Fall Fast Forward

My transition to fall has jumped a bit fast forward with days off and the Hallmark Channel just an arm's length away! In other words, nothing new to report from Stay-cation Land!

Today I did venture out for a few errands.

While waiting in line at the car wash, I realized not everyone has fully embraced autumn yet.

Meanwhile, when I was in Stevens Point this morning, I bypassed autumn AND Thanksgiving and went straight for my favorite Christmas treats! Did I buy two bags? Yes! Did I open them? Not yet! Will they even last until Thanksgiving? Heck no!

Later we were in Point again for our fall FriendsGiving with 4 of Jim's classmates and spouses. We somehow managed to spend nearly 3 hours talking (and eating) and never ran out of things to say! They're a great group!

As a bonus I have some leftover pizza to eat tomorrow... with a side of Christmas Spice Drops! 

No judging. I did buy some other ingredients to get some cookie exchange action going tomorrow. There sometimes is a method to my madness! Sometimes.

Commute and Construction Do Not Mix

There's more than one reason I haven't missed being in the office for the past month. But I was reminded today of a few more as I see the only "light" at the end of the tunnel is a fluorescent one when we return to the office next week!

Today I had a special occasion to return to Stevens Point as the mentor for our summer intern. The interns compete in a special challenge each summer – ideas they come up with as a team that could streamline or grow business at our company. So today's presentations were at SentryWorld – since our headquarters building across the street is under construction.

As I headed out after lunch, hubby asked: "Do you remember the way?"

Ha. But he had no idea how that would shape the day. While I did get to SentryWorld easily. Afterward, the state patrol had the entrance to I-39 south closed. An accident, I assume. So I went north, back to the next exit and realized traffic was backed up some 3 miles at least. Oof.

I figured I would just go south on one of the main streets and connect with Highway 10 since I had errands there. But that street was closed quickly for construction and it took me a minimum of 3 detours to get to the all-important Target store. Ugh. I realize I have forgotten my way around Stevens Point!

But I did find a few of the items I was seeking at 4 stores I haven't seen in 4 weeks. So glad they're still in business! I am so influential, you know!

The only other challenge I faced was showering, putting on my face AND curling my hair! Oh, and wearing grown-up clothes instead of shorts and your favorite t-shirts. I'm gonna have to step up my t-shirt game for the next 4 home-office days!

Team Steps Challenge

We're having a companywide steps challenge at work in May. It started Tuesday but I didn't realize until today that my FitBit is no synched up with the new version of the work app. Darn technology.

Hopefully I got everything reset and reconnected so I didn't lose all of yesterday's steps and today's. Our Writers Assembling team needs me! 

This after for what was intended as fun, a small group of us from Marketing took a short walk across the street in Schmeeckle Reserve – this amazing 280-acre conservancy area technically on the campus of UW-Stevens Point.

I say "intended" fun because is turned out to be sunny.... but in the 40s and windy. B-r-r-r-r! (Side note: Hubby wore long underwear to golf league tonight!)

The fun part was coming across a small herd of what I could only call "domesticated city deer." 

I mean this dude (I shouldn't assume a dude just because he was very busy chewing on his snack with his mouth open, sorry) just looked at me and I was 5 feet away. No flinching or need to run away from a crazy camera lady!

And yes, my Up North brothers-in-law and nephews would be ashamed of me not knowing the difference between male and female deer. But this one looked like Rudolph's girlfriend Clarice. I obviously follow a different outdoors learning guide.

Anyway, it made for a fun little jaunt to get steps!

And now I better log off because I still need 145 steps to get to 10,000 today. Can't let the team down!

P.S. You know me. I am NOT at all competitive!

The Power of Un-Powered Tools

Full disclosure: This is all going to seem like it's coming out of left field... because it sort of is.

My main agenda item today besides getting through work was delivering two pair of arborist pants to my cousin's son. Have I lost you already. He's in Stevens Point (well-known for its DNR related programs and degrees) and saw these for sale through Facebook Marketplace – but in Wisconsin Rapids.

So I picked them up and yesterday I was like, "Dude, I have your pants in my car. When do you want them?" So it worked out that I could meet him and his fiancee for a dinner after work. 

So what exactly are "arborist pants"? Turns out that if you're using a chainsaw like the well-intentioned beaver above, they're chainsaw-resistant. A bullet-proof Kevlar protection layer from serious harm. I can see why he wanted to buy these 20-dollar pants that normally sell for almost $200. Good call. (Also note that according to my blog title they are un-powered tools.)

But who cares about arborist pants? Obviously it was most important to hear about their upcoming wedding plans in 2027. And perhaps dish about our families. Lol.

So after that meal I headed into Wisconsin Rapids to WalMart to find a replace my hair dryer – who died inconveniently, of course. RIP.

And I can't make this stuff up. First my TIRE PRESSURE IS LOW warning comes on. So I pull over knowing that I have to have it in park to "calibrate" or whatever. That happened again when I got WR WalMart. So I did recalibrate again but that wasn't my main concern.

I've recently attached my key fob to a lanyard because it sometimes can fall our of the very shallow pockets of work pants. Well when I parked, I realized the lanyard was there... out of my pocket... but no fob was attached.

So I knew it was in that deeply imbedded spot under the seat that is impossible to reach with human hands. What can I do?

You know, I suddenly realized that I still had scrapbooking tools in my vehicle that I've neglected to unpack that might include some sort of tweezers to grasp it from its secret hiding spot.

And the tweezer for tiny stickers or alphabet letters won the day! A powerful tool that requires no power.

So after that, of course, I wanted to tell my scrap sisters about our life-saving tools!

Well, it turns out my monthly Girls Night Out group was meeting and eating a Whoudini's and I still had time to catch them there. I zealously shared my story with my scrap sister Jenny and then they all asked me what "arborist pants" are and I could not understand how they knew this.

They said, "Well you texted your husband about your dinner plans." I'm like "Yeah, did I accidentally send that to this group too?" No, they said. He's here.

So here we were – my girls night and his last-minute three classmates from high school meeting at a bar we go to maybe once a year. (Including your hubby, A.P. my loyal blog reader. Not that I'm tattling!)

As Rick in Casablanca says: "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." Ope sorry.

Of course I really just wanted to show off a cute shirt I got at GW Boutique (yes, Good Will) the other day...

Random patterns and such a steal. I pointed out that I was fashionably late because I was so fashionable. Thank you to the person that donated it. You've added some POWER-ful spice to my life!!

Possible Guest Appearance :: Vanilla Ice!

Last night's ice and sleet didn't impact me much. I mean I work from home on Mondays and had no place to go until my late afternoon chiropractor appointment. By then the main roads were in pretty good shape. 

But now we're getting Round 2 of Vanilla Ice, Ice, Baby tonight. 

Most of our work writing team is in that little raspberry beret-colored oval in the middle. We commute to Stevens Point from Wausau on the north, Wisconsin Rapids on the south, Marshfield on the west, and Waupaca on the southeast. So yep, a good half of the team who don't reside in Stevens Point proper.

Per usual, if we head out in the morning and it's an ice rink, we can just turn around – slowly and carefully – and work from home. But it just happens that we have a two-day meeting set up with our whole team, which includes co-workers traveling in from Madison and Milwaukee and beyond.

I want to see them, but, no offense, I won't risk my life to do so!

And due to the widespread nature of this projected freezing rain, most of you – my friends and family – are in the circle of raspberry to pink to peach.

No one needs to be a hero. Make smart choices and be safe tonight and tomorrow! 

I mean we're already 5 days into a new year... the weather dudes are due for a wrong forecast anyway. Right?!

Solstice Shopping and Singing

 

Happy Winter Solstice! Although officially today, I'd almost argue that yesterday and today seemed equally short when it comes to the "to do" and "tis done" lists.

Yesterday was a shopping whirlwhind. I went to the farmer's market/winter's market in Stevens Point in the morning because a new coworker was exhibiting his woodworking there – including something on my final list. 

Then I heard from the woman who successfully won a trifle of mine in a silent auction earlier this year. She'd like that plus an extra one she'll pay for. This coming weekend. Since my 2nd trifle bowl is MIA, I went to Goodwill in Point/Plover, Walmart, Kohl's and Target to see if I could find one. No luck.

Got home in early afternoon and showered (finally, ha) and got myself ready for an afternoon and evening of music.

First stop was the 4 p.m. mass at St. Philip's in Rudolph where a few of us (well hubby mainly and me by default) sang along during the service. Then it was off to Wausau to hear our friend Kat sing with STEEM and fun accompaniment by the Neenah high school symphony group.

A group of us went last year and it was so enjoyable to listen to – especially when you know one of the rockstars.

Jim's high school classmate Kat (Kathy) is pictured 3rd from the left.

Great to see/hear her solo performance. And since we've seen/heard her perform in several bands over the years, we could pick out and appreciate her beautiful voice throughout! A great concert for sure.

As a bonus, I ran into one my former co-workers at my current company. He has since moved onto TV only and is loving his gig in Salt Lake City, Utah. My work "sons" are all growing up!

Today was another day of shopping and singing.

Sang in choir and church and then went shopping to prepare (the best I could) for hosting Austin family Christmas later this week. I think I got most things. Shopping among thousands, I swear. Will have to reevaluate on Monday.

In the mean time, we got a Vikings win but I'm just hanging on for my fabulous fantasy football team to advance to our finals. We'll see if Santa grants one or both of those pending wishes or not.

They Just Had to Be Right

When I saw this advisory yesterday, I was hoping that if I just ignored it, it would go away.

It did partially.

Woke up and there wasn't much happening in Wisconsin Rapids. But as I got closer to work in Stevens Point, it was coming down in that annoying slushy way! Darn weather dudes just had to be right!

It was pretty until you had to drive in it. Lunchtime views showed some accumulation. On and off the road.

But yes, pretty when you have a wildlife reserve across the street from work!

Meanwhile hubby texted me a picture of the back yard. Nothing happening. I was OK with that, knowing I'd eventually have a good stretch of road in go-home commute that would be dry!

Beyond the unwelcome weather, today was just a long day. Found out first thing one of Jim's aunts died during the night. Aunt Janice was a spitfire! And I mean that in the nicest way. She loved everything Snoopy and Peanuts and Milwaukee Brewers. Over the years we've traded recipes and Robyn Carr books! She'll be missed.

Hug your loved ones. And be careful out there!

Micro Family Reunions

I hope the above GIF works on this blog because it's so awesome and appropriate today!

So my first disclaimer is that as one of the youngest 2 of 8 kids and my dad was young in his 9-kid family meant my cousins' kids were pretty much close to my age – not my actual "first" cousins. 

So what year is it now? Oh wow. So some 5+ years ago my first cousin Gene's GRANDSON from my old Up North stomping grounds was attending college at UW-Stevens Point. Mere blocks from my workplace.

Then COVID happened and we didn't get to see each other as much as we expected. But I was there for his graduation. And now my cousin (or 3rd cousin once removed??) Luke is back at UWSP for his Masters program and student teaching. 

Fresh new neighbor-ish.

Me: "No pandemic now, we are taking advantage of this this time! I am your only family less than 4 hours away!"

So we met for dinner tonight.

It was awesome. He's fresh off a new engagement announcement (yay!) and just a few weeks into his new role at college. So easy to talk and talk for 90 minutes. I think our family has a few traits: We're well versed in the art of conversation. And many of us have tiny Hedberg eyes.

This has been a running a joke so here we are with our Tiny Hedberg Eyes...

And the alarming NOT Tiny Hedberg Eyes...

Laughing out loud. But I'm also smiling because a relative of mine raised a tiny human who grew up to be a great mom who raised another amazing human to appreciate family, humor and the art of conversation.

My heart is full and I can't wait for many more micro family reunions! 

Build Me Up, Buttercup, Exchange Program

We have many of our marketing coworkers from the Nashville office in town the next two days. So we had a bit of a cultural exchange – most of it involving food, naturally!

Jillian on our team introduced us to OMG Goo Goo Clusters – Nashville's Official Candy – and Moon Pies. And we, in turn, gave her a bit of cheesy exchange at the Feltz Farm and Dairy Store – home of Buttercup the cow (above).

Got to see a few regular cows and cute babies (yes, I know they are called calves in real life).

Plus a unique "How now, brown cow?" moment!

Naturally, we got the photo op! We not only posed by Buttercup, but our Nashville guest is going home with a "cow hat," toy tractors for her kiddos, and I believe some cheese.

I, on the other hand, bought my favorite String Cheese Whips (always so good) and with a twist of cultural exchange-ness...

OMG! Cannot wait to grill or air fry these!! If you like a little spice in your life, try anything Nashville Hot. I'm obsessed. I mean I have a bottle of Nashville Hot Ranch in my fridge, for hot sake!

Oh, and of course we all got King Cone ice cream! I think tomorrow is filled with more meetings than fun for us, but I'll let you in on any cultural secrets. They've been delicious so far!

As Long As The View Is Pretty

I can't complain about my job when the late afternoon includes an Ice Cream Social that leads right into golf league at SentryWorld. So blessed. Honestly.

And even though the heat index was hot enough to melt that ice cream, we were fortunate enough to have a pretty constant breeze on the course later.

My friend Sharon (who had her inaugural golf round with us at Bullseye not too long ago) subbed for my partner Lisa tonight and did amazing. She's still new enough to the game she can hit it straight down the middle of the fairway with a half swing. So jealous!!

I told her the only thing appreciated about this picture is that dang, I do have tan legs. LOL. It's the little things in life!

And here's our group on the Flower Hole for the first time this year for league. The flowers are always prettier than our scores – and we don't mind.

Pretty warm but so fun as always. And while I did have at least one par dance, I was just those same 2 extra strokes that prevented me from a score in the 40s. Getting there! 

Disappearing Act

I've been losing my identity bit by tiny bit lately. Well at least Black Betty has. 

At first I laid blame to the prisoners forced to make license plates. But I realized they may have been provided with inferior materials. Because mine is not the only WI plate I've seen peeling away in the wind (and aggressive car washes). 

My concern has been that the APR flew off somewhere. And while I did renew plates for Jim, Carter and me – and ordered replacement stickers – last month, mine never came. Theirs did. I was mainly concerned about getting pulled over without any proof but an email that I am legitimately renewed.

Since nothing arrived in the mail during my long weekend, I just went to the Stevens Point DMV, a mere 8 minutes from work, at lunch yesterday. I thought I was applying for a replacement plate to my "800 topaz" one. 

But BAM! They issued me new plates and new stickers on the spot. My clever son says that must stand for Bad Ass Mom. Damn right!

Then tonight on my way home from work, I was behind this guy. Part of me wanted to run up to him and tell him this can be remedied in less than 45 minutes at the DMV. The other part of me wonder which "shift" was working on these plates behind bars. 

In the end, I guess I don't care. It's just a relief to feel "legal" again!

Spicing Up Our Saturday

You're never too old to try something new. Sometimes your only regret is that you didn't try it sooner. After tonight's delicious dinner, hubby and are definitely wishing we'd tried Korean food sooner.

We finally got to celebrate son No. 1's birthday. He had some car issues during his actual birthday weekend 2 weeks ago, but Casey and Emily it over from the cities this weekend. Clay and Becca recommended we all go up to Stevens Point and try one of their favorite places – BroKogi Korean Fusion Restaurant.

According to USA Today's 2025 Restaurants of the Year list, this little restaurant (which started out as a food truck just a few years ago) is one of the top 44 places to eat in the entire country.

We could see why.

My dish above was the Spicy Sweet Gangjeong (fancy for boneless chicken). I got to choose my spice level from 1 to 5. I love spicy but I went with a 3 level to be safe. It was super tasty. Jim got the Jobchae. Both boys managed to eat their meals with chopsticks! We gotta get out more!

Anyway, it was so great to have at least 75% of our little clan together. And now that our Rapids contingent knows the is restaurant is within eyesight of my work, there may be to-go orders on the way home in my future.

Looking forward to returning. So many other dishes I'd like to try. 

Including their larger than life cheesy Korn Dog. Emily gave it two thumbs up! And Casey had to help her finish it. It was ginormous.

So tomorrow starts a new week. Make a goal to try one new thing. You might like it!

I Did Dream of a White Christmas

After a few days of snow that marked a White Christmas, we can now see a reflection of a very non-white Christmas.

I knew it was sunny today when I was up a UW-Stevens Point taking pictures of our Assumption Royals.

And though it was a very tough loss to Bonduel, there were some extras on hands helping us get over our loss. While the final score was a 20+ deficit, I was so glad to make up a few deficit angles with many "projections."

Still, there have been a lot of scores during this early winter season to get off of the current posts.

By the time I got home I ignored that, though, and after processing dozens of. pictures, I took a walk with my neighbor Marigene. We both deciding to focus on the simple and the best. Hopefully you will do the same!

Ice, Ice, Baby!

It's that time of year again when I renew my special relationship with chilling temperatures and Mr. Zamboni. 

Tonight I stayed a little late at work in Stevens Point before heading to Ice Hawks Arena to shoot pictures of the Pacelli Co-op team (which has at least one Assumption member) AND take pictures for Parents Night.

I left after the 2nd period when we were tied 2-2 versus Northland Pines. Only because I had taken 2 periods of action photos, the parent photos, and I had a 30+ minute drive home. 

I do usually get to shoot at least 3 home games in the season. Hope they all are mild weather with a few snowflakes outside and the ice, ice, baby limited to the inside!

Let's go, Cardinals!

Artistic Tuesday

As I mentioned yesterday, these are just few (but not all) of the cool things you can see in the Stevens Point Sculpture Park tour. Google it and bring bug spray...

Thankfully nice signage since I entered the park via the Green Circle Trail and I had no idea where I was going.

I immediately appreciated beauty in the park/trail that wasn't man made!

As soon as I saw this, I thought, "Ooooh, lots of details!" You had to look at tiny details to see why the artist said it had "Three Colors, One Heart."

I didn't take a picture of the artist's sign but based on the color scheme, I'm thinking it represents an American worker trying to move forward.

This one was so detailed! It is call Arhelon's Canoe - after the name of a large, prehistoric turtle who appears in the creation myths of the Native American in the region.

So much detail! I loved it!

In my mind I named this the "Beverly Hillbillys" after Jed and all those folk. But the artist from Minnesota merely called it "Scrap Value." We get it.

I loved this gathering area - or at least that is what I perceived it as. There's no chairs there, but holding hands in a circle at each level sounds so unifying.

I love the famous bicyclist since it's a great trail to bike or walk!

In my mind, quite similar to the Beverly Hillbillies vehicle concoction. It you're young, just Google it.

I love that I first saw the backend of the bear but then kept walking and realized the owls are part of the story too.

I love that this one is called "Communication Tangles" since that represents so much of life - personal, work and otherwise.

 My favorite!

It's called the "Elk Centaur" but I just envision it as one kick-ass woman!

The "Lone Wolf" is really cool and so detailed in design. 

And finally, this one called "Furnished Framework" is totally something I (and my fellow hoarders) could see ourselves doing but won't get around to! Pretty cool. Let me know if any of you get around to it!

P.S. Sometimes we don't realize what's in our own backyards to explore or photograph or learn from. Expand your horizons! You probably don't have to travel too far!