjoyable round, we rewarded ourselves with a trip to DQ. Of course we deserved it! You have to reward good, healthy fun with a friend!

And quarantine or no quarantine, we definitely plan to repeat it soon! Even the swearing part, sorry.

Getting into the Swing of Normalcy?

Today was the initial deadline for the end of "safer at home" restrictions in Wisconsin. That's wisely been extended to May 26, with a few important exceptions. One is golf. Can I get an "Amen!"?

Since the new ruling and the weather cooperated, many courses across the state opened for business today. Limited business, but still open. No carts allowed since you can't share it with anyone and they don't want your hands all over it. Same with bunker rakes (non-existent) and removing flags from the holes before your putts (do NOT touch!).

I have to admit, my thoughts on getting out on the course have changed over the quaran-time.

April 1: "I can't wait until we can go golfing, Jim!"

April 24 (Day 46 of quarantine TOGETHER): "Go ahead with your buddies, honey. I'm sure I can handle 5 hours to MYSELF!"

And I did. Today. Hubby went golfing with a friend at Bulls Eye Country Club and he's going with our friends over in the Green Bay area on Sunday. I'm not up to having my first outing be walking 18 holes while trying not to get tired of swinging and of my awful performance. Don't need to make a fool of myself that way. So I'll pass this time.

I am, however, going with a friend tomorrow. It'll be 60 degrees. We have to! We're just walking 9 holes at a local course and I'm counting on her not to laugh at me while I shake the dust and rust loose! It's been a long 7-month offseason!

Still, quarantine or no quarantine, it'll be nice to get out and play in April yet. There's been years we've had snow hit the last weekend of the month. So while the universe isn't necessarily playing nice these days, at least Mother Nature is cooperating.

Thanks in advance!

Draft Day

So this really happened with the very unsurprising first pick of the NFL draft. I mean the part about Joe as the No. 1 pick. Not sure if the nickname will be forthcoming.

I had intentions of watching the first round. But then it was really weird seeing everyone in their own living rooms and basement war rooms. Plus I needed to finish the Little Fires Everywhere series on Hulu. (Really good.) Now the Vikings still haven't had their first pick yet. That will be my cue for bedtime.

I have no high hopes of a miracle pick. As they've said for probably the last 35 years, "This is a rebuilding year." Haha. Not funny when you're a Viking fan.

But hey, it's a LIVE sports "event" so let's enjoy it!

#SKOL

Mother Earth

Happy 50th Earth Day. It would appear it's taken 50 years for Man to slow down and ease off on hurting Mother Earth. Now we've seen evidence during this pandemic and subsequent lockdowns that pollution is declining – in the air and in the water. Amazing.

While it's a rough time for a lot of us, it real seems like a healing time for Mother Earth. Good for her. And us.

I didn't do anything special to mark the day. Was hoping to get out and collect garbage along the nearby roads, but it was far too chilly and windy. I will do that at some point in the next week as the weather allows. Promise, Madame Earth!

Found this list of things we can all do. Any time. All the time...

I do some but certainly not all. A great reminder for taking care of the Earth – and ourselves!

Screen Time-Out

I need to edit this picture to say "and adults." Not angry so much as moody and tired right now.

It was one of those "too much screen time" days where I went straight from being on my work computer 8 hours to my home computer to do some digital scrapbooking, then nearly 2 hours in an online Zoom call for a Church Council meeting.

My eyes are fried. And so is my mind. Way too much screen time today. Don't even think I'll turn the TV. Perhaps I'll read a large-print book in bed, ha!

No offense, but I can't look at my computer to even blog. Not much new to report beyond screen time anyway.

Outside, the weather is sunny and windy and chilly. Inside, we're still safer at home.

Hope you are as well!

Digital Dive

As long as I know I have another five weeks or so of free evenings, I might as well dive into my digital scrapbooks. As it turns out, I have at least five vacation ones awaiting my attention. One per week sounds like reasonable progress, doesn't it?

This week I'll start with Carter's (and my) 2017 spring break to the Southwest. The two of us visited my sister Rayna and her husband Paul while they wintered in the Phoenix area. Since they are about to move there permanently in a few weeks, I've been thinking about that gorgeous area of America! When I'm done with this album, we'll ALL want to move there!

Of course, I have to watch The Voice tonight. But I did get as as far as uploading 994 Google photos to Shutterfly and I will start getting my thoughts in order before I get scrapping. 

Plus, I think there has to be a camera memory card somewhere. Would I have gone on a scenic trip with only my smart phone for photos? Doesn't seem likely. Even if I did manage to click off a thousand! If a picture says a thousand words then surely a thousand pictures say enough to fill a scrapbook. 

I'll keep ya posted!

Background Check

I noticed during my video meetings and chats on my main Mac computer that I really need to tackle the "background" clutter in my office/Scrap Cave. So that was my Sunday project.

Here's the "before" from a Zoom call on Friday night. Yikes.

And this evening – after dumping a whole ton of paper and cardboard into recycling and throwing out a big bag of garbage.

I know I have more to do, but I will celebrate the progress!

I did sneak outside a bit, too. Not as warm as yesterday, but nice. Said hello to some neighbors. Took a social distancing walk with my friend Cindy. And also enjoyed a cup of coffee with Mr. Deck Chair in the late afternoon sun. And watched a Hallmark movie tonight while hubby was doing a fantasy draft for the NFL draft. (Yes, it's a thing.) And got 10,000 steps for the first time in ages.

So I'm all rested up and feeling accomplished for my 41st day at home. Let's make this a good week, shall we?

Wind Chillin'

Temperatures were deceiving today. Even though the thermometer in my phone insisted it was over 60 degrees, even at a night, it didn't feel like that. The darn wind cooled off everything. All day.

Took a walk and got a new hairstyle out of it. Was pondering parting it on the other side. Now I see it can be done!

Tried bonding with Mr. Deck Chair. Took sweatshirt off and rolled up shirtsleeves. Had goosebumps but I was darn determined to enjoy that 60-degree weather no matter what! Pretty sure I wimped out before any rays of sun soaked in.

Was forced to do some cleaning / organizing in my office (aka Scrap Cave). Didn't get very far. I think I've lost that weekend motivation that was here earlier this month. Maybe it just lives in the basement?? Either way, tomorrow won't be as nice out so I'll try to recapture the mojo again and see what I can get done.

On a positive note, I got to see the Twins win a game. Granted it was classic TV, but still. And enjoyed yummy chicken and peppers kabobs on the grill for supper... followed by a road trip to DQ for dessert!

It was a good Saturday to chill.

Bird Watching

It's a sure sign of spring around our house when you can hear the birds chirping outside and Sylvester demands a window seat so she can watch them. It wasn't quite warm enough to have a window open all day, but in 10 minutes, she saw her fill of feathered friends!

Turkey Lurkey all by himself, social distancing from the brood, I guess.

Squawking Mr. Blue Jay who Blue Jay Drive is named after, I'm sure!

Mz. Round Robin... Obviously she's gaining the quarantine 15!

And then there's Red, who wouldn't sit still long enough for me to get a good photo.

Maybe tomorrow when it's much nicer out I can actually sit outside and get a closer view myself. Kitty can still watch from the inside. She's not made for the wilds of our yard, that's for sure!

It is supposed to be close to 60 degrees tomorrow. We were going to grill out tonight, but we'll wait until our nice spring day Saturday. Instead, we ordered delivery from a local bar and grill called Mo's. We happen to know the owner's family and as it turns out, two of my "adopted daughters" were working delivery tonight.

Look at this sweet note on the takeout container. Now that's a special delivery! Hubby had a delish perch fish fry and I had a fantastic coconut shrimp dinner. It's fun to support local businesses when the delivery girl's a sweetie and the food is amazing!

My evening was topped off with a Zoom call with my Royal circle of girlfriends Brenda-squared, Michelle, and Kelly. We talked for 2 hours about everything and nothing. It was so great to SEE them!

My weekend's pretty much made and it's only Friday. Nice.

Hope we can all get out and catch some sun and fresh air tomorrow! Relax and enjoy!

I Call Same Seats

There's a calendar in my office that has our quarantine experience by the numbers. Today was day 38 of staying safer at home. And today we learned it's a good thing this is a 3-month wall calendar so I can see the numbers add up through most of May.

Instead of lifting the lockdown restrictions when his order expires next Friday, April 24, our governor extended the order until May 26 so it applies through the Memorial Day weekend. I'm not going to add up what number will be on the calendar that day. It's too depressing.

Depressing, yes. For sure K-12 schools closed for rest of school year. RIP spring sports. RIP the patience of these parents-turned-homeschool teachers. Uff da. And who knows about delayed proms or graduation ceremonies.

This is also is depressing, yes, for businesses struggling to stay afloat and their employees, too – who may or may not have any other source of income for their household.

And definitely depressing, yes, for those of us – basically everyone – missing up close and personal contact with their family and friends.

Depressing, yes. We're tired of the same 4 walls and limited outlets for escape.

But it would be more depressing if they let the inmates out of the asylum too early and there was a statewide free-for-all of hugging and partying and sharing germs – and more people died. Maybe even someone we know.

I didn't realize it would be such a controversial issue. I mean I'd just rather be safe than sorry. If we have to sacrifice now, it will be worth it to have freedom and fun return at some point this summer, hopefully. But if we escape before there's any sense of how we can control the spread, then we're just going to be back in our homes and starting this all over with day one.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to have to write numbers on the calendar every day of 2020. The 3-month view is sufficient for me. And I already called "same seats" in the living room so I got dibs on my recliner for a lot of free evenings and weekends.

Me, you, the Hallmark channel and Netflix will get through this together.

And golf courses MAY open under certain restrictions. Marriage saver right there. Good luck to us all!

Shopping Stimulation

I need to note this for the future when I look back on this weird year. Stimulus checks from the government started arriving in bank accounts today. I didn't pay attention to details, but couples get $2,400 and qualifying individuals get $1,200.

Even college boy.

I warned him to spend wisely. Considering his campus job this semester has disappeared, he needs to think food and necessities first! No large-screen TV or 1,200 tacos or anything!

As for hubby and I, it went right into savings. We agreed long ago "There's no such thing as extra money!" For today, we're both employed and able to work from home. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Pretty sure when many of us joked on New Year's Eve that we had 2020 vision, we didn't see this coming. Any of this.

Be careful and smart out there!!

Feeling Puzzled?

If you're feeling puzzled about all the conflicting news about COVID-19, I found a solution. Put a puzzle together!

After doing the kitty one last week, I decided I'd do another one. It just happens that there are 3 more in the game closet – all with lighthouse themes,  of course. I figured I could do this one in a few nights since it was only 500 pieces. Instead, I sat down about 4:30 and worked on it until I was done.

Did not think about work once. Did not think about the virus once. Did not even think about supper. Now you know I was deep in concentration!

How freeing!

Obviously, I'm not the first one to turn to jigsaws in this time of lockdown. Puzzle shelves are basically empty at Wal-Mart and many brands are out of stock on Amazon, too. Unless you really want to pay $40 for a puzzle you might get delivered in mid-May. Crazy times. Normally, I'd hit up Goodwill, knowing I've donated a few puzzles there myself. But, of course, that's closed, too.

So I'll do the next biggest one – a 504 piece, legitimately, not missing pieces stolen by my hubby. The other one is a thousand pieces. That might take me up to our "release date," ha. Assuming we're probably sitting ducks until May sometime.

Of course, at some point, spring will arrive and stay. None of this temps in the 20s with wind. I'll eventually be able to clear my mind outside. Eventually. For now, piecing together peaceful pictures works for me.

Hope you're finding some fun distractions, too!

Melting Snow, Melting Heart

We stayed mostly below that snow guard line overnight and only got about 3 inches of the non-seasonal white stuff. By midafternoon, the snow was gone. But so was that car.

Yup, sadly our sweet baby flitted in and out of our lives in less than 48 hours. Just long enough to fill up on food, clean laundry, some petty cash, and host of hugs from this momma. Coronavirus be damned. I missed my boy!

Hopefully we'll all come out of Easter weekend unscathed.

I did have to go out in public after work tonight. To the chiropractor and a quick stop at the store for milk. I wore a mask and gloves and will probably just keep doing that as long as a I have to. Especially now that "new germs" were in our house. Not that I have anywhere to go the rest of the week! Plus I wiped down our shared surfaces. Again.

I always wished I could be a little OCD so I would be fanatical about a clean house. I'm not there yet, but I'm sure they must offer classes online for that. I have the time. Still missing the ambition. Perhaps there's a class or video on how to find that, too!

It would help keep my mind occupied while I tend my melting heart.

Hopping the Line

When the weatherman drew this line on the radar map this evening to show the line between snow and rain, I was like "Don't erase that line! You're keeping the snow out!"

For real.

Our house is in that tiny area below the white line and on the left side of the I-39 sign. So, yeah. The Easter winter storm warning has been producing only rain (and some sleet) here today. Now, though, at 8 p.m. there's some white stuff starting to stick to Mr. Deck Chair.

We'll see that we'll wake up to tomorrow. We had nowhere to go today and we won't tomorrow. So really, it's just annoying.

Today was a very low-key Easter. Hubby and I both watched our church services online. At 10 a.m., I had an appointment, though.

My mom called all 8 of her kids this week and said that even though we couldn't be together for Easter, she wanted all of us – in our own homes – singing the Christ the Lord is Risen Today hymn. "It will bring us all together even if we're apart," she said. "And no one will know if anyone sings off-key."

Except, some of us DID hear each other!

Thanks to an app called Houseparty, there was a mix of siblings and grandchildren singing the hymn – and doing some visiting. It was pretty cool. I'll have to utilize that app more during quarantine!

It wasn't until afternoon when we could declare Carter had risen. Indeed! But he just felt comfortable in his old bed, I guess! Easter Bunny delivered a basket with more "green" treats than sugary treats. It's the Easter Bunny stimulus package for college kids you've likely heard so much about!

We didn't do much of anything but sit around and relax this afternoon. Watched some sports reruns, including last year's Masters, and visited. I made a ham and cheesy potato Easter dinner, per usual. And they'll be leftovers for the boy to take back to school tomorrow. These Easter gifts keep on giving!

Hopefully Mother Nature's gift will keep on giving, too – above the white line! (Sorry Up North family.) Happy Easter!

Easter Funny Bunny

I am sure I share these every year, but c'mon, we can all use a little Easter funny about now, right? Two of my faves...

Also for fun, I delivered Easter goodies (cookies and bars) to neighbors and family last night and today. I kept my 6 feet of distance and didn't linger. But at least I got to see some familiar faces. And it gave me an excuse to bake!

Plus, Mr. College came home today so I wanted a few treats on hand. It's good to have him home for a few days. I think he appreciates the food. When he opened the fridge, I heard him say, "Whoa. So this is what a fridge with food in it looks like." Glad I'm making a full Easter dinner tomorrow so I can send home leftovers.

Even the Easter M&M Monster Cookies. Take them. They are way too tempting in this house. And don't even mention how many Peanut Butter Eggs are in your basket. Take everything.

Quarantine during a "candy season" is one cruel joke that I can't laugh at!

But here's one more bunny funny that's may kind of punny...

Hoppy Easter to you and your snuggle bunnies!

Good (bye) Friday

I took today off so I could get out of the house. And make a special delivery. And attend Good Friday services (online, of course).

It just happens that my oldest sister and her husband are about to move from Hudson to the Phoenix area in the next few weeks. It just happens that during my recent decluttering stint, I found a plethora of bubble wrap they could use for packing.

So today we met at a somewhat halfway point in Osseo to make a trade. I'd give them the bubble wrap and some Easter cookies – and they'd give me hugs goodbye.

I know. We are guilty of bending the rules. Don't worry. We played it 100% safe and did not let our guard (or masks) down. I felt like we were meeting up for a Wild West duel of some kind! But we both walked away alive.

I had tears in my eyes, but I'm happy Rayna and Paul are moving (again) to someplace warm (again) where they don't have to deal with Mother Nature's mood swings! Believe me, come Monday when I have a snow shovel in hand, I'll be reminded (again) why she's the oldest and wisest sister!

Side note: It was so nice to get out and take a road trip! Even by myself. Just to not be in the house or in my office. I'll never take freedom for granted again.

Bi-Polar Bear Disorder

The weather changed so many times today, I lost count after a dozen. Not even joking. Sunny one minute and snow squalls the next. Sun melts the snow. Snow covers the grass. Then the sun again.

All. Day. Long.

Mr. Deck Chair was like WTF (what the flake)? I was, too!

One constant was the wind. The back deck wind chime that hangs outside my office window was making crazy music all day. And when it was snowing, the unwelcome white stuff was blowing all over the place like a mini-blizzard. Seriously only lasting a few minutes tops.

In fact, after work, I went to the car wash and it was all sunny out. Started driving home and bam!

Visibility was questionable! How crazy. I must have outdrove this particular squall cloud because I got a mile from home and it was sunny again. Mother Nature was totally off her meds today. And it's going to get worse.

I can't believe there is a potential 10-inch snowfall forecast for here on Easter. But I saw it.

Oh don't worry, Up North family. This one isn't for you! Wisconsin Rapids is smack dab in the middle of the 4-10" belt. Happy Easter to us.

Thankfully, it looks like the Easter Bunny can drop of the peanut butter eggs ahead of time so we'll have sustenance. Also, we thankfully really have no place to go.  I guess that's one way to get out of shoveling.

I mean it might take a few days to melt. But we've got time. That's all we've got these days. Stay safe out there!

Assembly Required

My new ergonomically correct office chair arrived at my doorstep with a thud! Funny, it looked like a chair on the outside of the box, but the inside was all kinds of parts wrapped up in cardboard and styrofoam packing – with "simple assembly" instructions.

I laid out all the pieces on the living room floor and shook my head. OK, I will get to this later. My brain hurt thinking of packets A, B, C, and D of bolts and an allen wrench!

If I was really at work, I could just dial up Facilities and they'd take care of it for me. I thought of asking hubby to assemble it, but wondered how much he'd charge me for labor.

Shame on my for underestimating him! Not only did he assemble it without being asked, he didn't charge me a dime! Yet. Best hubby ever.

And it feels so good to sit in it! Not like super comfy like our recliners. But good support and a nice height so I am situated at proper levels for work. Between that and the full-size keyboard I snagged for $10.88 last week, I'm finally feeling at home in my office.

About time.

For those keeping score at home, today was Day 30 of my "out of office" quarantine. And I suspect it could go to Post Washington-Day 60 before I'm back to my commute to Stevens Point. Thank goodness for technology like Zoom and Skype so I can see and hear my co-workers every day. I miss them!

In fact yesterday, I shared a little poem with the department:

Roses are red.

My roots are showing gray.

Still, I can't to see you all

in person again some day!

You know it's been a long time if I'm getting sappy already. By the time I get back, I'll be baking them monster cookies and Hornets' Nest Cake and assembling trifles just to show my appreciation. For now, I'm only assembling words.

Jim does chairs AND words. I'll stick to "simple assembly" blogs and poems.

Right to Bear Masks

A little primary election day humor for you. If we can laugh yet. I'm not going to spout my political opinions. Just recording some events so when I look back at this someday I'll remember what the chaos was about.

Obviously with COVID-19 and Stay At Home orders, the health of Wisconsin residents is top of mind when it comes to our state government officials. Not sarcastic. I believe they care. But they, much like the federal government, don't know what to do. The problem is that when they finally make a decision, it comes a little too late.

Yesterday afternoon, our governor declared the spring primary scheduled for TODAY would be postponed to June 9. Then, within mere hours, our state Supreme Court overruled the governor's mandate so the election was back on.

If you can imagine municipal clerks notifying their election workers of the status change at the last minute. Then having to call them back 2 hours later, "Nope, that was a false alarm. I still need you tomorrow." My sister is a town clerk up north and can attest this whole election process has been insane. Yesterday just added to it.

So today, thousands of voters went to the polls and bravely or stupidly (I count among them) exercised their right to vote... and wear masks and gloves and BYOP. (Bring Your Own Pen.) Our polling place had a nice setup for the workers to be safely behind plexiglass. And the polling stations were 6 feet apart, too. They did what they could to make it a safe environment. Based on the fact there was no line at all when I went at my lunch time, I suspect the participation numbers are way down. Lots of absentee ballots, sure, but a lot of people just opted to stay home in their bubble. I don't fault them.

I had my mask and my invisible powers and I did my duty.

I don't know how much protection is afforded me. But dang, purple gets my vote any day!