Red, Hot, and Blue

 

America's colors – at least in the Midwest – are red hot this weekend! When we teed off for couples golf league at 5:40 p.m. it was 93 degrees. When we got done after 8 p.m., it was still in the 80s. Crazy. Thankfully there was a bit of a breeze.

I guess I didn't bother checking the forecast. But it was quite warm at 11 a.m. when Mr. Deck Chair and I were enjoying a bowl of lightly salted watermelon! We didn't last long!

The blue part of the forecast was Saturdays activities. We had a "Something Blue Before I Do" bridal shower for one of the sweet girls who grew up calling Jim and I Mr. And Mrs. Awesome.

Ellie requested everyone wear blue to the shower. There are definitely and endless amount of shades of blue! I brought this dress out of retirement. I had to stop wearing it when I realized every wedding, grad party, or celebration I scrapped for two years straight I was wearing this same dress! Now it seems new again.

The other blue yesterday was the waters of Lake Arrowhead where the Shermalot Water Ski Show Team was performing. I can't believe I haven't made it down there before now. And state competition it this week! If you've never seen a ski show, it's worth checking out – just down the road at Red Sands Beach on Lake Wazeecha. Oh and it's FREE! I'll be out of town next weekend but do hope to catch some of the jump competition, etc, they do on Thursday and Friday.

Oh and one funny thing... the show host was wearing this shirt so I immediately had to text it to Carter. He said he's see a few around town. Might have to get one when we go up there in a few weeks. 

Unless it's cool and I need a new "I'm cold" hoodie. Can't have too many of them!

The Colors of Weekend

It's been a colorful weekend. But I'll be honest, I didn't like ALL of the colors. Like above. Yes I realize we often consider Labor Day weekend as the end of summer, but dang, I wish the leaves would pay attention to the real calendar! Not quite ready for fall, that's for sure.

Saturday was a very laid back day on Blue Jay Drive. Finally got a little bonding time with Mr. Deck Chair!

In the evening, I shot pictures of the last waterski show of the season. It got dark pretty quickly so i didn't have a ton of stellar shots. I love how they twist and turn off the jump and I never know which way is up, but they more often than not "stick the landing." 

Today we tried to hold onto summer green.

Since our golf scramble for Royals Football got rained out 2 weeks ago, we got together with the other half of our foursome and golfed 18 at Bullseye this afternoon. Always a fun time with Mark and Trisha.

Saw plenty of wildlife – well mainly deer – who were trying to distract us on this very uphill par 3.

You can barely see the green from down below but look where I landed! Bring on my birdie dance!! Nevermind that I had an 8 on the hole prior. No one can take away my legit, non-Mulligan birdie!

After our round, we caught dinner at Ida's. Always yummy.

Speaking of yummy... I was just thinking of yummy chocolate...

As in the color of our new neighbor's nose! Yup, don't tell my hubby, but I am in love with the new guy next door. Meet Moose! A mini Bernedoodle, but a BIG cutie!

Hope you had some color or at least a bright spot or two to your weekend. Yay for no alarms tomorrow! Happy Labor Day!

Beach Day

Spent several hours at the beach today. And didn't get into the water once! 

As I mentioned the other day, this was Wisconsin State Water Ski Show tournament weekend. And it all takes place a mile and a half away! Today was "my" team's turn to compete.

After seeing several of their Saturday evening shows this summer, I was amazed how far they've come with throwing a bunch of entertainment in with the already great skiing. They did amazing. After winning the Division 2 title a few years ago, they got bumped up into Division 1 so they're competing against some big cities like Madison. But our town of Rome crew held their own. They ended up taking 6th place. I didn't see all the competitors so I can't say why it wasn't a higher ranking. I was hoping for it, though!

Got home from there then spent the afternoon sifting through my 600 photos and editing about 240 to post online for the team. Not the best photos since the lake is small and I was getting people on the opposite shore in focus instead of our jumpers. Gah! Oh well. There were a few good ones if you want to check them out. I think this link will work even if you aren't on Facebook.

I got the pictures uploaded just in time for Jim and I to meet our friends Craig and Sara for a late-afternoon round at TriCity. I was actually exhausted before we even started. Too much eye strain, I think! Only got one par, but still it was fun of course. And the weather was pleasant. No melting!

The building is coming tomorrow to do a few finishing touches and then I'll hopefully have some "before and after" pictures to share. 

For now, I need to put in some weekend relaxation time before it's gone! Have a great week!

Weekend Plans

Before I get to the "weekend starts on Thursday" plans, be assured the Circus Trifle was a success today. As many called it their "favorite" to date. I also thought it was sweetly spectacular with an emphasis on super sweet!

Now for the weekend...

Our home is within hearing distance of the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show – which is 1.5 miles away as the crow flies. As I've shared in my excitement as the team Shermalot photographer, these performances are such a cool thing to see. Three days of non-stop shows, all with different themes and "tricks", etc. And it's all free. Park your lawn chair on Red Sands Beach (or anywhere around Lake Wazeecha) and catch some of the action. For me these are skills I have never had and never will, so it's just impressive.

For sure I'll be there Sunday shooting 📸 my team. But maybe I'll get there some on Friday and Saturday, too. We'll see.

My Friday is actually a vacation day tomorrow. I'm in the Royal Scramble (aka fundraising golf outing to benefit all Assumption Royals sports). If you can believe after my friend and I had battery operated fans to cool off in our golf cart on Tuesday night that tomorrow morning it will be a cool 57 degrees when my foursome has our shotgun start at 7 a.m. Wow. 

I don't even know what to wear. I have hot weather / nice weather gear and nothing below (lower temps). I might just power through until it hits mid-60s during our round! I'll let you know how it goes. Of course, the main thing as that I win one of the raffle baskets/prizes like last year. Gotta keep that streak going!

Other than that, if you're local, don't forget Rome has the ultimate Farmer's Market on Fridays. Amazing! Or get some pretty cheap and delicious crab rangoon at the Rapids Farmer's Market on Saturdays (the last booth at the south end of 1st street, ha).

Or if you're handy, help our builders finish siding tomorrow. Yes, it's THAT close. Yay! Before and After pictures to come. 😊

Summer Water Sports

Summer has been so sporadic with the weather. Either it's super hot and we're sweating like dripping water, or we're doing something on or near the water, or the water is raining down on us from heaven.

Last night, since Jim had golf league and I didn't, I caught the Wednesday evening show of my favorite Shermalot Show Ski Team (shown above). I didn't get through the pictures because my stupid computer mouse was dead and needed recharging while I slept. I'll get more posted soon, I promise.

At work today, I kept an eye on weather all day knowing I had golf league tonight. I was pretty discouraged with my downpour view on the trek from Stevens Point to TriCity. Knowing it was going to be a wet round, my partner and I got a cart instead of walking. But when I got to the golf course, it had faded off and somehow, knock on wood 20 times, it did not rain the rest of our round!

The air DID stop moving, however, so Mr. Fox and I were in our much to often "melting" situation!

Still, I managed a great round. If I hadn't ended up in the very wet by then sand bunker on our last hole, I would have carded my best round yet. Dang. And when we were done, it poured rain my whole drive home.

You gotta love summer water sports! Just gotta choose which way you hope to participate.

More than 100% Heat

It was so hot and humid around here today that even the "feels like" temperature after 6 p.m. was 104 degrees. Insane!

Needless to say there wasn't a ton of time outdoors. I did get to a graduation party on a lake -– so that breeze was nice. Then had a photo shoot outside. That was supposed to be a few hours but they decided to take activities indoors because it was just THAT hot!

I did pop down to the Shermalot Water Ski how after that because I had to pick up some raffle ticket winnings. Oh not for me. For Mr. Austin, who hasn't gone to a show yet. But he bought a ticket from one of the skiiers at a fish fry this spring. Lucky!

While I was there, I did take a couple hundred photos of course. 

But am grateful to be home in the A/C. And hoping I sleep like a baby after all that heat and wind today.

Again, stay hydrated and be smart. Sunday will be even worse!

Something in the Air

Between pollen "dust fairies" and the smoke sneaking down from Canadian wildfires, it's not a great time to spend lots of time outdoors. 

But well, that was pretty much our weekend! 

Saturday we went to a cancer benefit for our friend Jeanne, then went to a graduation party, and then I went down to Lake Arrowhead to watch the Shermalot Water Ski Show Team perform. Since they were short quite a few team members, they didn't do the show they plan to do this summer. But still there was plenty of jumping, twisting, and pyramid building!

I don't know how they do any of it. But it's fun to try to capture. I kept looking over my shoulder, too, because the sun was setting behind me and it was getting colorful. The top photo was taken at the end of the night.

This was earlier in the evening. I call it "Smoky Sunset at the Ski Show." Crazy, right?

I took so many pictures that I got to bed well after blogging hours. Sorry.

Today was another day outside. We both sang in our church choirs (indoors) but then we went to a potluck year-end choir gathering (my choir). It felt like summer. Thanks for finally showing up on June 1, nice weather!

This afternoon/evening we had couple's golf league. We have to use at least 3 drives from each player in our two-person couple scramble format. Thank goodness I had enough that worked. I felt like a good contributor. And even did a par dance when I sunk the par putt on the par 5! 

Fun afternoon but it took us nearly 3 hours to get done so we grabbed pizza at the clubhouse and got home after 8:30. I'm beat. So much fresh air (not quite fresh) so I should sleep well. 

I did hear there be Northern lights tonight but I don't know what the smoke will have to say about that. I'm sure I'll check it before my head hits the pillow. Just because I hate to miss out!

Have a good week and be careful out there!

This Heat is for the Birds

Late this morning I had a few photo places to scout out for a shoot tonight. I have my "usuals" but when a girl wants flowers, I had to take an area tour. The downtown park flowers aren't looking pretty with this hot weather. And the sunflowers are now past their prime. But guess who still has flowers? Our city zoo!

And when I got there, only the cocky peacock seemed oblivious to the heat. 

And darned if those flowers weren't in survival mode! Hurray!

Later, as the photo shoot approached, I figured we'd all be melting. Then I realized the chick on this app is wearing a long coat when it's 88 degrees and "feels like 95," so what does she know anyway?

And Laura was a tough super model. She handled the heat with poise. Must come from so much of her life in the heat – and on the water as a skier for my Shermalot team!

Which is a good thing, because we ended out evening in a lake. I mean that literally. Since she was standing in the water, I figured I'd joined her. Ooooh, that was pleasant when it was still 83 degrees at 8 p.m.

I just feel blessed that was the only thing I HAD to do.

You know I love the sun and warmth. But after yesterday's nearly 6-hour marathon in the sun, I needed a break. Maybe this heat really is for the birds.

Just not every Robyn bird. 

Be careful out there this week!

Par-ty Good

Tonight was our last night of couples golf league at TriCity. That was a fast 6 weeks! Since there were 20 couples signed up, we didn't to play against everyone, but it was a good mix of old friends and new ones.

We finished PAR-ty good for our first time doing this. Hubby and I took 3rd place for the league. And tonight our scramble foursome took 2nd! We'll use our winnings for a golf trip somewhere soon. Stay tuned.

Other than that, the weekend was photo-filled. Yesterday doing pictures for my mom's memorial service and today shooting pictures of the Shermalot team at the state water ski show less than 5 minutes away at Lake Wazeecha. They had an early start this year so I was there shortly after 7 a.m. (Two words: early bedtime!)

I don't know how they had energy that early but they pulled off some amazing jumps and twirls and pyramids. 

They're always so fun to watch. And I love when I can capture at least some of the action. If you ever get a chance to go to a show near you, do it. It's usually free entertainment. And it's the one thing I can watch and definitely can't say, "I could do that!"

I'll be content behind the lens!

Weekend Vibes

When hubby has a full day away golfing at Sand Valley, then a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. You know... shopping.

For the record, I'm one of those strange females who doesn't like shopping. So I dragged my golf partner with me so we both could suffer through finding a stepmother-of-the-groom dress today. Thankfully two friends recommended Macy's for "formal wear" so I knew where to go. Fox River Mall in Appleton, here we go!

The only suggested requirement was navy blue, which complements nicely with Jim's new gray suit!

Surprisingly I liked several. I ended up trying on 5, liking 4, and really liking 2. So I got them both! Why not?

A little angle thing...

And a fun layer thing! (Disregard the shoes!)

Just glad I liked a few and got a few and am ready for dear Casey and Emily's wedding in 3 weeks!

For two non-dress chicks, we felt good about our purchase and "celebrated" our success at Chick Fil-A. You know... where the cow says "Eat more chicken!"

Got home in early afternoon so was able to do a few things around the house (spend a few minutes with Mr. Deck Chair) and head down to Lake Arrowhead for the last Shermalot waterski show of the season. Lots of pictures to get through... but it's Saturday night of a holiday weekend, so no rush!

Stay cool and hydrated!

Wild Things in the 'Hood

Today was a free day. As in no definite plans but a few things we wanted to do. First off was a pre-wedding shopping for Casey's wedding. The dad and step-mom of the groom have to look good after all – without stealing the spotlight off of Em, of course. So we found ourselves in Point and Wausau. And I just thought these clouds looked wild and cool on the way home. Feel free to continue scrolling if you don't agree.

The next wild thing was a family of 3 deer. Only the young buck with emerging horns dared to stare me down in my car. Glad the momma and fawn crossed to safety before I got close!

Then there was the mail I got. Allegedly from my famous fox I photographed during the U.S. Senior Open. But...

I recognized my momma's handwriting. Sly as a fox, she is! And obviously you know where I get my clever tongue from!

The other wildlife today was freaking bees. Again! This time, hubby spotted them in the back patio, building a pretty large home on the patio chairs we obviously haven't used this summer. Maybe I should've been spending more time out there but after last summer's snake-a-palooza, I have refrained from setting foot back there. So another trip to Ace Hardware for the good stuff... and the brave next-door neighbor sprayed it to oblivion this evening.

I was busy watching the fun and wild excitement of the Shermalot Water Ski Show Team exhibition. I'll have to sort through pictures and share later. Due to those cool clouds I mentioned earlier, it got dark pretty quick. I'm sure I got a few good shots before the gorgeous sunset.

Hope you're enjoy the beauty – and wild things – this weekend!