Dad's Day

Well I was off the hook to provide any type of Father's Day entertainment since hubby was still off on his weekend golf trip with the guys.

So I did what we probably would've done anyway. Sat and watched the exciting final round of the U.S. Open while crocheting a baby blanket.

Finished it with just a few holes to go so I headed into town and watched the rest of it with my father-in-law. That was nice.

It's still so weird (and lonely) even after 13 years to not have Dad to call on Father's Day. One of those things where you start to say in your mind, "Oh I have to get a card for Dad..." then remember. Good thing he instilled so much of his charm, humor, and know-it-all attitude in me that sometimes when I open my mouth, he really does come out!

Trust me, my siblings and I have no qualms about calling out each other as LeRoy 1, LeRoy 2, etc. We mean it endearingly, of course, but it's obvious none of us apples (or nuts) fall far from the tree!

Hope all you dads our there realize the great power you have to influence the next generation! Think what you want to be remembered for. 

Unrelated, hugs to all my friends coping with your first Father's Day without your dad. If you're feeling a hole in your heart, remind yourself that means he must have been a pretty special father!

Happy Father's Day!

Grief: Me, I'm the Mini-Me

We were so saddened to hear that a close family of friends said goodbye to their dad yesterday. Then today, I quickly realized today marks 13 years since my siblings and I said goodbye to our dad. Who I didn't recognize until a few years after his death that I was HIS mini-me.

I do have the obvious traits – not just physical... I always gotta be funny, strike up conversations with strangers, and have an answer for everything (even if it's totally made up but feels correct at the moment)!

I will tell our dear friends that grief doesn't go away – even after this amount of time – but it always hits different. You know you're still fresh off of losing your mom so the biggest jolt of reality is that you are adult orphans – and now you're sort of in charge of keeping the whole family together.

I don't think I've grasped that fully and our mom has been gone 2 years as of last week.

Just cherish all the memories – especially when your dad was in peak health and so full of life and love and laughter and singing to me songs like, "When the red, red robin (Robyn) comes bob-bob-bobbing along!" every time he'd see me.

Jim and I (and sister-in-law Sherry, too) are surrounding you with hugs and love. You're such a special family and I've grateful this non-native outsider has been enveloped into the fold. You are good people. Bless you all in this difficult time, J x 4 + C! 💔

Mom Vibes

Before I get into my blog ... I picked up these unusual and gorgeous roses after work for a friend who's had some rough emotional times over the past several days. If you love them like I do, get to Metro Market in Plover. I don't do endorsements, but I'm just sharing because I couldn't stop staring. So pretty!

I did have flowers on the mind already today because we're closing in on the anniversary death of my mother, who loved flowers – and could keep them alive!

So today I dressed in homage to Mom. Purple shirt (her favorite color) and my "new" floral pants from Goodwill! The crocheted necklace I'm wearing is one I found in her jewelry box while we were cleaning out her apartment. 10-to-1 odds it was something she got at a thrift store or garage sale! Oh, I am my mother's daughter, ha. 

Still, it worked.

(Sorry I took it in a restroom at work. Needed a full-length mirror!)

Two years ago today was a Monday. I had spent the weekend Up North visiting Mom in the hospital and had no idea when she beat me at cards that it would be the last time she'd be the winner. And the last time I'd get an "I love you" and hug goodbye.

She was 100% interactive and alert. 

Three days later, though, when I raced back up there on May 22, she was unresponsive and my "I love you" and hug goodbye were one-sided. She passed away by the time I got back to Wisconsin Rapids that evening.

May and June are tough. Because sandwiched in between Mother's Day and Father's Day are the anniversaries of my parents' deaths. Then throw in Memorial Day. I recently mentioned Dad was quite a patriot and respected the flag so much... and he actually died on a Memorial Day. 

Uff da. 

Just reminds me that Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas aren't the only holidays that can hit hard for those who grieve. 

If you're not an adult orphan yet (and lucky you), please don't waste time on grudges or silly misunderstandings that might come between you and your parents. Embrace them, treasure them, and thank them for being there.

So many of us wish we could do the same!

Chillin' With The Boys (and old men)

When I woke up to this temperature on Thursday morning it did not surprise me when I checked the school sports calendar that the first basketball games were already happening.

So I had hubby charge my camera battery and after work I headed to St. Vincent's for 7th- and 8th-grade Royals hoops versus Stratford. Interesting that our 7th-grade team had one boy on the bench and our 8th-grade team, well, I think there were 17 on our roster. Wow!

And the Stratford Tigers sneaked by with wins in both games.

I think that's because my favorite Stratford High School graduate is celebrating a birthday this weekend! Yup, last week my dad would have been 98 (that really wouldn't have happened) so that means this week my father-in-law (a young 10 years younger) turns 88! We took him out to Anchor Bay tonight and they gave him a red velvet cupcake with a candle AND singing by everyone in the restaurant!

We also had more celebratory calories when we went to his place afterward. He really is the sweetest, kindest man. I am so lucky I still have him to call "Dad."

Hug your loved ones. Hard!

One More Sleep

Who's so excited for her scrapbooking weekend that she had her car packed LAST night? Apparently, THIS girl!

I was missing a few key items that had to wait until tonight/tomorrow morning... like my clothes for the weekend. Even though I'll wear the same thing probably all 4 days. And the food and snacks – which half are in the fridge right now.

Including my Pumpkin Spice Spice Baby Trifle I whipped together after work! 

Now I just have to throw my clothes together and hopefully I'll be all set to hit the road at 8 a.m. Must make the most of 4 days! Ha. 

I don't know if I'll have time or connectivity to blog at all. I'll be working to finish up my 2017 "family memories" album and get a good start at 2018. My high school BFF Julie will be joining me again (yay). Sometimes we get more distracted chit-chatting than scrapping. But you know what? I wouldn't change that for anything. 

So no judging on my productivity (or lack of it). I really need these 4 days out of the office!

Plus, reliving memories is so fun and healing. Today my dad would have been 98 years old. Logically, I know he wouldn't have made it this far. But that doesn't make me miss him any less. I scrapbook to preserve moments in time that I want to cherish from this day forward. 

I mean if you can find a hobby that's both fun and therapeutic, you gotta grasp it and hang on!

Happy Father's Day

I'm so grateful that even though I can't see my dad on Father's Day, I can at least hug some of the important fathers in my life.

We left the house around 8 a.m. to meet Carter and his girlfriend southwest of Madison. We picked up Carter so he could come home and get his car – and spend Father's Day with Dad and Grandpa. I loved that the DOT sign people made a special Dad message!

Had a delicious lunch at Sherry's house. It was a small crowd. Just my father-in-law, Sherry, Baird, Jim, Clay, Carter and me. Plenty of trifle left over! A gorgeous day to get some pictures of the only one I have called "Dad" for 11 years – and his "kiddos."

While Casey is still out in Portland for a few months, I was so glad 2 out of 3 brown-eyed bandits could be there with Jim on Father's Day. So appreciated!

We finished off Father's Day with golf, of course. Well it was couple's league at TriCity so he was also stuck with me as his partner. Ha. Thankfully the earlier forecast for rain was wrong! In fact it was 85 with a feel of 91 as we teed off in the late afternoon, so we actually took a cart instead of walking.

I'm still adjusting to my new clubs but I'm still loving them. I even hit a nice shot out of the sand tonight! I was proud of myself until I saw how the U.S. Open ended. Of course, I can also take comfort that I don't have a million people watching me miss a short putt, either!

Hope you had a wonderful day with your dad or any father figure in your life. Hug them hard while they're here! 💖 

Bleeding Hearts

 

It's appropriate that my bleeding hearts plants bloom in May – the month my dad died 11 years ago. But this year it applies to even more stresses on our hearts as we continue to pray for my sister and mom. 

As I said some time ago (6 weeks seems like a year!), it's been two steps forward and one step back for these two. After a promising weekend, they both had setbacks to start their week. So prayer warriors, please pray for those doctors to have the knowledge and skill set to make them better. And of course, pray that they'll have strength. It's hard to have that after so many uphill battles!

Not that we need any more bleeding hearts in our lives, but we also found out today that two of our friends have cancer. I'll never understand why God allows this to happen, but I will still pray to Him to give them strength to fight this battle! 

As much as I dislike these stressors on our hearts, I know that the power of prayer works. (I mean, my sister is alive, after all.) And that I'm grateful for my somewhat sketchy version of "health" today. Never take that for granted!

Thanks for reading and praying and being a part of my bleeding heart! 

Singing, SKOL, and Celebration

 It was a full day for a Sunday. Started out singing "This is My Story, This is My Song" with church choir. We rocked it. Then it was home and three hours of watching a Viking victory.

Fun to see our "new" quarterback of one week carry out his duties. And then some. Yay for a win against the nasty Saints!

After the game, it was over to Jim's dad's to celebrate his 86th birthday (a few days ago). Had a tasty chicken dinner from Piggly Wiggly in Nekoosa (where else?!) and enjoyed time with Jim's sister and our nephew Colin and his kiddos. 

Got home and got to watch one of my recorded Hallmark Chirstmas movies – the Santa Summit – so everyone has a reason to smile today!

Happy Father's Day Weekend

Happy Father's Day to all of you dads and father figures! Although I was striving to make this a "Father's Day" weekend, I sure enjoyed it, too. It was sort of a whirlwind. But fun! 

Saturday morning, hubby golfed and I decided to take control of my life and go for a walk around Lake Wazeecha. Haven't done that this year and it's already summer. Something is definitely wrong with that.

How could I forget the calming effect of a quiet walk around the lake on a summer morning? Much needed.

In the early afternooon, we went to a grad party for one of our baseball players, then... yep, went to the ballfield.

Caught some Friday night action with the Legion team and wanted to see some in the daylight – less hazy. In the 80+-degree heat, our Rangers stayed hot and pulled off a 12-run victory – and I got a few decent pictures in the process. We stopped home to cool off for a bit and then headed over the Ridges patio to hear our friend Pam sing with The Antonettes.

Simply gorgeous evening for that! Good meal, great music, and a nice time running into several friends.

Today, Jim got to open up his gift from Carter since mine hasn't arrived yet...

Hurray for new WORK shoes for Dad!

After church, we headed over to our friend Glenn's for the annual Cranberry Blossom Fest Parade. Our tradition of watching the parade pass by his garage has ended because the parade now starts at the former mall and end at about 9th and Grand Avenue.

A handful of us walked a block and a half down the street the watch. I wanted candy to fill my candy dish at work but didn't feel the need to tackle little kids for the last lollipop. So I ended up with one. Stinkin'. Tootsie Roll. Sorry, co-workers.

After a fun time visiting and eating, we headed over to Jim's dad's so we could take him to dinner at the Halder Bridge Bar. Oh come on, you've heard of Halder, haven't you? It's that corner of Marathon County where Johnny grew up and what Jim fondly calls "God's Country." 

The family enjoyed their famous chicken dinner and it was heartwarming to see Dad joke around after so many months of grief. We're just going to keep treasuring the one dad we have left between the two of us. Hope you were able to do the same!

Now it's off to the recliner to watch the end of the U.S. Open with the current favorite dad in my life! 💜

Dear Old (and Wise) Dad

I'm not sure why we watched reruns of this old TV show when I was a kid. Either because it was wholesome (likely the case) or because in the show, the kids always went to Dad for advice since "Father Knows Best." Unlikely Mom thought that but maybe having 8 kids nagging on her prompted a "go ask your father" a time or two.

I kind of think there's still plenty of that in today's world. And I do appreciate the wisdom (and wise-ass remarks) of dads and fathers-in-law – especially today.

My father-in-law turned 85! Jim and I went to visit Johnny after work. It just happened that while we were there, Carter called him to wish him a happy birthday.

And it was pure coincidence we were talking about how he hasn't called me in ages.

So I suddenly hear Grandpa saying things like, "Have you called your mother lately?"and something like "There was a guy on TV the other day saying you should call your mother every other day" and an offering of "If I see your mom today should I tell her you're going to call her?"

And the clincher "Would you like to talk to your mom NOW?"

He hands me the phone and Carter says, "Grandpa is clever!" Indeed. He DOES know best! It wasn't even my birthday and I got the gift of talking to my baby. Thanks, Dad!

By the way, the "guy on TV" was Steve Harvey and it was a Family Feud fast money question about how often you should call your mother. Carter will be happy to know "every day" got lower points than "every other day". You're off the hook there, buddy.

Dad's Day

Happy Father's Day to all you dads, stepdads, granddads, special uncles and those serving as a father figure. You're all very much appreciated! And special hugs to those of you who don't have a dad to give hugs to in person. It's always tough!

I'm pretty sure hubby had a pretty decent day. After church, we met up with son #2 for golfing at TriCity.

Let's just say Clay and I let him win. Because, well, it's Father's Day and all. Was great weather and we had fun!

After golf, Jim and I headed over to a friend's house for the post-parade party. Yup, we completely missed the Cranberry Blossom Fest parade and, frankly, everything about the festival this weekend. Just too busy. But is was fun hanging with the Grand Avenue garage gang and talking stupid for a few hours. Seeing the parade first was not a requirement!

After that, we headed over to Jim's parents so I could give my father-in-law a Dad's Day hug. Then it was home to grill brats for dinner. And sons 1 and 3 called. All 3C's so a pretty complete day.

Hope you and/or the dad in your life had a great day, too!

2021 Gratitude Challenge :: Day 1 - Someone

Happy November. Happy Gratitude Month! Remind me in 2022 to just consider every month Gratitude Month so I'll continue to count more blessings than challenges. 

Last November I did an alphabetical A to Z gratitude blog. This year, thanks to a suggestion from my former pastor, I'm doing this 25-day challenge. It'll mix things up. And you might even be surprised at some of the answers.

1. Someone you're thankful for

OK, not necessarily surprised the first day. A few dozen obvious answer here, but of course I need to kick off the month with gratitude for my much better half. And I mean Jim this time, not my twin sister. (Though I'm extremely grateful for her, too.)

So much to be thankful for with this guy. Not sure where to begin. Just know it's not an all-inclusive list here because that would take forever – and The Voice is on in half an hour.

One big thing today is that we've been working from home "together" for 606 days and we're still talking to each other. Even sleeping in the same bed, still! Obviously, he's got plenty of patience (mostly) and a high tolerance for ... well, me. Thank the Lord for that! On so many levels.

Pre-pandemic, while I worked out of the house and he at home, he'd manage to work laundry and dishwasher time into his work day. No worries, I have not interrupted his routine at all. But I'm seriously thankful he's attentive to it and has the work flexibility to do it. (See previous blogs about me being an undomestic goddess.)

Of course, I love his big brown eyes and dimples – and thankful he passed those along to the boys – but he does have a nice personality, too. Not in a bad way. 

He's Mr. Social. Everyone knows he's friendly and funny. But he also has good character. That becomes evident every time we run into people he's coached before. And that's a lot. And they range in age from 3 years younger than him down to current 15 years olds. What's special is these "kids" don't just remember him, he remembers them, too. And honest to god, they share a mutual story or memory each time. That's a good leader. A good influence. 

No wonder he's such a good father. And such a good husband. Coaching all those kids has prepared him to cope with me and my 8 million shortcomings. One of which is exaggerating, he'd point out. So I'll drop it down to 800. 

I can't thank God enough for making sure our paths crossed 25 years ago – yesterday, in fact. Definitely too many blessings to count. But I'm grateful for them all. 

Love you, hon! 

Memory Day

I guess for the rest of my life I'll think of and miss my dad around Memorial Day weekend. I feel bad for people who lose someone around traditional family holidays, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. That is way worse. 

But then, either way we've lost someone so that's hard any day of the year.

It's hard to believe it's been 8 years since Dad's been gone. It was 5:27 p.m. on 5/27 of unlucky '13. And it was Memorial Day that year. The perfect exit for someone who loved his country and loved the flag.

I say he's gone, but he never really left us. I mean all 8 of us kids have his charm, his stubborness, his strong work ethic, his sense of humor, his love for the flag and for polkas, and his need to have an answer for everything... why else do we call ourselves LeRoy 1, LeRoy 2, Le Roy 3, etc?

Eight years seems like a lifetime ago some days and other days, I cry like it's a fresh pain in my heart. 

As we enter Memorial Day weekend and what it really stands for, think about it. We are honoring the memory of countless thousands who gave their lives for this country, leaving countless thousands of loved ones to mourn them... to miss them... to cry for them... no matter how much time has passed.

As usual, I'll remind you to hug your loved ones – especially your parents. Some days it might not feel like it, but you're lucky to have them!

This Is My Father's World

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world,
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
His hand the wonders wrought. 

Started off Father's Day enjoying "my Father's world" with a hike around Lake Wazeecha. My neighbor Marigene and I had to trek around a lot of standing (and moving) water on the usual paths thanks to all the recent rains. Still we got our 4 miles in!

What a gorgeous day! Hubby enjoyed golfing with a buddy at Bull's Eye Country Club while I was walking. Then I figured I'd do the nice Father's Day gift and mow the front lawn. That got a little hot, but it needed it! Again, thanks to all the recent rain.

Later in the afternoon, we headed over to Jim's parents to celebrate with his dad and mom. See we're social distancing from them! We had takeout pizza so no one had to work on this Father's Day – though my sister-in-law made a pie for Dad and I baked cookies for him, too.

Feel blessed to have my father-in-law still here and healthy when I miss my dad on days on like these.

If you're still lucky enough to have your dad around, tell him you love him and certainly hug him as often as you can. Do not take the present for granted. I have great memories, but I'd give anything for one of his solid hugs!

Happy Father's Day to all you dads, step-dads, foster dads, "furry" dads, and father figures out there! Our lives are better because of your love and commitment!

That Was You, Dad

We’re at the age where a lot of friends are losing a parent or both. And just because I’ve gone through it, doesn’t make it any easier. Especially when it’s their dad.

Our dear friend Cindy lost her dad a few days ago and the funeral was today. I worked from home in the morning so I could attend. I know from experience how much it matters to have friends and loved ones by your side.

I also know that I need to put any grief or anxiety aside in these situations because it’s not about me. That doesn’t stop the memories from surfacing, though.

It was a nice service and, just like my dad’s, plenty of laughs because her dad (our dads) were very special, friendly, generous men! Of course there were tears, too. And How Great Thou Art gets me every time. It always creates a lump in my throat and makes me think of Dad and my grandmas, too.

Cindy and family, you'll never forget your dad. You'll never stop loving him and missing him. But eventually your memories will fill the hole he left in your hearts. And you'll feel him with you. Maybe it's seeing a cardinal or eagle. Maybe a song on the radio. Maybe hearing a turn of phrase that only he used to say.

That's when you look up and tell him, "I know that was you, Dad. Thanks for watching over me."

Love and hugs to all of you missing someone today!

Dad's Day

Happy Father's Day to all you dads and dad-like role models! Special hugs to those of you who, like me, are missing your dad in heaven today. It doesn't matter if it's your 1st, 6th, or 30th Father's Day without him. We miss him.

But we also know there's a piece of him living with us each and every day! I obviously get my dad's good looks. Haha. But I also got his sense of humor, hard work ethic, knowledge (know-it-all) and, well, stubbornness for lack of a better word. Though it's pretty accurate.

Of course, I'm not the only one who takes after their father. Looks and otherwise.

Hubby definitely gets his father's good looks and charm and, as you can see from this beanbag toss game, his competitiveness and athletic ability.

Dad-in-law was a natural. Must have been all those years playing baseball!

And here's Jim and his sister Sherry with Dad. I love this picture!

So glad we had Jim's family over for dinner. Although Jim got phone calls from sons #1 and #3, only #2 was in town to make it out. Appreciated that! Plus, it was good that Colin could have competition from at least one cousin!

It was summertime fun without the summer. You can probably tell it wasn't sunny. Thankfully the rain stopped for us to be outside for a bit. Still was cold enough we needed the heat on today. You read that correctly. Not feeling like mid-June one bit.

Good thing there's always family love and fond memories to keep us warm.

Happy Father's Day!

Sad Like a Country Song

We said goodbye to our friend Greg (aka "Nut") today. A physical goodbye, that is. He will always live on in our hearts And no question about it, it will be always. Some people just have that power to put a stamp on your heart. It helps fill the hole there.

Based on the hundreds of people filling the church this morning – and the visitation last evening – I know hubby and I aren't the only ones who feel this way. We are blessed that we were among those he called friend.

We almost felt dehydrated last night from shedding so many tears. Thought maybe we ran out. But the funeral certainly resurrected them. For all of us.

I give props to his three kids – pictured above as children but now young adults in college – who started the service with his eulogy and memories.

They touched on many of the attributes I shared the other day: his kindness, his ability to be both humble and the life of the party, his unselfishness and goal to be sure everyone was happy and having a good time, his love for classic country and polka, his love for his wife – as he once bragged, "the only girlfriend he's ever had."

He was the best!

And now I can make you shed a tear or two with a poem that was shared:

When I am gone, release me, let me go,

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears. 

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Be happy that we had the years we did.

I gave you my love and you can only guess 

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love each of you has shown,

But it's time to travel on alone.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.

And if you listen within your heart, you'll hear

All of my love around you soft and clear.

Then when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and a big hug.

Dang, how we already miss that smile and hug! Rest in peace, Nut.

Thanks for Visiting

I knew after our nice Thanksgiving break that Carter couldn't wait until Christmas to see me. You're welcome, everyone, for Winter Storm Carter's visit this weekend. Hope he didn't wear out his welcome.

Looks like he sort of did some places! Wow.

I was mostly oblivious since my friend Julie and I were hunkered down indoors for scrapbooking. Basically gone 8 a.m. to midnight yesterday and today we started early but ended around 3 p.m. Since we didn't have our hubbies to torture, we tortured – er, loved – our friend Becky's dog Trigger.

Big sweetie!

Seriously, the weekend was as productive as I hoped it would be. Working on my 2013 album and just wanted to get through all the Dad stuff... final illness, visits, funeral, etc. It was an emotional but therapeutic weekend. Here's a snapshot of a few of those pages...

For some people, it wouldn't make sense to scrapbook that. But someday his grandchildren and great-grandchildren may want to know about his life – last days included. And I may need to revisit it, too, when I've gone awhile without a good cry.

Still, it was a fun weekend, too. Always great to see Jules and catch up and make new plans.

And Carter, thanks for visiting, too. You kept Dad busy snowblowing and shoveling all day – and created nice photo backgrounds for the rest of us.