Labor Day Vibes :: Feeling Shady

Happy Labor Day! I have never worked in a union and I am quite sure my father never did either. So my only familiarity comes from life as a newspaper reporter sharing updates on "negotiations." 

Yes, I am guilty of just seeing this as a day off and unofficial end of summer. But it hit home during the pandemic when I realized jobs like mine did not make me an "essential worker." No one is going to live or die based on my creative marketing copy. It does nothing really to move the country forward.

The ones who do deserve more than just one holiday off, in my opinion! Salute to you all!

As for my holiday, I did do some physical labor pulling weeds and random pop-up grape vines (probably poisonous) from around the front deck. I also laid all my hanging baskets of flowers to rest! RIP.

That was sunny, sweaty work! When I hauled the wheelbarrow full of weeds to our way back yard "dumping pile" I was immediately struck by how much cooler it was back there in the shade... with a breeze!

So I set up a chair in my new shady area and enjoyed a cool breeze while I listened to more of my marathon audio book. It was nice. I was wishing for a hammock!

Beyond that, it was a pretty laidback day for both of us. Always plenty of baseball on TV. Plus I needed my steps while listening to my book. 

This week is our week "in the office" Tuesday-Thursday, so I need to remember to turn on an earlier (dang) alarm and pick out clothes for work/immediately followed by golf tomorrow. There is a lot of pressure in the workforce these days, isn't there?

Hope you had a relaxing Labor Day Weekend and took time to pat yourself on the back for your hard work! Thank you!

Last Day of Stay-Cation

After such a low-key week I am totally not prepared to wake up to an alarm in the morning and get back to work!

One of my friends at church commented, "You know what your vacation sounded like? Retirement!" Oh, god. Now I want that. NOW.

I didn't get a ton accomplished but I am OK with that. The important thing is that I did not think about work. At all. That's a true victory for me.

Of course tomorrow morning might be a startling reality. But I'll deal. 

Today was pretty laid back. Church and some Mr. Deck Chair time and then baseball.

It happened that both my Twins and hubby's Reds were featured "squares" on the MLB Network. Yay, Twins, for beating the Yankees!

After that I was just lazing about, doing some crocheting and listening to an audio book. I really got used to that. Help me acclimate to real life tomorrow, please!

Hope all of you found time to relax over the holiday weekend. I'll never take if for granted again, I swear!

Palooza Wrap-Up

 

While today was "cooler" by the heat wave standards, the high temps and humidity definitely made our birthday-anniversary palooza week less eventful than it could have been. 

My birthday Sunday, our anniversary Wednesday, and hubby's birthday today. Our palooza has officially petered out. 

Jim got lots of birthday greetings (thank you) but we didn't have big plans. Clay came over and helped him with a backyard project. So I took off to Point. Herrschners was have a "Sale After The Sale" sale! Got some more cheap yarn for a new project.

I also stopped at Ski's Meats, Walmart (with a million other people), and Feltz Dairy Store. And ran in the rain at every stop.

Needless to say, the backyard project didn't get done. And I found myself with more Mr. Recliner time than Mr. Deck Chair time. Sad.

Since my tummy is still a bit wonky, we did not go out to eat. But Jim made himself some delicious-looking fajitas! He's got his recipe nailed down if we ever want to serve company. Ha.

Tonight we're just relaxing in the A/C and watching baseball. With the MLB Network, we can see both the Reds and the Twins play – plus two other games. My mind can't wrap my head around it yet. I'll just pretend I'm at Buffalo Wild Wings and there are 4 games on 4 different screens.

Pass the ranch for my spicy wings, please!

Enjoy your holiday weekend! Be smart and be safe!

Every Day's a Holiday

There's so many random "holidays" every day, I don't know how a person keeps track! In addition to allegedly being National Kissing Day and National Onion Ring Day, it's Robyn's First Day Working From Home For The Next 6 Weeks Day! 

Also, I haven't had cake in FIVE days! That was a good streak while it lasted. Let's not celebrate that.

Someone who really paid attention to holidays – in particular "personal holidays" – was my mother. She was so good about sending cards for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, babies, get well thoughts, you name it. Always addressed in her perfect penmanship and including a nice, handwritten note.

Tonight at Book Club we discussed The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I thought of my mom the entire time I was reading through. 

The main character wrote in one of her many letters that "the value of the written letter is, namely, that reaching out in correspondence is really one of the original forms of civility in the world, the preservation of which has to be of some value we cannot yet see."

I think I mentioned this book awhile back when I first started reading it. There is no narrative. There are only letters, set in such an order that you piece together the story. A lot of themes of grief and guilt and trying to mend relationships. Good stuff! 

I have a hard cover copy if anyone wants to borrow it.

And now I have to prepare for tomorrow. It's National Pink Day but also National Eat at a Food Truck Day so I need to find something loose-fitting. 

Happy holidays!

Holiday Weekending Close to Home

We didn't have plans to leave town for the long weekend. And that was before the spike in gas prices over the past month or so. 

But in the end, that worked in our favor. 

We have just enough going on anyway to keep us busy and entertained – with time for naps.

This morning, we both ran our errands. Then early this afternoon we hopped over the Lake Wazeecha for a graduation party. Filled up on the taco bar and then came home to nap before heading to the next party at the Ridges in the late afternoon.

I'm kind of so full it's almost painful. And I haven't even had cake yet!

Tomorrow we'll repeat the same pattern. Only this time, I'll be starting with a brunch at church before the Assumption graduation parties. I better pace myself! Or none of those "new" smaller pants I bought at Goodwill will fit me come Tuesday when I return to work! 

For those camping or holiday-cationing somewhere where you're spending lots of time outdoors, I hope you stayed warm enough today. It was cloudy and cool here, but Mother Nature is turning up the thermostat tomorrow. YAY!

I mean the forecast for Memorial Day is 82 degrees, no graduation parties, and total dedication to Mr. Deck Chair 2.0. Bring it on!

Enjoy your weekend!

Post-Holiday Celebration

After our Friday Christmas celebration with all the Austins, our holiday celebration continued on Saturday morning with the three boys and their special ladies.

I'm not ashamed to brag but I made a very tasty egg and spicy sausage egg bake.

And grandpup Rey was the most well-behaved and well-loved girl in the house! Love days like that.

After the house was empty, I did some yarn shopping in Point for a special project. And today was church in the morning and a different kind of celebration this afternoon.

Hubby has developed quite the cough so I went by myself to give our friend (and 20 years' former newspaper coworker) condolences since she just lost her husband to cancer. Naturally, I arrive crying and saying I totally meant to be strong for HER! Ooof. I did see a few other newspaper coworkers so that was nice to catch up, too.

Wasn't long after that our predicted snow storm made it self known. We'll see what it dumps on us tonight. Since I'm on vacation and neither one of us has any place to go on Monday, I think we'll be just fine.

If you're traveling, though, be safe out there!

Pre-Merry Christmas

We had sort of an unconventional Christmas Day – for us anyway. Since the boys (and rest of the in-laws) are coming to celebrate tomorrow, today it was just us old folks. 

I decided right away that even though Santa had stockings filled for everyone, we shouldn't have to wait until tomorrow. It's officially Christmas after all! I was thrilled Jim got us a couple's membership to our golf course again. And a gift certificate to one of my favorite locally owned businesses. If I can adhere to some New Year's resolutions, I see some wardrobe changes courtesy of Rustic Redefined. 💗

In addition to missing the boys, but grateful we're just a day away from seeing them, we missed our angels – my mom and dad...

And Jim's mom. But these ornaments always remind us they are close in our thoughts and hearts. We did have dinner at Jim's dad's this evening, so that was nice!

Otherwise, today was also just busy – getting the house ready for company, some food prep, doing a family photo shoot (for hire) and now that I have those two trifle bowls, make them tonight for a customer.

Andes Mint Chocolate Avalanche Trifle (Does Culvers have that trademarked?).

And Peanut Butter and Chocolate Trifle – with both Nutty Buddy bars and various Reese's PB cups. I think she'll be pleased.

And Santa also brought us a Vikings victory today. Yes, we're well aware this win over the Lions helps the Packers, but we're just happy to have this one small Christmas gift with our third- maybe fourth-string QB this season! Pretty sure we'll still be in a good place for the draft! 💜💛

Be Christmas nice and let us have our joy! 😁

Hope all of you had one or many Christmas blessings go celebrate today!!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

It's December 23. That means it's Christmas Eve Eve for all of us ... and Festivus for the rest of us. 

If you're not a fan of Seinfeld, you'll have to Google that one. And I was disappointed I didn't even have time to air my grievances today. Guess that's my grievance!

Had a hectic day at work because there are just so many things to wrap up before I start my holiday vacation. Couldn't quite get it all done before racing out of the office to get to my very important appointment with my hair artist. She is the gift that keeps on giving – every 6 weeks anyway!

After I got home, I finished up work and ... drum roll, please ... logged off until 2026! WHOOT!

We'll see if I can stay committed.

For fun, I visited 3 more stores to find a spare trifle bowl after I got a text from FedEx that what I ordered to be delivered by today has now been delayed until Friday night. Past my deadline for creating and delivering two. I think I found some plastic alternatives at the Dollar Tree (which has different inventory from Dollar General, by the way. Who knew?).

Must remind myself it's Christmas Eve Eve and I'm going to have let stress go. Work is done. I still have to get a few things figured out for our family Christmas Friday eve, but I'm officially switching to Hallmark Channel mode.

Where everything works out in the end. And maybe I'll even get a kiss under the mistletoe!

Oh dang, where can a girl get herself some mistletoe at this late date?! Another grievance, I guess!

Non-Trad Holiday Lights

At the end of a pretty busy workday, I was looking forward to seeing some Christmas lights to calm me on the commute home. I did see plenty in Stevens Point, but it was the non-traditional holiday lights that caught my attention.

And yes, caused several moments where I pulled over to the edge of the road and capture them. Enjoy and see God's handiwork – even in the toughest of times for some people...

And 5 minutes later, we're in winter darkness mode. Still, the beauty of a sunset (any time of year) just gives me pause to remember God is huge, my problems/moments of angst are little, and we need to figure out how to take a deep breath and appreciate it.

The "holiday light show" was perfect timing for me. Hope you feel the same!

What We Hoped Wouldn't Happen

I have especially felt grief during every holiday season (Easter to Christmas) since my dad died more than a decade ago. And have been more acutely aware of the pain of loss since Mom's passing last year. Simultaneously, one of my sisters has been grieving the loss of her husband on top of that.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

But for my cousins-in-law, they got a double blow this holiday season.

Last Tuesday we laid Aunt Janice Austin to rest. And this morning, Uncle Joe closed his eyes and decided to join her. So heartbreaking for their family. These are the "kids" hubby grew up with, spending countless hours at their house being boisterous boys who either played nice or tried to prove who was the most talented with a baseball bat! 

They were like a second set of parents. And nothing hurts more for these boys (and their families) than becoming an "orphan" in 2 weeks' time. 

In peak holiday season.

I pray for all of you who are hurting, missing, grieving someone this holiday season. And well, throughout the year. Focus on the memories. They will reflect the love of your relationship and the blessing that they were part of your life.

Easier said than done. But let's try! 💔 

Looks Like Christmas-ish

There are certain people who cannot resist mint chocolate – especially during Christmas season and, well, during St. Patrick's/Shamrock Shake time either. Me. I am those people!

Today, since I was actually home on a Saturday with no solid plans, I checked out some holiday expo that was being held at the Hotel Mead. Well it was HUGE this year with 80+ vendors spread out all over the first floor of the hotel, filling conference/banquet rooms and the lobby. I ran into so many people I knew, too, making it the best social hour (er, 90+ minutes) ever!

I had no real agenda or shopping list in mind (rookie mistake) but I found plenty to buy – including the homemade mint-chocolate bark pictured. Also, Millers' Amish farm had Coconut Creme fry pies as their featured flavor of the day. I bought 2 for the "deal" and said I didn't plan on sharing them! I did buy some fresh garlic beef sticks for hubby (possibly to appease my guilt) and a few stocking stuffers, but not really that much. 

Still it really got me in the mood for the upcoming season. I may have to turn on Hallmark tonight!

When I got home, Jim and I went up to Stevens Point to visit an old newspaper friend we very much keep in touch with – who just had some back/neck fusion type surgery. Great to see Scottie, but wow, I would not do well being in a neck brace for 12 weeks! So many hugs and prayers, my friend.

Got home and decided to work on our family Christmas card because Walgreens has a 70% off deal until 11:59 p.m. TONIGHT! Well, that's been interesting. I asked the boys for pictures of them and their ladies. I didn't think I had to point out "from 2025" but Mr. Smooth had a nice picture from early 2024 in Raleigh, N.C. Nope. Mom says no. Follow the basic rules of family Christmas cards everywhere. Also, while I think he and his girl are super photogenic, people can be hyper-sensitive so I am respecting that.

And sending them the bill if they can't agree on something well before midnight for this discount!

You're right, that is pretty Grinch-y. Maybe I will just head to the basement for a 2-hour Hallmark timeout. 

Looks and feels like the Christmas-y thing to do! Embrace the season, my friends.

Eve of the Eve of Hallows' Eve

Who knew this was a thing? But yes, my work team and I are definitely focused on the Eve of Hallows' Eve because tomorrow is our last day in the office for the week and we have to celebrate Halloween a day early!

No spoilers. Just know I had to work a few connections to get part of my costume. And then, naturally, count on Amazon for the rest! Hubby rolled his eyes pretty heavily when I had him take a photo of me in costume last night. He just doesn't get how fun Marketing people can be!

Of course in the back of my mind, I've already moved on to what sort of costume or "accents" can help my twin sister and I when we perform our annual Opening Act this weekend? Well, I had a mission to find one thing (times 2 that is) and failed. The Halloween shelves are mostly empty and, facing them on the opposite side of the aisle, are Christmas items already!!

I get that people turn to my favorite holiday as early as they can. But, since Jim golfed this afternoon, I can't quite wrap my head around merchandising something that is 2 holidays away.

Also, that's why I'm a writer for a living and not a numbers gal.

And, although there was slim pickings, I did manage to get some treats in case any ghosts, goblins, ghouls, princesses or dinosaurs show up on our doorstep Friday.  Like Motel 6, we'll leave the light on!

Jolly Holiday

I'm so old school that when I hear of a new "holiday" each day I just go back to Mary Poppins and recall that it's a jolly holiday with Mary!

Today's new to me holiday was National Intern Day.

So of course I was compelled to make a card and buy some little treats for the 2 rock star interns on our marketing corporate communications team. They've been with us since May and I will miss them so much when they go. It's like mentoring people who still have 2 years of college to decide what they might want to do – and giving them real-work situations to help them decide. 

Back in the last century when I was in college, most internships weren't paid and I could not give up a summer of income to do one. So I really admire how forward-thinking our 2 writers are. It's a level of maturity I don't think I had heading into my junior year at college. 

But as I said to the golf "opponents" tonight, if you have a college aged kid interested in anything my company offers – from marketing to finance – let me know. We have a generous – very generous – program at Sentry that I'd recommend.

It could be a jolly holiday for someone next year!

Creatively Escaping the Heat

Saturday was another super hot and humid day. I do love the heat, but I'll admit I don't have the stamina to handle it like I used to. So the first highlight of the day was driving in the A/C to an air-conditioned book fair at Lake Arrowhead. Found three must-have reads because of course that's what they were selling!

Got home and had a surprise Amazon package delivered. Who needs a neon ice cream sign?? THIS birthday girl! I texted Jim, Carter and my twin to see who was responsible for this cool moment of joy on a hot day... and my twin did not disappoint!

I had hoped to photograph the water ski show later, but we got hit by some pretty hard and steady rain in the late afternoon.

Quite a bit in a short amount of time. So I stayed home and turned my attention elsewhere. To Shutterfly, in fact, and their recent text that they had a screaming deal for the weekend. Unlimited free pages AND free shipping.

So look at me finally finishing a vacation album from 10+ years ago!  

I mean I could also make some headway on a Maui vacation from 2016, but I don't think the 5 hours between now and midnight is enough. On the plus side, they do often extend the "unlimited free pages" coupon another day after the holiday. So there's a chance I can start it tonight and have all of tomorrow to scrap away. 

But let's not forget, this was a 5-day weekend with all intentions of "relaxing." Ahhh, decisions... decisions...

Hope you had a relaxing and SAFE holiday weekend!

Mild Memorial Day

With the temps in the low 70s and winds a mild pace, we had an enjoyable (and tolerable) day at the race track.

Today our nephew Colin raced close by – in the Midwest Truck Series at Golden Sands Speedway.  A mere 15 minutes from home.

After starting in the back part of the pack and getting hit and moving to the far back, we were excited to see him pull out a 13th-place finish. 

Plus, the weather was just pleasant. Some Memorial Days it's pouring rain and other times. it's 80+ degrees. So this was pleasant. We certainly wanted him to finish better, but were happy to see him not giving up the fight.

That was pretty much the excitement (and relaxation) of our holiday day off. Maybe we'll get a few more chances to lay back this week!

Happy Holiday Weekend Sunday

I'll admit the 3rd day of a 4-day holiday weekend can be pretty boring when you're just doing normal life things. So today, being it Sunday and all, I went to church.

Also mid-morning Jim, Casey, Clay and a friend went golfing. By early afternoon we were all home and I headed to a graduation party while hubby relaxed on the couch and watched golf.

When I got home, I realized the temps were close enough to 70 so I could bond with Mr. Deck Chair for a bit. He was so happy! And it turned into a gathering of 3+ neighbors by our deck. (While I tried to hide my over-exposed body!)

Tonight, after I ran an errand in town, hubby had a backyard fire going.

He had some added color thanks to our many expired, etc., strings of holiday light strings. Always looks pretty. And it's nice before the mosquito season starts, too!

Enjoy the great outdoors however you want or however you can this holiday weekend! 

Oh Sweet Hump Day

Today was another reminder that we somehow managed to work 5 days in a row most of last year – and now it feels like a challenge.

For me, a "5 days in a row" work week hasn't happened since before Thanksgiving. So I'm already caving to mild exhaustion this week. Who made up this rule of 5 days in a row anyway?

Luckily there has been plenty to keep me awake – er, mind occupied – at work so I can be productive. And tonight I had our monthly Girls Night Out to look forward to and carry me through Hump Day.

There was 8 of us who met at Gordie's (formerly Layla's, Goose's, etc on the west side of Rapids). Our food was amazing and we were there catching up for at least 2 hours. That's how you jump into Hump Day and gain momentum to finish out the week!

Hope all of you are adjusting back to your reality after the holidays. Don't judge yourself. It does take a minute!

The Clouds are Always Greener...

Usually the saying is about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence. But today, the unsual thing is the clouds in the weatherman's forecast being greener. I mean green as in RAIN, not snow or sleet. 

All day.

Since I had today off I opted for an oil change instead of a car wash (look how smart I am at the end of the year?!). Then sat inside and knocked off two DVR'd Christmas movies. Making progress there!

Late this afternoon, my nephew Tony (twin sister's son) arrived and is staying the night on his way from Up North to Green Bay. We went out to eat for a delicious (but super slowly delivered) fish fry at Ryder's Roadhouse. And now might play some cards as long as we're snowed, er rained, in.

I guess we should've left our rain gauge out. Hopefully it doesn't turn to ice overnight. If so, be extra careful out there!

Move Over, Red and Green

 I realized last evening after I blogged that there are a lot of colors of the season besides red and green.

Early sunset views from the front yard showed vibrant orange and yellow.

Then, maybe as a nod to our Vikings victory, there was a hint of purple. Beautiful!

Just so pretty to capture. No filters used or needed!

Of course, don't forget RED as a seasonal color – especially the Red Kettle campaign for the Salvation Army. Glad I ran into my favorite Riverkings hockey player from Assumption tonight as they rang the bells. I told him the poster behind us almost looked like him.

In other words, you never know who you are helping when you share some "green" for good causes this holiday season!

Non-Hunter's Widow Weekend

Today marks the beginning of gun-deer season in Wisconsin. And what I love about that is even though my hubby doesn't hunt, I can still participate in all the "hunters' widow" fun. I can. They don't check I.D.s for that sort of thing!

So I managed to get to a few holiday open houses, the indoor farmers' market, and the Best Christmas Ever fundraiser out at Wildhorse Saloon (called something else now). That's where they no only had various vendors but also raffle baskets – some top tier ones for special prices and a few dozen others. For once, I just put tickets in for baskets I wanted to win instead of thinking about winning baskets to pay it forward at my sister's benefit.

So I was extremely thrill-i-fied (to use a WICKED type word) at the end of the day to get a phone call that I won one of the bigger items – an 18-hole round of golf for 4 at Bullseye Country Club! Definitely worth the day's investments!

Yes, I'll take my non-hunting hubby. Don't worry.

The other win for the day was that we got to go out to dinner with our friend and former co-worker Toni (we're talking since Carter was a toddler). Her husband had to work at the last minute so it was just the three of us. But we enjoyed good food at Chili's in Plover – and much-needed catching up conversation. 

We swore this spring over lunch that we'd get together more often. If you find yourself saying that, make it happen. Time goes so fast. You don't want to regret not seeing someone. So glad we had some time together before we all enter the busy holiday season. 

P.S. I did actually get a little holiday shopping done today. I wouldn't be a card-carrying fake hunter's widow it I hadn't.