The Latest Buzz

Finally broke in Mr. Deck Chair today. But apparently, I wasn't the only one enjoying the summer-like 70s. I call these guys "long-legged a**holes" because they are! They usually sting for no reason. And I'm glad today they buzzed off when I yelled, "I hate you!"

Who knew?

It seriously was a nice day. A little breezy but mostly sunny and high in the low to mid-70s. You know what that means. Skip watching The Masters on TV and go do some swinging yourself!

My golf partner Marigene and I headed to TriCity to hit some balls. Wisely figuring out how to swing again – after a 6-month hiatus – instead of tackling 9 holes. Plus, they were swamped anyway.

Just glad we could start prepping for golf, er Fox Season again! 🏌🏌

I did not do any traveling to visit any family members in the hospital. Rachel needed a day of rest with no visitors. And my other person needing prayers had a healthy amount of visitors. They're both strong women! I hope I inherit that at some point!

Tomorrow looks like another gorgeous day. Hope those long-legged jerks stay away so I can have some overdue bonding time with Mr. Deck Chair.

Get outside and enjoy it!

P.S. Don't look at the 7-day forecast. 😦

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!

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!

Hap-Bee Hump Day

Someone in my family thought I might appreciate this sign! I won't name names but... she was born 9 minutes after me! I'm kidding. She saw it said she wouldn't dream of putting a bee in my bonnet, so to speak, by buying this for me.

And I'm not quite over it.

My right ankle is still a bit swollen but not as bad as Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. And thank the good lord – all of your suggestions – I can finally sleep at night! What did the trick?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I think a combination of my "Sting Operation" here!

On day 2, finding the lidocaine helped some and slathering the heck out of my lower leg with good old anti-itching cream. My cousin had a suggestion about marking my sting with an X and slapping it. I think that actually popped the stinger out. Is that not weird? Something came off anyway. Then I applied the other stuff. And kept applying it. And kept applying it.

For days on end, it seems.

Today we're down to morning and afternoon anti-itching cream. And we're good.

Pretty sure I'm done with outdoor chores for the summer. Mr. Deck Chair was chastising me, reminding me that I don't get stung (or see snakes) when I'm hanging out with him. Thank goodness, he talked some sense into me with half the summer still remaining!

Bee careful out there!

Bee Serious!

I think I led you to believe that the Friendly snakes were my nemesis in the yard. But maybe not anymore.

Last Sunday while digging out some landscape rocks by the end of the driveway. Something got under my shirt – no, not hubby – and managed to sting me twice on my right side before I could get it out from under the fabric. It was a painful sting. I yelled "Oww, ouch, oww!" all the way to the house.

I'm not allergic like my epipen-carrying husband, but I always feel a bit woozy afterwards. This time it was not the woozy I was worried about. It was the pain. Not your standard bumble-bee but maybe a hornet rolling up its sleeves like above or wicked ground bee. Either way. So hurtful. And that lasted on and off for two days while the site of the sting grew a nice reddish itchy-owie area as big as my hand. Finally tempered that with some hydro-cortisone and lots of lotion.

Exactly one week later and I'm push-mowing the areas that our rider can't reach. I feel that stab of pain again. This time right on top of my right foot where it bends. Ouch. Mother mother! I iced it and then put some of that hydro-cortisone on it. That did nothing for the pain.

I tool a Benedryl and went to Wal-Mart to grab some "medical" pain relieve like the Sting Kill ointment (did do diddly) and Dermaplast something spray (that also didn't remove the pain). So I tried some baking soda trick. Not doing it either. I just need something to numb the area like they do at the dentist or doctor's office. 

Any suggestions? I'd like to get some sleep tonight. Thanks. 

Bee careful out there!

Busy as a Bee (or Me)

It was apparently a busy days for bees today. Like they all had to jump on sunflowers for their last meal!

I was busy, too. How unusual, I know. In fact wasn't home long enough to watch any TV. Yes, I know that both my fantasy football team and my nightmare football team both lost. The important thing is the Twins swept Cleveland! We need to make breathing room in the AL Central!

And while I was out, I spent a few hours with our Italian exchange student taking her senior photos. That was fun. And she's such a sweetie! I did save a picture to message to her parents (7 hours ahead) and get it to them before they went to bed (their time).

Her parents were appreciative! And Anna is such a sweetie.

I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening road-tripping to a resort, where I'll be shooting a wedding next Saturday. Glad I checked it out and got some additional photo ideas.

So yes, productive, successful day for me. Fun day for hubby as well, who was golfing by Waushara. Neither one of us wasted any time watching TV. I guess we're winners in that category anyway. 

I better sign off now. I have a busy week ahead. Not going to compete with those hungry bees. Just do what suits MY tastes.

Busy Like, You Know

 

Apparently, bees are busy folks. So if I'm comparing myself to a bee, it sure ain't because I'm sweet as honey. Though I have my moments.

Been busy week. Full work days, followed by senior photo shoots, followed by watching my Twins on TV. Smiling two out of three nights isn't bad. Especially tonight when my Twins were swarming around the bases like a hornet's nest and scoring runs! Nice!

I do have hundreds more photos to sort through before I sleep, so I better return to the hive!

Slo-Mo Saturday

Definitely was not in the mind set to get much done today. Very much a slow-motion Saturday.

Got a few things done in the house before going to a grad party for one of my "nieces" from church. Didn't stay too long since I had projects hanging over my head.

Stopped at Home Depot on the way home. Ran into a girlfriend and we were both looking for some DIY stuff. We determined that when we wear masks, the guys and gals in the orange aprons can't see the confusion on our faces. We both struck out getting exactly what we wanted anyway.

Feeling determined to tackle the back yard a bit, I headed out there and literally ran the weed whacker all of 15 seconds when I felt a sharp pain on the back of my right ankle. I thought maybe I got cut by the whacker cord. Nope. Just a really angry ground bee or yellow jackets. Serious ouch!! Dang it. Why can't they go away?!

So that forced me back inside in a hurry. Not a bad idea when it's 93 degrees out. So I did a few things indoors and then headed to the lake.

To shoot a waterski show, that is. The Shermalot Ski Team is back to performing free shows on Lake Arrowhead on Saturday evenings. They'd asked months before this COVID business started if I could photograph them. I know a few kids (and grownups) on the team, so that was fun to watch.

I definitely got some good pictures – including this guy who I took senior pictures of last summer – but I have hundreds and hundreds more to go through. Since I'm still in slo-mo Saturday, those are just going to have to wait until morning.

Once again, kitty is way ahead of me on getting our girls weekend slumber party started! G'night!

Heart to Heart

Even though we've been together more than 23 years and shackled by our ring fingers for 18 of those, hubby doesn't get all the credit for getting my heart racing on our anniversary.

First it was "Junior" – a new snake in the back yard who is smaller than Freddie but still big enough to evoke screams at 8:30 in the morning. I wanted to get some work done in the back yard before the sun was beating down on me. I guess Junior had the same idea because he visited me twice in 10 minutes. Uff da.

You know what's worse than having a snake in the back yard? Having TWO!

When I got over that, it wasn't too long before I was going to grab my clippers and noticed a swarm of activity near them.

Apparently, I unearthed or disturbed a yellow jackets nest. Or maybe these are the Murder Hornets we've heard about? It's a new month in 2020, after all. So we need something unusually tragic, don't we?

After round three of heart palpitations, I headed inside. I figured it was a good sign I should not do yard work on vacation!

Plus, this greeted me when I got in the house. So my heart wasn't racing really. Just going pitter-patter with its love beat! That set the tone for a great rest of the day.

Even going to the dentist was short and sweet. And then it was onto the water!

My friend Cindy and I had a nice afternoon paddle around Nepco Lake. Even though it was 89 degrees, it felt nice on the water. Breezy and relaxing.

Tonight, I went to Witter Field to catch a little baseball action, shoot some pictures, and visit with friends. Hubby even dropped by after golf and delivered my anniversary dinner. Nothing says love like Potato Oles with nacho cheese from Taco John's.

And flowers, of course, and sticking with me for decades!

Busy as a Bee

This guy was in our garage, which for the record, is a thousand times better than a bat or snake! There was one of him and I was much bigger! He didn't seem as busy as most bees, though, so I'm thinking he was a buzz kill.

OK. No more puns. I'll BEE nice. Haha.

I was busy this week – like in a non-insect, human, full-time worker kind of way. The week flew – again in a non-sect manner. Normally I like that, but we already only have 10 days left in June and I feel like my summer hasn't started.

Should have gone kayaking after work but we were getting scattered showers this afternoon and there was a 60-80% chance of more rain, so it didn't look promising. Then of course, Mother Nature cooperates and we could have gone after all.

Tomorrow is supposed to be much of the same sporadic-ness. So no golfing but I plan to go next week. Since I don't have league this summer, I'm about 4 rounds behind already. I miss my work people and work fun! There, I said it. Took 102 days of quarantine, but I said it!

Hope you can get out and enjoy SUMMER! I'll get back to you with the latest buzz tomorrow!

April Showers Bring May Flower Moon

Apparently, I haven't been paying much attention until recent years when I've had a decent camera. But did you know there's a special name for the full moon each month? Well, OK.  I didn't know that.

The full moon of May is known as Flower Moon to signify the flowers that bloom during this month. And this year, it's actually the final supermoon of 2020. Evidently, this “super flower moon” will peak in the sky tomorrow morning at 5:45 a.m. central, according to NASA.

See my photo? Considering it is this full and bright over my house right now, I'm not setting any alarm!

Also, I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but this super flower business is also messing with my flowers. The one year I did not procrastinate and got my hanging flower baskets already and this is our forecast the next few days...

Yup, you read that right. Not only freezing or below freezing until next Tuesday at least, but we have a chance for snow and, forecasters say, potential record lows for Mother's Day weekend.

Seriously, Mother Nature. You gotta stand up to Ol' Man Winter. Don't let him back in your life, woman!

While they sort that out, we'll just try to save our flowers and the bees – who apparently are in danger of being decapitated by Murder Hornets. Don't even say you wonder what's next. Because we've gotten some scary answers, haven't we?

Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Bring in your flowers. And be safe out there!

Birds and Bees... Well Just Bees

 When I was doing some photo shoots at the museum yesterday, a volunteer was working in the gardens. Since I am me, I struck up a conversation while waiting for my photo subjects. She was bee watching – not to be confused with bird watching.

She noted that since it was a cool morning, the bees were moving slowing. I guess that makes sense since I know they are pretty active on hot days. Suddenly she let out a loud whisper (it's a thing) and said, "Oh my! There's a queen bee!"

I'm like, "How can you tell?" She replied, "See how big she is?!"

Well, they all look big to me. Anyway, she ran to her car to get her camera and I just happened to have mine!

So here's a queen bee for you. Looks like she's spread out on the comfy couch for a nap.

Still... I wouldn't mess with her! There were plenty of her loyal subjects around. Moving slowly, yes, but they can fly faster than I can run, I'm quite sure!

She also commented that people her that count bees or whatever noted that a certain kind of bee not seen around here since 1967 was just spotted in the next county over. How do they get that close to them to tell the difference? I guess when you live with someone who carries an Epi-Pen, you don't get that close.

Every had a hobby. While she did hers, I did mine. Might as well stop and smell the flowers – but check for bees first.

Little hornet buzzing around.

Big Daddy Long Legs in top right flowers. I did not kill it, so don't blame me for any rain!

I don't know if this bee is royalty or not. Just glad that despite reports of bee shortages, there are still some around!

We'll just keep our distance and use the zoom!

None of Your Beeswax

This will age me, but... I remember as a kid that we'd sometimes say, "None of your beeswax!" or "Mind your own beeswax!" instead of "Mind your own business!" So clever we were.

Fast forward a few decades and now we are trying to mind the beeswax and save the bees!

Apparently, the South Wood County Historical Museum in Wisconsin Rapids is doing their part. Since the storm cleanup there is done, I was taking some senior pictures after work today. And caught the buzz.

 
Since I know nothing about gardening, I don't know what this flower is, but it sure was popular.

Need a closer look? That's how many bees were right there! And that's just a fraction!

Was grateful hubby wasn't with me, since he's deathly allergic. I am mildly allergic, too. But the bees and me, we had a deal. I'd mind my own beeswax and they'd mind theirs!

So I got the photo shoot done and can now commence to a busy weekend of fun. What are we doing? Oh, none of your beeswax!

Ahh, c'mon. You know I'll share!

Keep Blooming

Of course we'll never forget 9/11 or the days and weeks surrounding it. For me, it meant lots of long hours in the newsroom. Writing, reading or hearing stories of sadness and shock. But there were also seeds of hope.

That's what I don't want to forget.

How we came together as one. One community. One nation. Caring for each other. Respecting each other. Uplifting each other. I want that back. Can it happen again without a tragedy? Can we learn from nature that even after the cold, dark winter, spring and summer come with light and warmth and a chance to bloom?

Despite all the images of remembrances today, the 17th anniversary of the tragedy, I did see signs that hope can bloom IF it is planted.

This guy was buzzing next to me while I was eating my lunch in the courtyard at work. He and a lot of his buddies were zooming from flower to flower, taking advantage of a gift staring them in the face.

Tonight at golf league, my game was not looking pretty, but our course always does.

Our signature Flower Hole at SentryWorld has some 30,000 flowers in bloom. Despite the fact we're way past peak. And the nights are getting cold.

All these flowers today just show me that if we are resilient in the tough times, we can rise from the dirt, grow, and eventually bloom.

I want that. I just hope we can get there because we want to. Not because we have to.