Merry Christmas!

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas! Thought I'd share our Christmas card since we didn't send a card to every person we know – but quite a few.

And the back side, which you probably can't read so here is the text:

Happy Holidays! It was a fast but full year. Highlights included Jim golfing a ton this summer before having both knees replaced this fall. Robyn got lots of swings in, too, and returned to the office in June after working from home since March 2020. Our live music fun ranged from Cody Johnson to the Marshall Tucker Band (front photo) and The Who! The photo above is when Jim took all 3 boys to see them in Portland in October. Fun guys trip for them! Casey and his fiancee Emily came home from Portland in July. (Front photo is from their visit.) Counting down to their wedding next fall! Clay and Becca live in Wisconsin Rapids and are busy with their jobs, 4 cats, and perfecting new creations on their smoker. Carter and Mamie are pictured in front of the Rockies. Since he got his first REAL job and works remotely, they lived in Denver for 6 months. Why not? 

We did have some sadness this year that included losing a brother-in-law, a dear friend, and Jim's mom right before Thanksgiving. But we're still counting our blessings and hoping you'll receive many this holiday season and the new year!

Hopefully you all had a joyous Christmas today! It was pretty low-key here. I thought I was being the sneaky one playing Santa, but Santa found my hiding place and put something in my stocking too! I was excited to give Jim a few Celtics items I picked up for him when I was out in Boston in September. And he got me a very nice gift card to use at my favorite golf course, SentryWorld. 

And we got a few other nice gifts from family, including this ornament from our nephew's family. Love it!

This afternoon we went into town to visit his dad for awhile and try to spread holiday cheer. Then we pretty much lazed around watching Christmas movies – John Wayne for him and definitely not that for me. Ha. It was peaceful, though.

May the feelings of peace and love and joy continue through the week as we wrap up 2022. Tomorrow is my "Christmas observed" holiday so I'll have to repeat this relaxation vibe another day. Hope you can, too!

Merry Christmas!

The Out Back

I had ambitions after work today. I wanted to go out back get more yard work done. I honestly didn't know it was THIS warm out until I called it quits. Because, well, I was hot!

This is the BEFORE of what I was facing. See all those roots and stumps to the left of my new pile of heavy underground treasures (aka landscaping rocks from 2+ decades ago)? I needed to keep working on it since things are blooming everywhere.

And this is AFTER. So I did make progress! I still have more to do that will have to be for another day.

While I was out there, I was pleased to note that my bleeding hearts I transplanted last year came back! 

The only non-black thumb thing I think I've ever accomplished! Except for managing to keep hanging flower baskets thriving.

Didn't get my hanging baskets yet, but I do have a few wildflowers growing in the Out Back as well.

Mother Nature must know I like purple! 

After that fun work out, I showered and got some groceries and now am watching the Celtics-Bucks game in my air-conditioning. Jim had baseball up in Abbotsford this evening (tough 8-2 loss) but he should get back in town in time to catch the end. While most of the state is chanting "Bucks in 6," my lifelong Boston fan is praying for "Celtics in 7!"

We'll see who this Friday the 13th is unlucky for.

Be careful out there!

It's The Thought That Counts

I don't think I'm necessarily a bad gift giver. Some people are just hard to buy for. And by "some people," I mean my hubby.

It's taken quite a few trips around the sun with him, but I'm finally getting the hang of it. I always had the best of intentions, though. Like that baseball jersey with a "C" on it that I thought was for the Cincinnati Reds, but was for some team called the Cubs?? (In my defense, that was a long time ago and I'm strictly an American League girl.) And then there were the countless VHS videos and DVDs of his favorite movies or TV shows that stayed in their cellophane wrap until I gifted them at a white elephant exchange a decade later.

I've learned he does like a good sports non-fiction book and a decent golf polo or special gear from either his Reds (not the Cubs), the Celtics, or his alma mater UW-Whitewater. I, on the other hand, deter him from buying most clothes for me since the great-fitting size medium uni-sex shirt that fits me might equate to an XL in women's sizes because they are a constant inconsistent mess.

I was excited for Christmas last year because I got him a Carhartt coat that he picked out. Unfortunately, the zipper was messed up so we returned it and I still have the rain check for its replacement. Trust me, I was stopping in weekly to check during the winter but the lovely Fleet Farm gal shooed me away – assuring me they'd call when it was in stock again. I wonder if they have them now that it's the hottest week of the year.

My other gift required early planning. Even though the Ryder Cup is scheduled for this fall in Wisconsin, I had to register last fall to be in the lottery for purchasing tickets to this popular international event. Yes, I had to apply to get a chance to buy the tickets, but the purchasing was a whole different process. I was thrilled to get approved and they sent me a link to when the "ticket window" would open. And then I had to wait in a "virtual line" for nearly an hour, praying not to lose Internet connection on my phone, and by the time it was my turn to purchase, they had no more tickets to competition days – just practice days. Still, I took them! Especially knowing they allow cameras and possibly autographs during the practice rounds.

Fast forward to the 2020 sh*t show and you know what happens next. They just announced today they're postponing the 2020 Ryder Cup to 2021. At least they're still going to do it instead of running with it this year and not allowing fans – especially after all that hard work to get tickets.

Mr. Austin, though, basically got squat for Christmas last year. Can I say it's the thought that counts? Probably not.

Good thing, I was nice to him for Father's Day, our anniversary, and his birthday. I think I still owe him a few rounds of golf, though, for "Christmas in July." I'll get the hang of this one of these years.

Be My Guest

The fun thing about having college kids home for the summer is that you have someone to pick on again.

And someone to feed.

Well, that's fun if you go out to eat and someone else handles the cooking part!

I kidnapped Mr. C and took him out for dinner at Sportsmen's Pub and Grille down the road. He didn't fight me on that. Not at all.

It was nice to catch up (while Dad was home mowing the front mosquito haven). We also were pre-celebrating the almost summer job. Not confirmed yet but he's had two appointments there this week and is just awaiting that "official" call or email. Don't want to jinx it.

Frankly, it was just an excuse to spend time with him before our summers get busy.

We made sure we were home in time for the Celtics game. Two out of three residents here love the Celtics. I support them as well. But really don't follow NBA playoffs. Probably more than hockey. But no, not really, to either. If the guys are happy though, I'm happy.

Plus, I get a good rating on Yelp or TripAdvisor for our wonderful guest accommodations,  you know!

Merry Christmas!

You know the kids are getting old when you are up first and have to lure them out of bed with the smell of breakfast!

Hubby actually got up and went to 8 o'clock church and was home before the boys got up. I made breakfast and then it was time for presents. All the boys mostly pick out what they want so they're aren't a lot of surprises.

Clay was still home at his mother's today, but Casey stayed overnight and got the items he picked out a month ago. Carter got his smartphone early and got these headphones he wanted, plus a few actual surprises. Nothing major. Santa brought me a nice Minnesota Twins golfing shirt! And he brought Jim a nice Celtics windbreaker plus an autographed copy "to Jim" of Fran Tarkenton's book.

We must have all been good this year!

After presents, it was snow removal time. Can you believe after snow the last 3 days we got another 3-5 inches overnight? Wow those people wishing for a white Christmas must have been very, very, very, very, very good this year.

I don't like them.

While the guys handled the snow, I handled my camera and discovered that the jolly ol' fat man in red is actually a cardinal. Very nice!

After snow removal, the four of us went to the new movie Grudge Match (starring Robert DeNiro and Sly Stallone). Enjoyed it very much. It actually had some good story lines so wasn't all comedy like the previews showed. We liked it. Came home after that and our schedule was open. Managed to squeeze in two Christmas movies and lose at two games of cards.

It has been a very nice holiday season all around. Feeling lots of love from family and friends -- as it should be.

Hope you were able to find a love-filled way to celebrate Jesus' birthday today, too!

Merry Christmas!

Weekend in New England

It felt like our "weekend in New England" was accomplished in one day as we left Newport, close to the Canadian border, made our way south across the state of Vermont and part of New Hampshire and into Massachusetts and the Atlantic Ocean. Our final stop: Boston.

Well, technically, Cambridge, Mass.. More on that in a bit.

Our morning started late as we slept in past 8. Ha. We did the lakefront water walk and checked out the pretty scenery in Newport. Even got my picture with a  lighthouse. Sort of. A small one, built just for me, I believe.

From Newport, we headed southeast and crossed through the little state of Vermont and across part of the equally small state of New Hampshire. That was my first time there. Of course, I miss the welcome sign but I know the state motto is "Live Free or Die." Saw that on every license plate!

The one thing that surprised us about New Hampshire is that the White Mountains were even more impressive than Vermont's Green Mountain chain. Really cool. Took lots of pictures out the car window, traveling 65 mph on the interstate. I think some turned out. It only took me 10 tries to get a Moose Crossing sign in focus. I need more practice!

We also went by the New Hampshire speedway in Concord and realized the NASCAR race is there this Sunday. Our plans may have to change! You never know!

Jim's cousin was unable to get together with us today so we headed straight into Boston. We're actually staying on the north side in Cambridge, home of Harvard. Saw what we believe were the Harvard "kids" out practicing their sailing on the Charles River (which makes its way into Boston Harbor) outside our hotel window. I braved the balcony on the 12 floor and took some pictures. I just looked out, not down!

After we got settled in, we took a cab over to downtown Boston. After driving 4-lanes-wide into town, we weren't in the mood to even attempt it any further. So we cabbed it over to the north side and walked a tour of historic sites -- everything from Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church (where they hung the lanterns) to the Massachusetts State House and Cheers bar.

C'mon, that has to count!

We had dinner at the Bull & Finch, which was the inspiration for the television program, then shopped in the gift shop. I got a shirt and earlier, we already found Carter his gifts (hint: Boston Celtics). We still need to find something for Jim (besides cemetery pictures).

We cabbed it back to hotel and now we're just chilling out, enjoying the view of the cityline lights on the water. Gorgeous day all around. We got lucky.

Hope it continues!

Not So Hot

According to the Weather Channel, our high in Wisconsin Rapids today was 89 degrees at 2:45 p.m. That's exactly the time the Rapids Rage 13 & Under team was playing their second game of the day ... and still hoping for their first win.

Yes, it was a hot one today! Our games... not so hot.

The first game at 10 a.m. was already toasty. Thankfully, there was a consistent breeze or it would have been brutal.

Sort of like the 2 games.

We lost the first one 8-4 and the second one 7-4. So we went 0-3 for the tourney, which means we won't be playing in any championship rounds tomorrow. When, by the way, it is forecast to be even warmer. I'd still rather be playing.

Too bad Carter's bat was not as hot as the temperature. Too bad no one else's was either. We kept the games somewhat competitive but we struggled. The boys were hanging their heads but their moods improved when they went to one of their teammate's houses and cooled off in his pool. Nice.

While Carter did that, Jim stayed at the ballpark to help with field maintenance (that's the weekend duty of the tournament hosts) and I came home and made some Mandarin Orange Salad for Colin's graduation party tomorrow (I finished my mints at 10 last night).

Now Carter is watching the Celtics and nursing a sore arm and back. He scraped himself up good, really good, on the slide at the pool. I cleaned it out good with hydrogen peroxide, which he did not enjoy. Hopefully it's enough to prevent infection.

If he starts foaming at the mouth, I'll let you know. Of course, that might keep him cool...

Son Screen

This was supposed to be a "screen-free week" for the middle school kids. In other words, not just a "No TV Week" but also limited time on video games, computer chatting, etc. Anything with screens, really. You get the idea.

It's a great concept. But it didn't really pan out in our household. Not when one of Carter's classes required him to watch the news every day this week. And certainly not when the Celtics are in the NBA playoffs!

During baseball season, he doesn't get that much free time anyway. So I don't feel too compelled to limit his use. Yet.

I personally can't handle looking at the computer much when I get home because I've got my share of screen time at work. This week, I had even extra time because I was doing a little experiment reading a book digitally on my Netbook.

First of all, the book -- Water for Elephants -- was just OK, not great. Secondly, I'm not sure I am ready to embrace the e-book lifestyle. Not completely anyway.

And certainly not on my Netbook. Despite its petite size, it was still cumbersome to take to bed with me. I'm sure the real e-readers are more parallel to actual books in size so you really can take them everywhere you'd take a book. The other part I didn't like was what I previously mentioned. I don't need more screen time after work. I'm sure my eyes are still a bit strained when I read real-life paper pages, but I don't have to worry about glare from the sun or low battery.

We'll see if I eventually change my mind. In the meantime, I don't need to do anything that'll ruin my eyes.

And Carter should be careful, too, not to look too closely at the TV screen, computer monitor or even at real-life girls. That might ruin your eyes, kid (and your sanity).

I'm just sayin'.

Fooling Around

What's the old saying? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me?

I make it a point not to get fooled on April 1st -- which means I have to be on my guard around even those unsuspecting characters. I also make it a point on April 1st to try to fool at least one person.

This year, Carter was my victim.

I knew based on routine this week, that Carter would call me around 9:30 or 10 right after he rolled out of bed. Usually before he eats anything or even has a chance to watch much TV. So I figured I could fool him with some devastating sports news -- if I made it sound believable.

When he called, I asked if he'd seen the big story on SportsCenter yet. He said no. I told him Ray Allen (one of his favorite Celtics) was retiring immediately so he could go out on top after securing the 3-pointer record and winning last night. Carter was shocked and not happy.

Don't worry. I wasn't going to push it until he cried or anything. He was surprised when I said, "April Fool's!" Then woke up a bit more and started plotting his own joke.

In the afternoon, he went over to play with the girls next door. Before he left he put some peanut butter on his shoe. When he got there, he said something like, "Oh no! I stepped in dog poop!" Then proceeded to lick some of the tasty "poop" off his shoe!

Knowing how squeamish Carter can get, they pretty much suspected right away it couldn't be the real deal. At least he tried!

Now I am hoping that I actually am the butt of an April Fool's joke -- because I don't want this to be true...

The Twins are playing their first game of the season at Toronto. Of course, it's not on TV HERE so I have to follow it on the computer. A few minutes ago they were down 10-zip. Yes, 10! Must be the computer playing a joke, right?

I wore my Joe Mauer jersey all day today for good luck. But apparently it is too early in the season for my karma to reach long distances -- especially without a passport. Grrr. At least they are on the board now in the 7th inning and rallying!

Don't worry. Even if we don't rally all the way back, I am not foolish enough to think this is a bad sign for the rest of the season. It just means we've got nowhere to go but up!

Here Comes the Rain Again...

I was surprised to look at the calendar today and see that June is half over already. It seems like it's been raining for weeks so I keep forgetting we're in the first month of summer!

Of course, it's also easy to forget when hockey action just wrapped up last week and the NBA finals are still going on -- which I know plenty about. In fact, the guys are watching right now, hoping the Celtics wrap it up on the road.

Good thing those are indoor venues. My poor nephew Colin has had so many "rain checks" for auto racing. It's crazy. And Carter once again had baseball practice canceled due to rain tonight. And it's just plain chilly out!

So I trespassed into Wii-ville and played some Wii Sports Resort. I had to have Jim show me how the heck to do everything. This particular game uses a special motion-type remote that means if I hold it crooked and "swing," then my golf ball or Frisbee or bowling ball is going off in a crazy direction. It was still fun, though!

After that, Daddy and Carter took a little batting practice. (For real.) The rain had lightened to a fine mist, so they were OK for the batting part but it was still quite annoying as glasses wearers!

Now they're inside where it's warm and dry, watching the Celtics-Lakers game. I might just join them. I already got a good run in over lunch. I did two loads of laundry and made Rice Krispy bars. I might as well turn my blanket on and go relax.

And wonder when summer will get here...

What Boys Think

No offense to men and boys, but it seems to me there are a lot more women/girls who really get into reading. Who would list it as a hobby or favorite pastime. Who would say: "Reading relaxes me."

Carter was one of those boys who only read when he had to for school. But then a few years ago, he had to read books beyond school books for an Accelerated Reader program. This opened his eyes to the world of books. Sort of.

What he learned is what all of us readers have learned. Not every book tells a good story. Some are poorly written and others just don't hold subject matter of interest (to that particular reader).

It has been fun to see him connect with certain authors. And I'm serious about that. If likes a book by one, then the next 3 AR books he reads are by the same author. (I guess I do that, too, to some extent!) I give much credit to the children's authors who find a way to really connect to the mind of a pre-teen boy. Enough to know what boys think. Enough that boys are interested, entertained and known to say, "This book is the best ever! You have to read it, Mom!"

This school year has been quite the turn-around that way. Now my kid is recommending books to me! I skipped over the Diary of a Wimpy Kid selection. Entertaining, I'm sure, but not much meat. Over Spring Break, I read one called Zach's Lie, which was a story of a boy and his family in the witness protection program. Pretty interesting even for an adult to read.

Now I am reading Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Carter was first turned onto this when his class took a field trip and saw the movie version this spring. Then he read the book over Spring Break and we ordered the whole series. I am not into mythical gods and monsters, but I'm a team player so I will read it through. I can see why he likes it. The main character is a 12-year-old boy, after all. He insists that even if he doesn't get them all read by the end of the school year, he'll keep reading them this summer. I believe that. I just think it's interesting how his storyline "interests" are all over the board. That's good. He won't get bored.

Now, just to show you how those lucky authors can connect to an almost 12-year-old boy but parents can't...

Carter needs to find a news story that illustrates cause and effect and resolution. I said the volcano in Iceland is a perfect example. It caused air traffic hangups and they are using warships and other methods of transportation to resolve it. Sounds like a perfect example doesn't it?

Nope. Not as good as the Celtics' Kevin Garnett getting in a fight the other night which caused his suspension from tonight's NBA playoff game!

Duh, Mom. Of course that's what boys think about!

Merry Christmas!

Our version of the Christmas story was supposed to go something like this: "The children were nestled, all snug in their beds... until at least 8 a.m." That never happens on Christmas morning.

I felt something banging on my feet well before 8. I thought it was the cat, but, no, it was Carter trying to quietly wake me up. Our deal (knowing Carter is always the early riser) was that everyone had to be up by 9:30 or they would be awakened. Poor Casey, the last one, awoke to the sound of the trumpet playing Jingle Bells!

I guess we were all good this year (or good enough) because Santa brought something for everyone.
Carter got a little of everything but was most surprised at some magically powered scooter that he was begging for all summer. Of course, he said something along the lines of "thanks for giving me something I can't use 'til spring!" Poor Santa gets no gratitude.

Casey was obviously please with that PBR sweatshirt he picked out. I think he was counting down to Christmas for this reason alone. Can you blame him? There's a reason they but a blue ribbon on the can...

Clay got some cool tennis shoes he picked and was tickled by this Three Stooges t-shirt. Hmmm, 3 boys, 3 stooges. I never made the connection before (I'm lying ... I hope that doesn't count towards next year's tally with Santa!).

Jimmy was obviously a good boy and got some Celtics stuff. I was just pleased Carter could keep a secret!

I knew about this part of my gift (because Carter and I picked it out on Black Friday). But hubby got me two other Twins t-shirts and a Secret Santa got me a gorgeous purse of the yellow & purple persuasion. Thanks, Secret Santa. I think I know who you are (purse lover!).

Of course, Sylvester was not left out in the cold. She got a new tube to play in. Here she is checking it out. She spent half her day napping in this tube and the other half sleeping in an empty gift box. Sort of reminds of when kids are little and it's just fun to open the presents and play with the boxes. Time goes too fast!

Our weather today was rain all day here. Latest family reports indicate my nephew and his family made it OK from South Dakota to Minnesota late Christmas Eve, my sister Rayna arrived from Texas this afternoon and my niece Beth is en route from Baltimore to the Twin Cities. (Of course, we're all sending special thoughts and prayers to my nephew Tony who observed his 21st birthday today in Iraq. I think the celebrating will have to wait a few more months!)

Now we just need the weather to not go crazy in the next 12 hours when the Austins will have to decide if we make a run for the border or not. We're keeping our fingers crossed that Santa will deliver just one more wish!

If not, we will still feel incredibly blessed with what we've been given this year and the time we've spent with loved ones. For that, we thank the other birthday boy.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Cold Reality

Returning to reality (a.k.a. work) coming off a Snow Day felt like we just had an "extra" weekend. I was delighted, though, that it was Thursday not Monday. Therefore, Friday is merely hours away! I could get used to that.

Trust me. I'd rather have our normal 5-day work weeks than get 10-15 inches of snow every week. That ride in today was not fun. Sure, hubby was a careful driver as usual. But there were some icy spots. And it didn't help my comfort level to hear the temp was only hovering around zero to single digits. Thankfully, we arrived at work just fine.

I insisted Carter wear his boots to school and he was the one who said snow pants would be good, too. I thought it would be easiest just to wear them. But no, he carried them in a bag. I don't know how that kid lugs so much stuff to and from school. The trumpet, the tuba, heavy books, snow pants... I'm sure chiropractors everywhere are smiling, knowing the school districts are "growing" their future clients.

As soon as we got home from work, we had to head into town to get some shopping done. Carter's class has a few community projects going on for the holidays. One involves donating an ornament that says something about the child who picked it out. Carter picked out a basketball-themed one. He wrote a nice "Ho! Ho! Hoops!" note explaining what that represents about him -- he likes to play hoops and he likes the Celtics. All the ornaments are going to some flood victims in Atlanta. The recipient hopefully likes basketball but it's unlikely he or she likes the Celtics (the Hawks are too hot this year). Neat idea, though.

We also picked up some items for a holiday care package for my nephew in Iraq. I realize he probably won't get it in time, but just about the time he runs out of cookies sent by his mom, he'll need another pick-me-up for the new year. We're not sending him any ornaments -- just treats and lots of love and prayers for his safety.

I'd love to give him a "snow day," too. He certainly deserves it more than any of us and, as much as I enjoyed mine, he'd probably appreciate it a heckuva lot more! Maybe it's not too late to ask Santa...

Whose Bright Idea is That?

As much as we think we have no control or impact, parents are influential. Think about the last time you asked yourself: Why do I do that? Why do I act like that? Why do I talk that way? If you answered, "Because Mom/Dad did," then you see my point. We do have the power to shape the next generation.

But we share it.

It never ceases to amaze me when our son starts a new "habit" of sorts because somebody (read: not his parents!) encouraged him to do so. He recently was filling up his big water bottle and I observed that it was an awful lot of water. "Well Mom, we should be drinking at least 64 ounces a day. I need to drink two of these."

If I had suggested he drink more water, I lay odds 10-1 he'd have said, "But Mom, I'm not thirsty!" It becomes a darn good idea when the health teacher mentions it, though.

Take this band thing.... Jim and I had never talked to Carter seriously about joining band when the opportunity came in 6th grade. Not that we were judging him by his tone-searching singing or his abilities on Guitar Hero. It just never came up.

When he approached us and actually asked to go to the meeting to sign up, we were delighted he was showing interest in something extra curricular his mean parents weren't forcing on him (i.e. Sunday School, tackle football, etc.). So we're playing it cool and we'll support his interest in this until our ears bleed. Well hopefully it won't go that far.

Carter mentioned in his blog before school started that he is anxious to play school basketball this fall. When we asked him in prior years, he did not want to sign up -- even for the league at the YMCA. Somehow in the past year or so, he jumped on Daddy's Celtics bandwagon and has enjoyed watching it and now playing it (in a shooting hoops solo sort of way).

It wasn't our idea that he go out and shoot hoops just about every night. He certainly would have bucked at it if it was. "What?! I have to practice every day?!?" He's just enjoying it and wanting to do something about it. It's nice when some professional athletes behave like the influential icons they are (but don't get me started on that).

Unfortunately (well not all unfortunate), Carter will still end up doing things like his Dad and his Mom that he doesn't want to. It will eventually just come naturally and he'll be trying to fight it still at 40.

Like the other night when I was cutting his hair and trying to explain/show him on the trimmer the difference between 3/4" and 7/8". Hubby pipes up, "You two should have your own sit-com, you know that?"

At least that is almost a positive comment. Usually he just calls us Idgit #1 and Idgit #2. Apparently it doesn't skip a generation...

Following the Bunny Trail

In my family, we have a tradition of holding a massive outdoor egg hunt every Easter. We have geographical boundaries but no limits on the age of participants or the amount of candy they can claim. This year, since we just gathered Up North a few weeks ago, we decided not to bring everyone together for the event.

Not wanting Carter to miss out on the thrill of the hunt, I (er, the Easter Bunny that is) created a scavenger hunt for him. The Bunny was worried the clues might be too obscure, but Carter being logical-minded creative-thinker Carter figured them out.

What he first thought was his basket was easy to find. It was sitting on the ledge of our new bay window in the living room. There was some Easter grass, gum and a note inside that read:

That was too easy!
We've just begun!
Put your thinking cap on.
Here's clue no. 1:

You gave me up
But Lent is done.
Turn me on
To start this fun.

Since Carter had given up video games for Lent, he knew right away he should go down into the TV room in the basement where his gaming systems are. There he found a new Nintendo DS game -- and Clue #2:

This is where
we draw the line:
Usually green
either Celtic or pine.

I mentioned recently Carter likes draw (in chalk) an outline of a Boston Celtics basketball court by the hoop outside. Last week, he ran out of sidewalk chalk so next to the hoop was a new box of chalk and Clue #3:

You've stored clothes in here
since before you were 6.
Take a peek again
just for kicks.

Right away he said, "I bet it's cleats in my closet!" Well, he was partially right. He had a new soccer ball in his closet since he's using a No. 5 ball this year and needed one. He already has cleats that fit so I don't know why he thought he was getting new ones. He was plenty happy with the ball and Clue #4:

Call us your peeps.
Call us your fan.
Put us in here
And watch us expand.

Yup, we're the weird type of people who microwave marshmallow Peeps to watch them expand to the point of prairie chicken size -- but not quite exploding. So that was an easy clue. Carter found some Peeps (the very last package at Wal-Mart I might add) in the microwave (not turned on) and his final clue:

Our hunt is coming
down to the wire.
If you want your basket,
you gotta look higher.

Well he certainly took his hunt to all places high in the house. For awhile I thought he'd go outside because he thought the word "wire" was part of the clue. (The Bunny didn't plan it that way.) Eventually he found his basket on his top bunk -- hidden under posters that had fallen off the wall, landing in a new home in the unused part of the bed.

His basket had a card in it from Mommy and Daddy and he questioned that right away. "How did that get in there? Did you see the Easter Bunny when he was hiding my basket?" Quick on my feet (as most lying parents are) I said I put the card in there last night so the Easter Bunny would know which basket was Carter's.

The more I thought about it, though, I am puzzled that Carter still believes in the Easter Bunny but questions the existence of Santa. Whatever. I'm just glad it worked out and he had fun with it.

The rest of the day was uneventful: church, shopping, watching (Masters), walking (sunny and 50s again!), baking ("Easter cookies" with pastel M&M's for the big boys) and eating dinner at Jim's parents' house. Now it's time to brush all the sugar off my teeth and tuck in my little bunny.

Blessed Easter to you all!

The Other F Word

Besides Friends, Food and Fun, I forgot the most important "F word" of the weekend: Fotos! Hey, I'm a writer. I can make up spellings of words to suit my needs! Enjoy some of our scrapbook...

Carter suddenly is too cool to smile. But then, he and Nate were trying to impress some "older women." I think they were 13!

Jim has been a Celtics fan forever. Carter jumped on the bandwagon last year. And I just sort of dressed the part (but cheered, too). Don't we look like a "lucky" family?

The Celtics' Paul Pierce shoots a free throw. Obviously, I didn't get too many pictures to turn out. We were pretty high up. In fact, a little too high for my vertigo-challenged liking. But I still had fun!

Some of our entertainment including this Bucks Slam Dunk Team. Check out this video. Pretty cool!

"Aaaaaayyyyy!" Who's cooler than the Fonz? Not us. But we tried. The bronze statue of Henry Winkler is pretty much life size. I recall from meeting him in person that he's not that tall. I could look him in eye when he kissed my cheek...

Speaking of that .... For old time's sake, here I am (third from left) when I met the real Fonz a few years ago. See, he's not that much taller than me. Even without the leather jacket, he still looks pretty "cool"!

I know what you're thinking. Who's got it better than me?! Not many. Not many.

Gimme a Break!

Our weekend getaway was just what the doctor ordered... if we'd actually seen a doctor, that is, for our "overworked-underpaid" syndrome! Seriously, we really needed it and it was great. If I had to give it a grade, I wouldn't hesitate to give it an F. (F for Friends, Fun, Food...)

Friends: The rented minivan was just the ticket. It seated us all with plenty of room. Us ladies up front (thanks for doing all the driving, Christine!), the gentlemen (Mike and Jim) in the middle and the boys in back. We were quite pleased the boys got along all weekend and whining was kept to a minimum! And us grown-ups got along enough to have adjoining hotel rooms -- splitting beer, soda and treats evenly...

Fun: Our fun included splashing around in the little water park at the hotel. We adults relaxed in the hot tub while Nate and Carter played hoops in the water and raced down the slide a time or two. From our rooms we witnessed an incident last night where the pool was evacuated twice. It was reminiscent of the chocolate bar pool scene in Caddyshack, but come to find out the culprit was more regurgitative in nature. That didn't stop the boys from wanting to jump back in!

Our main focus of fun for the weekend was the Celtics-Bucks game today. We got to the Bradley Center early enough we could sneak down courtside and watch some warm-ups. Neat to see some of the players up close! Game was pretty exciting. Tied at halftime but the Bucks took a lead and the Celtics never recaptured it. Saw a surprising number of Celtics fans but the luck of the Irish was not our side. Maybe next time.

After the game, since it was warm and sunny (like 50s), we meandered along the river walk downtown. Found the new statue of the "Fonz," dedicated to actor Henry Winkler and the Happy Days show based in Milwaukee. That was cool. How many people can say they've met both the real and bronze Fonz? Not many!

Food: Of course we ate too much. But that was expected. Had dinner Saturday at a neat place called Beer Bellies. We actually were so full that we never did dive into our snack supply. I had gotten a piece of carrot cake to go (yes, they'll do that for you) and I had that for breakfast this morning with a Diet Dew. The breakfast of champions! Had a few treats at the game and stopped for dinner on the way home tonight at Sportsmen's in Waupaca. More good food. I don't think I'll really need to eat tomorrow!

It feels like we were gone forever but, as usual, stress breaks enjoyed with friends tend to be too short -- and too long in between. I'm looking forward to the next break time!

It's Winds-Day!

I feel like I'm living with Pooh and Tigger in the Hundred Acre Wood and today is Winds-Day.

In what was quite a range of weather yesterday, we had everything from snow to rain and sleet and fog and wind. Thankfully, the precipitation was minimal (by us) but we could hear that wind howling all night. (I see we're supposed to have a full moon tonight so we may hear howling of a different kind!)

Not sure if it's the weather fluctuations or the time change, but there are a lot of people battling colds and flu this week. At Carter's school, they sent home a warning note Monday that a significant portion of kids were out sick that day -- so remind your kids to wash their hands and blah, blah, blah. At work, I can hear a chorus of hacking from all directions. I'm just trying to stay under the germ radar and keep knocking on wood!

We don't want to be sick for the weekend. While I am jealous that yet another family member has ventured down to Texas to enjoy my sister and brother-in-law's southern hospitality, we have our own spring break treat coming up this weekend.

On Sunday, the Boston Celtics will be playing the Milwaukee Bucks so we have tickets to the game -- and we'll be heading down with some friends Saturday to have some fun in Milwaukee. Amazing that between the two couples, neither one of us has a minivan any more so we are renting one so all six of us can ride together. We figure that will add to the road trip "experience." This whole thing has been months in the planning so now that we are counting down days we are getting excited!

Carter is a little disappointed because one of his favorite players, Kevin Garnett, was injured a few weeks ago and may not be playing this weekend. I'm sure he'll still enjoy the game, though. We've got our "Celtic beads" and we're ready to cheer!

In the meantime, I hope these strong winds just blow us through the week and closer to the weekend that much sooner!

Safe Bet

Awhile back I told you about how Jim and Carter were betting on the outcome of a Celtics-Lakers basketball game airing on the ESPN Classic channel.

Clever Daddy knew the outcome of the game so he bet on the Celtics, who had one of the greatest comebacks in an NBA final game. Carter, who failed to put the puzzle together before the end of the game, ended up losing the bet and, even after finding out he was duped, made his payment (cleaned the litter box).

That day, Daddy sent off an email to Bill Simmons, who writes an excellent Sports Guy column on espn.com. Once in awhile, Simmons will answer a few of the thousands and thousands of letters he gets in the mail bag. Today, he did again. And today, the anonymous Carter and halfway anonymous Jim made the national press.

Click here to read Simmons' column. It's always worth your time!

Now maybe Carter won't mind so much that he makes my blog -- which only has a "national" audience because of friends and family spread across the map!

TGIF (Thank God I'm Forty)

Writer Robert Fulghum has famously said, "All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten." If you've read the essay, you understand that the values of sharing and caring (and many more) we learn as 5-year-olds are worthy characteristics for a lifetime.

Good thought. But for some of us it takes awhile longer to catch on. Or perhaps it's just that we are lifelong students and always picking up new tidbits of wisdom. Now that I am an old and wise (or just old) 40-year-old, those tidbits of wisdom come flying at me at light speed some days. Here's a few things I've picked up in the last 24 hours:

* Don't underestimate the importance of the Schwan's man. Yes, the food in general is overpriced, but can you really put a price tag on convenience? Last night when we got home from work, I happened to glance at the calendar and saw the word "potluck" and just about had a heart attack. I completely forgot about a potluck for a friend's anniversary. Here it was 5:40 and eating was to commence at 6:30. Thankfully, I had a bag of Schwan's meatballs in the freezer. I nuked those while heating up BBQ sauce in the slow cooker and had a tasty potluck contribution in the nick of time. For me, that was priceless.

* We all deserve to be pampered once in awhile. Although my husband may beg to differ (but I doubt it), I am not one of those high-maintenance women. I don't need jewelry and shopping and manicures to keep me happy. I used to think I didn't deserve all that anyway. But now I find myself worthy and my one source of pampering is my hair. About a year ago, I put it in someone else's hands. And now I am puddy in her hands for 2 hours every other month. This morning, Jim and I went to work a little early, then I visited my hair artist in Waupaca, then me & my glamorous self went back to work. Yes, you can mix work and pleasure.

* Everything tastes better with friends. We met our friends Mike, Christine and son Nate out to eat tonight. During the summer, the guys coach baseball together and our boys play together so we see each other all the time. In the "off season," it sure takes some effort to coordinate a get-together between our busy schedules. But we're always grateful when we finally do! We ate at Anchor Bay on the Wisconsin River (which you can't see in the dark anyway) and then came back to our house to hang out (like teenagers, I guess). It was nice to see them again and, no offense to the kids, have some adult companionship. We're all excited about our upcoming trip to Milwaukee for the Celtics-Bucks game. And, believe it or not, looking forward to another baseball season. (Sign-up is Monday already!) Looking forward to spending more time with some pretty cool friends -- and making that a priority.

* Pride still goeth before the fall. Yup, I've said that phrase before and now I understand it. I explained that ESPN streaking thing the other day. Well Miss Newcomer Robyn woke up this morning to a winning streak of 8! Whoo-hoo! That's the best so far out of our group. I should have just smiled and kept my mouth shut. But no. I had to do the gloating happy dance and proceeded to lose on the next pick. Now I'm back to square one and building up a new streak. I'll try to keep my pride intact if I do well. But another thing I've learned at this old age is that I often do what I want to do -- not what I should do. And yes, it still gets me in trouble! (Maybe I'll have that one mastered by the time I'm 50.)