Fright Night, Frigid Saturday

This is still a picture from work on Thursday – me all cowardly. Our Halloween was not nearly that exciting. Since school was on a fall break yesterday I couldn't return the mascot costumes. So I dressed up again for all the trick-or-treaters.

All TWO of them.

We night get the quantity of trick-or-treaters out in the sticks. But we sure got the quality. Cutest little pirate brothers on the planet! 

Argh! So that was that.

This morning I woke up to 37 degree outdoor temps with slight rain/possible snow mix. You know what that means... must be State Cross Country Day! 

Not enthused to be outside for hours, I asked Jim to drop me off at the entrance for the Division 3 boys race at noon. I just needed to photograph two Royal runners and they finished 4th and 14th so I call him back pretty quickly for a ride home.

Our full girls team qualified and ran in the Division 2 race at 2:25 p.m. Yup because this group in particular has been at state 4 consecutive years, they bumped us up to Division 2, thus competing against mostly much larger schools.

Our Lady Royals did not back down! Lucy finished the best at 6th place and our team finished 6th as well. Not bad for scrappy little Assumption! Gonna miss all these seniors!!

Got home in time to clean up and change clothes to go out to the Sky Club in Plover with three other couples from Jim's high school class. We do this at least once a year but always SAY we're going to TRY to do it more often!

The food was great and the company was fantastic! Always love that they welcome us 4 non-Royal spouses into the fold. They're the most genuine, lovely people. Jim is so lucky to have this history. And I by marital default, feel lucky too.

Then on the way home he reminded me when get an extra hour tonight! Well we spent that well. And I got my photos all edited and still get to catch the end of the exciting World Series. I'll pack in the morning for Sister Weekend (well Sun-Tues Getaway).

Happy November.

Just Wickedly OZ-some

I can't even express how amazing it is that every member of our writing team embraced dressing up for Halloween. As a team!

We decided a few weeks ago we'd dress up with the theme of Wicked or the OG Wizard of Oz. Naturally, I thought: "I wonder if I could use my connections at Assumption to secure the lion mascot costume for a day?" And it turns out, they'll let me have anything. For security purposes, we can't wear full masks (or a full mascot lion head) so I had to order the other "parts" on Amazon.

It was a very nice snuggly warm ride to work today. But it didn't take long to get over-heated. Thankfully we had our team pictures at 8:30 a.m. Here are a few so you understand and appreciate the depth of dedication here!

Here's our Follow The Yellow Brick Road crew!

And for Wicked fans: Here's GA-linda and Elphaba!

How convenient we also have the Munchkin Coroner close by when the house lands on the Witch at the beginning of the movie!

And if you saw Wicked the movie, you'll be thoroughly impressed with Steff's Dr. Dillamond. The best costume effort ever, if I do say so myself.

I did have to ditch the "lion's share" of my costume after lunch due to an important presentation I had to give. But otherwise, it was just OZ-some to be part of a fun team and see how many others dressed up today (since we work from home on Fridays).

Also, today is my 8-year anniversary at this place. That, for me, is also OZ-some!

Eve of the Eve of Hallows' Eve

Who knew this was a thing? But yes, my work team and I are definitely focused on the Eve of Hallows' Eve because tomorrow is our last day in the office for the week and we have to celebrate Halloween a day early!

No spoilers. Just know I had to work a few connections to get part of my costume. And then, naturally, count on Amazon for the rest! Hubby rolled his eyes pretty heavily when I had him take a photo of me in costume last night. He just doesn't get how fun Marketing people can be!

Of course in the back of my mind, I've already moved on to what sort of costume or "accents" can help my twin sister and I when we perform our annual Opening Act this weekend? Well, I had a mission to find one thing (times 2 that is) and failed. The Halloween shelves are mostly empty and, facing them on the opposite side of the aisle, are Christmas items already!!

I get that people turn to my favorite holiday as early as they can. But, since Jim golfed this afternoon, I can't quite wrap my head around merchandising something that is 2 holidays away.

Also, that's why I'm a writer for a living and not a numbers gal.

And, although there was slim pickings, I did manage to get some treats in case any ghosts, goblins, ghouls, princesses or dinosaurs show up on our doorstep Friday.  Like Motel 6, we'll leave the light on!

Ejecting the Ewww

Yes, I went into my time machine to grab an image to accompany this blog. But dang, I miss our kiddo at this age! Anyway, it's October and what follows is my column for our October church newsletter.

God’s Harvest Work

Some of us sun-lovers are not so thrilled about the dropping temperatures and the arrival of fall. But we all appreciate the perks of October – beautiful autumn leaves and (naturally) Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

Of course, as the season of pumpkins arrives, many of us will find ourselves carving jack-o’-lanterns. With only adult children now, I still can recall. It begins with choosing a pumpkin, taking it home, and then doing the messy work—cutting it open and scooping out the inside. The slippery, slimy guts that many of us convince the next generation is so fun to touch and remove. Eww.

But of course, we know that only once the pumpkin has been cleaned out can it be shaped into something new and shining with light.

In many ways, that’s what God does with us. We come to Him carrying all kinds of “icky inside junk”—sin, guilt, shame, fears, and worries that weigh us down. Left alone, we might try to hide it or carry it, but it keeps us from becoming what God intends us to be.

Through Christ, God gently but firmly opens us up and removes all that “Eww.” He forgives our sins. He takes away the heaviness of guilt. He cleans out the things that darken our hearts. Then, like a carver shaping a pumpkin, He gives us new purpose and identity.

And He doesn’t stop there—He places His own light inside of us. Just as a candle (or battery-operated tea light these days) shining through a carved pumpkin glows for others to see, God’s Spirit within us shines out into the world. 

As Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

So, the next time you see a carved pumpkin glowing on a doorstep, remember: Some parent made a financial and time investment here. And, more importantly, God has done that same work in you. He has chosen you, cleaned you, and filled you with His light. 

May we shine brightly, pointing others to the One who makes all things new.

How Great Thou Halloween

Long before there was Beetlejuice, Michael Myers – and even me, there was Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin. 

Even though our team of writers at work span all ages, we all know the Peanuts Gang and the Great Pumpkin. So that was our mission today: Dress like characters in that seasonal special.

I dressed as The Great Pumpkin. If you see my name badge, it says: HELLO, my name is GREAT.

And here's our gang. Back row:
Woodstock, Peppermint Patty, Marcy, Snoopy's Dad, Lucy, and Charlie Brown. Front row: Linus, Snoopy, me, and Rerun.

Pretty much every team in our marketing department dressed up today so that was fun.

Our afternoon featured a different type of entertainment. As I mentioned earlier in the week, our team had two volunteer projects on our calendars this week. Today was going to the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King (outside nearby Waupaca) to help them with their Halloween party this afternoon. Mainly, BINGO.

Crazy amazing turnout of some 80 veterans. All eager to play the game and win their small stacks of quarters.

They also had a lot of pumpkins on display. We could vote on our favorite. Here's a few ideas for you next year! (Of course, I'm partial to the ice cream ones.)

Pretty cool, eh?

It was also cool that our friend Dar's dad is a resident at the veterans' home, so I got to meet up with him – and may or may not have given him extra candy from my Halloween Bingo Bucket!

What a fun few hours of volunteering!

Now, since Jim is out of town/state, it's just me and Mr. SKOL Man awaiting trick-or-treaters. Two so far – with lots of candy to go! 

Hope your Halloween (or Great Pumpkin) was worth waiting for! 🎃

NO-vember

Well, November arrived today. Acting all cool. Too cool. Here I thought it was a balmy 22 degrees when I left my garage, but when the temperature kept dropping as I drove in the "real world," I had to take a picture at a stop sign down the road. Dang, that's super chill.

At least it wasn't snowing on my commute like yesterday. Thanks, Mother Nature, for small favors.

Of course, after yesterday's Spooky BOO-fay, we had treats leftover. I guess my diet is in transition (above), just like my body.

I'm fully aware that while my body is in the 55 mph speed limit, my metabolism has hit a mall parking lot speed limit of maybe 10 mph. And that's being generous. Trust me, I've seen the pictures.

So in my mind, I thought I should make this NO-vember. Like say NO to sugar, sweets, and bad decisions. My mind said that this morning but I'm eating popcorn for supper between a chiropractic appointment and choir practice as we speak, so maybe my mind needs to pump up the volume.

I know I can't completely fight this "transition" time in life, but darned if I'm not gonna try. I'm sure there's no magic cures, but thankfully there's a handful of people or so that love me as I am. 

I just have convince myself that my self-worth isn't dependent on whether a Reeses's pumpkin or Christmas tree makes an appearance in my daily choices. Maybe I'm just that sweet! 

Wish me luck in NO-vember!  

Tricks AND Treats

Happy Halloween! I just gotta say to all you pumpkin spice haters who were griping in August, having the Christmas season arrive on Halloween is even worse!

My first reaction this morning was: "Well, frost my pumpkin! It's Halloween!"

It was still dark when I headed to work, so I couldn't get a picture of all the snow in the yard, but I was the first traveler on our road heading east. Yikes. Not a fun TRICK for Halloween.

We did have TREATS at work, though, Some mildly spooky...

Some scary gross... but still delicious if you closed your eyes and remembered it was just vanilla wafer cookies in disguise!

It kept snowing through the morning. This is the view from our cafeteria. I realize you all got it way worse up north – with icy roads and such. I only saw one semi jack-knifed in the ditch on my way to work, so I counted myself fortunate.

For fun, our writing team dressed up. I mean I count a "Pumpkin Spice, Spice, Baby" t-shirt a costume – especially since Darcey (lower right) brought extra witches hats!

We make a fierce-looking coven, don't we? And we're writers so we can SPELL! You've been warned.

I told my friend Tom it was cannibalism for him to be dressed like a banana then eat a banana. But anything goes on Halloween, I guess. Side note: He's bananas!

Jim and I are both home now to greet trick-or-treaters. Last year we had one family of 4 and this year we've had the cute 2-year-old neighbor girl so far and that's it. I hope we get a few more.

Though I wouldn't complain about leftover Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, would you?

Have a BOO-tiful Halloween! 

The Good Race

It was a day of racing (of sorts) in central Wisconsin today. First we went to Tom Reffner's funeral, where Father Gruba (famous in NASCAR circles) shared a lot of great stories – both funny and heartfelt – about Tom. Very cool tribute for our "extended family" member, who's taken his final lap.

Didn't quite get home in time to get to state cross country for the girls' Division 3 race, but it was exciting to hear our Lady Royals took 4th as a team and Lucy (far right) finished 3rd overall. That is fantastic!! Love that we have such a strong girls' program – with no seniors. Congrats!

Then this afternoon – in this lovely 38-degree weather – hubby raced around getting the last of the leaves out of the front yard.

And I raced around prepping for tomorrow's Packer-Viking game. Because guess who's going to Lambeau? This girl! It's going to be cold so I had pick from one of our three Viking winter jackets – plus get hand warmers and do the nails and all those essentials. Pretty jazzed my former boss is taking me because, in his words, I'm generous, super helpful and "just a good shit!" SKOL!

We capped off the day with a relaxing (non-race pace) dinner at Savory Steakhouse with friends who just happen to be 1981 Assumption grads – or are married to one. Delicious food and lots of laughs. They're going to a haunted corn maze but I declined with a pleasant but firm "Hell no!" Not, not, not my thing. 

It'll be scary enough walking solo into Packers territory tomorrow. We'll see if it turns out to be a trick or a treat!

Spooky Sweetest Day :: Redheads, Black Cats, and Witches

I noticed a pop of color in our backyard yesterday before we left town. Sauntered down there this morning to take a picture before the trees got naked.

When I realized it was two redheads back there, I definitely had to take a picture! I told hubby (a redhead fan) that I got these for him for Sweetest Day, but he insists his hands are already full. Ha. I'll keep them that way!

We had company today anyway. 

My sister Rayna came down to visit. She has now officially moved from Arizona to Wisconsin, living in Siren again – close to two sisters and our mom. She was visiting friends the last few days and made our house part of her tour! So great to see her and catch up.

To get some fresh (but crisp) air, we walked over to the neighborhood Pumpkin Shed and checked out their fun decorations and inventory. Lots of neat stuff. Get there if you can – Deer Road and 70th Street.

Decided to take our picture by one of the inflatable decorations. Are there 3 witches or just that 1? No need to answer. But we do have a family joke from when we were young and our dad would say, "Get to bed with yas." And it sounded like "Get to bed, witches." Maybe we were hearing it wrong. Or maybe right?!

I bought a black cat pumpkin that could be Sylvester! Perfect pumpkin – it's cute and I don't have to carve it!

After Jim got home from singing up at Rudolph church, we went to eat nearby at The Ridges. Saw a few friends and had a great meal. Now we're all so stuffed we could fall asleep.

Almost time to get to bed, witches! 

Trick or Treat?

Even though we got zero trick-or-treaters here tonight, I do hope there are lots of zeroes after a Halloween treat that may or may not be headed our way.

I did say may OR may not.

To be honest, it's been so long since I purchased a lottery ticket, I still thought Powerball was only drawn Wednesdays and Saturdays. When did Mondays become a thing?

Thankfully my neighbor said something. I suppose if I win, I should give him a twenty, at least.

For now I'll distract myself by watching The Voice, tending to my patient (who improves daily), and finishing a Christmas book. 

Hey, I may not have millions in the bank (yet), but I rank pretty high at multi-tasking.

Happy Halloween! Here's hoping for more treats than tricks this year!

Haunted House Cat

Honestly, if you heard the sounds that we did during the night, you'd think our house was haunted. And it's pretty freakin' freaky!

As it is... our 18-year-old cat going on 88 is pretty psycho in the sound department these days. I just recorded her a few minutes ago as she came down the hallway looking for humans. Tell me she doesn't sound partially human herself here!

Freaky, right? All I can say is sweet dreams! I'm leaving my lights on!

Hoping for Spook-tacular instead of Spooky

I'll blog now before I learn if Halloween was really a trick or a treat. Hoping a treat. But the Vikings are scaring me with their inability to hold a lead! Tied after 3 quarters. Uff da.

Meanwhile, the Braves could take the Series tonight but got a bit spooked and are behind. I am hoping the Braves pull it off one of these nights. My brother-in-law is a huge fan and this would make his week! Plus, who likes the cheating Astros anyway? Put rocks in their Halloween bags!

Alright, gotta get back to my recliner and the games. Was a low-key Halloween here with just one family of trick-or-treaters. Glad I wisely bought Jim's favorite (Butterfingers) instead of mine (Reese's Peanut Butter Cups) for leftovers.

Or am I? 

Crossing fingers I won't need comfort candy later. Happy Halloween!

A Little Hocus Pocus

It's kind of a freaky Halloween when you think about it. I mean we've got the full moon and we turn the clocks back... and the wind chimes outside my office window are going nuts. So I'll just think of it as a good night for flying for us witches. And not get freaked out that I'm home alone!

I think I'll be OK. I pre-emptively watched two Christmas movies to calm my nerves. And relax in general. It was a busy day.

I was fortunate enough to get one of the "golden tickets" to state cross country – well, the Division 3 part of it by La Crosse. I had mentioned that state was weird this year thanks to COVID-19. The three divisions were in three different places and each division broke up their day into three sessions to keep crowd sizes – both athletes and fans – to a minimum. 

It was also weird because there wasn't a clock at the finish line to see everyone's times. They didn't want to give the advantage to the last session of the day knowing what times they had to beat, etc. Strange.

Assumption girls raced at 12:30 p.m. A sunny day and in the 50s – and that might have been the wind mph too. Sure seemed like it! 

You can see it whipping the flag around during the National Anthem!

It was a tough day for our girls. They raced their hearts out, but some of them were struggling. After being undefeated as a team this season, I'm sure it was hard to not finish out on top. But I hope they realize what an accomplishment is was to get to state and run there and finish 9th. That means there's only 8 other D3 teams in the entire state of Wisconsin faster than them! Hopefully after the tears dry, they'll hold their heads high. It was such an amazing group of young ladies to follow this year!

I also was privileged to shoot the boys race during that same session – when it just happened an Up North school was running in that. You know me, Miss Shy. I see someone with a pirate on their hat and I'm like, "Are you from Grantsburg?" Yes, we are. "I was born there and went to school in Luck. You might know some of my sisters that live around there." Turns out they worked with one and were neighbors of the other. And knew some cousins as well. Small world, yes. But it always is in Wisconsin, isn't it?

Got home in the late afternoon and took care of pictures. Didn't have any trick-or-treaters. 

Hubby's hanging out with a high school buddy tonight so that's why kitty and I got to watch Hallmark. Plus I turned the clocks back at 9 p.m. so I felt I could stay up and watch a second movie!

Just a little hocus pocus mind game. Whatever works in 2020.

Happy Halloween!