Goodbye, November

Remember a year ago, on December 1st Eve, when we were like "Ohmigosh, I can't wait for stupid 2020 to be over with"? Yep. Good times.

I guess I was a bit too ignorant thinking that something with worldwide impact would just disappear with the flip of the calendar page. So here we are about to enter the last month of another sh*t show kind of year.

The good news is that we can at least get out of our houses and see each other again. And more importantly, hug each other again! A good number of us are vaccinated, too. But that doesn't mean the virus is gone. People still get it. People still die. 

I'm hopeful that will happen less and less because I don't like people we know having to suffer through this. And I'm really enjoying seeing people's faces – especially our student athletes – and getting my hearing back. Am I the only one who can't hear what people are saying behind the mask half the time? Apparently I've been reading lips for years and didn't know it. Give me a mask-wearing person behind plexiglass and I'm at a complete loss. Uff da.

Here's hoping we end 2021 on a high note. In a good way, not high numbers of victims. Let's enjoy December for what it is... Autumn 2/3 of the time and officially Hallmark Christmas movie season. 

It's looking better already.

Be careful out there!

How to Recharge

The first day back after a 5-day weekend is a tough one. Even after 3 cups of coffee, I was just struggling today. Thankfully I was plenty busy. And thankfully I had a plan.

Nothing wakes you up like ice in the face. Or taking pictures of someone getting ice in the face. B-r-r-r.

Yup. Date night with Mr. Zamboni does it every time!

Was chilly at Ice Hawks arena. Figured I better get to a Pacelli Co-op Hockey game since there are a few Royals on the team. And it was a free night. And the only ice was on the rink – not on the roads. So it was ideal. And they beat Shawano 8-2, so really ideal!

Of course, by the time I got home via my warmed up car, I'm yawning again. I'll finish up looking at photos in the morning. Here's hoping for much success on ice this season.

And more strong coffee!

That Was Sweet

Our motto Saturday was "have cookies, will travel." Today it's "ate too much, will do nothing." 

Fun day yesterday. Carter, Mamie and I loaded up our cookies, hit the road at 8:30 a.m. and headed north. 

Had a fun day at my twin sister's exchanging cookies, eating, playing games, laughing, and more eating. My mom plus 6 of the 8 R's were there, plus 3 nieces and kiddos. So Mamie got to meet quite a few in the family. 

She thought my 89-year-old mother was adorable. Of course, we all do, right?

Left Up North by around 5:30 p.m. so it was dark the whole drive back. Thankfully not deer though. We did have one detour. On purpose.

We drove through the Marshfield Rotary Club light display at Wildwood Zoo Park. Very pretty, as always!

Got back to town about the time the Cranberry Classic basketball tournament was wrapping up. So we stopped at Ida's Saloon and met Jim there when he was done "working." Long day and late night, so we all slept in today.

The kids hit the road back to Potosi around noon-ish. Jim went to visit his aunt. I did some laundry and may have sneaked in a Hallmark movie while he was gone.

Pretty sure neither one of us will make it past 9 p.m. tonight. That's what happens when it's a sweet weekend.  The "sugar crash" has to come sometime.

Hope your Thanksgiving weekend was just as sweet!

A Black Friday Special

I had today off and still set an alarm. Not to get to any door buster sales – but to be sure to make it to my 9 a.m. deep-tissue massage in time. I know how to have a day off!

Hubby was gone all day to the high school for the Cranberry Classic hoops tournament. He's on the committee so he'll be there all day tomorrow too.

While he was gone, I took advantage of a Black Friday special – having Carter to myself all day. We finished up cookies for cookie back tomorrow. And browsed our way around Stevens Point and Plover. Picked up a few things for Christmas. Mainly it was just nice hanging out.

Got home just as it was turning dark. His girlfriend drove up and got here around 7:30 p.m. We played a game we can't wait to introduce to the family tomorrow. And are hitting the hay now so we can it the road early for Up North cookie bake fun.

Hope you had a great post-Thanksgiving day. And that you're still grateful for what you had yesterday. I know I am!

Happy Thanksgiving

Woke up to a Thanksgiving Day dusting of snow today. Well, a little more than a dusting, but we were still surprised. Pretty sure it was not in our forecast unless we read right over it knowing we were staying put today.

We hosted my in-laws and Carter and that was it. Just 5 of us. But I'll glad I baked 2 pumpkin pies. Yum.

I cooked two turkey breasts and successfully made my mother-in-law's dressing. And had the usual corn, cranberries and mashed potatoes. Nothing fancy but it sure eats up a day preparing. 

Now we're in our tryptophan comas. Had dinner at 4-ish (had to go on the elders' eating schedule). And was fighting sleep by 6 p.m. Gonna power through and hope to make it until 9!

Hope you had a Thanksgiving filled with as many blessings as the calories consumed today. Wow. I am VERY blessed then! 

And full.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude Challenging

 I'm wrapping up my participation in the gratitude challenge because I'm too busy enjoying my blessings to stop and blog.

Yesterday was the end of my two-day work week.. Yay!

Last night was a late night after shooting Assumption girls hoops. They just edged Wausau Newman to go 2-0. Yay!

Today was a full day off. Woke up early (for a vacation day) so I could bake my pumpkin pies.

Always grateful when I don't burn the crust! We'll find out tomorrow they taste as good as they look.

Hubby and I hit the road at 11 a.m. to spend the afternoon and evening with Carter and his girlfriend, and meet more of her family (dad up from Alabama, sister, brothers). Had a pre-Thanksgiving pizza dinner. It is pie day after all.

Very nice time with very nice family! Now we're enroute back home. Carter's with us and Mamie will come up Friday.

Figured I'd better post now because it will be late when we get home. Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving with more blessings than you can count!

#gratitudemonth 

Gratitude Challenge Day 22 :: Smell

Today's Gratitude Challenge is kind of a trick question. The sense of smell has become very important these days.

Day 22. A favorite smell.

While the delightful fragrance of a Farmhouse Pumpkin Patch is wafting through my house, we're all grateful we can smell anything since loss of smell is one of the common symptoms/side effects of COVID-19.

So I'm super thankful I can smell this and, knock on wood, will smell the pumpkin pies baking and turkey cooking later this week. 

I do really love the smell of certain things baking. Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake or brownies, my Hornets Nest Cake, and banana break. I'm thankful when I smell things baking because it usually means something special is about to happen – a birthday, a potluck for work (when I was AT an office), or a cookie exchange. (Looking forward to our annual family one this Saturday!)

I love the smell of lilacs because it means spring is here. The smell of fresh cut grass because it's a sign of summer. I love the smell of jasmine and ginger – but only on Maui, ha. The smell of an orange as you're first peeling it.

I'm grateful for the smell of buttered popcorn because that means I'm at a movie with a friend. Or about to sit in my recliner and relax for a bit (which may or may not involve a Hallmark movie).

I'm probably getting way too many food-related smells here. So I'm doubly thankful I do not have the double-whammy of losing smell and taste as part of the fun virus.

Be careful out there. And be grateful!

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 21 :: Friend

Today's challenge is kind of tricky. It's the one time I don't want to single anyone out and end up offending someone I don't mention. So I may have to go a different route.

Day 21. A good friend.

Instead of saying I'm grateful for a specific friend, I'll tell you some things I'm grateful for in a good friend. (Again, not all inclusive.)

A good friend doesn't care you're Viking fans and still wants you to come to his birthday party on Packer Sunday. And a good friend tolerates a happy dance when we finally pull off a close win (even if it was against their team). Phew. 

A good friend shares their cake, too. And a good friend supports my sweet tooth in general – ice cream, Kringles, cheesecake... you know who you are.

A good friend makes time for a walk or coffee.

A good friend suggests the right book or Netflix series because they know me. (A good friend watches Hallmark movies, too!)

A good friend listens when I need it. And supports me even when I make mistakes.

A good friend doesn't mind that I curse on the golf course. And puts up with my 3-putts.

A good friend doesn't judge my wrinkles or my weight or the silver linings in my hair.

A good friend is a great hugger. For that, I'm super thankful!

Feeling blessed with the wonderful friend in my life.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 20 :: Freedom

Today's challenge brought to you by... a pumpkin spice latte, of course! At least I didn't say eggnog something. I'm trying to stick with the current season! Although I do have the freedom to drink either whenever I want.

Day 20. Freedom.

Such a small word can encompass so much. I am so grateful for my freedom – from my freedom to vote to my freedom to pick fancy coffee drink flavors.

I can't even comprehend the amount of freedom I have compared to a lot of people in and outside our borders.

When I got up this morning, without needing permission, I had the freedom to drive a vehicle I own to a coffee shop, where we had the freedom to openly discuss a book. Unsupervised. We had the freedom to share opinions – on the book and other topics – without fear of persecution.

I had the freedom to stop into two local businesses – both owned by women, who are free to own property. I had the freedom to spend money I earned because I am free to pursue a career. By the way, I didn't exercise that freedom. But formed a wish list in my head.

I had the freedom today to enjoy nature by walking around the lake with a friend. No one charged us to use the path. No one told us which direction we had to go. Though we knew it would be counterclockwise since yesterday was a clockwise day.

Hubby and I did not participate in opening day of the gun-deer season, but we have the freedom to do so as law-abiding citizens.

While he is meeting with hunter buddies to hear their stories at a local establishment, I was free to watch a Hallmark movie or two. 

I also had the freedom to operate a broom and run my Dyson vacuum cleaner that I purchased with my own money years ago. But I passed on those. Not because I'm taking that freedom for granted. 

But I had the freedom to say "tomorrow."

Today, though, I'm really grateful for freedoms big and small. They sure add up to a good Saturday.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Days 18 and 19

I wasn't planning to combine two days of the 25-day Gratitude Challenge again. But again, I skipped blogging because I was up pretty late editing pictures from the girls first hoops game of the season (at Stratford) – the Royals won, of course – and went to bed after midnight as it was. So here are days 18 and 19.

Day 18. A favorite sound.
Day 19. Something sweet.

Can you believe I can successfully combine two challenges with one answer again? I can!

One of my favorite sounds is a telephone call from boy, who as you know, is quite a sweetie!

I know I've shared this picture before but it's so Carter at that age. I just love it. Always, always wearing his backwards Nike cap. And most likely – even at age 4 – having a very grownup conversation with a grandparent.

Neither part has changed much. Except I can't hold him on my lap anymore when he's doing either of those things.

I'm grateful for memories and grateful for photos and scrapbooks that I can turn the page and turn back time when I want. At least until I see him again in, oh, 114 hours. That'll be sweet, too!

Hug your littles while they're little! They grow up so fast.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Days 16 and 17

Due to a late evening posting some basketball photos – yes, tis the season finally – I opted to hit the sack last night instead of blogging. So I'll cheat and combine days 16 and 17 so I don't fall behind.

Day 16: Something that's helped you.
Day 17. Someone in your family.

Whoa. We have a double challenge that could be combined if I had the same answer. And I basically do. Something that's helped me is my family. All of them.

There's something about family that's so wonderful, yet brutally honest. On the plus side, they know everything about you. They know your history and don't judge you. On the flip side, they know you so well you can't B.S. them either!

Combine that with a sense of humor and a ton creativity, and it's the right recipe for us. For the 8 R's.

Our parents say we're a bit of an anomaly. Beyond the R-R-R-un on the letter R. Here we are ages 50-70 and we still like each other. Still want to see each when we can. Still place emphasis on attending family gatherings. And keeping in touch. 

And still, with our 8 competitive streaks (well 9, counting Mom), can sit down and play cards or some game and, win or lose, laugh until our faces are red (redder than usual) and our sides ache. 

That's what saves me. That's what helps me... Humor. Laughter. And sharing a joyful moment with the people I'm most grateful for!

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 15 :: More Food

I know I already talked about ice cream as a food I love (see day 3), but now we are moving onto other yummies we enjoy.

Day 15. Your favorite foods.

I'll just say right off the bat that I like spicy food. Like buffalo or Thai curry or mango habanero. But there's a reason I'm actually grateful for it. No, this has nothing to do with the digestive system!

Here's my buffalo chicken sandwich from tonight at Guu's on Main in Stevens Point.  I never make buffalo chicken anything at home but I love it. So I order it when I'm out to eat. And that's never when I'm by myself.

So I'm grateful for buffalo chicken. That means I'm enjoying a meal with hubby or family or, in tonight's case, some friends from work. It's more than tasty food. It's a sign of good company, good conversation, and usually a good amount of laughs.

Food does that in a lot of scenarios, doesn't it? I mean the big holidays are centered around meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and a good old Easter or Mother's Day brunches. Holidays mean food. And for me, means family. 

So if I never had to step on a scale again – or fit into work clothes again – I'd be super thankful for food in my life. Now, it's mainly the treat that goes with it. Bon apetit!

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 14 :: Unique

Today's gratitude challenge is supposed to be like no other. Sort of. 

Day 14. Something unique.

I would say experiencing simultaneous seasons is unique. Not so much in Wisconsin and Minnesota, but still it's unusual to see. And even pretty sometimes.

This morning we woke up to this view...

Just a couple inches but definitely shouting "It's winter now!" to us. 

And obviously Mr. Deck Chair was shouting too. At me for not putting him away sooner. Not his idea of chilling out on the deck on a Sunday.

Me neither.

But I smiled when I pulled into the church parking lot and saw this tree. Beautiful autumn colors with leaves just starting to fall – even after the snowfall. Winter wasn't burying fall. Fall was sprinkling its confetti on top of winter. 

Unusual but pretty. 

Also unique today was a Vikings win. And in regulation. That's unusual this season, too! Guess we have to be thankful for unusual gifts – big

I hope something uniquely wonderful happens to you this week!

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 13 :: Funny

They say laughter is the best medicine. And I believe it. Even when you laugh so hard you can't breathe – as shown in this picture of spontaneous laughter from sister weekend – it still feels so good.

Day 13. Something funny.

I am grateful that I find plenty of moments to smile and laugh each day. It helps that my hubby has a great sense of humor and that when he's not around, I crack myself up. Hey, I'm a great audience! 

But I do love hearing funny stories or great puns. 

We had a wedding today for Jim's cousin's daughter. There was always a funny anecdote shared during the toasts at tonight's reception. Even if you didn't know some of the people involved in the little stories, they were still worth a chuckle at least. 

Especially when the DJ informed the crowd that the bride and groom would not kiss if you clinked your glasses. You had to come up and tell a story about them. So one of the little flower girls went up there, grabbed the mic and said, "Once upon a time, Hannah and Gary got married. And they lived happily ever after!"  

How precious is that?

Humor is often best when it's not planned out – despite the popularity of comedians. Jim and I still laugh about something funny Carter said years and years ago. And it was about being funny of all things...

It was probably his most memorable "lost in translation" moment. I don't recall exactly what it was that Carter did or said, but we told him he was funny. He said, "Like Larry?" And we're thinking, Larry who? Is that an imaginary friend or what? So we ask him, "Like Larry?" And he replies, "Yeah, funny how Larry is."

How Larry is. 

How. Larry. Is? 

Oh, that's how-larry-is. Hilarious!

Every time we'd hear something and point out it's was hilarious, he thought we were saying that's "how Larry is"! 

That is hilarious, isn't it?

Thank you, Lord, for reason to smile! So grateful.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 12 :: Song

Today's a tough challenge – only because again, I have way more examples than necessary.

Day 12. A favorite song.

Just one? I could almost cheat and say a favorite song from each decade of my life, but then I realized why they're favorites. They're connected to memories. So depending on what kind of mood I'm in, I am grateful for different types of songs.

When I want a pick-me-up that I can dance to or sing along to with my sisters or girlfriends, I gotta go with Cyndi Lauper.

How can you not feel joy when you hear '80s music in general (ha) – and especially Girls Just Wanna Have Fun? It's just always been a fun song for me.

But I'm also thankful for songs that make me appreciate life and good memories.

I get a lump in my throat every time we sing How Great Thou Art in church. Always think of Grandma Hedberg (must have been sung at her funeral) and that makes me think of my other grandma and all the aunts and uncles I miss, too. So grateful for memories!

When I hear Why Me, Lord? I think of my dad. His favorite song and also an anthem of sorts for him. He had an obstacle or two in life to overcome. Miss him every time I hear it.

For my own anthem, I gotta go to The Story by folk-rock artist Brandi Carlile. (Here's the video.) A few lyrics that are "me."

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am...

and this verse, too:

And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess...

Yup. I've been through a thing or two and come out on the better side. Music can be therapeutic and uplifting. I'm so very thankful for that. 

What a song you're grateful for?

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 11 :: Happiness

Happy Friday Eve, as we say at work. Any time we want to give people a special greeting, we preface it with "happy," don't we? Well at least happy birthday, new year, Easter, Thanksgiving, even Veterans Day. Even if it's not a happy occasion necessarily, we still want something about it to be happy. 

I know one occasion where that's always the case.

Day 11. Something happy.

Call me shallow, but the first thing I thought of when I saw today's challenge is that I'm grateful that Hallmark movies always have a happy ending. It might also have been because at the moment, I was in the recliner, setting the DVR for the new Christmas ones this weekend, when I saw this in the movie info:

Somehow both my twin (who also loves Hallmark movies) and I both have our first names in the credits. And both spelled correctly at that. (Don't ask what movie. I was dumb and snapped the picture of our names, not the movie name!) 

But I took it as a sign I better blog about Hallmark movies. (Hey, writer's block isn't discerning with finding motivation.)

But seriously, watching them is just a mindless, pleasant escape. You almost know from the title how it's all going to play out, but you watch anyway. And don't think about stress like big work projects or loved ones on your prayer list.

You just watch. You just relax. And, even if my relaxing is crocheting a gift or organizing a Cricut project at the same time as I'm watching, it brings a calm. I know how it's going to end. I know I'll have a silly smile on my face as the end scene pans out. And I'll be happy.

And I'm grateful for it.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 10 :: Art

Whoever said "Beauty is in the eye of the ART-holder" was probably a mom. We definitely have that 100% biased opinion when it comes to our children's creative efforts. And there's no shame.

Day 10. Beautiful art.

I'll just bust into Mom Mode without hesitation. I always loved when Carter brought home "art" or made a special card. As with most kids, he made it with love and was bursting with pride. How can you not lavish praise in return. And of course, keep it forever. Or until it gets destroyed in a flooded basement or you downsize the art collection to fit into scrapbooks for safe keeping. I've had a little of both happen to me. And the boy's works.

Some I've just had in my office, which I didn't always get to look at until I started hanging out in here. 615 days ago. But who's counting?

A few frame-worthy ones...

Chalk art.

 

Sorry the light reflects on this frame. This was paint but in the same style as chalk. There's some creative style going on here!

Well of course I HAD to keep the letter R!

And look at this beauty? Just kidding. I actually painted this. Full disclosure: It wasn't exactly Paint By Number, but there was an instructor showing us each step. If you sit far enough back, it looks pretty good! 

And then there's the 3-D variety of art...

I don't know what to call this guy, but he's been sitting on my desk for 15 years.

The artist CA was in 3rd grade when he created it. So yeah, 15 years. Whoa. I've always just said it's a business card holder with attitude. But I'd hate to put any cards on there and cover up that face. It's part of the charm.

And that is the moment you witness Mom Mode go into overdrive. Only because I miss this. Miss seeing a brown-eyed boy get of the bus, run into my arms and say, "Look I what I made, Mom!" 

And thankful I hoard, er keep, a piece or two of priceless art around here so I'll always remember.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 9 :: Challenges

Every day I read the challenge, I have a handful of answers at the tip of my tongue. Then I remember it's a gratitude challenge so it should be something I'm thankful for. That takes some deeper thinking. That's tough to do when big challenge is adjusting to the end of Daylight Saving Time! Uff da. 

Day 9. Something that challenges you.

Challenges me besides this gratitude challenge? Plenty of things challenge me – losing weight, saving money, not saving clutter, etc. A challenge I enjoy, though, is my photography and design work. And combining the two.

Since I'm a writer by trade (well, career) and those two skills don't come naturally, it's not easy work. It's challenging, but in a good way. Always looking for that next great shot.

It's loving the challenge of looking down a tunnel and envisioning what you can do with the light at the end of it.

It's embracing the challenge of freezing that split second of action – in progress.

It's the challenge of capturing emotion in the most unlikely places. 

It's the challenge of harnessing the Golden Hour light to bring out someone's natural beauty.

It's the challenge of getting 6 teenage boys to smile simultaneously so I can shine a spotlight on them their senior year. (Schedule posters coming soon!)

I'm grateful for every aspect of these opportunities to improve my skills and continue to have fun with it. I love it! No challenge there. Say "cheese"!

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 8 :: Beauty

Today's Gratitude Challenge is almost too easy. I just have think of when I say, "Oh wow, that's beautiful," and start making a list.

Day 8: Something beautiful.

While a lot of things fill this bill, I'd say Mother Nature ranks right up there on top. Whether it's fall colors creating a beautiful scene...

Or a stunning sunset that leaves you speechless...

She owns the market on pure, unfiltered beauty. And I'm grateful for it.

Not just because I enjoy taking pictures. Even with nothing to permanently capture the image, my mind can. And I often think, well thanks, God. That was a real treat!

That's after I "oooh" and "ahhh" a bit, of course. Based on the thousands of beautiful photos I took in Alaska, too, I'd say I'm on to something with giving Mother Nature some credit. 

I may change my opinion later this week if we get snow, but for now, thanks!

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 7 :: Unique

Not quite a week into this Gratitude Challenge and I'm already stymied. 

Day 7: Something unique about you.

Oh boy. I honestly can't think of a thing. I mean something to be grateful for!

I don't look unique – since I have 7 siblings and it's possible more than one of us looks like Dad. My creativity isn't unique – again I have 7 creative siblings thanks to our mom. My job isn't unique. My hobbies aren't. My skills and talents aren't either. 

Nothing is just me.

But I realized today when we were lighting candles at church for the saints who have left us this year, we don't miss these people because of one unique thing. We miss them because the combination of everything about them makes them special.

Sort of like cake ingredients. As a list on the recipe card, there's nothing wonderful about them. But mix them all together and they can create something pretty amazing.

I'm no saint, but I am grateful that God believes this package deal I call me is special. And worthy of love. And blessed with not just an admirable trait here and there on a "recipe card," but blessed with family and friends who each hold a unique place in my heart.

It doesn't make me any different than anyone else. But it makes me grateful and happy. That's all I need.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 6 :: Animals

My hands are kind of tied here on today's gratitude challenge. I've basically got one choice if I wanna keep living here.

Day 6: A favorite animal.

Based on the look she was giving me above a few minutes ago, I better say I'm super grateful for Sylvester, a member of our family for most of her 17 years. 

I've gotten used to her. Even love her, despite the fact she doesn't reciprocate. And even if Princess Poops-A-Lot just left a little poop pile on my office floor the other morning. I had a victory though – stepped in it first thing in the morning and did not break a toe flinging it off like the last time. Thank god for socks! (I wonder if that'll be a different day in this gratitude challenge.)

Not that she'd feel guilty for a moment beyond my "That's naughty!" comment to her. And she'd probably ignore that anyway. Definitely a cat thing. 

But at least I have someone to talk to when I'm home alone and hubby is golfing or coaching or out walking. Since today was a suddenly gorgeous day at 60 degrees, he went golfing and is still golfing at 9:20 p.m. – maybe they set the clocks back an hour already – and I enjoyed just a little bit of the nice weather after a photo assignment. So the lonely girl was happy to see me when I got home.

And then proceeded to ignore me.

I bet deep down she's grateful for us, too. Sort of like a queen is thankful for her loyal subjects.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 5 :: That's Entertainment

I'm going to slightly improvise for Day 5 of the Gratitude Challenge and add musicals.

Day 5: A favorite book or movie. 

For the record, I do have a few favorite books and movies I'm grateful for. But tonight, I have thrillifying Broadway musical on my mind – that was based on a book and set up as prequel to the Wizard of Oz movie.

Just got home from seeing Wicked over in Appleton. Clock's about to strike midnight, so this tired old witch will keep this short. 

I saw Wicked 10 years ago and loved it. And bought the swankified Wicked jacket I'm wearing above. Just had to have it. And dang, it's so cool I can't believe I don't wear it more often. Anyway, I was excited to wear it and see the show again.

My friend Cindy, who was my season ticket partner pre-Covid and during Covid, had never seen it. So I was excited to introduce her to my favorite show. Went to dinner at Good Company first, then walked down to the Emerald City. Left our broom parked at the restaurant!

The thing I love about Wicked is that there's more than one thing to love. It's entertaining as heck. Very funny. And sad moments, too. Great music. Incredible set designs. And the Broadway touring cast was crazy talented. We laughed and cried. 

I'm grateful for the experience. Grateful for the incredible message of friendship and acceptance in the musical. And grateful to share it with a dear friend. 

Pretty Oz-some!

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 4 :: Unnoticed

This Gratitude Challenge is getting interesting. It's actually making me think. Beyond work hours. Uff da.

Day 4. Someone that goes unnoticed.

I can tell you right now there are plenty of "populations of people" like Flo who go unnoticed in their jobs. Until they do something wrong that is. Or aren't there.

These days it's a common sight to see businesses limiting hours or closing because they don't have enough workers. I don't know where all the employees went, but I don't see people lined up to take jobs where their work goes unnoticed. I guess it takes a pandemic to make us realize who is essential. And I don't fall into the population of people who are, that's for sure.

So I'm grateful for them – for you – all. 

I will practice patience when the new waiter forgets to come back with my coveted side of ranch. Then takes forever to bring the check. It was his first day or week on the job. I'm glad he was there.

I will not get agitated sitting for an extra 20 minutes in the waiting room at lunch for a flu shot that takes two seconds to administer. I bet those essential nurses and everybody else at the hospital are at their wits' end, too. Overworked. Understaffed. And impatient patients. God bless you all for what you have done and keep doing day after day.

And when I wait in line at the drive-thru at the coffee shop, I'm so grateful a new locally owned business started and thrived through this pandemic – even on a day when a competitive major chain opened their doors today. So I guess I'm also grateful there's good coffee all over town now!

I appreciate all of you working behind the scenes to make life easier for others. Thanks for being there.

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 3 :: Food

Let's dip right into it. Here's the scoop on today's Gratitude Challenge. 

Day 3. A food you love.

Really no surprise here. I mean you know I love ice cream – whether it's 95 and humid or 20 below windchills. (By the way it truly is never too cold for ice cream!)

While I enjoy it – a lot – I hadn't ever thought of being grateful for it. But I guess I am.

Sometimes it's a reward for doing something good. Sometimes it comforts me (not necessarily a good thing). Other times it leads to socializing (a very good thing). Or even meeting new friends (awesome). So I suppose I am grateful. 

But mostly I just love it.

And no, I don't have ONE favorite flavor. I do like most varieties of mint chocolate, blueberry cheesecake or crumble, coconut, caramel, and on and on. As with all the things I'm grateful for in this challenge, I'll include the disclaimer that this list is not all-inclusive.

And as far as food goes, I also could eat these every day:

• Pizza
• Popcorn
• Buffalo chicken anything
• Fiber One Cereal

Just seeing if you're paying attention. I'm just grateful for food on the table (or in the freezer) every day and never having to worry where my next meal comes from. 

Except when King Cone and DQ are both closed for the season!

#gratitudemonth

Gratitude Challenge Day 2 :: Smiles

Day 2 of the 25-day Gratitude Challenge asks us to name something that makes us smile. Well that's a lot of things for me. So I'm combining last year's A to Z gratitude challenge with this year's since I can easily think of 26 things.

Day 2. Something that makes you smile.

Amazon. There's always something good in the Amazon box – even if it's a gift for someone else or a heating element for the stove. Their logo is so appropriate! And don't forget you can support your favorite charity through Amazon Smile. Look into it. I've supported the Emily Klopotek Angel Foundation 71 times already. Which I should be embarrassed about since that reflects a certain level of Amazon shopping!

Babies. Well when they're sleeping or eating or babbling or laughing. Not necessarily the screaming fit part.

Casey, Clay and Carter. Love our boys! Just smiling at the blessing of the brown-eyed bandits.

Doggies. Because they're such big sweeties. Yes they are! 

Eagles. I both smile and say "wow" a lot.

Fonts. Call me a graphic designer geek, but I love my fonts!

Golf. Just kidding. I smile maybe a third of the time and curse the other two-thirds. On average.

Hallmark movies. Always, always, always a happy ending.

Ice cream. Except during brain freeze.

Jim. Usually. 

Kayaking. So peaceful. So far away from every stressor in life. Just smile in contentment.

Laughing. Scientifically proven that you'll smile when you laugh. Even when you're laughing so hard, you can't breathe, you're still smiling. I guess breathing isn't a requirement.

Mom. Oh my gosh, my mom is so clever. I can always count on her for a good pun!

Nieces and nephews. Love seeing them. They make my heart smile!

Old friends. Even if we haven't seen each other in one week or "ages," we hug and smile and pick up the conversation where we left off. What a blessing.

Picture-perfect picture. Maybe it's prideful, but I do enjoy when a photograph turns out the way I wanted it to.

Queen's English. After watching a few series on Netflix, I still can't help but giggle when I hear the Queen's English – and laugh at myself for having the subtitles on to understand it!

R people. Love my R people. Now that we're older, my siblings mostly make me smile.

Scrapbooking. The best therapy. Lots of concentration but also a lot of laughs and joyful trips down memory lane. 

Talking to my boy. Will forever be a treat!

Upbeat music. Especially of the '80s variety. You can't change me!

Vacation! Oh yes, especially the ones in the past 5 years: Maui, Scandinavia, Germany, Alaska, and Blue Jay Drive.

Wicked. And other broadway musicals. But I'm mostly excited about Wicked... and seeing it again in just 3 more sleeps!

Xmas. OK I really cheated there. But everything about Christmas makes me smile!

YouTube. Try it. You'll find something to laugh about. Every. Single. Day.

'Za. OK I cheated again. But nothing brings a smile like that first bite of pizza! After recovering from burning the roof of your mouth, that is.

Thanks for smiling along with me today!

#gratitudemonth

2021 Gratitude Challenge :: Day 1 - Someone

Happy November. Happy Gratitude Month! Remind me in 2022 to just consider every month Gratitude Month so I'll continue to count more blessings than challenges. 

Last November I did an alphabetical A to Z gratitude blog. This year, thanks to a suggestion from my former pastor, I'm doing this 25-day challenge. It'll mix things up. And you might even be surprised at some of the answers.

1. Someone you're thankful for

OK, not necessarily surprised the first day. A few dozen obvious answer here, but of course I need to kick off the month with gratitude for my much better half. And I mean Jim this time, not my twin sister. (Though I'm extremely grateful for her, too.)

So much to be thankful for with this guy. Not sure where to begin. Just know it's not an all-inclusive list here because that would take forever – and The Voice is on in half an hour.

One big thing today is that we've been working from home "together" for 606 days and we're still talking to each other. Even sleeping in the same bed, still! Obviously, he's got plenty of patience (mostly) and a high tolerance for ... well, me. Thank the Lord for that! On so many levels.

Pre-pandemic, while I worked out of the house and he at home, he'd manage to work laundry and dishwasher time into his work day. No worries, I have not interrupted his routine at all. But I'm seriously thankful he's attentive to it and has the work flexibility to do it. (See previous blogs about me being an undomestic goddess.)

Of course, I love his big brown eyes and dimples – and thankful he passed those along to the boys – but he does have a nice personality, too. Not in a bad way. 

He's Mr. Social. Everyone knows he's friendly and funny. But he also has good character. That becomes evident every time we run into people he's coached before. And that's a lot. And they range in age from 3 years younger than him down to current 15 years olds. What's special is these "kids" don't just remember him, he remembers them, too. And honest to god, they share a mutual story or memory each time. That's a good leader. A good influence. 

No wonder he's such a good father. And such a good husband. Coaching all those kids has prepared him to cope with me and my 8 million shortcomings. One of which is exaggerating, he'd point out. So I'll drop it down to 800. 

I can't thank God enough for making sure our paths crossed 25 years ago – yesterday, in fact. Definitely too many blessings to count. But I'm grateful for them all. 

Love you, hon!