Pine Public Enemy No. 1

OK, this war against the yellow-green monster has escalated. Not only is my black car eligible for a different color on my registration, but now I have TWO pairs of shoes that need TLC.

First, even though my brand spankin' new golf shoes are water proof, they have a mesh body not leather, so they can't just be wiped clean.

Then today, after two photography site visits, my black denim-type boots (for lack of a better description) have a yellow sheen to them too. 

I can handle the car wash part. But I am calling out to you – my Household Hints from Heloise sisters – what's the best way to clean this off my precious footwear? 

I'm not a princess. I've rarely cared if my footwear shows a little wear and tear, but Pine Public Enemy No. 1 is a different monster. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Pollen and Pirouettes

What an exhausting weekend – between fighting off the evil yellow-green pollen showers, rain showers, dance recitals, grad parties, and golf. Last time I checked, I guess hubby and I survived it all.

For me, Saturday was focused on the Studio 48 recital first. The senior/graduate daughter of one of hubby's golf buddies was having her last recital. Thankfully they sneaked me into practice Friday night so I could capture some images (like the one above) close up and no heads in the way.

But yesterday was a bit of a free-for-all as I kept running into people I knew then looked at the program and realized I knew dancers in 23 of the 40 numbers. Good thing I had a lot of storage on my camera's smart card!

(P.S. When I got out of the recital, I had to head to the car wash since that yellowish-green pollen was clearly winning.)

Also, the whole recital was super entertaining – so I'm glad I could be there and capture some of it. And after sorting through it all and posting photos to about 1:30 a.m. today, you understand why I didn't blog last night.

Today was a busy afternoon as we had time to watch some golf and then play our couples' league. 

After the crack of thunder woke us up today, I headed up to Shippy Shoes where my golf partner said I could get some decent (aka expensive) waterproof golf shoes (that were super comfortable, of course). That worked. And they were my size. And I was pretty encouraged going into tonight's round.

First, the weather cleared up. Secondly, my new water-proof shoes were very comfortable. 

But then third, that darn green-yellowish pollen descended on us the whole round and I have new pine pollen issues to take care off. My poor new shoes! 

I'm just hoping that since they are waterproof, I can hose them down tomorrow, let them dry in the sun, and pretend this episode with Mother Nature never happened. Good luck to you trying to accomplish the same!

Summer Scratch 'n' Sniff

I took a lunchtime walk with my friend Jenny and her lilac blooms were heaven scent! As I shared a photo of them, I said, "You can smell this picture, can't you?" That's when I thought that lilacs would be a great adult Scratch 'n' Sniff sticker! 

Sorry if you're too young to remember this staple of all our school notebooks in the '80s! It was entertaining and pretty amazing! 

As it turns out, my thought was not unique. There is actually a company called Everything Smells that has a lilac sticker! I might have to look into that now that I found it. 

Today was quite the summer reveal in Wisconsin. I thought yesterday was a nice golf day...

...But today – with our high of 86 – it would have been a nice afternoon to ride a boat after work. If you were the type of person who has one.

Instead, just like trying to keep up with salt accumulation on the car in the winter, I made a pointless attempt to keep up with washing the yellow-green pollen on my car. after work. It may last a day. Or maybe two. Meanwhile...

I created this very IMPORTANT POLL: Yes it's 85 degrees out but Spring Sports are not over, so...

• Keep the winter clothing in the backseat (👍)
• Remove and trust Mother Nature this once (🤣)

Thank you for your participation.

So far, the results reflect a resounding anti-trust issue with Mother Nature! So I'll give it time. And, so far it is not interfering with space for my golf pull-cart and clubs! 🏌

Be careful in this heat and careful, too, for the wicked weather which may or may not interfere with Tuesday afternoon tee time! Again... Mother Nature trust issues.

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!

Mother's Day Treats

A summer day like this is a treat any day, but on Mother's Day it feels like maybe Mother Nature was catering to us moms who love sunshine and warmth! 

Of course, Mother's Day is always special because hubby makes me homemade Eggs Benedict for breakfast.

A delightful meal at Cafe el James with country fresh egg a la Trevor (our neighbor). Perfect!

Since we didn't have any offspring visiting, Jim also treated me to golf at Northern Bay. It's located in Adams County and going to be the next big thing until Sand Valley stole the spotlight. We've played there a few times but it's been a few years.

Their claim to fame is several "replica" holes closely mimicking famous golf courses. 

Some were a bit of a stretch, if you ask me.

But the Sawgrass island green was definitely one I recognized.

And just like the pros do (sometimes), both our drives took a swim! Still, it was fun.

Only downside was lots of mosquitoes, high winds, and like the top weather picture mentions – poor air quality. My eyes were so full of sand and pollen that they were itchy and bloodshot by the time our round was done. The price we pay for fun, I guess. 

All that fresh air – and my first 18-hole round of the season – and I'm sure to sleep good tonight. Thank goodness it's cloudy so I won't be tempted to view the remains of the Northern Lights.

Hope all you mothers had a wonderful day and were spoiled like you deserve!

October-Fest Eve

If you look at the calendar, we still have a few hours before October. Yet, there sure was a lot of October-Festing going on. I guess since most of my day was seasonally related, I was festing, too.

Took a road trip to Waupaca with my friend Marigene. I didn't have any furniture shopping advice to give her, but sometimes it's just fun to have someone along for the ride. After visiting Stange's, where I got some inspiration for next home improvements, we headed north of town to Christiansen's Orchard.

This wasn't a pick-your-own gig.

They had lots of interesting varieties bagged up, along with various jams, jellies, and apple cider.

All I could think was that I don't have a kitchen right now to do any baking. So...

I bought one of their fabulous-looking apple pies. Still gotta get some vanilla ice cream tomorrow. Then I'll dig into it.

Jim had choir up in Rudolph this afternoon, but when we got home we headed to Whiskey Rapids Saloon to meet some friends for their Oktoberfest celebration.

Caught a few tunes from the Ultimate Polka Band from Stevens Point. Then it switched over to a country band.

Blame it on Waylon is an amazing regional band. Could've listened to them all night but my stinkin' allergies are still messing with me. Still don't fell 100% so wisely called it an early night. Maybe instead of fall allergies, these are just September ones.

I guess it's time to welcome October! Everybody's doing it.

WTF (What The Fall?)

Been a little out of the loop as I deal with a new fall favorite. Not pumpkin spice. Allergies! 

Woke up Thursday morning coughing and had a runny nose. That continued through the day and in one of my work meetings, someone mentioned maybe I had fall allergies. Well, I've never had those before!

But according to Dr. World Wide Web, I definitely matched the symptoms: runny nose, coughing, watery eyes and even the "dark circles under the eyes." Who knew that was a symptom? As a precaution, I took a COVID test and that was negative. I just couldn't figure out what triggered it. Until... 

One of the online sites had this to say: Mold is another fall trigger. You may think of mold growing in your basement or bathroom – damp areas in the house – but mold spores also love wet spots outside. Piles of damp leaves are ideal breeding grounds for mold.

So you mean after spending an hour in the light rain in piles of leaves for a photo shoot Wednesday night, that could be a trigger?! Sure was. 

Claritin helped but I took today off anyway. I think I needed to catch up on rest after three solid weeks of gutting the kitchen and dining room plus a wedding in there. My body needed to rest. And the rest of the house needed a little attention.

Didn't get too far with that. I woke up in the middle of the night and ended up watching the Ryder Cup (over in Italy) and tried a few naps today between mopping, washing windows, and of course – golfing!

It's been a few weeks since my golf partner Marigene and I got out. We were a bit rusty, but who cares? Let's get more rounds in since it FINALLY stopped raining. I figured as long as I already had the allergy gig going, I might as well try to enjoy the outdoors.

And keep Kleenex (or Porta Potty toilet paper) on hand! 

Like I said, I am not used to or equipped to handle fall allergies. Bless your heart if you deal with this every year. Now that I've been there, done that, I don't really see the need to experience this again.

Just do your thing, Claritin. Please.

Don't Bee Cruel

It was a typical Saturday of summer. Kind of. I slept in while hubby golfed at his usual 7:30 a.m. tee time. Then he came home and mowed the lawn and I took my sun-seeking sister out on the swing. Just two girls on a swing – watching our favorite human.

After we got enough heat, I took her inside and did some indoor chores. I had just finished vacuuming when Jim came in the house looking for ice. He accidentally disturbed a ground bees nest in the back yard and was stung in the ankle.

If you recall, he's extremely allergic. His epipen was in his golf bag but he didn't think he needed it just yet. It took less than 10 minutes for his palms to start itching like crazy (sometimes it's his fee) so we headed to the walk-in clinic, which thankfully is open until 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

When you have an bee sting allergy they push you to the front of the line and take you in while your spouse handles the paperwork. I remembered this from last time. Whew. Because they were busy enough he would have had serious issues be the time they called him in with the "regular" patients there.

One shot in the backside and a 20-minute wait, when just a trip to the pharmacy for additional meds and we were back to our normally scheduled Saturday programming.

First stop was a surprise 35th anniversary party for our friends Curt and Angie. And they were legitimately surprised. So that was cool. We were there an hour or so and by coincidence, we had another party in the Rudolph area about a mile or 2 away.

As soon as we got to Lars and Ashley's party, I felt like there was an angel (or devil) over my shoulder telling my to shake my hips and legs or, at a minimum, put on my blue suede shoes.

Too funny that for their annual summer party they hired an Elvis impersonator. And his voice was spot on!

And he was perfectly OK being part of our selfie. Thank you very much!

He also convinced Carter's former babysitters Jon and Audrey to dance!! 

During intermission, we returned to the anniversary party but we got evidence he changed into a typical Elvis jumpsuit. Pretty cool for someone who seems way too young to know Elvis!

We hung around the anniversary party campfire which was more like gasoline on plywood. But still, great company so how could we leave?

My camera phone captured the nearly full moon that lighted our way home. I don't know how Jim lasted all day with the Benedryl and other drugs without succumbing to sleep, but we made it home safe and sound. And while were gone, our next-door neighbor sprayed those two nests to death.

Have I mentioned lately how blessed we are? Hope you all are having a great (and safe) weekend too!

To Bee or Not to Bee

So the situation on Blue Jay Drive is this. Hubby is deathly allergic to bees (as in Epi-Pen and ER) and I am mildly allergic to bees (as in I might faint, let me lay down). So the other evening, when Jim mentioned there was activity under our front deck, I came to one conclusion.

I haven't been spending enough time with Mr. Deck Chair or they'd know this is stupid, highly-trafficked area to build a nest. 

After a camera phone survey under the deck, I came to the same conclusion. They're stupid, I haven't been spending enough time with Mr. Deck Chair AND I needed to save my husband's life.

Last night, I finally removed the lattice around the deck, laid down on rocks and sprayed the hell out of that nest. 

I thought I was super hero successful until Jim said he saw some buzzing around today. So I got new supplies and waited until their "resting time" according to the can at sunset. Then sprayed the heck out of the same nest again. Maybe with a bit better aim since it was lighter out.

It kind of looks like Darth Vader visited. I hope that's a good sign that I hit the target this time. There was some buzzing, so I know a few escaped their demise. I just hope they're smart enough to move along.

It'd be nice if we could just be in charge of our OWN excitement this summer! Be careful out there!

And Luck Ran Out

Last week when I looked at my calendar marking my "Days out of the office" I felt like I'd won the jackpot. I mean 777 is pretty lucky on the slots, isn't it? Not so much on this calendar, though.

While 777 looked good last week and the thought I might be back there in 45 days was OK news, too, the 783 was the best number in that many days. Because that's how many days I outran "IT". And that's why 784 is the worst day.

That's the day IT caught me.

After finding no lasting relief from those "spring allergy" symptoms I was battling, all week, I took the plunge. Or I should say, I took the swipe.

The "positive" line on the test showed up in 2 seconds flat. No sense delaying the obvious news. 

Damn.

Doesn't matter from who, what, why, where or when. That won't change anything. This princess has been banished to her tower! And majorly bummed since we had "planned" a concert tonight, two weddings tomorrow, and trip to see friends on Sunday. All off the books now. But at least I'm the only positive here.

And when I get off the Pity Pot, I'll remember I'm grateful I am fully vaccinated and boosted. I'd prefer these "allergies" to having a ventilator tube stuck down my throat. 

As I often say: Be careful out there.

Caught a Bug?

Stupid Stink Bugs are invading the house again! They aren't the only ones. I think cold and flu bugs are going around, too. And, for this girl, spring allergies.

I don't get them every year – just the ones where there are extreme temperatures changes like, oh say, this past weekend. Several hours outside on Saturday and Sunday when it was in the 60s. Then drops like a dead bug down to the 20s and 30s. Eww. That is gross, isn't it?

So I've had the dry, scratchy throat that always reminds me of strep. But was quickly followed by the pesky cough and my favorite – stinging, water eyes. 

Still like this bug better than a stink bug. Just wish the anti-allergy meds didn't make me feel out of it. Yes, I take the daytime, non-drowsy ones, but I still feel like I'm walking around with my head floating above me like a helium balloon.

Again, I still love spring better than winter. Come what may.

Speaking of May... Just 4 days away and I was wearing my winter coat and hat shooting some pictures of Lincoln High School baseball tonight. So not spring-like. I'll back for another game on a nicer day. Mainly because I was there to photograph two players and one was there and the other one forgot his uniform. 

I guess I'm not the only one out of it.

Be careful out there!

Hey, Bud

If you're a perennial or even occasional allergy sufferer, you might not smile as much as the next guy when you see trees budding and temperatures climbing.

To make matters worse, if you start to get that stuffed nose or scratchy throat, your initial will likely be "Do I have COVID?" rather than "Do I have Claritin?"

A friend of mine is experiencing this right now so I had to dig deeper. Well, not that deep, but deep enough to impart some knowledge...

So how do allergy and COVID-19 symptoms differ?

Some of the most common allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, congestion or runny nose. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever and chills, muscle and body aches, loss of taste or small, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. 

Sources say symptoms both allergies and COVID-19 can have in common include cough, fatigue, headache, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion or runny nose.  Oh. Just those? Of course, I also read that seasonal allergies don't usually cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing – unless you have a respiratory condition that can be triggered by pollen exposure, such as asthma. So there's that.

The bad news... I sense I'll get hit with my occasional allergies this time around since historically I do when the temps really warm up early in the season – like now.

The good news... allergy sufferers can sneeze right into their face mask, which can double as a handy hanky!

Good luck, Buds!

Adding to the Confusion

I don't get spring allergies every year. Only the years where April and May experience extreme temperature changes – you know, like get sunburned one weekend then see snow on Mother's Day. That sort of erratic behavior.

So this is one of those years, but to make things worse...

While I think my symptoms are spring allergies, are they?? It's kind of scary. I'm hoping Claritin is the right answer! Hubby hopes so, too, after I coughed all night.

Plus I had that scary episode today where I lost my sense of taste (a COVID-19 symptom). Turns out it was just kind of stale, store-bought popcorn. Wasn't a ton of taste to it but Jim thought there was. So I had to eat taste test everything with distinct tastes – like my blueberry waffle cone ice cream and Butterfinger bars – to be sure I wasn't losing it. No worries, I can keep on eating and building up to that Quarantine 15!

And don't feel bad for me. This won't make me stay indoors. We had a gorgeous day today and another on the horizon Saturday. Gotta enjoy it while we can. Even if "enjoying" might involve yard work.

I'm sure a lot of you are suffering through this as well. And for one spring in our lives will be grateful it's ONLY allergies! Take care and be careful!

Stop and Smell the Flowers (unless you're allergic)

So Wisconsin is in the middle of crap-show (PG language) right now as the state Supreme Court sort of overruled our governor's Safe at Home extension that had most non-essentials businesses, etc., closed until the day after Memorial Day. Now he has to work with legislators and they need a new or revised plan.

Lots of mixed messages and feelings and vocal opinions on social media right now. Let's ignore that and look at something pretty I saw near Rudolph...

To some, it's a field of allergies!

But I say it's bright and pretty. So look at it and smile, darn it. Then keep washing your hands, no matter what decisions are made in the next week.

Thanks. Have a good night. And be safe!

Big Fair Weather Fan

I'm not just a fair-weather fan. I am a fan of fair weather!

Loving these summer-like temps that sneaked back into the forecast. I think today we might have gotten even warmer than 82 degrees here but I couldn't find the final high. Was able to take a walk break at work and get in a walk tonight.

The only downside is that if you look closely at the forecast you will see we are losing practically 2 minutes of daylight a day!

Tonight, my neighbor Cindy and I got out for a walk and needed a flashlight on the way back and it wasn't even 8 o'clock yet. Dang. That's the part I don't like about the late summer transition to fall.

That and those pesky allergies that are just my nemesis this year. If I could possibly just address one ailment at a time, my body would appreciate it. Thanks.

Still, I have it 100 times better than so many who have no reason to enjoy the weather – as it has spawned these terrible storms in humid areas and fires in dry areas. Uff da. I'll take a nice summer-like September day with a stuffed nosed over any of that.

Big fan.

Dust In The Wind

I hope I don't get in trouble with Kansas for stealing their song title. It seems that even though my personal allergies to pollen were short-lived (hallelujah), my car is still suffering.

Last night after work, every car in the parking lot looked like it had been through a pollen mud bog. I went to the gas station to go through the car wash and the line was 6 cars deep. So I skipped it and just made sure I could see out my windshield.

Today, by lunchtime, they were all survivors of muddin' again so I took mine to the car wash. Ahhh. That felt good, my car said. But just four hours later, after work...

A new layer had already formed! Are you serious?

Based on the buds on the trees, it would seem we should be past this blowin' in the wind stage (to steal from yet another song). I wonder if maybe the stuff on the ground got stirred up from the landscaping crew.

Yup, College Boy and Company were at our office again, mowing, clipping, pruning, etc. Last night Carter had mentioned that the crew sometimes stops for a cool treat at DQ or Culver's. I didn't have any cash to float him until pay day. When I saw him today I remembered to go to the ATM (conveniently located in our lunchroom) and give him some cool cash.

So yes, I tipped the lawn boy a twenty. I left it up to him if he was going to tell his co-workers that I also used to fund his daycare and diapers, too!

Heck, I might give him more next time if he can get rid of this green dust in the wind.