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!

Weekend Snapshot

I just realized I haven't blogged since Thursday night. I'll give you a hint what's been taking up my time. Yup, 5 photo shoots.

Initially, hubby was going to be out of town on a golf trip so I figured I'd set things up this weekend so I could be free next weekend. Well, they ended up not going. So I still didn't see much of him – thanks to my schedule. 

The good news: 11 senior sessions are done and only 4 more to go! 📸

And some random pictures mixed in...

Like this cute cow / bull guy in the field near my picture taking yesterday.

He really wanted his picture taken – and to reach over the fence to help me take mine. Harmless but slightly pushy. Ha.

This morning I took pictures for our church and our annual God's Work, Our Hands work day – doing everything from cleaning gutters at some elder members' houses to packing up Lutheran World Relief school kits and quilts to painting at local elementary schools. It's always a productive morning of putting faith into action. I'm will to break a sweat, but with two black thumbs, they definitely trust me more with a camera than a set of garden shears!

After that and a senior shoot today, I stopped at our Downtown Grand Affair craft/vendor sale and classic car show. Why would I go there when the Vikings were playing at noon?

Because even though the Packers already played this weekend, the TV idiots decided to air the Bears game here instead! So I know we won. But it sure would've been fun to see our new QB and other new players in action. 

I already lost my fantasy matchup so I'm glad there was something wonder-SKOL happening at least!

This evening we had what feels like the 5th funeral / visitation this week. A friend of ours, just my age, had been battling ALS and then his heart gave out this week. It was unexpected to happen this quickly. Our hearts break for his dear wife and their family. There must have been 400 people gathered for his celebration of life "party" tonight. What a testament to how many lives Rick has touched with his kindness and positive attitude. I could not stop crying. Uff da.

Afterwards, we grabbed a bite to eat at Sportsman's with two of the other couples that were there. We have to treasure time with friends and loved ones when we can! We just don't know.

Let's have an uplifting week. We deserve it! 💕

Circle of Life

Thanks to my subscription to Disney-Plus, I have been reminded again about the circle of life. Thank you, Mufasaa and Simba!

Today I had another reminder. Don't tell hubby, but I met the new neighbor and he's a cutie! Don't you think?

During my lunchtime lap around the 'hood, I stopped to chat with the hard-working farm lady around the corner and met this two-day-old sweetie. New life on the farm is always exciting – at least for us pseudo-city folk. The farmer doesn't "ooh" and "awww" over the new calf like we do. Not in front of us, anyway.

Today, that new life took on a new meaning at the 150-year-old farm. Not long after I left there today, there were ambulances and emergency personnel called there. The farm lady's mother – I'll call her the farm matriarch – had passed away. Her health had been declining recently. Not COVID-19 related at all. She was 93. And I bet she worked harder in her life than a lot of us combined.

She can rest now and she's at peace.

And hopefully the cute new guy flirting with the neighbors will bring some smiles.

Communing With Nature

Since it's Monday I can now officially say I'm on vacation. And sitting around on my "dairy air" as much as possible! And thinking up new puns, of course. You're welcome!

I have a couple daily vacation goals...

1. Enjoy my morning coffee with Mr. Deck Chair and just BE outside as much as possible. Be one with nature. When it's not raining, that is.

2. Appreciate the weather. Even rejoice in the rain. Good for crops and grass and my flowers... and definitely forced me inside to do the dusting, vacuuming, etc. I didn't get to this weekend. Glad to knock that off my list.

3. Stop and smell the flowers. Even make new friends!

You know I'm a sucker for brown eyes!

4. Eat the most important meal of the day: Ice Cream! Sorry, no photo. It was 80-some degrees today and it was melting fast!

5. Get 10,000 steps per day (so I can enjoy #4 guilt-free). Again, no photos because I was melting fast!

6. Get some yard work done.

This might not be a daily goal. I was going to do some work in the front and got distracted by this cute little bunny.

Much preferred to snakes. So maybe I just stay away from the backyard all together. Well, at least put it off another day.

7. Watch some TV that I want to watch or read or both. Did both today. Hubby gave me the remote at 6:30 p.m. and told me to watch Wheel of Fortune to "boost my self-esteem." 100% accurate statement. It always does. Ha.

Oh wow. Seven items? I better stop there before vacation starts looking like work!

Infielders and Outfielders

There's no denying I'm in the mooooo-d for baseball. In fact, lately I've been so desperate for baseball AND socializing that I've taken to naming and visiting with the animals on my "lap" around the neighborhood!

This guy had such a snotty, dirty nose that I wanted to put him in the outfield right away. As far out in the field as possible! Still, he's wearing the famous (and retired) #42 so I have to show him some respect. Please wipe your nose, Jackie! I won't call you Mr. Robinson until you do!

And this cutie, I call Reggie. I had to! It appears the #44 has also come out of retirement. I see big things in your future, Mr. Jackson!

And meet Colonel Sanders Koufax. I just call him Sandy since we're friends now! Yup, had to give a nod to my Dodger fan friends. My former pastor even named his dog Koufax after the MVP pitcher!

Are you getting a clearer picture now of how much I need both baseball AND people in my life?

Virtual hugs to all of you in the same field, er situation. Thanks for letting my crow about it!

Signs of New Hope

This could really be a depressing segment of our "dash" – that space between our beginning and end dates - if we let it be. We could focus on the sickness, death, mental and financial despair happening globally.

Or we could focus on the fact that, for many of us, the pace of our lives has slowed, allowing us to finally catch a much-needed breath. We see opportunities to dispose of the old – habits, material things, nonessential obligations – and in with the new – opportunities to improve ourselves, our relationships, maybe mend some of our broken parts, seize signs of hope, and be grateful.

I took a 4-mile walk yesterday to cleanse my soul and sinuses. It just happens to be exactly two miles from my doorstep to my angel Emily's grave. I've gotten that route down over the past two years. I was feeling this need to talk to her for some reason.

On the way there, I passed by a farm where a newborn calf was attempting to stand up on her wobbly legs for the first time. I couldn't stop staring and thinking even though we feel like the world is standing still right now, life does keep going on. And there are miracles every day.

When I got to the cemetery, I immediately noticed a single daffodil was blooming by Em's grave. Another sign of new life. This made me smile and broke my heart at the same time.

I don't know what is about visiting with this girl, but the floodgates open in 10 seconds or less and I am sobbing. I think I unknowingly bottle up sadness and stress over time and this dancing angel allows me to let it go. Even if it's not all about her. I know for a fact that much of it this week is about the one-year anniversary tomorrow of our friend Greg's death. But she just lets me let it out.

You know how freeing that feels? It's like a weight lifted from my shoulders. My tear ducts, nasal passages, and mind are clear. And open to hope again. Open to listen.

As per usual in our conversations, I spill my regrets that I couldn't help her. I couldn't save her from her tragic end. Yesterday, in that tiny window of time when my heart and mind were still, she let me know it wasn't too late. I could still help others if I can find a way through my words to tell the similar parts of my own story. And my survival.

I think I've known this for a long time, but my sweet dancing queen knows a thing or two about timing. There's no such thing as being "too busy" right now, is there? Just need to be brave enough to expose my scars and let them tell their stories.

If it gets too overwhelming, I'll visit my little Em (or just M, if she's a he) for inspiration. Thanks, angel.

Neighborhood Watch Cow

I think our neighborhood watch cow and friend need an umbrella. Not that we need a Mary Poppins look-alike in the 'hood. But I hate for her nice dress to get all drenched in the rain!

And yes, that means it's raining. Again.

Just when I was going to leave the house for a walk, too. Gotta keep up my streak! Last week I got 10,000 steps each day Monday through Friday. Anyone with a desk job knows that's not that easy to do. Now it's Monday again and I'm short. Steps, that is. And yes, I do have an umbrella so I wouldn't have to get my fancy dress (or sweats) drenched either.

But boy, I'd rather be munching on something good like the cow is doing. I see the farmer has kept his floral "sweet treat" strategically out of reach. What a great plan. Flower survives and the cow doesn't scarf down something he doesn't need. He might not be happy but he'll be healthy.

Thanks to this rain – again – my flowers will keep surviving, too. Now if I could just keep MY sweet treats strategically out of reach.

Or go puddle jumping long enough to distract me from remembering they exist. Or pace the driveway under an umbrella. Many, many times.

Sigh. Where's Mary Poppins and her spoonful of sugar when you need her?

Side of Ranch

Lost dog was finally found this morning, thanks to a "live trap" set. My friends are so thrilled to have their baby back! I was glad for them, too. Plus, I got my day back on schedule.

After book club at 9 a.m., I headed east to Fond du Lac to meet up with my cowboy nephew Zach and his wife for a photo/video shoot with interviews, etc. As he often says, we were getting ranchy. Well Aunt Robyn was trying.

Got some pretty pictures, though! And didn't step in any fresh manure deposits anywhere. That I know of. Can't tell you much about the project because we don't want anyone stealing our idea. I will say it was pretty cool seeing an active horsewoman my mother's age – 87 – and her husband both so involved.

As a bonus we got to meet Paco, a mule with an affinity for Mountain Dew. Here he is "doing the Dew." Too funny. I guess we all need something to keep us moving!

Let there before 5 p.m. and was going to meet hubby and friends at a Wisconsin Rapids Rafters baseball game... but then rain happened. He was already there and I was running behind. Probably best. I didn't go at all so didn't suffer the rain or cold.

Are we all sure it's mid-June? Even Paco is stubborn about shedding his coat.

And not just because he's a mule!

Leader of the Pack

This brought a chuckle today. And, since I've read the classics, it reminded me of George Orwell's Animal Farm – which I've probably read five times and I'm sure I have a copy somewhere. Yes, I am dork.

Noted.

We are inching closer the fence line, though. After last night's "light snow," Wisconsin Rapids is on the leader board!

Whoo-hoo! At least we're good at something! So yes, another crap drive to work. Thankfully, the bright sun today (still below freezing) must have activated the salt because the commute home was much better.

Of course, since it didn't snow much today, it will return tomorrow and for sure on Friday. Why should I care? Well, I'm signed up to run the Point Bock Run on Saturday. Their latest news is this...

Since I have YakTrax, I'm not as concerned with the ice and snow as I am the temperature. The high is 22 (earlier it was just 14) but the low is going to be minus 9. So... brrrrrr. You'd think cold would make me run faster since I will want to get it over quicker. But it is a 5-mile course, and I'm not built that way. Now it's not just a stupid thing to do, it's a must do to be in the exclusive "I survived the 2019 Bock Run" club.

We'll see if Old Man Winter convinces any of us otherwise. So far, I haven't liked any of his ideas. Have you?

Fluffy and Fat Tuesday

If you are feeling fat after over-indulging for Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday), no worries. These pictures will make you feel like the svelte sinner you are. Or something.

I saw these guys (and gals?) on my way over to wrestling in Almond-Bancroft on Saturday. I made sure to stop on the way home to "round up" some photos. I don't know if this is a farm, a park or what. I hadn't "herd" of it or seen it before. It's right on County Road D between I-39 and Almond.

Might be worth a drive to take the kiddos. Try a warm day. Though it is cool to see their big, bad, breath!

I may not eat "buffalo chips" again!

Is that salad on Fat Tuesday? That looks like salad!

You like what I did with my hair?

Where's my warm, furry blanket? Oh wait. I'm wearing it.

Does this hump make my butt look big?

When you eat so much on Fat Tuesday, your body doubles in size. One head, two bodies! Just the right timing, I guess.

Now do you feel better about what you ate and drank today? Or did I give you a new fluff goal? Enjoy what's left of it!

Got Robots?

Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a "Tourism Takeover" this evening at the new Feltz Family Farm and Dairy Store in Plover. The organization holds these events so people can act like a tourist and see new and/or exciting things in the area.

We know the family who opened this dairy store last month. Well, Jim and his sister Sherry know them best. She played ball with all of the Smits girls and one of them is married to farmer Feltz. The 5th generation one on this farm.

Jim and I have wanted to stop by in the past few weeks but it hasn't worked into our schedule. So this was the perfect opportunity to play tourist, see the store and take a free tour of their high-tech robotic milking facility. Plus, you can't beat a date in the milk house, can you?

What do I know about dairy farming? Not a darn thing. I am about as close to being a Dairy Princess as a Beauty Queen... ooooh, does that make Dairy Queen? OK, off track. But I do like ice cream and I do like cheese, so bring on the tour!

The store has awesome displays and decor. I like this "8th Day" quote I have seen other places. But it really fits here.

Since this was a tourism event, they had some fun with a photo booth of sorts. I just saw the words King Cone from across the store and had be a part of it!

They have a Barnyard area for kids, including a cow they can milk. Well, the cow isn't real and neither is the milk. But I bet the experience is! Had to get on our tour so I will have to maybe try that another time.

Our tour guide was Jared Feltz, the 6th generation to work the farm. He certainly knew his stuff. And us city folk were simply amazed at what they do there.

Why is it a robotic milking facility? It's not just the milk machines that are robots. This robot here travels the length of the "barn" on a routine basis, pushing the feed back toward the cows.

You can see they tend to spread the piles out as they mow down.

Just a friendly kiss.

One wall is comprise of mostly fans to work the air flow. The climate-controlled building is mostly open on both sides. The breeze comes in and the hot air blows out. And in the winter it still is above freezing. Don't ask me how it works. It was pleasantly cool on a hot and humid July night!

You can see a hint of the 750 acres of land that grow alfalfa and corn silage for the 700 total cow herd.

Last year, they installed the high technology facility for automatic milking. It includes two robots that service 100 cows. Jared said the robots allow the frequency of milking to be determined by the cows themselves. Yes, that means the cows are trained. Seriously. No human supervision and they manage to get themselves fed and milked three times a day.

The milk goes to Dairy State Cheese in Rudolph and a few other places that make products, such as soap, for their store. It's really a central Wisconsin operation. Local business are represented through the variety of cheeses, meats, treats and even wine.

For our final treat of the day, Jared showed us a pretty new calf. Isn't he adorable?

I should say, that WAS our final treat until we stopped in the store again after the tour. Yep, that is the King Cone logo up there. They gotta support the locally made ice cream, don't they?

And we have to support friends, don't we?