Monday :: Best Served With a Side of Kringle and B-Day Cake

Most working (even retired) adults know that the Monday after a weeklong vacation can be a bit hell-ish. Digging out of emails and seeing what "essential" things you missed. How did I cope today? First meal a Kringle and last treat chocolate Birthday Cake! That helped. A lot.

A neighbor is selling Kringles for a fundraiser. (I can hook you up!) As I placed my order last night it dawned on me that we have two (Kringles, not neighbors) in our basement freezer. Apparently I don't visit it often enough. So I trotted downstairs to get my favorite flavor – the almond one! – set it out to thaw for breakfast.

Of course, I was a bit harried to get through my long commute across the hallway, so just dove into my laptop and my Christmas Spice Drops. Hubby walks by a short time later and says, "Wow, that Kringle is good!"

The Kringle!! Step aside, gum drops. Momma needs her favorite Racine pastry!

That surely helped. Though I did consume a few red and green treats during the day, as well. Jim's like "Just take the bag in your office." My response: "No, this is the only way I'll get steps."

For the record, I got 1,000 gum drop steps to the kitchen today. That counts for something, right?

After work I had a chiropractor appointment, then we met Jim's sister and her husband at their dad's. My father-in-law Johnny is 89 years old today!!

We had pizza and cake. We forgot to bring a candle so I just said, "Make a wish and pretend to blow one out!" 

That cake was super rich so I'm full. But... I wouldn't mind one more treat in the form of a purple victory tonight! Kickoff is shortly. I gotta go get my mind set!

Have a good week!

Birthdays, BINGO, and Beloveds

Hit the road pretty early yesterday to help my oldest sister celebrate her 75th birthday!

First stop was the Sundown Saloon in little Lewis, WI, just north of Luck. Daubing for Dollars as a cancer fundraiser. For you non-BINGO people, we mark our spots with daubers now. Using field beans was so 1970s.

You know me and BINGO. Probably 20 minutes in and I already was yelling BINGO with hands raised in the air. Nice $100 cash prize. I won a second time later but so did 2 other people so I picked a local gift certificate I'll let one my sisters use!

Nice turn out. Our sister Rachel was also there so was our cousin's wife and family. Fun. From there it was onto an adventure at Adventures in Siren.

Had a late-week thought that Carter living in Duluth means he's less than 90 minutes away from family fun. So he joined us. Six of my R siblings were there along with 2 nieces and spouses plus 4 great-nephews and a great-niece! 

Can't celebrate a milestone without frosting. I mean CAKE!

Raylene was the only sister who couldn't make it since she and hubby had a booth for their seed business at the Burnett County Fair. So most of us ventured down the road to Grantsburg to say hello and check out the entries two of my sisters entered – Rayna photography and Renell drawing/painting.

Second Saturday in a row my twin and I are in a cornfield. Yee-Haw!

Drove Rachel home and stayed at her place in Luck last night. Long drive home today. So much road construction and detours.

Got home in time to get a few things done before going to a senior photo shoot at a farm in the Rudolph-Junction City area. I mean the kid was cute, but look at these kitties! I miss Sylvester!

Anyway, need sleep. Catch you tomorrow!

More Cake? Well, Sure!

The question isn't will I turn older next week. The question is whether I'll gain 5 pounds before my next birthday. Because I have the best coworkers!

OMG. Steff created the most tasty 3-layer coconut cake I've ever had the privilege of tasting! So good!

A little back story on how I fell in love with coconut cake. 

Throughout my growing up years, my mom and her sister Virginia would visit each other quite often. I felt like it was weekly. Taking turns at each other's homes. It always required some bakery items to go with the coffee, of course. Occasionally, when Mom was "hosting," she'd buy one of those Pepperidge Farm Classic Coconut Layer Cake. Could not get enough of that flavor! So good. So that was a lovely treat today!

My almost birthday twin Darcey and I felt spoiled yet again! We had to pose one more time by my ice cream light (my real twin gave me a few years ago) before I unplugged it and brought it home. 

Tomorrow's the last day in our current digs. I said loudly this afternoon, "OK, is anyone bringing treats of any kind tomorrow? Otherwise, I'm packing up my little plates and bowls." 

No response so I think the party's over. I mean I guess we're still pre-gaming!

After work, our team went to Guu's on Main in Stevens Point because our Nashville team member is with us this week and they have at least 6 flavors of deep-fried cheese curds. She was suitably impressed. Even though it's funny sometimes how we want greasy, gooey goodness to represent our state!

Go, cheese!

P.S. Unrelated to anything... my friend at work and I went to the Herrschners warehouse sale at lunch today. Holy million people but also million deals. Get there! I think it goes through Sunday.

P.S.S. It has rained all day. Apparently hubby still had golf league. Probably wearing his long underwear. Yep, mid-June and temps in the 40s and 50s. Be careful out there!

Early Signs of Aging

Even though my birthday is not until the end of next week, my coworkers surprised two of us today with early birthday wishes since we only have two days left in the office before we're sent home for a spell as office renovations kick into high gear.

My coworker Darcey (who just got back from Italy) has a birthday a few days after mine so she also got decorations and cake. Frosting for breakfast always works for me!

And my gift is so appropriate since we'll be working from home the next 6+ weeks before we come back to an every-other-week schedule in a different office building in Point. I will not mind being in close proximity to Mr. Deck Chair in July!

Another perk today was seeing an old friend who was covering a golf event at SentryWorld.

Rob and his family live out in Arizona but when he comes to Wisconsin for work it's usually a multi-week thing. Glad it was a nice day to sit down and chat a bit. 

The rain definitely came later! Uff da what a drive home! Needless to say, no one in this house is golfing tonight. I'm doing a quick design project then really really need to get some speed crocheting done!

Crash and Burn

Well today was our last in-person day to celebrate our Out of this World success in 2025. After making and flying paper airplanes with my great niece and nephew at Thanksgiving, I was pretty confident going into today's flying competition.

But... I must have forgot a key folding element or something, because I crashed and burned. TWICE.

So no prizes for me this week... other than the bonus deposited into my checking tomorrow. 

I should've won a prize for my cool T-shirt I wore – thanks to Amazon and, apparently COVID.

Still it was fun to have a little levity – and cake! – during a somewhat stressful time. I'm seriously grateful because the last 3 companies I worked for were very focused on cutting costs (and people) to thrive. Now I have a very financially stable employer and I will never take that for granted.

Cake or no cake.

Talk Turkey To Me

I'm sure I've mentioned a time or two that our Marketing Department (of which I'm a member) has an official Fun Committee. Every month it's something fun, crazy, or inspiring. They never disappoint.

Today we had the opportunity to gather, eat Arbuckle's pizza and Sweet Juanjo's cookies, while coloring thank you/gratitude cards for whoever we wanted to.

I did one card and was completely transfixed over this box of cookies! Such talent and creativity. I see these everywhere, at every craft & vendor show, and have no clue how they do them. But the creative side of me is jealous I don't know how!

I mean I did pick up quite a few cake decorating skills in that period of my childhood/teenhood when Mom was taking a community class on that and going nuts with it. So fun.

But I also should recognize at my age that I'd probably need to wear my readers to make those tiny, straight lines. I mean part of me says I want to learn this, but do I NEED to? I absolutely do not need another hobby. Of any kind.

Guess I'll just enjoy eating them and tasting that heavenly sweet frosting. So amazing! And yes, I'm in awe of all of you who can do this.

Birthday Weekend Sandwich

For this birthday girl, I couldn't ask for a better celebratory weekend than having my bday sandwiched between two rounds of golf – and celebrating actual birthday with tons of friends!

After a fun round on Friday, we headed out by noon Saturday to Delafield and a cathedral on the grounds of the St. John's Military Academy just outside Milwaukee.

What a glorious and historic venue! 

All of the stained-glass windows were gorgeous.

But none could compare to the bride of course. Claire is always beautiful!

So honored to be a part of Claire and Joe's official Gotcha Day! It was so nice.

I managed to snag a hot birthday date with hubby. The reception was at The Commodore, right on the shores of Lake Nagawicki (or something close to that). What a gorgeous venue!

We each had our assigned tables, but then they went one step further.

At each of our place settings we got a personalized card. And I think to an individual, we all shed a tear at this heartfelt sentiment. Wow. Very special.

Of course I was thrilled to have perfectly delicious "birthday" cake. Yum!

And a made-to-order sunset. God knows me and my birthday wishes, that's for sure!

After a fun evening of a ton of dancing – including a few with hubby – we were spent! This morning, though, we hit the road from Milwaukee-dom to get home by noon. 

I got some shopping done and Jim visited his dad – and then (after multiple rain showers) it was time for golf!

Today was our final week of Couples League, which meant we were doing a scramble format, then dinner. Except the rain was not done. So we switched up the plans and ate our year-end dinner food first, then headed out. But it was still a soggy several holes before it quit.

We were lucky to have our friends Sean and Michelle be part of our foursome! One, they're awesome people. And two, they're awesome golfers! This is our Eagle Selfie on the par 5 4th hole. That was all Sean. Great drive, great second shot to land it close to the hole, then we gave him honors to knock it in a few feet for eagle.

Needless to say, we finished 8-under par for our 9-hole round. And won the scramble. I have a lot of wet stuff to dry out in the sun tomorrow. But with a little prize cash in my pocket, I can say it was worth it!

What a fun weekend! Maybe aging isn't so bad after all.

What the Purple?

If I didn't know any better – which of course, I DON'T – I'd think that's a V for Victory. Wouldn't you?

There was quite some time today that I wouldn't have dared bring up purple pride, but the signs were all there.

My church choir song was pretty purple (the song above). Then, right after the service, we celebrated our dear pastor's birthday with a lovely cake that just happened to have purple flowers on it. I'd show you a picture if I still had some cake!

And I swear that even though I was about to boast about lilacs and other Purple Pride, I'm so glad I kept my mouth shut!

Of course, with a sigh of relief, we'll take our purple pride victory and keep crossing our fingers! If you know, you know.

P.S. Thanks for the amazing smell of lilacs – especially in "almost" October!  💜

The Corner Piece of Life

I've been experiencing the "corner piece of life" the last few days. I was somewhat joking during golf Sunday that it was my birthday WEEK. And I (or others) have found reasons to celebrate each day.

I couldn't believe that I was with my team all day Wednesday and we got back late from the Brewers game that they'd somehow found time to decorate my desk by the time I showed up at 7:30 a.m. yesterday. But they did it. With the help of some "Birthday Fairies for Hire" that is. I have the best co-workers. 

And that big frosting-ed corner piece of cake for breakfast was delicious. Put me in a sweet frame of mind for the day.

Then when I got to golf league last night, our opponents for the week – who happen to be friends of mine – surprised me with a balloon for my pull cart and tiara that fit nicely over my new golf hat! Fun, fun! Plus even had my first "par dance" of the season and my lowest score. Happy birthday to me!

Of course, today is my actual birthday. Who I share with my lovely twin Raylene. We're both celebrating separately. But we're hoping to connect some weekend soon!

I actually worked for a half day. Then had lunch with my friend Jenny and her cousin Melissa – who is also my friend and co-worker.

When I asked the waitress to take our picture for my birthday, she came out with a big slice of chocolate cake to take home with my to-go box. Not gonna lie, I love being spoiled!

A big treat tonight was Carter coming up to help his momma celebrate. We enjoyed a big, tasty dinner at El Mezcal then were all so full, we figured we'd play cards until we weren't. I thought maybe they'd let the birthday girl win.

But with hands like this, Carter won the first game and Jim won the second. I'm going with "I didn't lose, I just regifted my birthday wins to them."

Probably the greatest gift though...

After 91 days (aka 13 weeks), my sister Rachel was the released from the hospital and headed home! Of course, she's not all fixed up and ready to take on the world. But she's made great progress and is ready to take the next big step – in the familiar surroundings of her own house. Praise the Lord!

Pretty sure this is a good sign that he's still listening to our prayers so we can all enjoy a little "corner piece" of life this week, right? 

Miracle Birthday

Not a lot of people look forward to celebrating their 60th birthday. But I can guarantee you my sister Rachel is on the short list of those who do.

Eleven weeks ago, we thought we'd lost her. But here's our miracle birthday girl today, having a few reasons to finally smile!

One, some of her sister brought her cake. Two, she's in the rehab area rather than ICU or Surgical Care. And three, she accomplished something yesterday most of us take for granted – getting out of bed unassisted and into her wheelchair unassisted and getting to and from her bathroom unassisted. It's a pretty big deal for her.

And now you also know how long of a road she has ahead of her – especially when she can only rely on her right leg, foot, and arm for support. For now.

She's not just a miracle. She's a Wonder Woman! 

Thanks for the prayers and please continue them if you have space in your heart to do so. She needs physical and mental strength – with some patience thrown in. 

You've got this, birthday girl! You've already proven you can do it! 
 

Miles to Smiles

 

We decided to celebrate our mom's 92nd birthday two days early for several reasons. One, it's hard to gather on a Monday. Two, some folks had Palm Sunday plans tomorrow. And three, half my family is under a winter storm storm warning Sunday into Monday. Something like 10 to 15+ inches possible. Depends on who you listen to.

So 6 of 8 R's, 2 spouses, and 1 grandchild gathered at my sister Rayna's in Siren. The usual 4-hour trek for us.

Lunch was some of Mom's old favorites – meatloaf, potatoes, baked beans, corn, and her classic strawberry Jell-O with slices bananas. Mom liked it. Great job, Rayna!

After lunch, Mom, per usual, was ready to play a game. Her "tell" when playing cards is to start humming when she has a good hand. All of her children are quite aware of this.

Today she says, "Who wants to play cards? I need practice humming!" I hope I'm that confident and sassy when I'm 92!

Although Mom started out strong, Carter ended up winning in the last hand. The way she's smiling, I don't think she minded. Time with any of her kids or grandkids is precious to her.

We managed to get home by 8 p.m. Daylight for most of the trip and a full moon chasing shadows for the last part. Thanks to Jim for driving. And thank you, deer, for staying in the fields and ditches.

Be careful everyone in the snow zone tomorrow!