Fake Spring

The sun was mostly shining during my work from home Monday so it felt like spring with the last of the snow in the yard melting. 

After work, I did a quick mile walk to the end of the street to see the sun  – and admit I did not have a shot of all the planets aligned this weekend. So bummed that didn't work out.

But still, I saw some puddle reflections that looked like spring is on its way. I am forever the optimist! 

P.S. No need to mention the forecasted snow by midweek! Not a good sign for Ash Wednesday commute, church service, and choir. Keep thinking good thoughts upward this week!

Love Stories

First of all, happy belated Valentine's Day! I was busy doing things I love yesterday. Sort of. I mean there was work first, but the our boss got us heart-shaped pizza for lunch. So what's not to love about that?

From work, I raced back to Rapids so I could practice choir a few minutes before our Ash Wednesday church service. Yes, Lent is here. The ultimate love story, right? 

Singing went well and then we had practice to learn a new song to sing this coming Sunday. By time I got home to see my valentine, it was after 8 p.m. We exchanged gifts AND he had a Shamrock Shake waiting for me. What's not to love about that? I will have to make that last a few days!

After that, I had a few hundred hockey photos from the night before to edit so it was definitely straight to bed and no blogging when I got done at 11 p.m. – on a "school night" as we say.

Woke up this morning to a sight I do not love. I know I shouldn't be surprised to see snow – it is February after all – but I was loving the mild temps and DRY commute. It was a bit on the slick side this morning!

Tonight, as I previously blogged about, we went the Rapids airport to hear author John Armbruster share his experience writing the book Tailspin – a nonfiction account of WWII vet Eugene Moran's survival of falling 4 miles in the air after being shot down by Germany fighter pilots AND being a POW. 

As I also mentioned previously, we got ahold of the book a few months ago because our friend's daughter is married to Moran's grandson. Tonight I got to talk to him and asked it he knew about any of this story before the book was done. He said his grandpa died when he was about 20 and all he knew was about the 4-mile fall.

Mr. Armbruster (I'm just going to call him John) had quite a display there tonight. Lots of newspaper articles about Moran and various artifacts...

Including a letter to Moran's mother when he was first declared missing in action.

Very interesting to look at.

And interesting to hear the story and see pictures and hear actual audio of Moran telling John about some of the things that happened in the Rikki Tikki Tavi aircraft.

Loved that John signed all our books and loved that there was a good crowd in the airport hangar to support him and learn more. As someone who loves reading (and writing), that was great to see and be a part of.

If anyone wants to borrow our book, you can. Otherwise it's available on Amazon and quite possibly Target and Wal-Mart. One of my sisters is reading it on Kindle right now and texted me how intense it is. I said, yep, and I feel badly that even though I say "Thank you for your service" to veterans, that I didn't give a lot more love and attention to those WWII survivors.

I'm sure there's a lot of untold stories out there. We're glad John was able to share this one.

Hug your loved ones! And appreciate them for their sacrifices – big or small. 

That Fat Tuesday Thing

I'll have to defer to my late mother-in-law's favorite cat to observe Fat Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras). She loved Garfield and we can identify. In fact, Jim had lasagna for supper! And I just enjoyed Fat Tuesday treats at work!

They did have a Mardi Gras theme in the cafeteria and I honestly did not have to do anything to earn my purple and gold beads. I swear!

But someone brought in Fannie May chocolate bars and someone else made fruit pizza and still someone else had mini-cupcakes with the "good" frosting. So yep, I was full by the time I got home from work.

And even now, after a fun night shooting hockey pictures for Rapids, I'm still full.

But I have that little space for popcorn, as always.

As for tomorrow... are YOU dieting? I may give up some caloric things but I haven't committed quite yet. Sorry, Garfield, it's still Fat Tuesday in my books!

Look Who's Out of Hibernation

I came home from work today and guess who's out of hibernation? That's right. Mr. Deck Chair is back on the deck. 

I know. It's going to be down to 16 degrees tonight and we're probably getting both rain and snow this weekend. But still. He was tired of waiting.

We all are, dude. We all are.

But I am also of the mindset I could use a little hibernation myself. For some reason, I haven't had a decent night's sleep this week. Was yawning my way through the last Lenten service tonight and even choir practice. Uff da.

Pretty sure I'm going to crash early and take Mr. Deck Chair's place. Wherever he's been hiding for 5 months.

Well, I mean if I can still have my heated mattress pad on and comfy blanket there. I can give up sleep, but not some things!

Tis the Season

I honestly had some legit grocery shopping to do after work today. I had to get a few things for a little baking on tap this weekend and a few essentials like deodorant – you'll thank me later. Luckily I took a picture of my list on the fridge, because I got easily distracted the minute I walked into the store.

Seriously. Already? I guess Valentine's Day is over so we move onto Easter but dang, just two days into Lent and I'm having a hard time remembering I was going to focus on making healthy choices. There are so many unhealthy choices in those 3 boxes! 

But oh, so yummy!

Why are the Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs so much better than the regular peanut butter cups – miniature or otherwise – and those shaped like pumpkins and Christmas trees?! I do not know. But I do know I'm not alone on this. Here's a few funnies I'd bet most of you can identify with...

Super breakfast with lots of protein, if you ask me!

I'll give you a free pass if you have peanut allergies, of course.

You know it! I help the Easter bunny fill the baskets to ensure we have plenty of "leftovers."

And in this ongoing pandemic... 

That last one alone should give me a free pass. But I don't need one. Yet. Today, I resisted. No special treats of any kind. Even though I walked past the ice cream case a few times. Somehow resisted that, too. This doesn't sound like me at all. I should probably get tested for that virus that gives you Will Power.

Pretty sure it won't last in my system as long 40 days. Any time I've suffered a bout of Will Power before, it's usually been short-lived and always quite unsatisfactory. And in the end, all I can hear is the clock ticking...

Good luck this season! Be careful, avoid viruses, and have sweet, sweet dreams!

Lenten "To Do" List

I don't believe everything I read on the internet, but I'm guessing even the Pope wouldn't mind if something this inspiring was falsely attributed to him. 

Rather than spew my own inspiring words for Ash Wednesday and the rest of Lent, I'll share this take on a different kind of fasting. A kind we could all try – no matter what our spiritual beliefs and backgrounds. are. In the words of Pope Francis:

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Sounds like a great "To Do" list to me! Bless you all this Lenten season!

Well Shake My Fat... Tuesday

Cheers! It's Mardi Gras somewhere! I don't always observe Fat Tuesday, but when I do, you can bet I give it the same grand-scale effort as my Fat Monday and Fat Wednesday! 

Today, for example, I put on my Mardi Gras mask and beads for our morning staff meeting. After 347 days in the home office, you find ways to have fun with Zoom! Of course, I made it clear that I earned all those beads by 8:30 a.m. by showing people ... typos in their work. What were YOU thinking?

Rest of the day was comparatively boring. But after my trigger-point, deep-tissue shoulder and back therapy after work, I knew I had to take action.

A Shamrock Shake is one way to put the FAT in Fat Tuesday! Not as thick and tasty as I recalled. And no, it's not COVID-related loss of taste. It just wasn't the triple-thick mint magic of days gone by. And why was there no cherry on top? I mean I always threw it away, but keep something consistent from year to year.

Don't worry friends, I powered through it. Lent and pre-Lent is all about sacrifice.

I also sacrificed, er spent, two hours of time tonight in a church council meeting. I only gripe because it interferes with basketball playoffs. (Sorry, Jesus.)

I couldn't watch our Assumption boys play their first regional game – and last game of the season as it turns out – in person because my meeting was exactly the same time. I did sneak a peek on my phone and saw they were basically tied or close to it right up to the end. Port Edwards won by 3 points. Grr. Sorry, boys. 

So now I'll finish my second day in a row of fake holiday celebrating with a hot, epsom salt bath. Don't want my muscles waking up with any post-Mardi Gras regrets tomorrow. My tummy will have that covered.

Hope you all found a way to shake up your Fat Tuesday!

A Slice of Piety

If you pay attention and really listen, you're always going to learn something when you go to church. Or have some message reinforced.

I definitely had that at Ash Wednesday service tonight.

During Lent, there's often talk about what people are giving up. Not as much in my Lutheran circles, but enough. Our gospel tonight from Matthew basically told us to zip our lips and just do it. Don't be pious. Don't be braggarts about our accomplishments. And certainly don't call attention to our suffering. Really, we are so far from legitimate suffering, when you think about it!

Verses 6:16-18: When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

So I don't need to – and shouldn't – call attention to what I am willing to give up for 40 days. Or if I'm not doing anything at all. On the flip side, I'll have to have God help me not judge others for what they are or aren't doing.

During the next 40 days or pretty much all 365 days of the year.

May the next 40 days be blessed, learning experiences for all of us!

Snow Use Giving Up

The real struggle for Lutherans during Lent is that we have no Catholic guilt. I didn't even know people "gave up" anything for Lent until I got to college. (I'm sure I knew Catholics in high school, but I guess they didn't talk about it much.) Believe me, I'm not making light of it. It's just that I really want to give up winter, especially since...

Yes. Another weekend, another snowstorm. Seriously. This is getting out of hand! But again, totally out of our control.

Part of the Lenten routine for many is focused on what we can control. Or perhaps something that tends to get out of control so we really try to give it up for 40 days to prove it doesn't control US. Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, social media... innocuous things that can become addictive.

I'm not announcing that I'm giving up anything. It happens Lent is coinciding with my attempt to reign in my sugar intake. That's why King Cone was part of my Fat Friday to Tuesday schedule. But my major focus is on this Give It Up and Get It Out of My House decluttering business.

I've talked about it so many times, I have to take action. It's too stressful not to. I especially identified with one woman on the KondoMari video I watched last night. She said, "I can't ever fully relax because I always feel like there's something I should be doing, things I should be going through and getting rid of." That's me. And honestly, to always have it hanging there as this "to do" when I have time just won't cut it. The time is now.

This month marks 18 years in our house. I don't know where all the "stuff" came from in the nearly two decades, but it's here. Sort of like winter, it's not going away any time soon.

But I'd love to say 40 days from now we can view green grass in our front yard from inside a clutter-free home. Pray for me. No matter what your denomination.

Spring Broke

Starting to think Sylvester had the right idea: Just hide out in her human's closet until he comes home from Louisville. That may or may not have avoided some of my roller coaster today.

First off, it was a great day at work. How it could it not be when I was armed with my new coconut creation I like to call the Coppertone Trifle. Perfect for our Spring Break-themed celebration at work today! We have an annual day to eat cake and other treats while we celebrate successes of the previous year and get a bit of a bonus if it was a good one. It's pretty awesome.

We also have some fun, too. Because you know, all work and no play make for a dull Robyn Rae. So we got to dress up like spring breakers – no bikinis or short shorts allowed. It was pretty cool.

From there I went straight to a dental appointment – without the fancy glasses. Then I had to high tail it home to pick up my choir stuff since we were singing at the 6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday service.

I pull into the driveway and my garage door wouldn't open. Well it did part way and there was some chord that showed up out of nowhere on the outside of the door. I tried a few more times and it would close and open only partway. I knew I was pressed for time, so I went into the garage to open from the inside. I remembered I needed to pull on the red "release chord" thing to disconnect it. That just about took the skin off my fingers, so I said screw it (maybe a stronger word), grabbed my choir music and sped to church. Yup, still wearing my Hawaiian shirt and Spring Break clothes. Thank goodness for choir robes.

Meanwhile, hubby has had a nightmare of a travel schedule on this trip. Delays on the way down and delays on the way back. He may not get home tonight. I, of course, want to prove I am independent in his absence, so I attempted to get that garage door open. When I told him about it, he insisted it's a light, aluminum door and it should be no problem to open manually. Well it was for me. And I probably pulled some muscle or something. Finally I raised the white flag and good neighbor Mike came over. (Yup, I will still a Spring Breaker plus ashes on my forehead.) He was able to muscle it open but we realized that extra chord that was hanging around was due to some spring that broke or is somehow malfunctioning. Any fix is gonna have to wait.

Conclusion: I may have to join kitty in the closet. If Jim does make it home at 2 a.m. or so, he'll have to park outside. I took his spot in the garage. Sorry, hon! Not much you can do if your Spring Break turns into a Spring Broke. Just hope I don't have to use my bonus for a new garage door!

Feel the Love

It seems so weird to have Ash Wednesday fall on Valentine's Day. Or does it? We are talking about the greatest love, after all.

Of course, it's a bonus to hear from your loved ones who currently walk the earth with you, too.

With hubby out of town – exotic Columbus, Ohio, this time – it's just the Princess and me. So far, no special valentines from her, thank goodness. Did hear from hubby and the boys via text so that was nice, too. Even if all were home, I wouldn't have been able to fit anything romantic into the schedule.

Since it's Ash Wednesday, choir sang at our 6:30 p.m. service. Then I begged out of practice afterward to nurse a scratchy throat. I think there is hot tea with honey and a triple lutz or twizzle in my near future.

Kitty, who's laying on my desk here, thinks that's a good idea, too. Just bonding and reboosting our immune system... and pretending we love each other since it's Valentine's Day and all.

My wish for you on Valentine's Day is that YOU love YOURSELF as much as you are loved. Re-read the bible verse above if you have to. You'll realize you are loved A LOT!

XOXO

Three Words

An old friend of mine from back in my camp days has a special gift for writing poetry. When we were counselors together at Luther Point Bible Camp some 30 years ago (gasp!), Mike would write poems daily and post them in the staff lounge. Not your typical rhyme-y stuff. But deep stuff. Good stuff.

This year for Lent, Mike (Pastor Mike to many) decided to write a poem (or two) a day for friends who provided three words as a writing prompt. Today, Day 34, was my day.

My three words: Kayak, ice cream. camera

There are pictures
I have taken
With my Polaroid
Camera,
Which make me realize
I can never avoid
Tears.
My son
Spilling ice cream
On our first vacation.
Trying to balance
A kayak
And canoe
On an old blue
Station
Wagon.
A high school
Graduation
That came upon us
Too quickly.
And
The last picture
Of my father
Before he became sickly
And died.
All these memories
Held.
Never
To be forgotten.
Never
To be dismissed.
Just
Poignant moments
Where we all kissed
Destiny
And captured it
Ever
So
Briefly.

Pretty cool, huh? I love it. He's awesome!

One of these days I'll dig up some of my old poetry. I did some in high school but got really inspired those summers at camp. You can see why. Some people can see into a soul and paint that picture with words.

Just three words. Good stuff.

Lent Comes in Like a Lion

It's not often we flip the calendar and we have both a new month and a new season on the same day. Today we had March – and Lent – coming in like a lion!

Yup, as tradition (or folk lore) goes, if the weather is nasty (a Lion) at the beginning of March, it will be calm (a Lamb) going out. Traditionally, no matter the calendar date, Lent usually comes in like a Lion... or some strange beast in our bellies reminding us of our Fat Tuesday over-indulgences.

I honestly didn't pay attention and realize we'd be waking up to snow. It was drizzling on the way home from the boys basketball game last night and while we were sleeping, that formed the coat of ice under the light snow this morning.

Fun commute. And here my intent was to give up winter for Lent, but Mother Nature thwarted those plans. Grrr. And B-r-r-rr.

Apparently we got 3-6 inches today, which was evident on my car after work...

By the time I got the snow brushed off and the ice layer scraped off, it was after 5 p.m. and I was not going to get home in time to change for kickboxing and get to class.

That was for the best anyway. I had hoped to get to 1 p.m. Ash Wednesday service during my lunch. But since it was still snowing and the roads were ultra-crappy, I stayed in the office. This way I was able to get to the 6:30 p.m. service. The roads still have plenty of slippery spots but at least my driveway is clear, thanks to my nephew stepping up as the "man of the house" while hubby is gone!

The rest of the pretty white stuff isn't going anywhere for a few days. Highs in 30s and lows in teens. Why can't March be more like February?

I talked to my "sole sister" at church and we are excited it will be above freezing for our big Point Bock Run on Saturday. Whew. Just a nice spring-ish walk/run in 40 degrees. Thank goodness or we'll be forced to actually move quickly!

Then 60 degrees on Sunday, maybe?? I guess that's why they call it March Madness. Looking forward to that sweet little lamb in 31 days.

Five Things

Not sure what to give up for Lent? I made this nice graphic as a cheat sheet for you.

Well, for me, really.

I always think it's the ice cream and cookies that are weighing me down, when in fact it's a lot of other things. So while I am trying to give up the treats as part of Weight Watchers, I will try my hand at this other list for Lent and beyond.

We had a very good sermon tonight at Ash Wednesday service. A big focus on self examination and repentance. Definitely spoke to me and my chronic condition of self-centeredness, which is somewhat reflected in all 5 items on my list.

I must ask myself: Am I trying to please everyone so I can help them and make them happy – or so they will like me? Am I afraid of change because it might humble me and lower my skill levels a notch? Definitely dealing with that. Am I letting my past still make me feel unworthy and unholy today? Do I put myself down because of 1, 2 and 3 or am I begging someone to tell me something positive I cannot see? Why do I overthink? I guess refer to this entire paragraph!

My challenge is that giving up these things really is going to be harder than skipping trips to Dairy Queen. Thankfully I do not have to do it alone.

We were reminded tonight, as disciples of Jesus, we are being called to a discipline that contends against evil and resists whatever leads us away from love of God and neighbor. I invite you to join me on my journey to the discipline of Lent – self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love – strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament.

I'm at a pretty low starting point so it may take more than 40 days to even see progress. Good thing God is patient. Now if I can get others around me to feel the same way 'til i get my head on straight!

Blessings to you this Lenten season!

Life in the Fast Lane

I worked from the Home Office today since I had a doctor's appointment this afternoon (just an annual checkup with Dr. Fun). So I got the unexpected privilege of going to the 1 p.m. Ash Wednesday service at my church.

I did something today I haven't done there before. I volunteered to help usher. Only had one elderly man on duty so I jumped to his side and figured it out. He was very appreciative he didn't have to handle offering by himself, or communion. And it wasn't too difficult – especially with a small midday crowd.

You are never too old to try something new.

Of course that only goes so far. My hubby, who is Catholic, was very good about fasting today. I did not try that "new" thing. It hasn't been a practice that has been impressed upon me as a Lutheran. Plus, if you've ever seen my running times you know Fast and Robyn do not go together.

Ironically, though, I am fasting right now. The doctor wants to check my blood-sugar levels since diabetes runs in my family, sort of. I picked the earliest time possible tomorrow so I can sleep through most of the fasting. I'm such a cheater! Anyway, I will get up, go to my class and get to the clinic by 7:15 a.m.

Then, I may have to get another one of those special shakes on the way home. They probably don't serve those for breakfast do they?

Which brings me to this question: Is it illegal to switch dates on the calendar? It's just not right that today starts Lent and commitments to give something up – and tomorrow is National Chocolate Mint Day. Of course, I never said I was giving that up. Well not totally. I suppose the results of tomorrow's blood test will tell me what I do or don't have to give up going forward.

Hopefully, the results will take a long time so I can at least enjoy MY mint holiday and my scrapbooking weekend in oblivion.

(Good luck and God bless you in your Lenten commitments!)

Fatted Calves

I was going for Mom of the Year when I got up at 5 a.m. and noticed that Carter's homework project was in the computer printer queue, waiting for a yellow cartridge to be installed.

I didn't have a yellow cartridge. But, I hoped that before sunrise, somebody would!

If you see my photo on the People of Wal-Mart website, just skip to the next one, please. I did not look pretty for my homework "emergency printer cartridge" run. Immediately after 5:30 a.m. kickboxing class, I strolled (well, almost trotted) through the aisles, vulnerable to the public eye... unshowered, "glistening" from class, and my face – au naturale.

Thank the Lord they had my yellow cartridge AND special appreciation that for once I did not run into anyone I knew! I guess that makes up for the fact I didn't get a "Thanks, Mom" from the frazzled teenager.

That also was my cue that I deserved a Freakishly Fat Tuesday!

OK, I didn't go too far. After working out first thing and trying to reduce my fatted calves, I kind of was guilted into behaving all day. That and I was too busy at work after 3 days out of the office. I stayed late to wrap up a video-editing project and rejoiced that it was a success.

And that's when Fat Tuesday just got fatter.

It dawned on me that if I went home via the Stevens Point route, I would drive right past Arby's and could get one of their Andes Mint And Chocolate Swirl Shakes. Oh yes I did!

It was too much, though. And now I know why it can be easy to proclaim a sacrifice for Lent. With all our gluttonous behavior on Tuesday, come Ash Wednesday morning we vow never to eat or drink "that" again. I won't go so far as to say that about anything mint-related, but I can enjoy in moderation, right?

(Note to self: Arby's size Medium is not moderation. Uff da.)

My unimpressive Fat Tuesday has come to this... My stomach has no more room for any more Mardi Gras goodness. And since hubby is gone bowling, there will be no beads coming my way. Perhaps I'll just sink my teeth into a big FAT book and go crazy.

Just keep me off the Wal-Mart website!

King Cone of Shame

One of the advantages of acquiring that inconvenient panic disorder two years ago is that I have a yearly physical. Sure, it's meant to make sure my mental health is deficient enough to renew medication, but it also keeps tabs on my physical health.

Or un-health.

When I checked in for my appointment, the medical assistant took my weight then asked my height. I told her I wasn't sure. I admitted I put 5'3" on my driver's license but I didn't think I was that tall. She measured me to be sure. And 5'2" it is.

In retrospect, I should have just told her 5'3" and lived with the lie.

After all the quick checks were taken, my doctor said my blood pressure is great (surprising after the car show), everything else is fine but he had to mention one thing. As a married man, I could tell he knew to carefully relay this message. "Now I don't have a problem with your weight, but according to the BMI chart, you are considered overweight. I am fine with it but since it's a government health guideline, I'm obligated to mention it to you."

If you don't know about BMI, your body mass index is determined by an equation involving your weight AND your height. For example, a person weighing 150 would be fine at 5'8" but in the "obese" category for us vertically challenged types.

The good news is that I am just 3 pounds over the mark. So either I grow one stinkin' inch or lose the trio.

I think we know what I have to do! In my defense, and I have witnesses (hubby and my BFF), I had every intention of starting my "healthy living" program right after the car show. Knowing it would test all my willpower to behave during trips to Chicago and beyond, plus deep-fried food at the car show, I thought it was wise to wait until I could give it full attention. This week.

Had I started just a few days earlier, perhaps I could have avoided the Cone of Shame.

Guess that will have to replace my King Cone once in awhile! But not always.

I am not going on a DIET. I hate that word. It will make me destined to fail before I even start. I don't want to throw out that "It's a lifestyle change" line I've used before either. But I hope it is.

By "healthy living" I merely meant choosing healthy portions and healthy selections more often. (Don't deny myself treats or I'll binge.) It also means mental and spiritual health, too. I need to cleanse my soul and de-stress, and de-clutter my schedule, saying no more often instead of reluctantly volunteering because I feel I should!

This also means de-cluttering my mind (that's actually the easy part) and our house. I had planned to resume my "40 bags in 40 days" Lenten pledge. Not sure if I kept my written list, but I pretty much could start anywhere.

Baby steps, though, for all of this.

Due to my chronic hip pain, which I actually did mention to the doctor finally, I now have some stretches to do to help me limber up and get moving again. I definitely have to ease myself into the walking/running thing. Just like I need to ease into the rest of my newly invented "program." If I go too far too fast, I will burn out or injure myself.

I can't go too slow, though. Or the Cone of Shame will remain in place!

Forward, March!

It was deceptively sunny today. The cold reality, though, is this: It's March 23 and the high was 23 degrees.

I am not liking this pattern. But it did make this image below 100 percent appropriate...

Am I right or am I right?

Needless to say, it was an indoor day. Probably best so I didn't push my limit with this cough crapola. Got up for early church, kindly declined the "passing of the peace" and managed to get through the service with only 3 cough drops.

Have been trying some various remedies from the lozenges to the new DayQuil "Severe" and my old prescription cough pills from when I had bronchitis a month ago. The reason I had some left is because I did not find them effective. The second time around and the same holds true. Who'd have thunk it?

I concentrated today on some of my 40 Bags in 40 Days Lenten mission, which obviously is waaaaay off schedule due to my travels last week. I will say I probably photographed about 40 items for sale and posted those on my "online garage sale" sites on Facebook. Hopefully a few things sell so it was worth my time.

Then I dragged a big garbage bag to the basement "living area" (aka ping-pong, game room). Put a few obvious items in for disposal and then, frankly, did not know how to proceed. I was flummoxed. (Isn't that a great word that needs more use?)

So I gave up for now and will have to create a game plan for that "play room." Basically, anything that looks like it came from a Happy Meal gets tossed. Anything "stuffed" probably smells old and can join them. As for books and books and decent toys, I can't decide if I price them for the babysitter's garage sale or donate them or what. I know donating is quickest, but I also know kids items go well at her sale.

I guess I should quit typing and get working.

Transform my Spring Forward in March to a full-blown "Forward, March!"

TGIF (Thank God It's Fry-Day)

Around here, a person can find a pretty good fish fry just about any Friday, year-round. But during Lent, the area restaurants and organizations step up their efforts.

Hubby is locked in to help at the St. Lawrence fish fry every Friday during the Easter "season." He is running the dishwasher like Carter does at work -- only Carter gets paid for it! Since it's Jim's church, he is willing to donate his time -- as long as I can escort the boy around.

Tonight Carter did not have to work so I picked him up at school at 5 and we went to the church. Managed to drag hubby away from the dishwasher so we could all dine together... with the dozens of other people. Their fish is great. French Fries need some flavoring. But the side salads are pretty good and the dessert table always has a great selection. Since it was Pi Day today I had to go with Pie!

A good meal.

Even though Jim will work there the rest of Lent, I think I may branch off to other providers. Do you want some recommendations from my experience?

If you live around here, KI (Kellner International) does not disappoint. The Ridges is much improved so I like theirs. If you go to Anchor Bay, try their au gratin haddock. Wow. Yummy. Good. If you can venture a ways from town, try the perch at Ponderosa Pines. They have my top vote for the whole area!

Where do you get yours? I love fish so I am always open to try new places.

Any time of the year.

Happy Fry-Day!

Springin' Forward

When you know you are going to lose an hour due to Daylight Savings, you sometimes feel compelled to make up for it. And despite the fact I was in bed 'til almost 9 a.m. today, I did a pretty good job of squeezing as much as possible into the limited hours.

I did have about an hour of actual work-work to do but after that it was go time. I had the house to myself while the guys were on their own mission to get some things done in town, including batting practice, so I cranked some throwback jams and got going!

With the 40 Bags in 40 Days Lenten De-Crapifying Challenge staring me in the face, I knew I had to tackle a major "focus area" to compensate for my late start. I chose the coat closet off our living room.

The thing about our coat closet is that the door opens and you see the coats and what's on the shelves and floor but you forget that hidden to the left the closet extends another few feet. That's where the time capsule was hidden. And by time capsule I mean items that reflect the early childhood of a little boy.

And actually a teenage girl, too.

I know what you're thinking. The '80s called and they want their clothes back! It just happened that stuffed in that closet was a duffel bag of items worn for a sister weekend "Opening Act." It was a good thing I had those saved all these years, er decades, so I had them for that one song several years ago. Now that that's done, do I have to say goodbye?

The jury's still out on that one, but I did manage to part with 3 fanny packs (who has that many in real life?) and quite a bit more. All totaled, I ended up with one full garbage bag for disposal, three full grocery bags for charity and one bag for potential sale. Not bad for one "trouble spot," eh?

I still have a few things to go through from that closet, but I ran out of time.

Hubby and I participated (notice I didn't say competed) in a bowling tournament this afternoon. It was a 9-Pin Tap format, which means knocking down 9 pins in your first roll is a strike. My kind of bowling!

Several friends were there, too, so we had a goofy (note photo) good time. The only problem was that it started a half hour late and we knew we'd be pressed for time to get Carter to school for Pep Band by 6:15 p.m. and even us to the regional championship game on time at 7. Luckily we arranged a last-minute ride for Carter. Our last of 4 games didn't end until a few minutes to 7.

Glad we stayed for our finish, though, since I bowled a 198 that last game! My highest score ever I am sure. And I know I have to put an asterisk there since it was only 9-Pin, but that won't stop me from bragging. I didn't win any prizes for that since my other scores aren't worth reporting. However, I did get to pick a prize when I successfully knocked down a split. That should hold us over until the next time we bowl.

In a year.

We got to the Assumption Girls Basketball game right at tip-off. Since this was for the regional title, the gym was packed with our fans and a ton from visiting Loyal. I had wanted to get there early enough to see Carter in Pep Band and take a photo. He had a special ensemble tonight. Clothing that is. He wore some new blue-and-white striped bibs. Very spirited. We missed the band and he would not allow me to take his picture later.

Good thing our girls are moving onto sectionals so I'll have another chance!

Yup, the Lady Royals continue on the road to state with a convincing victory. Nice job! This Thursday they will take on their conference arch-rival -- Wausau Newman Catholic.

After the game, we dropped Carter off at home and hung out with some Assumption friends down the road. Got home with time to spare -- when it comes to changing the clocks.

Pretty sure that Sunday -- officially a 23-hour day -- will feel more like spring as far as temperatures go. But after my busy day today, there won't be much spring in my step.

Don't forget to "spring forward" so we are one hour closer to spring... when it arrives in June.