Silver Anniversary for the Silver Ladies

We're about to embark on our 25th annual sisters' weekend – aka Wild Women's Weekend (or WWW). But wait... it's only Monday. H-m-m...

Last fall during our 24th WWW, we decided we should do something big for our 25th. Because... why not? This tradition is longer than most marriages. And we've survived. So far!

So we voted on going somewhere with mountains. And someplace the majority of us haven't been. And we settled on the Great Smoky Mountains that border Tennessee and North Carolina. And decided to do it in the summer time.

And oh yeah, much longer than a weekend!

So here were are sleeping in a Park and Fly hotel in Minneapolis and we'll grab the 4 a.m. (gasp!) shuttle to the airport and fly out at 6:20 a.m.! First stop is Asheville, N.C., and from there we'll take our rental van westward to our place in the mountains. We're renting a house that will be our home base for the week. Well, almost a week. We fly back Sunday night.

Like I often say: Take the trip!!

Over Due Par-tee

By 100/% crazy chance, we were available to golf with our friends Scott and Sandy from the Green Bay area. Since they had a weekend in the Lake Arrowhead area, the Bullseye Country Club outside of Wisconsin Rapids was ideal today.

We had a great 18-hole round catching up and trying to get a skin – the guys were doing that, not me and Sandy.

Afterward, we enjoyed a great dinner at Ida's. And were super grateful that at the last minute we are both available for fun on the golf course and time to catch up on our busy lives. Thank you, golf gods!

Don't Bee Cruel

It was a typical Saturday of summer. Kind of. I slept in while hubby golfed at his usual 7:30 a.m. tee time. Then he came home and mowed the lawn and I took my sun-seeking sister out on the swing. Just two girls on a swing – watching our favorite human.

After we got enough heat, I took her inside and did some indoor chores. I had just finished vacuuming when Jim came in the house looking for ice. He accidentally disturbed a ground bees nest in the back yard and was stung in the ankle.

If you recall, he's extremely allergic. His epipen was in his golf bag but he didn't think he needed it just yet. It took less than 10 minutes for his palms to start itching like crazy (sometimes it's his fee) so we headed to the walk-in clinic, which thankfully is open until 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

When you have an bee sting allergy they push you to the front of the line and take you in while your spouse handles the paperwork. I remembered this from last time. Whew. Because they were busy enough he would have had serious issues be the time they called him in with the "regular" patients there.

One shot in the backside and a 20-minute wait, when just a trip to the pharmacy for additional meds and we were back to our normally scheduled Saturday programming.

First stop was a surprise 35th anniversary party for our friends Curt and Angie. And they were legitimately surprised. So that was cool. We were there an hour or so and by coincidence, we had another party in the Rudolph area about a mile or 2 away.

As soon as we got to Lars and Ashley's party, I felt like there was an angel (or devil) over my shoulder telling my to shake my hips and legs or, at a minimum, put on my blue suede shoes.

Too funny that for their annual summer party they hired an Elvis impersonator. And his voice was spot on!

And he was perfectly OK being part of our selfie. Thank you very much!

He also convinced Carter's former babysitters Jon and Audrey to dance!! 

During intermission, we returned to the anniversary party but we got evidence he changed into a typical Elvis jumpsuit. Pretty cool for someone who seems way too young to know Elvis!

We hung around the anniversary party campfire which was more like gasoline on plywood. But still, great company so how could we leave?

My camera phone captured the nearly full moon that lighted our way home. I don't know how Jim lasted all day with the Benedryl and other drugs without succumbing to sleep, but we made it home safe and sound. And while were gone, our next-door neighbor sprayed those two nests to death.

Have I mentioned lately how blessed we are? Hope you all are having a great (and safe) weekend too!

Atmospheric Disturbance

Right before bedtime last night, the rains came. Actually more thunder and lightning than anything else. And a ton of lightning at that. This is the storm lighting up our front yard at 10 p.m. Crazy.

I shouldn't have been so surprised to wake up with a sinus headache. I mean the disturbance in the atmosphere is all over the place. I powered through it and worked all day. Ibuprofen and some essential oils helped.

Tonight was Assumption night at the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters game. And the 50-50 raffle was a fundraiser for the baseball program. Coach Austin and the other coaches had important jobs overseeing the beer tent. I mean the ticket sales! 

I wandered and visited a bit and helped tear up tickets for the drawing. But not for long. Rain, thunder, and yes, lightning came and brought the game to a standstill.

I mean yay for rain. But boo for this being my only Rafters game this year. I left about a half hour into the rain delay and they ended up "officially postponing" it about an hour after that.

Didn't quite make as much for our baseball boys, but we can't complain about that much-needed rain. I'm knocking on wood as I type this but... I think even my hanging baskets of flowers have come back from the dead!

Soak in your blessings anyway you can this weekend!

Feeling Hot Hot Hot

 

As it turned out, it was another hot day today and it was even warmer this evening for golf league than my Tuesday evening round. Starting temp was 93 degrees with a "feels like" 100 degrees. A bit insane! 

So I broke down and rode a cart for the 9-hole round. That's what hubby and the guys did last night, too, so I didn't feel like a wimp. 

Our group kept hydrated. And even skirted around the group ahead of us just to keep the pace of play going and finish sooner. There were times on the tee box, though, when we'd just stand there and hope the thick air would move. Lots of dark clouds but the storm moved north of us.

When we got done it was still a balmy 85 degrees with a real feel of 91. Wow. I sure hope Mother Nature drops some more rain here. I realize they're getting rain and hail Up North. Hopefully that'll swing down here.

I don't need to golf for a good 36 hours, so come soak us. 

In the meantime, I'll keep up my streak of NOT turning on my mattress pad. That's when you know it's hot, hot, hot!

Be careful out there. 

Hooked on Summer

Sitting outside under a hot blanket – even only 4 stitched rows of it – is a bit insane. But hey, I just came from my hair artist tonight and since I had nowhere to go to "run into" someone I knew, I had to take a selfie. 

And yes, it's 90 degrees and I'm crocheting. Babies don't follow my calendar. Or the heat index.

It's actually been an active month for hooking. That's crocheting for you folks with your minds in the gutter.

My new great-nephew Arlo in Minneapolis NEEDED a Vikings blanket!

Then my friend needed a pink and blue blanket for her young granddaughter's birthday in August. I realized since there are only 6 days in August without something on the calendar, I better get it done now. Don't act shocked. There were only 3 unmarked days in July.

So tonight I thought I'd get started on a baby girl blanket for a shower in late August. I fully admit that I didn't last on the swing more than hour. Then indoors and A/C and Netflix called my name. At least I can work on it at my own pace for the next month.

And appreciate Willis Carrier, the inventor of air-conditioning.

Be careful out there. And HYDRATE!

Fun at 91

The second heat wave of summer just happened to coincide with the first night of golf league at SentryWorld. My 3 co-workers and I were probably more ready for the heat than we were for that "brutal rough" the Senior Open guys struggled with. And Jim and me, too, when we golfed there a few weeks ago.

Still, we hydrated with various forms of liquid and had a blast.

SentryWorld is always challenging but we're in the "recreational" league so who cares? Our scores literally don't matter. And that rough, well, it can just hide our balls and have them.

Oh yeah, I totally lost 3 allegedly easy-to-see neon yellow-green balls tonight.

I mean the pros were stymied by the 9th hole – my FOX hole – so it only makes sense we should be, too. I actually didn't lose a ball here. They just ricocheted off the rocks and did not give me "kicks of love." Also... no fox sightings tonight. I'm sure the humidity messes with their fragile red hair!

I'm just thankful I had a barrette and a hair tie to get my hot hair of my face and neck! And also thankful for purple flowers at the finish line!

Uff da. Be careful in this heat the next few days!

P.S. If you were following along with Jim and me and the state 17U Legion Tournament, our boys claimed the state title tonight with a walk-off single!

Move over 91 degrees. We know how to handle you and have a great time doing it!

CSI A.I.

All this artificial intelligence talk shouldn't be ignored. I mean, "they" (the A.I. folks) know things. Look at this "automated" response on my name test today. This is so 100% accurate for unfiltered Robyn!

But it is a bit unnerving sometimes, isn't it?

Whether it's autocorrect in your Word document or in your texting app, "they" know things. Like when I tried texting hubby the name of a town starting with an S and "it" automatically thought I was typing "sensual." H-m-m. One, where did that come from? And two, keep my secrets, smartphone!

But a side note, this A.I. business is a threat to my career. For real. Who needs reporters and writers of any kind when you can just plug in a few key words to your A.I. app and you're in business? Kinda crazy.

By the time I retire (not soon enough) I will have survived the daily desire for paper newspapers and magazines (hello, online publishing) and the need for human writers. Pretty unnerving.

But obviously, as a woman who won't be remembered for keeping her mouth shut, I'll keep you posted.

Stay safe out there – and keep command of your own voice. In any form!

Sunday Competition

Any summer weekend and you're sure to find some athletic competition. Just about anywhere.

Today, I started at the lake. The Wisconsin State Waterski tournament concluded today at Lake Wazeecha. You can see by the photo above that this draws a decent crowd!

There was a weather delay due to last night's storms so I "thought" my Shermalot team was starting closer to 1 p.m. But I got there a little after 12:30 and they were already underway. Whoops. Can they fire a volunteer photographer??

I still managed to get some good action shots of about 75% of the show anyway. I definitely have to get to one of their weekly shows soon and see the whole thing. 

Got some quality time with Mr. Deck Chair this afternoon and then it was off the state Legion tournament. We're fortunate Rapids is in central Wisconsin so hosts lots of state competitions. Our 17U Legion team hadn't lost yet this weekend and were going up against and another undefeated team. I knew it was going to be good baseball. And it was!

So glad I went! I did not bring my camera so just enjoyed the very close and action-packed game. Rapids won 8-7! Whew.

I also got to see hubby doing his Tournament Commissioner duties. He still has two more days of work since the championship doesn't wrap up until Tuesday night. Stay hot, Ramblers. Would love to see you all take this thing!

On the way home, I noticed a hazy crescent moon. I thought dang, I don't have my camera.

But then I remembered my smartphone has a kick-ass camera. Haven't ever zoomed this far away with it. But I was impressed. 

Bedtime now. Hope you all had a great weekend! 

The Long Road Home

I returned to my home... my old stomping grounds today – Marinette WI and Menominee MI – where I had my first newspaper job out of college. Over the years, I've been back several times. But the last time I was there it was last fall for the unexpected death and funeral of my friend and former co-worker Cindy. 

Today I was there to take senior photos of her granddaughter Madison – daughter of Sara, who I've known since she was 7.

A bittersweet day in that respect. But so good to see these amazing young women again! Cindy would be so proud.

We went up to Henes Park in Menominee and then along historic 1st Street where I have a ton of memories since our newspaper office was there (and where I got hit by a car).

Also, over the years, I considered this MY lighthouse! So it was cool to be on the Menominee Pier again. Lighthouse hair, don't care!

Also got to see my and Cindy's friend and former co-worker Sally and one of her grandchildren. My heart is full! We are all still grieving but finding joy in family – and friendship – moments.

Naturally I waited until my 2 1/2 hour drive home to feel the storm of emotions – as I headed into the first of two storms on the way back to Rapids. I think this post today from my friend Gene says it best...

As tears stream down my face as I type this, I realize yes, I am so lucky. Not only for Cindy's friendship, but the next generation and generation after that of friendship, family, and love!

Treasure your friends, folks!! 

Working From Deck, er Home

Some days I feel pretty fortunate I have the ability to work from home on Mondays and Fridays. Today was definitely one of those days!

Not only did I get to hang out with my assistant, Mr. Deck Chair, this afternoon, but this morning I got to take my "lunch break" at breakfast time and shoot some pictures at the Wisconsin State Water Ski competition at nearby Lake Wazeecha.

Our friends Joe and Michelle's son Max was skiing for the Tomahawk team at 8 a.m. Got a few cool photos of him, then headed back home to work.

Jim was gone today working at the state Legion tournament this morning and golfing in the Assumption Royal Scramble this afternoon. I could've shut the A/C off since it was quite the mild day. But instead, headed outside to warm up – checking the mailbox every 90 minutes to soak in the sun and ultimately just taking my laptop out there to work.

That was super nice! 

After work, I went to our last grad party of the summer. Ran into plenty of people I know so from there, I went straight to the Legion game. Our 17U team is playing in the state tourney. I actually sat and WATCHED their game rather than take pictures. They were ahead by 10 by the 4th inning so I grabbed some cheese curds to go and headed home at a decent time. 

I have a big travel day tomorrow but I'll fill you in on that when I get back. 

Enjoy your weekend and be safe!

It's Not the Heat

I realize we're in a bit of cool spell in Wisconsin (before next week's heat wave). I was complaining until we received this text from Carter today with the temperatures down in Selma, Alabama, where they're visiting his girlfriend's dad this week.

FEELS LIKE 111? Wow. I can only imagine how humid that is. Like step outside and you're instantly sweaty and sticky... and stinky, of course. Now I understand why the old timers always said it's not the heat, it's the humidity!

Here we are at golf league tonight wearing long sleeves in July because it was cool and windy. Makes me realize this is a pretty big country we live in. In central Wisconsin we finally got rain last night. Mostly a ton of lightning, but some rain. My family Up North got hail, so I'm OK ours was just rain.

Still, based on my limpy hanging flower baskets out front, we need more. Or I just need to take a break between golf rounds and work and actually water them.

Meh. Summer priorities.

If you're outside, just be careful out there. Hydrate and appreciate this brief season we call summer!

Veggie Tales

If you're like me and you have two black thumbs, you really appreciate people who not only grow all the garden goods of summer – but sell them, too!

Thankfully, we only have to walk less than half a block for access to fresh pickings. All summer long.

Here's my neighborhood public service announcement:

Produce season is upon us! Come check out the produce wagon and you will find: onions, red potatoes, zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi. Peppers are just starting to be available. Gladiolus bouquets, too. We also have honey and jams and jellies! Self serve. Thank you to all those who stop out!

Just travel in the town of Grand Rapids to Deer Road and 70th Street and you'll find the delicious, super reasonably priced selection! 

You can tell them Jimmy and Robyn sent you. It won't get YOU a discount, but WE might end up getting a sweet deal on that corn later this summer!

Portage County Choppers

Even though I've worked in Stevens Point for nearly 6 years, I didn't realize that my after-work exit to Michael's and JoAnn's also had an Aspirus ER. I guess my priorities (and blessings) are mixed up.

Tonight after work, as I took the County HH exit to hit Walmart in rural Plover, I saw the chopper when I stopped for a red light. Of course, second nature is to grab my camera (or in this case phone) and snap a picture.

Don't judge me for being an ambulance chaser. I did my usual prayer, too. 

Long ago, I switch my praying habit from asking for a miracle. It's more like: God, please help the medical personnel do the best to their ability. Then, please help the patient and family have strength to deal with the outcome."

Even tonight, in my quest for chocolate for my work candy dish, it still might have just been a training exercise. But I said the prayer, as I do with every other emergency vehicle. Then, of course, said thank God my family and kiddos were safe. At least for that moment.

Thank you, emergency personnel of any branch, for doing the best you can to keep us safe!

Just Chillin'

There's two kinds of chillin' happening on Blue Jay Drive. One is the relaxed vibe of our indoor cat on the outdoor swing, soaking in the sun.

The other is waking up to temps in the 50s and only reaching a high of 74. In MID-July! That is not for me!

I actually ran my little space heater in my home office today. Could not warm up. Then stepped outside, and that wasn't any better. Thank god I have an endless supply of hoodies! 

My opinion – because you didn't ask – is that summer's already going fast enough. Let's not jump ahead to fall. I do like fall, but I love summer heat. If the weather is going to be Robyn's version of crappy, then I chose rain not chill. At least that'll help my flowers, our grass, and the farmers. 

But since I'm not in control of any of it, I'll just choose Sylvester's method of chillin' instead.

Chill out and have a relaxing week when and where you can!

Superstar Amy G and the Backup Swingers

Today's blog is brought to you by the Links Drinks' Classic Transfusion. Read on and you'll understand why...

Sometime last week we set up a late Sunday afternoon golf outing with 3 other couples. So the guys – Jim, Rob, Jeff, and Craig – teed off first, then us ladies – Linda, Amy, Sara, and me – followed. 

The way the first hole was going, we didn't have a chance of catching up to the guys or ever having to wait for them to tee off or get moving on a hole. We were getting our money's worth, swing by swing by swing. Then something shifted (for one of us) all thanks to a rain delay and Transfusion.

Just like I wasn't keeping score after the first bad hole, we also weren't keeping score of how many tasty grape Transfusion drinks Amy was consuming. But thanks to a thunder and rain delay, the Transfusion became an Infusion of aiming fluid.

We all teed off on the 5th hole just as it started to downpour, so we headed to the shelter by the tee box the same time our other halves were coming up to tee off on 7. I told you we had no prayers of keeping pace. So after a brief romantic interlude, ha, the weather cleared (briefly), we went our separate ways, and Amy ended up parring that hole. 

Then the next one – the par 3 6th hole, too! We determined then that the rest of us were just her backup singers. She was going to be the star of the show – in her FIRST round of the season! 

I missed my own par put on the 7th hole. Dang. But then Amy hit the green on the par 3 8th hole. Cue walkup music for a birdie putt. 

Not a "gimme."

Stopped just short even she obviously is telling it to "Get in the hole!"

Short par putt made. "I'm a superstar!! Thank you, Transfusion!"

What a hoot. It was a fun round – despite a few more on and off showers – and felt so good to just laugh.

These and 4 turkeys crossing the course were the only birdies I was close to seeing. I was a quart low on aiming fluid, I guess!

We survived the wind and rain and had a great time. Went to Ida's after our round to enjoy a late dinner. 

Not sure when Superstar Amy and her Backup Swingers will be performing next, but I'm sure it will be entertaining as hell. And I'll let you know here when tickets go on sale, of course!

Have a great week. I hope you Transfuse or Infuse with some summer fun!

Memories and Mulligans

It's been just over 4 years since we unexpectedly lost our friend Greg. We've tried to gather with the family and friend gang each July (his birthday month) to share memories, beers (and root beers), and tears. This year, we added mulligans to the mix. 

His wife Brenda coordinated quite the golf outing in his memory. There were 23 of us – Jim couldn't make it and and joined us after church tonight. Brenda drew names for random foursomes and she had an envelope for us to open on each hole with instructions to do something fun.

The first hole we had to come up with a team name. After the first drive, ours was appropriately called: "Shanks a Lot, Greg!" In a later hole we had to take a team selfie illustrating that! We also had some music trivia (his favorite party activity) and goofy golf tricks (Happy Gilmore drive, anyone?)

I was glad I wore my golf sandals today so I could walk right in and retrieve my ball from the water on the last hole! Did not lose one at all! 

We had a good time and the weather was warm but breezy and definitely Canadian wildfire hazy. We don't need to talk about our score. It was a scramble, yes, but let's just say it was "for fun" not prizes, and leave it at that.

After eating yummy pizza at the Lake Arrowhead clubhouse, we continued the party down the road. We snapped this group picture of most of the golfing crew. 

And raised a glass to Greg. His smile, his laugh, his infectious spirit lives on in all of us.