Hanging Out in the Win Column

It's been two late nights seeing the best of "fall ball" in action. Last night I watched the Lady Royals sweep Pittsville during volleyball senior night. (And their Volley for a Cure cancer awareness night.)

Tonight it was the Royals under the Friday night lights. We earned a share of the conference title last weekend with our victory over Pacelli. Tonight they needed to beat Loyal for sole ownership of the top. Did we?

I'd say pretty handily! So that's exciting! It was actually too cold for me to take pictures. Well, I could see my breath and that usually signals my camera to slow down, too. Ha. For real. So at halftime, I ditched the camera and sat in the stands to see up extend our lead. 

Temps were in the 40s but after sitting in Mr. Deck Chair this afternoon, my body wasn't ready for it. Actually had some windows open, too, while I was cleaning today. I had taken the day off for something that is now postponed to Monday, so I figured I should still get a few things done.

And sunny and low 60s felt good enough for a little deck time break. It's crazy but this is life here...

Looking forward to bundling up a few more times when the playoffs start in a few weeks. Keep it going, Royals! This is fall fun for sure!

National Son's Day

I kept hearing about National Daughter's Day last week and now there's National Son's Day? I looked it up and found that National Son's Day is actually March 4 but we also observe it on September 28. So they get double consideration.

When I was young and asked my mom when she got Mother's Day and we didn't get Kid's Day, she said that was the other 364 days a year. I tend to agree.

But of course I'll share a picture of our dimpled brown-eyed bandits. From a dozen years ago and now... usually with their wonderful ladies...

Raise your hand if you're blessed with a son! Me, that's me. We're blessed times 3!

Hug your loved ones today – even if the calendar of made-up holidays doesn't tell you to!

Frost Warning

Woke to a "feeling" of freezing temperatures. And tonight we'll actually probably get there! Frost warnings are in abundance.

Is it wrong that I am just leaving all my hanging flower baskets and potted flowers outside to die? I hope it's not breaking any sort of floral rules. They're on their last blooms anyway. And frankly, it's too cold to stand outside watering them.

That does sound selfish when I put it in writing. 

I promise you I am better with humans. I swear!

Though I'll admit it's tough to get out in the cold for the ones I did not give birth to. A chilly afternoon to shoot middle school football. But I just hadn't made it to game yet and this was their last home game. A nail-biter too. It ended in a tie, which I guess is how it works in middle school. I didn't entirely mind getting into my warm car again.

I stopped at tennis on my way home. By then my camera protested it was too cold. And getting dark. So I came home, drank hot tea, and edited my pix. My mattress pad is on high and I am about to snuggle under the covers until the temp is above freezing again! 

Or 6:15 a.m. Whichever comes first.

Bundle up and be careful out there! 

Penultimate Pix

Had my penultimate – or second to last – senior photo session of the year tonight. The reason I don't like waiting this long in the year is that it was in the 50s and breezy and downright chilly for the poor girl! But she was a trooper! 

She goes to Wausau East so I went up there after work and discovered a gem I didn't know existed. Monk Gardens. If you've been there – especially in summer, I imagine – you know it's pretty darn cool. And I can't wait to get back there at the height of bloom. There were still a few colorful plants around plus neat trails, bridges, and a lake. So we made it work.

Of course, just like I did when Carter got his senior pictures taken years ago, the mom takes pictures of the photographer taking pictures. There's been a lot of that this year. Ha. That's how I knew I needed to go on a diet. And am also realizing I need a new pair of pants!

If you care, this is the picture I was capturing here...

It's been fun discovering new places this year and new people! Never met this girl before but I'll never forget her dimples!

Find joy in the little things, folks. And don't be afraid to try new things, either!

(Unless it's gross food that has onions or mayo in it. Had to sneak that in there.)

That's Promising

Seeing a rainbow that's trying to be a double rainbow is a pretty good way to end the weekend. Hopefully an omen of good things to come. More of God's promises.

Although the rainbow means it obviously rained – on and off all day – there were still bright spots today.

I had my first meeting with a confirmation student who I'm going to mentor over the next 6 weeks until confirmation. We'll meet once a week and go through some guided study and, if it's like today, a whole lot of conversation. You never know how it's going to go with a teenager. This girl is refreshing. Deep in her faith already and smart as a whip. This is going to a good thing to do. I'm feeling good!

Got home after our meeting in time to see the pathetic purple come from behind to beat the Lions. Ohmigosh, the Vikes looked awful. But ugly wins till count!

Tonight I finished going through the football pictures from yesterday. A few favorites...

A stocking-footed touchdown! Second time this season, I think, that he's lost a shoe. Hey, the score still counts.

Nick is a beast of a running back. Love when he leaves defenders lying in his wake.

Gotta love it!

Manny is another tough running back who's hard to take down.

And a fan (and team) highlight...

Our 6'1" 301-pound lineman intercepts a pass and takes it to the house!! Who knew he could run that fast?! It was awesome and his teammates and the fans were loving it! Way to go, Kenny! 

Rainbows, touchdowns, victories, and promising teenagers. Find what makes you smile and hold it close this week!

Chillin' on a Saturday

Saw this tree this morning that apparently jumped head first into autumn. Wow. It's going to be gorgeous. Or gorgeous-er than it already is!

The rest of the symptoms of fall today included temps in the 50s and rain. Or at least a pretty consistent and annoying drizzle this morning and evening. I only cared because I've been outside since 8:30 this morning, so about 13 hours.

Our church had their annual God's Work, Our Hands work day. I was the photographer so went around shooting pictures of the different work sites. Mostly outside. My socks and shoes were soaked so I can imagine how the "real" volunteers felt!

I stopped home to dry my shoes on the boot dryer thing. Then hubby and I headed to Stevens Point to watch our Royals take on Pacelli in football. The rain stopped so I was able to take a ton of daytime photos. Yay. I'll have to sort through them tomorrow but I'm sure they turned out way better than night games. 

Oh, and we won. Ha. Stomped them 41-6. With the win, we're now 5-1 overall, 2-0 in our conference and  captured at least a share of the conference title already. First time since like 1973 or something crazy. WOW. That's a huge deal for our Royals!!

After the game, we went to an anniversary party - chili dump - play and sing music - type party in Rudolph. That was inside a big pole barn but the door was open so it was almost like being outside. The guitar-playing guys are the ones Jim sings with for the guitar choir at his church. So he was in his element with mostly classic country songs and some Eagles and Jimmy Buffett mixed in. Good stuff.

My mattress pad is heating up now and I may stay snuggled in there for 12 hours! That's how I really like to chill!

Oh It's Over, Pumpkin

This cracked me right up! And I needed it. With the first official day of autumn yesterday, my rise-and-shine temperature was....

Feels like 39! OMG! Then today...

Oh goody. Same morning temperature (even colder earlier) but at least it only felt like 42 instead of 39. So we've got that going for us, pumpkins!

Yesterday afternoon and early evening, I was outside anyway. The cool 61 degrees felt just fine when I was running around the golf course trying to snap photos during Assumption's home cross country meet. 

It was a challenging mix of sun and shadows. Either the kids were squinting into the sun as they ran, or my camera was struggling to capture their faces when I was facing the sun. Yuck. On the plus side, our girls high school team won and so did our boys middle school team. I'm going to have to get to another meet this fall so I feel better about myself. Ha.

For today's fun... After work tonight my friend Cindy and I went to the library to hear an author speak as part of this weekend's Central Wisconsin Book Festival. I know. Wild times on a Friday night, right? 

Tonight we got to hear from and meet Annalise Ryan, who wrote the Mattie Winston Mystery series and just released the first in a series called A Death in Door County. The next one in the series will take place in Bayfield! So that's interesting. She signed our books for us, too.

It was interesting to hear her journey from a similar childhood to mine to getting published, etc. I'm not sure if it inspired me or gave me a reality check that it probably won't happen for me. Or just a reality check that I'm not getting any younger if I actually want to have people read something when I string more than 300 words together!

Anyway, check out the libraries in Wausau, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids this weekend. 

Autumn is the perfect time for pumpkin spice AND snuggling up with a good book. Especially one autographed by the author!

So Long, Summer

When I saw the weather talking about frost warnings up north this week, I thought it was much too soon for that. But I guess we're technically saying goodbye to summer right about now, aren't we?

Mr. Deck Chair and I are signing a protest, if you want in.

It was ironic that today was the first day I made it to the shores of Lake DuBay, usually packed with boats and partiers all summer long. Tonight after work our team was celebrating some success and this was our view...

Yup. One hundred percent as cold and windy as it looks. So yeah, we ate inside. It's a pretty area though, so maybe we'll get up there next summer to hear a band or something.

Didn't stay too long so I could back to town for choir practice this evening. I missed the first two weeks so I had some catching up to do. Of course, when we're practicing songs for the end of October already, we might as well admit defeat that fall is here.

But I won't. Other than pumpkin spice, you'll have to drag me kicking and screaming into the season of cold mornings, pasty white legs, and dead everything.

Please stay, summer! Or at least visit a few more times this year!

H-m-m-m... Me Time

So I did a thing tonight. I took some unscheduled, spontaneous time for me. Weird, huh?

I was actually at the high school shooting pictures of JV volleyball and was planning to stay for varsity. But JV got done early and I had a good 45 minutes to kill. I had a gift to deliver so figured squeeze that in. As I was exiting the gymnasium, I saw my friend and fellow photographer in the bleachers.

My first thought was "They don't need both of us." My second thought was "I'm going to drop off this gift, go home, and watch The Voice."

And I did. Some good ol' genuine Me Time.

Hubby was at the golf course so I had my recliner and the remote to myself. Watched last night's recorded episode and tonight's live one. Did not think about anything else. Didn't stress that no one was taking pictures of the girls. Didn't think about the office or housework. Just relaxed and enjoyed some time alone.

Mostly guilt-free. Something I have to work on!

Now I'm going to bed early so I can read a book I finally got after 3 months on a waiting a list. 

Try some Me Time yourself. I highly recommend it! 

Wasted Wishes

I realize now that only blowing on dead dandelions works for making wishes come true. Making a wish on a random white fluff weed in the front yard won't work.

At least as far as my Minnesota Vikings are concerned.

Yup, they're on Monday Night Football so we actually get to watch them. And no, it's not pretty. I guess I should have been more specific in my wish for a win.

Tonight would be good, dead fluff ball. Tonight!

OK halftime over. Let me go suffer some more.

Sweet dreams!

Final Sunbathing Days

 

Sunday is a day of rest. And also the last Sunday of summer. Technically. So after church and after I posted tennis pictures from yesterday, kitty and I commenced to resting and sunbathing.

I'll share her picture but you can't pay me enough to share a picture of me on Mr. Deck Chair! Probably for the last time this season. 

I sat out listening to an audio book for a bit, then called my mom to chit-chat. She said it was so nice  when her children call. I told her I knew exactly what she meant. That message must have traveled over the plains and the mountains because lo and behold, my baby boy called tonight! And yes, Mom, it does do the heart good!

This evening I also had one of my last senior photo shoots of the season. By that time, it had clouded up and was picture perfect.

And my model was picture perfect, too! Makes the job so much easier, ha. Seriously, all my kiddos this year have been beautiful inside and out. Just neat kids. It's been a fun season.

I look forward to a few days of rest, though. They'll arrive just in time with fall colors. No rush, though, says Sylvester, me, and Mr. Deck Chair!

The Road Worth Taking

Had a full day today. Morning golf for hubby and tennis for me. Photos that is. Then we were off to Rudolph in mid-afternoon to sing at 4 p.m. church with the guitar choir. From there, we went over to Custer (east of Stevens Point) to see our nephew's new home. He and his wife were having a housewarming party.

As we hit Highway 10 to head back home, we noticed a beautiful sunset in progress. When we got further down the road, it got even more bright and colorful. 

Hubby says, "You think of I race to Galecke Park we could get there in time for pictures on the river?" Let's do it!

And we did speed down that road. And we did get there on time. And thanks to Jim supporting my habit, I got these gorgeous shots...

So pretty from yellows to pink! I hope you enjoyed it from where ever you are, too! 

Homecoming Coup

It was so exciting to see our Royals football team continue their hot streak tonight – soundly defeating the Iola-Scandinavia team in front of a pretty big homecoming crowd. On a super gorgeous summer's eve.

I'll have to go through my photos when I get time tomorrow. So tonight I'll just show the first ones I took. And the important last one...

It's not every game that the players get to burst through a sign. But it sure as heck looks cool when they do. And it get everyone fired up.

How fired up?

This fired up! Way to go, Royals! Although I did know a few players on the Iola team (thanks to working over there 12 years), I stayed loyal to our Royals, who are sitting on top of their conference right now!

It's definitely been a minute since we've been in this position! We'll take it. I'm sure it's a much better way to kick off the homecoming weekend, too. Have fun, kids.

Be careful out there!

I See What You Did There

I've been treated to gorgeous sunrises this week on my commute to work. Just a reminder that God is busy with his paint brush and wants us to enjoy His gift of beauty. I see what You did there, God!

Also a reminder that He is right there. Right HERE. He is with us! Even on those rainy mornings. But especially evident on the stunningly beautiful ones.

I hope you take time to enjoy the sunrise and sunsets this week. See God and feel Him. Especially for those who could use bigger arms of comfort than your fellow humans can provide. I'm thinking of family and friends who are grieving right now. And many with health concerns, too, for themselves or a loved one. 

We don't know what the future will hold. But we do know the sun (or son) will rise in the morning. It might be hidden behind clouds, but it will be there. For all of us.

Take care of yourselves and each other. Sending the biggest hugs I can to those of you who need one today! Bless you.

Everlasting Volleys

Got to see some volleyball action tonight with our Royals trying to keep their winning streak alive. It was a hard-fought matchup against Marathon. Each volley was so long I knew it was going to be past my bedtime when I got home.

Each team won two games and they played the 5th tie-breaking game with Marathon taking it by 3 points, I think. Bummer.

Still, these girls are amazing to watch. So talented!! Can't wait to go through the other 800 pictures from tonight. And of course to see them again in person this season. 

Don't forget, you can always check on marawoodconference.org to see what the Royals are up to each day of this fall sports season. Pretty much my favorite site – besides this one, of course!

Keep fighting, girls! This season belongs to YOU!! Go Royals!

Getting Back on Track

If a truck can find a way to ride the rails, then I certainly can find a way to get back on track for a lot of things – like healthy eating and working normal hours and everything in between.

It's Monday. The only day you can start new things like that. So here I am.

I see my low-fuel light and wonder if my energy will last until the train – which apparently had a caboose as far away as Canada – passes by. 

It did, thankfully. But I refueled as soon as I could, knowing I should have kept a closer eye on my levels. Sometimes we just get too busy to pause and look. I know I 'm not the only one guilty of that. Burning your candle at both ends and suddenly feel the heat and wonder where the flame came from! Yup. It happens to all of us.

That's probably why I went to bed early last night and slept for 10 hours. Needed some petrol!

It's good my overloaded schedule is slowing down. Not every minute of the day is booked. I say that even though I did go to dinner with friends tonight and played trivia. But that wasn't stressful at all. I needed the laugh-out-loud moments that also refueled my mind and spirit. It was the proper distraction to get my wheels on the track. 

I just gotta figure out how to get them moving forward. And possibly gain momentum.

Too many analogies for a Monday night? Probably! Just know every day is a new opportunity to get back on track. No matter how bad you think you've derailed things.

Good luck out there!

Raising the Roof

I should've known when I saw this rooftop monarch giving so much love to this purple flower yesterday that the gods would be smiling on all things purple this weekend. But I didn't want to assume, of course.

So yes, pleasant surprise to jump out to a victory in week number one of the regular NFL season. And with a convincing home win over the Pack to boot. You know who's happy?

Our grand-pup Rey. Representing the West Coast SKOL Squad! She's so cute. And she was smiling later! 

But enough about that. You're welcome.

Yesterday was a full day. Unpacked and did laundry in the a.m. and then we hit the road to Madison for a wedding for Jim's cousin's daughter. It was raining and gloomy at home but the sun was out by the time we got to Madison.

Good thing, too, because it was a rooftop wedding here – at the Monona Convention Center.

Very cool venue facing the water. 

Cousin Mark walking daughter Lindsey in.

In addition to butterflies and flowers and rooftop seating, 

There was also a fountain up there, which I'm sure was an amazing background for wedding photos!

Another rooftop view... yup it was Iron Man weekend. So they did the half one yesterday and we could hear them (during the ceremony) announcing people as a they crossed the finish line down below. At least Camp Randall was out of earshot when the Badgers lost at home.

The reception downstairs had great views, too!

And the rain held off until we left Madison so we could enjoy a final view too! Rained the whole way home.

Actually stopped at our friends' house because the guitar players and singers that Jim sings with at church were having a jam session. Basically classic country sing-a-long with some Eagles, Jimmy Buffett and Southern rock mixed in. Got home about 1 a.m. Got up for church and am fighting sleep right now.

It was a long, crazy, busy week. But boy, there certainly were mostly highs! 

Pretty sure Rey's got the right idea here. Time to relax and have wonder-SKOL dreams!