Our Sunday Best

Today's Sunday best had nothing to do with the clothes we were wearing or the fact I had a nice walk around the lake or the fact my out-of-town BFF stopped for a visit or the fact that we saw a ton of friends at graduation parties – that we haven't been able to hug in a year.

Nope, the best part was a morning call from son number one in Washington state who proposed to his number one girl on her birthday yesterday and, of course, she said yes!

So the best Sunday news: Casey and Emily are engaged! We're so excited! And you can see from the photo here that our grandpup Rey is ecstatic her human daddy and mommy are getting married and providing her a happily ever after home.

We can't stop smiling about it. They are the best of friends and make each other happy, so that makes us happy!

The rest of the day was pretty good, too, but you can't beat having a fellow Mrs. Austin in our future. Can't wait to officially welcome you to the family!

No Foolin'

No jacket required today. Nor the next few days. But I'd suggest you don't pack away all your winter clothes just yet. Pretty sure in the Midwest right now we're in Fool's Spring mode. Or perhaps, optimistically, the Spring of Deception.

Either way, don't put your snowblower in the shed just yet. Keep it handy. For sure we know April knows how to dish up surprises for us fools.

I say, let's enjoy it while it lasts! Look at the temp this afternoon! I mean it was windy so could have "felt" warmer, but I will overlook that in a heartbeat if I can get 10,000 steps two days in a row and not freeze.

My excitement today was online church, a walk, a run (drive, really) to Shippy Shoes in Stevens Point to get new running (or fast walking, most likely) shoes, then another walk, phone call with my momma, and golf (I watched on TV and hubby was off golfing on his friend's simulator). 

Somewhere in there we wished boy No. 1 a happy 30th birthday. We can no longer say all our boys are in their 20s. I'm not getting old. They are. 

Hard to believe we were out there in gorgeous Washington a year ago this weekend, celebrating his 29th. Thanks to the lovely pandemic, that seems more like 3 or 4 years ago. Crazy. 

Cherish the moments and the memories while you can. That includes loving on Mother Nature over this first or second – but not final – spring in Wisconsin. Thanks, lady! Let's have a good week!

Becoming Unraveled

There's a limit to multi-tasking. Sometimes we learn the hard way. 

Somebody who likes soft, warm things is turning 30 on Sunday. So I had this brilliant idea last week to crochet him a velvety, plush blanket. And get it done last week so hubby could ship it off to Bellingham, Washington, on time. 

I binged my Emily in Paris show on Netflix and got to hooking. I was pleased to have it finished last Wednesday night. But then I held it up and realized I had consistently dropped stitches. Basically, in layman's terms, the blanket wasn't a rectangle. It gradually got narrower up top. UGH. So I did what any hooker would do...

I unraveled more than half the stitches. And realizing I was going to state hoops the next day and scrapbooking all weekend, I unraveled a bit myself.

Obviously I was too tired to consider making sense of this pile when I got home last night. So I got some sleep. Worked today. (No small feat there.) Shot a grade school hoops game. (Have to withdraw in stages.) Then came home to hook like the crazy stepmother I am. But guess what?

Tis finished! We'll ship it tomorrow and he probably won't get it in time for his birthday. But we should score points for parents with good intentions, I hope! Either way, I am in love with this new soft, velvety yarn so I may have to use it again. 

And hopefully not become unraveled next time!

Day 200

Today is Day 200 :: Post-Washington State Trip. Remember that back in early March? Me neither. I don't know why I keep track on my office calendar still. Maybe because somedays I feel like a prisoner marking time.

Our main kitchen calendar reminds us of what today SHOULD HAVE been! We just couldn't bring ourselves to cross it off. And yes, we're assured our tickets will be valid a year from now. But dang, can they promise this perfect weather? Upper 70s and sunny. Just a gorgeous day!

What else is happening in the world? Well, the pandemic is still going on obviously. And our Wisconsin governor declared a public health emergency today due to a rise in cases on college campuses – and  extended the statewide mask mandate, which was set to expire next week, through Nov. 21.

Close to home, this is what the numbers look like here. Just went over 700 cases in Wood County. It seems like we only had 50 or something at the end of June. Wow.

On the sports front, many local high schools are doing what they can for fall sports, limited crowd sizes as necessary. I've been able to shoot pictures of tennis and cross country for Assumption. So far volleyball and football are on the docket. 

Many colleges are skipping fall sports all together. And in the big leagues, the abbreviated baseball season is almost wrapped up and no fans have been allowed in baseball or football stadiums – or at pro hoops and hockey playoff games, which were delayed from spring to now.

Work wise, I'm still working from my home office and, much to hubby's chagrin, I'll be here for the remainder of 2020. Feel blessed to be employed. And think of all that money I'm saving on gas and new fall clothes or cute boots. My pumpkin spice shirt and sweats will do fine, thank you.

That's about all I have to report for future reference on this crazy year. Let's not even talk politics. Please. Maybe Day 300. Maybe.

Take care and be safe!

Sun Streaks

Every time I see sun streaks breaking through the clouds, I always think God's sending us a message. Today it might have something to do with the number 40.

Did you know 40 is mentioned 146 times in Scripture? According to my sources, the number 40 generally symbolizes a period of testing, trial or probation.

For example, during Moses' life he lived 40 years in Egypt and 40  years in the desert before God selected him to lead his people out of slavery. Elijah went 40 days without food or water at Mount Horeb. Jesus was tempted by the devil not just three times, but many times during the 40 days and nights he fasted just before his ministry began. (By the way, that's why Lent is 40 days.)

I think it's fitting that today is Post-Washington Quarantine Day 140. Yup, that's right. The period of testing, trial or probation continues!

What I know right now: We have 172 positive tests for COVID-19 in Wood County. We had 42 cases on my birthday a month ago. Hubby and I only go indoors to the store (masked) and we only see people in outside venues.

I have to work from home for another month at least. Heck, let's say at least 40 days, right?

But we still have our health! Maybe today's message from the clouds is just that. Be grateful for what you have today. You never know what storm clouds are rolling in.

Gimme Shelter

The pivotal Day 14: Post-Washington is drawing to a close. We should be celebrating because we both remain symptom-free AND I was set to return to the office (the real one) tomorrow. But then the governor had a few words to say about that.

I know this is happening in so many states – the "shelter in place" directive – but dang, I was this close to finally flying the coop!

So we'll rejoice in the fact we are healthy and employed and able to work from our little shelter on Blue Jay Drive. Oh, not the one above. That was a makeshift shelter built along the shore of Bellingham Bay 2 weeks ago. I don't know if homeless people sleep there or beach partiers sneak in there for privacy. I do know there probably isn't anyone working from home in there.

So we count ourselves lucky and blessed. Just for today. The way things change with each rotation of the Earth, we can't look any further than the presents in our presence.

Praise the Lord!

Practice Safe Socializing

As much as I understand the current need for "social distancing" to stop or slow the spread of the coronavirus, it's a tough ask for us hugger types.

This morning at book club, where there are always hugs hello AND goodbye, we sat with some distance (not the recommended 6 feet) between us and no touching. No hugging. *sad face* Thank goodness we could still talk and laugh. That was much needed socializing for Mz. Home Office this week.

This afternoon, hubby and I were at a surprise birthday party. Definitely not possible to keep the recommended 6-foot distance between each person. I wore a high scarf to keep my mouth hidden behind a barrier – and tried really hard to just bump elbows instead of hugging anyone. Two hugs sneaked in at the end, but I'm hoping to God they were safe ones. We kept our visit shorter than usual, too. For the most part, though, everyone there was on the same page about practicing safe socializing.

Just not as fun, though! But so necessary. I get that.

Back in the Bubble... Day 5: Post-Washington... Jim and I still feel great. Not showing any symptoms of ANYTHING. But we know we just need to stay diligent about washing our hands, staying home as much as we can, and trying to keep enough distance between us and other people when we're out of the bubble.

Like everyone else, we're just taking this one day at a time. Trying our best to be smart and safe.

And just keep praying all we brought back from Washington was good memories of a great weekend!

Our Moss-fortune

Don't be alarmed. This is not another close-up of the coronavirus. It's just moss. And a lot of it! Let's just take our minds off of the chaos that is everyday life now, and think cool, soft, green thoughts...

It was our fortune to walk through Whatcom Falls Park last weekend in Bellingham. A pretty 240-acre park with waterfalls and lots of trees and lots of moss. I sort of became obsessed with it from the moment we crossed this WPA-era stone bridge.

It looked like a seen from a movie about Savannah or somewhere in the south where Spanish moss runs amuck.

It also just looked historical, if there is such a thing. Just added a texture of aging to the 80-year-old bridge.

And when I looked around, it was everywhere. On the trees, on the big rocks by the waterfalls.

In the "chute" that directs more water out to Bellingham Bay.

Of course, every few years out there is the year of moss because of record rainfalls. So it makes sense in place that rained 3 out of our 5 days would have moisture to fuel the growth of this greenery.

When it was wrapped completely around limb to limb on trees, it reminded me of a Dr. Seuss book and the funky, drape-y trees.

Oh yes, I was looking at every angle!

See how it just hangs around. I wouldn't want it tickling the back of my neck, but it's cool to look at!

This looks more like a snake pit! Seriously, those crazy roots.

And roots that aren't even under ground. Who knows what they're connected to?

There. Did I distract you for a minute? Hope you didn't have any moss-givings about reading this blog. I promise I am not talking about that other subject again today!

You're moss-t welcome.

Washington's a Wrap

It was tough to officially end our vacation at 2 a.m. when we got home, but we managed to sneak in a little more fun on our last day.

We checked out of our hotel in Bellingham after breakfast yesterday.

That created a bit of a moral dilemma. I mean the street value of one roll of this in Seattle could've extended our vacay another day! No worries. We left it there.

(But a side note: Hubby went to Walmart in Rapids tonight to get some groceries and TP, and there was only one package left. Everyone everywhere is stocking up... I guess in case they get stuck at home for 2 weeks and go through 2 rolls a day??)

After checkout and some sightseeing, we made our way down to Seattle for a lunch date. Yup, we got some bonus fun with two of Carter's classmates, who we know quite well – and are friends with their parents.

Nathaniel is in the Navy and stationed out in Seattle and his wife Olivia was just visiting for the weekend – she arrived on Thursday as well (early flight) but was taking the same flight back to Minneapolis with us late Monday afternoon! How cool to see them, catch up, and take pictures to share with Carter and their parents (along with virtual hugs home).

The four of us had a nice lunch at Alstadt, a German bar in downtown Seattle. "Vee have vays of fighting zee virus!"

When we got to the airport later, it really was the first time we saw a lot of people wearing masks. The thing is, you don't know if they're wearing them because they have the coronavirus and don't want to spread it, or it they're trying to protect themselves and cross their fingers they don't get it. And there were all styles of masks. Some were almost industrial-type and others silky and fashionable.

Needless to say, I wasn't completely surprised to get a call from my boss that I should work from home for a few days upon my return. That was fine with me. Getting home at 2 a.m., I was taking the morning off anyway. I had my laptop so I could work from home the rest of the day. While we were careful and washed our hands often, etc., I would not want to be the one starting the virus at a place with more than 2,500 employees on site. Nope.

Better safe than sorry. Sure hope our vacation stays wrapped up on a positive note. It was such a treat to see the kids and such a beautiful area of the country. Try to get out there sometime if you can.

Well, maybe wait a few months.

Harbor Views

Our last day in Bellingham was beautiful! No rain, but just enough puffy clouds to obscure Mount Baker from view. Grr.

Still, our harbor views around Bellingham Bay were gorgeous! Enjoy...

Artsy shot of raindrops on Daffodils at the harbor. Love seeing spring flowers!

Nice day for a ride for a few lucky ones!

She sells sea shells...

Hello, Canada! No passport required when you're "just looking. "

So many shades of blue! Life's a beach when you're on vacay!

We'll miss our fabulous hosts! Thanks for great time, kids! See you again soon, we hope!

We're flying out tomorrow so we'll see how our bodies adjust to what seems like 3 hours' time difference (thanks to Daylight Saving Time).

One hundred percent worth it!

Number One is Twenty-Nine

We're feeling blessed to be able to spend son number one's 29th birthday with him. In person!

Thankfully they have Walmarts out here,  too, so we could snag an ice cream cake and candles for him! They rest of the day was just enjoying time with him, Emily and our grandpup Rey. Lots and lots of time outdoors.  We're all going to sleep well tonight!

A few highlights from around Bellingham,  including Teddy Bear Cove in the Chuckanut neighborhood (just wanted to type that!) And a dog park by the beach. Yes. The Pacific Ocean!

Father-son picture. Just a bit chilly when we started out!

All three "kids."

Playing some serious fetch!

Good girl!

So sweet together!

Beautiful walk in Whatcom Falls Park.

C is for Casey (and Clay and Carter, too)!

Oh, Bellingham. Purple looks good on you!

I know it was great (even warmer) weather back home today. But seeing flowers in bloom trumps that for me! And we'll see what wonders tomorrow brings.

Don't forget to spring your clocks forward tonight. And make a wish if you turned 29 today, too!