A Little Hocus Pocus

It's kind of a freaky Halloween when you think about it. I mean we've got the full moon and we turn the clocks back... and the wind chimes outside my office window are going nuts. So I'll just think of it as a good night for flying for us witches. And not get freaked out that I'm home alone!

I think I'll be OK. I pre-emptively watched two Christmas movies to calm my nerves. And relax in general. It was a busy day.

I was fortunate enough to get one of the "golden tickets" to state cross country – well, the Division 3 part of it by La Crosse. I had mentioned that state was weird this year thanks to COVID-19. The three divisions were in three different places and each division broke up their day into three sessions to keep crowd sizes – both athletes and fans – to a minimum. 

It was also weird because there wasn't a clock at the finish line to see everyone's times. They didn't want to give the advantage to the last session of the day knowing what times they had to beat, etc. Strange.

Assumption girls raced at 12:30 p.m. A sunny day and in the 50s – and that might have been the wind mph too. Sure seemed like it! 

You can see it whipping the flag around during the National Anthem!

It was a tough day for our girls. They raced their hearts out, but some of them were struggling. After being undefeated as a team this season, I'm sure it was hard to not finish out on top. But I hope they realize what an accomplishment is was to get to state and run there and finish 9th. That means there's only 8 other D3 teams in the entire state of Wisconsin faster than them! Hopefully after the tears dry, they'll hold their heads high. It was such an amazing group of young ladies to follow this year!

I also was privileged to shoot the boys race during that same session – when it just happened an Up North school was running in that. You know me, Miss Shy. I see someone with a pirate on their hat and I'm like, "Are you from Grantsburg?" Yes, we are. "I was born there and went to school in Luck. You might know some of my sisters that live around there." Turns out they worked with one and were neighbors of the other. And knew some cousins as well. Small world, yes. But it always is in Wisconsin, isn't it?

Got home in the late afternoon and took care of pictures. Didn't have any trick-or-treaters. 

Hubby's hanging out with a high school buddy tonight so that's why kitty and I got to watch Hallmark. Plus I turned the clocks back at 9 p.m. so I felt I could stay up and watch a second movie!

Just a little hocus pocus mind game. Whatever works in 2020.

Happy Halloween!

Frosty Friday

It wasn't really that nice out today. Sure, Sylvester enjoyed a window seat for a bit, but it was still only in the 30s. But it somehow went from window open (albeit briefly) to... 

Hand warmers in pocket and players seeing their breath at the football game tonight.

On the plus side today, it was my 3-year anniversary at my current job (time flies when you're having fun) and we all got the afternoon off – as a United Way thank you, not in appreciation of my existence there. 

So while I would've liked a nap in the sunshine like kitty, I went to a massage therapist and had some trigger point work done on my neck and shoulders. There was a lot of knots and he did a lot of digging and still couldn't get them all out. He said he's never spent a whole hour on someone working on just their shoulders. And not necessarily getting anywhere. Yup, I am a piece or work.

The other plus was that it was senior night tonight for Royals football and other fall sports – plus a sendoff of sorts for the girls cross country team competing at state tomorrow.

On the negative side, the temp was about 27-29 at the game tonight. So I was cold and my camera was cold. My camera doesn't like to cooperate when it's cold, so I didn't get much in the way of pictures and actually headed home at halftime to watch the rest of the game online. 

Unfortunately, the other negative is that we were handed our first loss of the season. Pacelli had a stellar second half and defeated us 55-22. Uff da. One more regular season game to go! 

Let's see if our season will finish as hot as my mattress pad is right now. Gotta go! Good night.

 

National Cat Day Again?

 I swear we just celebrated National Cat Day. Or maybe that was INTER-national Cat Day so it was something different. Either way it's another day petted, another day spoiled. 

Even as I see paper towels in three spots on the hallway carpet where it's drying after a post-puke cleanup, we still love our princess. Probably a good thing that for 16 years Sylvester's only like dwater and her dry cat food. Otherwise she'd be crazy overweight and unhealthy due to all the "you're such a pretty kitty" treats someone would give her.

To her credit, though, she's taking on her octogenarian years like a boss. She's Princess Adventure now. While sitting on her human's desk while he was working recently, she dipped her head in his large plastic cup and drank some of his chocolate milk.

Say what?

Who are you and want did you do with our finicky cat?!

Since it didn't upset her tummy or digestive system, she had a little the next day too. Then we heard it might not be good for her. But there's conflicting info on that – like everything else – and it likely is only dangerous if your cat is lactose-intolerant. Yes, it's a thing. And yes, you can buy expensive "cat milk" if you want to be sure it's the right thing. The chocolate part isn't even in the equation because it's such a negligible amount.

So to be safe, I guess we'll just hold off giving it to her again unless she asks for it. 

But when she does, you know it's gotta be chocolate milk. Nothing but the best for the princess – whether it's her holiday or not.

Fall-se Alarm

The worst thing about waking up on a cold, dark Thursday morning is realizing it is actually only Wednesday morning.

I'm starting to understand why retired folks say they don't know what day it is. After being home for three nights in a row, I've lost my sense of time and place. And it's only going to get worse. This time next week it'll be dark at 5:30 p.m. probably. And I'll have no sports to go shoot. No kayaking, golfing or other after-work fun. Just cold, dark evenings. 

At home.

Still.

Even after 237 days.

Well, yes, I do get out when I can. But not much beyond the grocery store and the few fall sports remaining. Oh, and the chiropractor.

That's where I found myself sitting in the corner today – like a naughty girl. I was actually just waiting for the back-cracker to come in. My face mask, though, was appropriate for my attitude today. 

Hey you'd have an attitude, too, if you mistakenly thought you could see Friday from here!

My cure for the Hump Day blues was one Hallmark movie. Hubby had a meeting at school so I was just able to sneak one in. I feel better now. 

Still gonna keep the mask close by. Just in case.

Do Not Disturb :: By the Numbers

If anyone needs me, you better let me know before 7 p.m. Central Time, when I hang my Do Not Disturb sign up. 

By numbers... 

We've got episode 2 of the new season of The Voice from 7-8. Then the two-hour season premiere (that's episode 1) of This Is Us. And I know that won't get boring by any means. But I still have to get in some sneak peeks at the 6th game of the World Series. Either Dodgers go home with the big-ass trophy or Tampa forces a game 7. I don't even care who wins. It's just been pretty interesting baseball!

So yeah, blogging now since I only have 90 minutes to eat, check the batteries in the remote, and make sure all my creature comforts are in place. Whew.

Wish me luck.

Wake-Up Call

I was hoping this pre-Halloween winter wonderland business was just a bad dream. But nope. Still there upon waking.

But you know why I thought it was beautiful? I didn't have to drive in it. (Thanks, Corona.)

Honestly, despite a sunny morning, it wasn't until almost noon when the driveway and road surfaces were clear. Thank goodness so I could take a walk. I mean it was just out to the mailbox and back, but still, that counts for, oh, nearly 200 steps round trip. Hubby took a legit walk before I got up. And yes, it's a good time to dig out the "trackers" for the bottom of our shoes and boots. A little slick out there.

I don't think either of us will even think about stepping out in the morning as our weather app is warning us the low will be about 19 degrees tonight.

Yes, your calendar is correct. It's still October. And we're just over a month into autumn.

And yup, I know it's against Midwest etiquette to grip about winter before Daylight Saving Time ends. I can hold a few days.

Hot coffee and my electric mattress pad will be me through. This time.

Enjoy Your Hibernation, Mr. Deck Chair

Honestly, we didn't really look at the forecast for today. We just figured with the Vikings on bye and nothing to watch on TV that it was time to get our final yard work done. And yes, that includes seeing hubby carry off Mr. Deck Chair to hibernation! Good thing, too.

I disposed of my hanging flower baskets but did take a final picture to prove my purple and yellow flowers are heartier than Mr. Skol Man in the background. Mr. Skowl Man these days. Me too.

After my outside work was done, I got distracted by a squirrel feverishly looking for food to store. It's not just a joke when people illustrate A.D.D. by yelling, "Squirrel!"

This guy captured my interest because I was wondering what was on his head. Then I realized he was just white behind the ears. Haven't seen that before.

Then he turns my way and he's scratching his white belly and I'm like, "I didn't know squirrels had white bellies. How have I not noticed this? Or does it just look weird because he reminds me of Santa?" Obviously, I needed more coffee at this point.

Then I really thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Snow? How did I not know it was going to snow today? Oh I know. Because I had no place to go. I watched church online and had no photos scheduled.

Our scowling Mr. Skol Man didn't like it either.

At least it's not sticking to the roads. Again, I have no place to go anyway.

And it looks almost pretty. Again, because I have no place to go.

Not sure how long it will stick. We obviously are trying to hold onto summer and fall yet.

So are these leaves. Stay strong, little ones!

Pretty sure my projects and yard work "to do" list is buried and gone into hibernation with Mr. Deck Chair.

Also pretty sure this scene right here is clear sign I should be watching some Hallmark Christmas movies. 

Sounds like a good winter survival skill I need to practice right now. Have a good night!

Making History

In a time when our little school is as challenged as everyone else in this pandemic, our Royals have some how been able to rise above it and thrive.

This has been a fall sports season like none other. First we had an exceptional tennis team, then our volleyball team won their first rounds of regional playoffs (sorry they lost tonight to the #1 seed), our football team has its first 4-0 start in decades (and that's with a 14-man roster last night), and today, our undefeated girls cross country team punched their ticket to state with an amazing win at sectionals today! Not sure, we think it's the first girls cross country team to ever go to state for Assumption. Making history, baby!

Isn't that amazing when I thought – like 80 percent sure – we wouldn't even have fall sports?!

I wasn't planning to go to the sectional finals today. It initially was set to happen up in Three Lakes in the Rhinelander area, over 2 hours away. But they're still buried in snow up there so they moved it down to Rosholt (outside of Stevens Point) so it was just a 45-minute drive. Just like going to Camp Crop-A-Lot.

I think the race time temp of just 36 degrees actually fueled the girls to run faster! Whatever works!

They won by 16 points so they rocked it! Congrats!! 

Now the weird thing is that because the state meet would be too big of a gathering with COVID, they're having state meets in three locations. So we head to West Salem outside of La Crosse, rather than down the road at The Ridges Golf course. Basically, the girls will run for time and hope they beat all the other teams racing at the same time in other corners of the state. That'll be interesting. At least they're not canceling it.

Yet. Cross your fingers.

And yes, that was my excitement for the day – topped off with the gift of a Kringle (thanks, Steen), some hot tea and a Hallmark movie. Gonna have to be a much more productive day tomorrow. 

Maybe.

Friday Night Lights and Loops

It's football Friday night! And since Assumption is playing away at Wild Rose, Royals fans (and photographers) cannot attend due to COVID safety measures, blah, blah, blah.

I'm OK with that this time. While hubby takes stats on the sidelines and the temperature hovers at the freezing mark, I can sit in my recliner under the Friday night lights of the living room, watch the game streaming on my big TV, stay warm, and loop some stitches together for a scarf.

Multi-tasking at its finest!

As a bonus, the Royals won 42-12 and have their first 4-0 start since oh, maybe last century. Not kidding. And it was a long, tough game tonight with plenty of turnovers and penalties for both teams. So it was more than 2 1/2 hour game.

If I was hubby, I'd be texting to say, "Please turn on the mattress pad on my side of the bed." But he's tougher than that.

Meanwhile, I already have my side on and I've been under a blanket all evening. That's just how I roll on a Friday night these days.

Try to keep up with my wild side.

Yellow Sky at Dawn

I knew the day was going to be different when I "accidentally" woke up on time after not setting an alarm. Then, it just stayed kind of dark out. Then... we had a yellowish sky like Mother Nature was working with a sepia filter on her smartphone. 

So weird!

According to sources smarter than me, it isn't a sign of the End of Days. Despite how everything else in 2020 has gone. The weather people say: A yellow sky often indicates there is a winter storm brewing during a relatively warm day. (Or in our case, a cold, cold rain.) The glow is an atmospheric effect, a result of how the sun is filtering through particular clouds. 

It also could be a good sign – as we learned later.

Hubby and I rode up to Greenwood with our friends Craig and Sara to watch their daughter and our Royals volleyball team in regional action. The Royals hadn't won a match all season but pulled off an upset win on Tuesday and then tonight... winners over the #2 seed!!

Now, they advance to the Regional Finals on Saturday against the #1 seed Marshfield Columbus. I guess if you're going to start winning, now's a good time! How fun!

Remember the old saying about "red skies at night, sailor's delight; red sky in morning, sailors take warning"? Today it could be...

Black sky at night, Robyn sleeps tight.

Yellow sky at dawn, the Royals move on!

Go Royals!

Psych!

Post-Washington: Day 230. And when you wonder what else could happen in 2020, this pops up...

Say what? That's not nice, 2020. Not funny either. Somebody is feeling old around here. And it's not just Jake Ryan!

Good thing I did the math. If Sixteen Candles came out in 1984 and assuming he was the same age as Sammy Baker Davis Jr., then he'd be my age. And ladies and gentlemen, that is not even close to 60. As we would've said then: Psych!

As I'd say now: Whew. That was close.

Let's concentrate on positive things in 2020. Mr. Austin has survived 230 days – about 33 weeks – with me mostly close by. Too close by.

C'mon hubby. We can get through the "crush" of 2020.

In the words of Mr. Baker: "That's why they call them crushes. If they were easy, they'd call 'em something else."

Signing off. The Donger, er Blogger, need food! 

Hooked on a Feeling

Now I can confess that every time I mentioned sitting in the recliner in recent weeks, I was also elbow deep in a top secret project. Crocheting scarves for sisters.

Thankfully, my oldest sister had asked everyone a few months ago what colors we all like to wear. She was beading necklaces for us as a surprise. I took the info and started hooking!

Did a double-stitch and created these into "infinity scarves" – one big circle so you can loop it around your neck once or twice. They might double as a mask during this pandemic, too. Lots of pretty colors! And I use the "crushed velvet" yarn so they're super soft!

Of course I had to design labels for their gift bags because... why not?

My sister Ro models her scarf that has a mixture of maroon and blues. Pretty! And a perfect match.

I made a few extra in case they didn't like their colors or whatever. Plus, I knew I could gift them to girlfriends rather quickly if nobody needed to switch. I had one left after the weekend, so my gal pal across the street now has a nice fall one.

And guess what? We could all use some warmth today! We had a few flakes drop here but Up North, where I just spent a weekend, there was measurable snow and countless accidents. Yikes.

Think I'll stick to the safety of my recliner. Who needs a scarf?!

Apples to Apples

 

When the wake-up temperature is well below freezing, you know there's gonna be some baking going on at some point. I mean what better way to warm up the house than the smell of baked apples and cinnamon?

So tonight between work and the return of The Voice, I chopped up 4 cups of apples – fresh off neighbor Gordy's farm. Mixed them up with some of my tasty Saigon Cinnamon. Placed them on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Then sprinkled a yellow cake mix on top of them, followed by 3/4 cup of melted butter.

Then baked it in a 350-degree oven for 30-40 minutes. It smelled SO good. Guess how it tasted?

Even without caramel frosting – which I had on hand for some reason – it was quite delish! Not that I needed any treats after the weekend. I really just needed warmth. And to use up the apples before they went bad. They were fine and I still have more in case the cold weather continues.

Forecast looks like I'll more than apples to get through tomorrow. Some four-letter word that's not rain, wind or cold.

How do you like dem apples?

Tater Treats

Now that we're back, we can reveal where we jetted off to for our 22nd annual Wild Women's Weekend. Potato Lake. Up North between Spooner and Stone Lake area. Per usual, just a nice vacation home for rent that can sleep 7 sisters – and have a minimum of 2 bathrooms. (This one had 3!)

Some images of our amazing place and few of my amazing sisters. What a treat...

Yup, it's big. For health and safety, we each got our own bed, too. Well, my twin and I shared a king bed, which was basically the same thing.

Nice fire pit area but too windy and wet to use it.

Thursday.... That moment the sun was shining.

What happens at Sister Weekend stays at Sister Weekend!

Snack-palooza! Between COVID and the weather, we were hunkered down in our beautiful log bunker – with 100% chance of survival... and tight pants!

Got some funny masks for my sisters from the Ashbeck Interiors store in Rudolph! They say, Censored, Will Remove for Chocolate, Smile, and Trust Me My Lipstick Looks Fabulous!

On Friday... what to our wondering eyes did appear, snowflakes, which my sister Rayna from Phoenix did not want to get near!

No denying it's happening!

This big, gorgeous deck we didn't get to take advantage of.

Couldn't see the other side of the lake. In fact, we had snow both Friday and Saturday. 

Hungry as a bear on the way to Stone Lake fish fry on Friday!

Break in the weather Saturday so we could shuck masks and get fresh air!

When we realized we were the invasive species the sign was talking about!

We're the babies of the family, but we're slowing down! Just kidding. We're rock stars.

Another way to get our steps in! Wow.

Ro – my SKOL sister!

Nell and I hiding from Jack Frost.

And when the sun shines on the trees, we can see some fall color anyway!

It was a great weekend to be "stuck" indoors with my amazing R sisters! So much laughing, I think we burned thousands of calories! Despite the weather, the smiles, hugs, and my heart were warm!