Hump Day Excite-Mint

I had a nice little surprise this morning. Oh not on the level of getting a hole-in-one to start to day, but it did provide me some enjoy-MINT.

Hubby had a chiro appointment first thing and apparently stopped at a store on the way home. He told me to check the freezer.

Well happy birthday MONTH to me! And they were on sale! So there is another box in the lower freezer drawer!

If you want to know if this counted as "lunch" with Mr. Deck Chair today, it most certainly did. It's a sandwich, after all!

When I got done, I said to hubby, "Well that was dumb. I shouldn't have had dessert first. Now I don't want to eat anything else. I want this flavor to stay in my mouth all day!" Yum.

Now to pace myself with just ONE per day. That would get me through the month of birthday excite-MINT! 😀

Ace in the Hole

I'm pretty sure the phrase "Ace in the Hole" has more than one meaning. A lot of us think of cards or having a secret business plan. But today when my hubby texted me at 7:45 a.m. and said he "Aced #2!" I knew exactly what he meant.

Yup, Mr. Austin got his first hole-in-one. And, as he pointed out later, it was totally appropriate that it happened at Homestead, where he golfed often with the current owner's grandfather and great uncle back in the day. 

So happy for him!

I shared it with my work team with a "My hubby just got his first hole-in-one, what have you accomplished before 8 a.m.?"

And I'm stuck in two-day all-day meetings so I could not give him the appropriate accolades. But I did make sure he saved the ball so we can do something special with it.

Side note: He'd never want me to blog about this so if you run into him, just casually ask how his golf game is going this summer. LOL. 

He deserves to brag about this for quite some time. In my humble opinion.

Feeling Salty

I like blueberries and honeydew melon, etc, but without a doubt, my favorite summertime fruit is watermelon. Please tell me it's still considered a FRUIT!!

Hubby, however, is not a huge fan. So I have to buy a small melon – which still chops up into a big bowl worth of fruit – and try to eat it within a week so it doesn't ferment into watermelon wine or something.

Today I decided to have a small bowl full for lunch. Then I had a memory... For some reason my mom always added salt to watermelon. I think she claimed it brought out the flavor. So I had one small bowl unsalted and then another small bowl lightly salted. I gotta say, it did bring out the flavor. But I am such a "don't add salt to anything unless your popcorn or fries need it" person that I felt guilty.

I was wondering if this was a weird "growing up north of Highway 8" phenomenon like adding sugar to raw tomato slices. I presented a poll of my marketing department at work and so far, I am the only one who ever adds salt to watermelon.

But, to expand my flavor palate, someone did suggest sprinkling on some Tajín. Apparently, Tajín on watermelon is a classic combination that balances the fruit’s natural sweetness with a vibrant kick of chili, sea salt, and lime. Could make it interesting. Let me know if you've tried it.

I'd ask what your favorite summer fruit is, but I do have to make my way through this whole bowl of watermelon cubes this week. Remind me next week to take a poll!

Last Day of Stay-Cation

After such a low-key week I am totally not prepared to wake up to an alarm in the morning and get back to work!

One of my friends at church commented, "You know what your vacation sounded like? Retirement!" Oh, god. Now I want that. NOW.

I didn't get a ton accomplished but I am OK with that. The important thing is that I did not think about work. At all. That's a true victory for me.

Of course tomorrow morning might be a startling reality. But I'll deal. 

Today was pretty laid back. Church and some Mr. Deck Chair time and then baseball.

It happened that both my Twins and hubby's Reds were featured "squares" on the MLB Network. Yay, Twins, for beating the Yankees!

After that I was just lazing about, doing some crocheting and listening to an audio book. I really got used to that. Help me acclimate to real life tomorrow, please!

Hope all of you found time to relax over the holiday weekend. I'll never take if for granted again, I swear!

America Turns 250

This 100% does make me old. But I do remember a parade and singing patriotic songs at the park. It was a big deal. 

And I know people are making a big deal about America turning 250 today, but I just couldn't get into it with the same child-like enthusiasm. Our celebration included...

Me dressing in my only patriotic shirt to go to the farmers market downtown...

Hubby cutting grass (always smells so good!)...

And me taking a walk and checking out the neat decorations some neighbors put out.

Tonight we had fresh from an Amish garden baby red potatoes and grilled brats from Ski's. Jim enjoyed a Bloody Mary brat and I really liked my Nashville Hot Chicken brat. Good stuff!

We are not going to the fireworks in town. It is a zoo. I mean people were putting out their "save my seat" blankets at 10 a.m. today. It's crazy. We expect there will be some set off close by, per usual. Just feel bad for the dogs in the neighborhood who absolutely hate fireworks. In another world, all dogs would become ex-pats!

Hope you found a fun and safe way to enjoy this historic day. And took time to appreciate your freedoms!

Palooza Wrap-Up

 

While today was "cooler" by the heat wave standards, the high temps and humidity definitely made our birthday-anniversary palooza week less eventful than it could have been. 

My birthday Sunday, our anniversary Wednesday, and hubby's birthday today. Our palooza has officially petered out. 

Jim got lots of birthday greetings (thank you) but we didn't have big plans. Clay came over and helped him with a backyard project. So I took off to Point. Herrschners was have a "Sale After The Sale" sale! Got some more cheap yarn for a new project.

I also stopped at Ski's Meats, Walmart (with a million other people), and Feltz Dairy Store. And ran in the rain at every stop.

Needless to say, the backyard project didn't get done. And I found myself with more Mr. Recliner time than Mr. Deck Chair time. Sad.

Since my tummy is still a bit wonky, we did not go out to eat. But Jim made himself some delicious-looking fajitas! He's got his recipe nailed down if we ever want to serve company. Ha.

Tonight we're just relaxing in the A/C and watching baseball. With the MLB Network, we can see both the Reds and the Twins play – plus two other games. My mind can't wrap my head around it yet. I'll just pretend I'm at Buffalo Wild Wings and there are 4 games on 4 different screens.

Pass the ranch for my spicy wings, please!

Enjoy your holiday weekend! Be smart and be safe!

Absolutely Nothing

I'm taking my stay-cation seriously. And since I had a terrible night's sleep and felt a bit "ick," it was the perfect excuse to plant myself in Mr. Recliner for the day.

Mr. Deck Chair 2.0 wasn't an option since there were on and off thunderstorms all day.

Hoping I get decent sleep tonight and feel better tomorrow so we can have our belated anniversary dinner.

Speaking of anniversaries... 77 years ago today our parents got married!

My sister decorated their grave with patriotic items and a small flag with a bicycle. Mom told anyone who would listen that she had to sell her bicycle to buy her wedding dress. Then often added, "I sure miss that bicycle."

Guess I get my sarcasm and snark from both parents! Thanks, Mom and Dad. You done good!

Well the thunder has started to roll again. Perhaps I should see about rolling out of this comfortable chair, too.

Stay cool, my friends!

In It For The Long Haul

Some things are worth waiting for. And some aren't. Hubby and I are in this dreamland together of a Viking Super Bowl victory some day "before we die." We don't invest much time in that, trust me!

What IS worth waiting for is the right partner in life. To love and support you unconditionally – and make you smile, laugh, and love yourself.

That's was I was blessed to find in Jim. And today marks 24 years of marriage. I won't say "wedded bliss" because people are lying if they say that after more than two decades with someone. There are ups and downs. But when I'm down, he pulls me up, and when he's down, I offer to help, but he usually helps himself! 

When you find THAT person, it makes it all worth it!

We didn't really get to celebrate today. Jim worked and I cleaned out a large box worth of clothes from my closet for donation. (Yay, stay-cation!) That's a start. Tonight he has golf league. 

But more wicked storms are coming, so he'll be lucky to finish. And I figured I better blog while we still have electricity.

Hug your blessings today – and tell them you love them!! 💜💜

In and Out of Luck

Headed Up North yesterday morning. After the detours and road construction I encountered a few weeks ago, I decide to take a different route north-westward. I went up to Colby/Abbotsford to get on Hwy. 29.

And it was one lane each way 'til my Chippewa Falls exit for 53 North. Grrrr.

By the time I got to my sister Rachel's in Luck, I was ready for a nap!

I visited with her awhile (while she got me hooked on Sullivan's Crossing) and then went up to my sister Romey's near Grantsburg, where two other sisters – Rayna and Renell – joined us for a short visit.

From there I went to Adventures restaurant in Siren to meet my twin and some of her family for a belated birthday dinner. Coconut shrimp for the win! My nephew Tony was home visiting from Green Bay so it was nice to see him, too!

From there I went back down to Rachel's to stay at her place for the night. She's just down the street from our high school. Even at 8:36 p.m., it was still class of '86 degrees out. Ha. Yes, this heatwave is ghastly.

Got home late this afternoon. Yes, my A/C works in my car, but there were times I wondered. It was just that hot out! 

Hope you all are staying cool and hydrated. My vacation is already going by too fast! 

Do Too Many Candles Cause Lightning?

 

I was all set to apologize for being responsible for this evening's severe weather. But I didn't have a cake or candles so my little birthday is free and clear.

Even my gift from hubby - which I'm super excited about - didn't ignite the skies because it hasn't been assembled yet! Ha.

We actually thought today was going to be hot and sunny but the forecast changed and it was almost cool. With some rain in the early afternoon. 

That unfortunately canceled some boating plans.

But couples Golf League was still on. YAY for birthday golf! Had a really fun time and I golfed 100% better that last week. 

My twin had to work today so I'm driving up north to see her for dinner tomorrow. Don't worry, my A/C is working!

Stay hydrated and safe this week!

And thanks all the birthday wishes. Feeling the love!

Vacation Vittles

 

Technically I'm on vacation (mostly stay-catio) for the next so I didn't waste time starting to eat like I'm on vacation. 

I mean calories don't count, I hear!

I went downtown to the Farmers Market and pretty much expected I'd have crab rangoon for breakfast. But the line was just too long.

But then I spotted a food truck I thought only had fancy popcorn. Turns out they also have mini-donuts (think Minnesota State Fair)! When she convinced me to order a dozen, the cashier told me to choose a flavor.

I'm like, "There are flavors?" What rock have I been hiding under?!

So it was coincidentally Birthday Cake flavored mini-donuts for the win!

This is going to be something yummy time off!

Friday Sizzles

I've learned that since I've been working from home on Fridays for 5 years, there is nothing different or spectacular about the experience.

But when I donned the Electric Run t-shirt today I remembered how fun weekends can be.

This was a family 5K event about a year after my dad died and just as 3 of us sisters and Mom were headed to South Dakota to visit our nephew and family. It was a fun, glow stick-heavy event in the Twin Cities. 

I mean, any race where it doesn't matter how we finish is a win for me!

Years later, it's just me. Working at home for the day and having no excitement. I just realized that's 100% OK. I have next week off so I am good with no surprises. But a larger than life ice cream cone would not disappoint.

Flower Girl

I realized today a distinct advantage of working from home during the summer is that you can set your "lunch hour" to whatever time you want and you can use it to run into town for the farmers market. 

Today my lunch was from 9:30-10:30 a.m. I bought sour dough bread and cinnamon rolls from friend Christina and then, on a whim, bought flowers for myself. Well they were all purple and white Glads and I couldn't resist! We all deserve flowers so it was just the right thing to do! 

That pretty much brightened my mood for the rest of the work day, that's for sure.

Golf league should have been – and well, was actually fun – but I had my worst round of the summer. Still, who cares, we were up against the first-place team and we still had a summer's eve out on the course. Gotta remember that when I look at my high score!

Plus, we made it a pre-birthday celebration (er, acknowledgement) so that was fun, too.

For those keeping track of my t-shirts – I think just you, Lisa – today was one of the shirts I made when my sister Nell and I went to Alaska in June of 2021. Since all of us kids start with the letter R I had to make that part of the design. I had 2 other shirt designs, too, so I'll have to dig those up. Greatest most breath-taking trip ever! If you haven't been, go! If you are going soon... do you have room for one more?

My T-Shirt Era

For us working folk, there's not many casual days in our lives, if you think about it. Saturdays might be an occasion, but there's usually a little dressing up for church on Sundays. After yesterday's fun coincidence of matching my neighbor, this morning I thought, "I'm going to start wearing all these t-shirts I insisted on buying but don't get an occasion to wear."

First one off the pile – King Cone of course! It's a pretty cool shirt, if I do say so myself.

Don't worry, I'm not boring you with a picture everyday. Just had to prove at the same time that I am leaving my desk and getting out walking. A must-do when working at home can keep you chained to your desk. 

I discovered today that 3 laps around the neighborhood "larger circle" will net me 5,000+ steps. So that's a start anyway. Each lap is a nice short break. Just have to keep reminding myself to do it!

Today was also highlighted by military jet training overhead and sonic booms and a nice thunderstorm. All ending before Jim's golf league, naturally.

Also, thanks to the internet and livestreaming, I was able to watch my cowboy nephew Zach compete in the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships in Amarillo, Texas. He's doing pretty good. Now I feel the need to watch The Man From Snowy River, which helped fuel his horse obsession as a young boy!

Don't be to jealous of my exciting life these days! 

Not Gonna Lose Our Shot

This is, I swear, the most random thing in the world. I was all set to wear a pink shirt today for National Wear Pink Day or whatever, but spotted a t-shirt I hadn't worn in some 4 or 5 years. So I donned one of my Hamilton (the musical) t-shirts.

Then when I was turning into my neighborhood after a post-work gas run, I saw a familiar color!

I parked my HRV and after confirming my friend Cindy I randomly picked this shirt today, made sure to take a picture. I mean, what are the odds?!

We saw Hamilton together years ago but the odds of us choosing today to wear our shirts is crazy. I guess that means we're due to see it again. Or see some "Broadway" show in our area in the coming months. 

It's kind of freaky, but I'll take it as a sign. I'm checking out shows right now!

#NotThrowingAwayMyShot

Every Day's a Holiday

There's so many random "holidays" every day, I don't know how a person keeps track! In addition to allegedly being National Kissing Day and National Onion Ring Day, it's Robyn's First Day Working From Home For The Next 6 Weeks Day! 

Also, I haven't had cake in FIVE days! That was a good streak while it lasted. Let's not celebrate that.

Someone who really paid attention to holidays – in particular "personal holidays" – was my mother. She was so good about sending cards for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, babies, get well thoughts, you name it. Always addressed in her perfect penmanship and including a nice, handwritten note.

Tonight at Book Club we discussed The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I thought of my mom the entire time I was reading through. 

The main character wrote in one of her many letters that "the value of the written letter is, namely, that reaching out in correspondence is really one of the original forms of civility in the world, the preservation of which has to be of some value we cannot yet see."

I think I mentioned this book awhile back when I first started reading it. There is no narrative. There are only letters, set in such an order that you piece together the story. A lot of themes of grief and guilt and trying to mend relationships. Good stuff! 

I have a hard cover copy if anyone wants to borrow it.

And now I have to prepare for tomorrow. It's National Pink Day but also National Eat at a Food Truck Day so I need to find something loose-fitting. 

Happy holidays!

Dad's Day

Well I was off the hook to provide any type of Father's Day entertainment since hubby was still off on his weekend golf trip with the guys.

So I did what we probably would've done anyway. Sat and watched the exciting final round of the U.S. Open while crocheting a baby blanket.

Finished it with just a few holes to go so I headed into town and watched the rest of it with my father-in-law. That was nice.

It's still so weird (and lonely) even after 13 years to not have Dad to call on Father's Day. One of those things where you start to say in your mind, "Oh I have to get a card for Dad..." then remember. Good thing he instilled so much of his charm, humor, and know-it-all attitude in me that sometimes when I open my mouth, he really does come out!

Trust me, my siblings and I have no qualms about calling out each other as LeRoy 1, LeRoy 2, etc. We mean it endearingly, of course, but it's obvious none of us apples (or nuts) fall far from the tree!

Hope all you dads our there realize the great power you have to influence the next generation! Think what you want to be remembered for. 

Unrelated, hugs to all my friends coping with your first Father's Day without your dad. If you're feeling a hole in your heart, remind yourself that means he must have been a pretty special father!

Happy Father's Day!

RIP Mr. Deck Chair

 

While hubby is hopping around Minnesota golfing with buddies this weekend, I've been mourning the loss of my better half. Not him – Mr. Deck Chair!

If you want to know the answer to the question "Can you wear out a deck chair from too much use?" The answer is yes, apparently you can.

Well he was on his last legs. Had a big crack in his back. As Jim pointed out when he sent me this picture on garbage day, it was his time. "He was dirty and broken." Same. I am, too, sometimes!

Of course this photo was after he was already taking him apart to stuff his corpse into the garbage can. Sniff!

So I am hanging out with Mr. Deck Chair 2.0 and 2.1 this weekend. Yes, it takes TWO to replace the OG Mr. Deck Chair!

We'll soldier on!

Doh! Or Doe?

Interesting day as I transitioned between doh and doe. While earning the dough, of course.

Today was our last day in the office for awhile. Every time I thought I had everything together and ready to exit, I'd have a Homer Simpson "DOH!" moment when I remembered something else. Trust me, though, I was ready by lunchtime to head out.

Our full team of writers had our Last Lunch – not at all to be confused with the Last Supper. But I bet AI could alter this image. Not even going to think about trying it.

I gave a few hugs goodbye – because you know I'm a hugger – and was out the door well before 4 p.m. because our golf league tee times changed up at the last minute.

The weather tonight alternated a few times between long and short sleeves. Thankfully there was only a few sprinkles of rain before the wind blew those evil clouds past us. Molly and I did not do as well as last week but who cares? We had fun! 

And as competitive as I am, this is one area where I know my limits so I am 100% here for fun and spending time with a friend!

As I drove into the driveway, there was another DOH or DOE moment. I raced into the house to take a picture of her through my office window. Not the best photo, but she just hung out there, enjoying the evening for a good half hour. 

I know nothing about wildlife. I was just concerned she might be injured. Or, on a positive note, pregnant. Who rests in a yard when there's traffic nearby on the street and in the driveway? But then, she was gone!

Doh!

Anyway. A random plus-side is that the weather forecast for Friday calls for no, possibly minimal, rain. So get out and enjoy the Cranberry Blossom Fest events. We might luck out and have a weekend of weather in our favor! 

More Cake? Well, Sure!

The question isn't will I turn older next week. The question is whether I'll gain 5 pounds before my next birthday. Because I have the best coworkers!

OMG. Steff created the most tasty 3-layer coconut cake I've ever had the privilege of tasting! So good!

A little back story on how I fell in love with coconut cake. 

Throughout my growing up years, my mom and her sister Virginia would visit each other quite often. I felt like it was weekly. Taking turns at each other's homes. It always required some bakery items to go with the coffee, of course. Occasionally, when Mom was "hosting," she'd buy one of those Pepperidge Farm Classic Coconut Layer Cake. Could not get enough of that flavor! So good. So that was a lovely treat today!

My almost birthday twin Darcey and I felt spoiled yet again! We had to pose one more time by my ice cream light (my real twin gave me a few years ago) before I unplugged it and brought it home. 

Tomorrow's the last day in our current digs. I said loudly this afternoon, "OK, is anyone bringing treats of any kind tomorrow? Otherwise, I'm packing up my little plates and bowls." 

No response so I think the party's over. I mean I guess we're still pre-gaming!

After work, our team went to Guu's on Main in Stevens Point because our Nashville team member is with us this week and they have at least 6 flavors of deep-fried cheese curds. She was suitably impressed. Even though it's funny sometimes how we want greasy, gooey goodness to represent our state!

Go, cheese!

P.S. Unrelated to anything... my friend at work and I went to the Herrschners warehouse sale at lunch today. Holy million people but also million deals. Get there! I think it goes through Sunday.

P.S.S. It has rained all day. Apparently hubby still had golf league. Probably wearing his long underwear. Yep, mid-June and temps in the 40s and 50s. Be careful out there!

Early Signs of Aging

Even though my birthday is not until the end of next week, my coworkers surprised two of us today with early birthday wishes since we only have two days left in the office before we're sent home for a spell as office renovations kick into high gear.

My coworker Darcey (who just got back from Italy) has a birthday a few days after mine so she also got decorations and cake. Frosting for breakfast always works for me!

And my gift is so appropriate since we'll be working from home the next 6+ weeks before we come back to an every-other-week schedule in a different office building in Point. I will not mind being in close proximity to Mr. Deck Chair in July!

Another perk today was seeing an old friend who was covering a golf event at SentryWorld.

Rob and his family live out in Arizona but when he comes to Wisconsin for work it's usually a multi-week thing. Glad it was a nice day to sit down and chat a bit. 

The rain definitely came later! Uff da what a drive home! Needless to say, no one in this house is golfing tonight. I'm doing a quick design project then really really need to get some speed crocheting done!

OMMG (Oh Mother Memories, Goodness!)

My cousin shared this picture of my mom and of a Facebook "memory" from about 7 years ago. This is what she wrote then and why I miss my momma every day...

"Had a spontaneous visit with my Aunt Marlys. Davis and I were driving by and saw her out in the yard tending to her flowers. It was nice to visit for a few minutes. She told Davis how she remembered the day he was born. His Uncle Lloyd was painting her house at the time and got a call that Davis has arrived. 

She also told of how when she was little her teacher asked the students to pick milk weed pods to help support the war effort. She said she went home and picked two gunny sacks full. “Daddy had to take me to school that next Monday because I couldn’t carry them”.  I guess they were used to make parachutes and life preservers. 

Marlys said the teacher mentioned that she should have offered an award for the student who brought the most. She said, “ I thought - ‘that’s right, she should have’...”. That was probably the start of her efforts to help others.  Marlys should start recording all her memories - such a sweetheart!"

I definitely remember that Mom collected all that milk weed. It was an intriguing story. But I don't think that was when I realized that Mom was so competitive. I think we all inherited that. Well me with BINGO etc.

Just remember that no matter what you think or learn from your mother, appreciate it! If she is not here, you'll appreciate one minute with her for a story or a memory!

A Two-Some Weekend

Saturday was sort of like an episode of Wedding Crashers... but we were more like Wedding Surfers!

We happened to have two weddings on Saturday – one family, one friends. We somehow managed to get to both ceremonies. First our friends' daughter Allyse (one of Carter's prom dates from forever ago) at 1 p.m. When the ceremony start was delayed a bit, we wondered if we'd get to the other ceremony at 3 p.m.

Thank goodness both wete within 5 miles of Wisconsin Rapids.

After Allyse's absolutely beautiful wedding, we got out to Rooted in Red for Jim's goddaughter's Becca Austin's wedding. It's a nice venue for any outdoor ceremony, etc. The weather was just pleasant – not super hot. So nice. And so great to visit with Austin family and cousins.

Becca was the happiest bride!! Just loved to see her joy! 

After our dinner and some dancing – oh yes, two dances with hubby – we headed home and stopped at wedding No. 1 reception at The Ridges on the way. Got to officially congratulate the bride and visit with some friends. Full day of two-some fun!

Then this afternoon we started our "two-some" couple's league at Tri-City. The fun thing is that Jim and I go against another couple and we get to do a scramble format so we can keep the pace of play going. The non-fun thing is I realize once again my hubby is a phenomenal golfer and I am a complete dead weight. Unfortunately, according to couple's league rules, they have to use at least 3 of my drives in the 9 holes. 

I need more rounds than 2 before I can contribute, that's for sure! But somehow we came out ahead in the match tonight! Whew.

At least on a surprisingly cool Sunday I had my new Cutter and Buck golf pullover that I may or may not have bought myself on my trip to Minnesota last weekend. 88 degrees that day and yet I thought, "I should plan ahead!"

Very comfy and light but warm enough when whimps like me can't deal with wind and chill!

Side note: I love it and I'll be wearing it for much more than golf!

Carter called when we were putting out our last hole. Then we connected later when we were home. We're looking forward to seeing their place up in Duluth and showing them a few sights. How is it that all the weekends in the summer just fill up so fast?!

Hopefully something works out in July. Hubby hasn't been up there and I want to show both of them plus Mamie some of the must-see sights. 

At least we all agree it has to be a summer-type month.... not winter! Appreciate summer right now!