A Walk (or Run) in the Park

I spent a good chunk of my day at beautiful Standing Rocks Park near Plover where Stevens Point High School was hosting their annual cross country meet.

The fluctuation of our Royals cross country team has been interesting. Sometimes there's so many runners they have to compete for the Varsity 7. Other times, like today, there were not enough runners – we need 5 to score as a team.

Still, it's always fun to watch and to capture. And I think this year was the first time I wasn't dying from sun and heat. I actually had to go back to my car at one point to get my jacket!

I think Assumption did as well as they hoped. 

Afterward, since we all had to follow a dusty gravel road to get to the park, I made sure to find a car wash. Then the rest of the day was random errands and getting steps.

Hope y'all had a satisfying and relaxing Saturday!!

Temporarily in Bloom

I was so excited to take a bunch of these pictures yesterday and even today (at lunchtime), but boy did I need a jacket to ward off the wind by the time I got to track meet at 5 p.m. I just don't know what has Mother Nature in such a foul mood!

Anyway... enjoy some blossoms from yestersday when I thought the REAL spring was here. Probably a good thing hubby reminded me of the many nights in the 30s this week so I didn't go hogwild at the flower place!

Full disclosure. I have no idea what any of those flowers are. But I like them!

What I do know is that while I was taking pictures at a track meet tonight my friend's little daughter latched onto me and picked me a handful of flowers! As someone who hopes to be a grandmother some day, I thought is was the greatest gesture leading into Mother's Day.

P.S. That's my not so subtle warning that Mother's Day is this Sunday. 💜

TGIX

TGIX? Well that means its XC or cross country day! Actually, just a normal Friday with an afterschool cross country photo shoot of our amazing seniors. Gotta admit, it was a hoot!

And taking pictures outside meant I could just click and not worry where my next cough would land. Also good that another day into recovery meant fewer coughing spells anyway.

Mostly I was surprised that many of these super YOUNG LADIES were actually seniors now. I hate when time sneaks up on me like that. But I also was incredibly happy to see them not shy at all about showing off their personalities. 

Thank you, class of 2026 leaders for reminding me why I appreciated so much that my son was in cross country and we created amazing bonds as parents and fans!

Royally Busy Day

It was Royal-ly busy day today, that's for sure. I even went to my favorite golf course – twice.

First was the Assumption Cross Country Invite at TriCity. Took pictures of both boys and girls high school and middle school races. We continue our streak of having some pretty decent runners for boys and girls. Fun to watch. Our high school girls team ended up taking this lovely trophy home! Way to go!

On the way home, I stopped by Lincoln High School, where our Lady Royals tennis team was in action again. There were a few girls I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the other night, so I got them today. While it was nice a sunny.

As soon as the rain clouds hit in the early afternoon, we hoped they'd be short-lived. I ended up sorting through, editing, and posting the pictures from both events before Jim got home from singing at 4 p.m. church in Rudolph.

Then we headed to TriCity with intentions of golfing in the basketball fundraiser scramble. Even though it was raining on the way there, we figured there was a chance we'd golf.

Lots of carts decked out for glow ball! But then we had a rain delay. Then storm delay.

We could constantly see lightning behind this strange break in the crowds. When it finally looked like we could go, we headed to our carts once again. Wiped them off once again. And turned on our lights once again.

Thankfully our scramble partners Sean and Michelle brought the goods.

We could have disco lights and everything. But then the stinkin' rain started yet again! We decided to call it a night. 

We know from the summer that it is absolutely no fun to golf in the rain! But I'm sure most of them gave it a go in the lightning round, so to speak. We're OK with our decision.

After a busy day, I don't mind being home by 9 p.m.! Stay dry!

A Tall Drink of Water

You don't hear it much anymore, but a "tall drink of water" describes a person who is generally long-legged and very attractive. And perhaps could satisfy your "thirst" on a hot day – as water certainly would.

It's not a common expression anymore. But I discovered a brand-new meaning for it this week.

Yesterday when my friend Jenny and I took a walk at lunchtime, she presented this ice cream lover with a special gift! A half-gallon (you read that right) water jug that will definitely keep me hydrated (and running to the restroom) at work. I love it!!

It was so nice, we walked 3 miles! And then after work, I went to shoot pictures of Royals track and field and got a little more sun and 2 more miles of steps!

Those meets are so hard to capture because you've got all the field events going on at the same time for about half an hour, then track starts and you bounce back and forth and try to get a little bit of everything. My favorite thing to shoot is the long jump.

They just fly! I did get other field events plus several running events before I had to go. I just happened to have an appointment with my hair artist at 6:15 p.m. (And those track meets last so long!)

By the time I got home I was sun-kissed and exhausted. And knew I had to sleep carefully to keep my hair styled for another day. Ha. Despite a full-on downpour of a day, I did!

After work, it was a quick stop to check out the brand new Hobby Lobby in Stevens Point. No, I didn't buy anything. This time! Then home to finish going through last night's photos so I could watch The Voice. So much talent this season!

Tomorrow night after work I'll really have some special music. No, not choir practice. Even more special. I'll fill you in after! 

Have a good week and be careful out there!

Running Around

What a gorgeous fall day for a run! Oh wait, I didn't actually run. I was there taking pictures of people running. Duh.

To start the day, hubby and I signed up for a 5K walk/run – the Tracks for Tina 5K to benefit the Tina Livernash Memorial Scholarship that our friends organize. We were there to support it but we didn't walk or run. Jim didn't because he's like 20 days from knee surgery and 3 miles is a long walk. I didn't go because our Royals were running in the Rapids invitational over at Lincoln High School at 10 a.m.

So I booked it over there and loved the scenic views (above) that the runners would have. But 100 percent would not appreciate. Not when there's a race to be won!

It was beautiful but brisk. Well, very brisk. Winter hat weather. Totally chill. Like in the 40s. Brrr.

Speaking of 40s...

We went to a 40th birthday party this afternoon for our friend Jeannie. Yes, that cupcake says: "Straight outta 1982." Raise your hand if you feel old! Wow.

After the party, we met up with friends – including Christine and Mike in town for their 5K fundraiser – and went to Two Lakes Supper Club. 

It looks like coconut shrimp because it is! I know I get the same thing every time. But it's so good. And we only go there 2 or 3 a season!

And also great to catch up with friends I see far too seldom. I gotta get out more! I say that as I saw no less than 10 other people there that I knew. Guess everyone gets out! 

Now we're home early enough we could watch baseball playoffs on TV when neither of our teams are in it. Those recliners, though, will make it worth our while!

Back in My Element

It feels good to feel good and finally be released from the house! And there was no shortage of catching up to do when it comes to spring sports. As it happened, just about all of them were happening yesterday. And I ended up covering one I haven't done yet in my photography years: Track and field.

And now I know why. There's so much going on at the same time. Yes, track AND field. So you almost have to clone yourself to get pictures of everything. Which I didn't since I couldn't pull off that feat. Still, I got a ton of pictures. Thank goodness, since it was all the way up in Stratford and the remaining meets are even further away.

I forgot that track meets are endless. Hours and hours. Which means I got a bonus sunset anyway! Got home at 9 p.m. I decided yesterday to take today off so I could get those pictures done AND do a little supply shopping plus bake Little Monster Cookies for the kiddos before their trip. 

Done and done and they headed to "independence" late this afternoon. I decided to shoot some softball and baseball today so I wouldn't have to think about my slightly breaking heart. 

That proved to be a great distraction. The softball game was going well (and they later won) but then I heard baseball was only down 4-3 in the 4th. With one victory under our belt, I knew I had to get over to that in case they made a comeback.

And what a rally that was.

Going into the last inning we were down 8-4. Thankfully, Athens sort of ran out of pitching. So we got some key walks to load bases and score a run or 2. The last batter was faces with loaded bases and an 8-7 score. We needed not 1, but 2 runs. No pressure.

Somehow Jack K's hit got past the third baseman and two of our guys scored. Game over. Royal victory!

There was much rejoicing from the players and the fans. And that extended to Ida's for fish fries and fun. Oh normalcy feels so good.

I won't take that for granted again! Be careful out there.

And, go Royals!

Keeping Pace

It was almost too nice of a day for state cross country. Seriously. Sunny and nearly 60. That's warm to run this event. Especially for a middle-aged photographer trying to run from spot to spot to get a good shot.

It got me steps. But it also got me hot and tired! 

After last year's extreme crowd-size limit plus dividing the meet up in three locations, it was actually nice to have it back in Rapids like one big happy family. If the family had thousands of members, that is.

Our Lady Royals finished 10th as a team. I hope they are holding their heads high because being a top 10 team in the state is a pretty, pretty big deal. If you ask this lifer cross country mom. I was proud of them for powering through the nerves and powering through a tough course. 

Since I was there, I got to shoot pictures of a few other runners, too. Grantsburg (where I have history and current family) had both a boys and girls team run today. That was cool. And the boys especially did well, finishing second. Was able to share some pictures of both teams on social media. And assigned some cousins to handle sharing them with the people runners' families.

By the time I got home and got done going through photos, I needed to not only sit, but give my hands a rest after several hours of clenching and unclenching the camera and then the computer mouse.

So yes, I did sit on the recliner and watch one of the new Hallmark Christmas movies. I had pumpkin spice coffee for breakfast so that makes up for DVRing and watching Christmas love unfold in October. I promise tomorrow will be all about pumpkins and candy. Or just the proper seasonal coffee drink if my legs hurt from running today and I need to relax!

Note to self: Never try to keep pace with kids half your age. Make that a third. Uff da. What was I thinking?!

Great job, runners!

Chasing Silver Linings

Mother Nature was slightly cooperative today – when it came to our schedule anyway. Most people had to adjust and do what they could between storms.

This morning we headed up to Marathon (west of Wausau) to participate in the annual Capital City 5K sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. Now Marathon isn't really the capital of anything, but this event usually takes place in Madison. Thanks to COVID, it's virtual again this year but our usual Running to Remember Ben team decided to do it together instead of having us participate individually in our own neighborhoods.

Why do we run (or walk mostly) to remember Ben? He was Jim's cousin. Fifteen years ago this weekend, Ben was killed when a distracted driver in an oncoming car crossed the centerline and hit him head on. The one silver lining was that Ben's organs were donated – giving someone else a second chance at life – and a gentleman named John, who received Ben's kidney and pancreas, joins us in this annual event.

The tough part this year was that Carter is now the age Ben was when he died. Just 23 and freshly out of college with big plans. I don't know how I would survive such a tragedy, not having my baby as he is right now with us for the rest of our days. My heart breaks just thinking about it.

One way Ben's parents and his sister cope with it is honoring his life with this annual event. Not only does it remind us that parts of Ben still live on in others today, it also reminds us that we can give that same gift when we "go," too. Check that organ donation box! You just never know!

This is little Ben, named after his uncle. It's another way Ben lives on, too. 

We're pretty sure he was up there looking over our crowd of 50-plus today because the sun shone while we walked and the rain didn't hit until we were under a shelter at the park, eating our post-walk pizza and ice cream.

Then it poured a ton on our drive home and during a quick stop at Jim's parents to tell them about the event. Later, when it cleared up, I headed down to the town of Rome to catch a waterski show. 

Got through the first half of the show and then it became quite evident Mother Nature was about to unleash some more fun.

I did not hesitate to hit the road and head home. It was a crazy downpour drive again. Uff da.

I'm hoping tomorrow is just a nice, sunny Sunday to spend the day outside without have to run for cover. I can walk a 5K around a track but I'm definitely not equipped to run anywhere.

I hope you're listening, Mother Nature.

Making History

In a time when our little school is as challenged as everyone else in this pandemic, our Royals have some how been able to rise above it and thrive.

This has been a fall sports season like none other. First we had an exceptional tennis team, then our volleyball team won their first rounds of regional playoffs (sorry they lost tonight to the #1 seed), our football team has its first 4-0 start in decades (and that's with a 14-man roster last night), and today, our undefeated girls cross country team punched their ticket to state with an amazing win at sectionals today! Not sure, we think it's the first girls cross country team to ever go to state for Assumption. Making history, baby!

Isn't that amazing when I thought – like 80 percent sure – we wouldn't even have fall sports?!

I wasn't planning to go to the sectional finals today. It initially was set to happen up in Three Lakes in the Rhinelander area, over 2 hours away. But they're still buried in snow up there so they moved it down to Rosholt (outside of Stevens Point) so it was just a 45-minute drive. Just like going to Camp Crop-A-Lot.

I think the race time temp of just 36 degrees actually fueled the girls to run faster! Whatever works!

They won by 16 points so they rocked it! Congrats!! 

Now the weird thing is that because the state meet would be too big of a gathering with COVID, they're having state meets in three locations. So we head to West Salem outside of La Crosse, rather than down the road at The Ridges Golf course. Basically, the girls will run for time and hope they beat all the other teams racing at the same time in other corners of the state. That'll be interesting. At least they're not canceling it.

Yet. Cross your fingers.

And yes, that was my excitement for the day – topped off with the gift of a Kringle (thanks, Steen), some hot tea and a Hallmark movie. Gonna have to be a much more productive day tomorrow. 

Maybe.

Love Birds

I know this is a cedar waxwing – not a love bird – but today was about love, so let's go with it.

Since Cinderella is about to turn into a Pumpkin Spice Girl at midnight, I'll be quick...

Got my 10,000 steps today be traipsing around the Wildwood Park and Zoo in Marshfield, chasing cross country photos and, while waiting for runners, taking advantage of some nature photography opportunities –– like the berry-pickin' bird by one of the ponds.

It was a successful cross-country meet. Our Royals middle and high school girls teams both took first and several of our guys had top 10 finishes. So it was a great first meet for our kiddos who LOVE running. I couldn't catch much of the third race – varsity girls – because I had to book it home and had about 5 minutes to quick shower and dress so we could head to Plover for a wedding for Cory, a son of one of Jim's high school buddies.

We stopped home in the time between ceremony and reception, so I got a few things done. Then it was up to Wausau for dinner and dancing. Well, one slow, love bird dance. But it got me to my 10,000 steps.

Now bed time for this old bird.

Coyote Ugly, Very Ugly

Even though my running shoes haven't seen many miles in 2020, Wile E. Coyote was still lurking around Blue Jay Drive at the crack of dawn. Either looking for Road Runner or possible just a good meal.

Because he looked hangry and he looked mangy. Our next-door neighbor Cindy managed to shoot him. With her cell phone, that is.

He's scoping things out in her yard – with the farm just behind those trees at the top of the photo.

And here he is trotting toward our yard. This was all around 6:30 a.m. Hubby was actually out walking at this time but was down the road and missed it all. Thankfully. Because Wile E. might have been desperate enough to take out a Road Walker today if he didn't see Road Runner.

And if you think it possibly could be a stray dog, it's not. I Googled "mangy coyotes" and the pictures look just like this guy...

Trust me, you don't want to see any more of those! So watch yourselves out there. Between Murder Hornets, Bubonic Squirrels, and Mangy Coyotes, you never know what is around the corner (or your neighborhood) in 2020. And face masks can't protect you from any of those!

Remember, I vowed never to ask "What's next?" this year. And I'm not gonna now. Be safe, everyone.

Oh No-vember

Mother Nature always seems to know when it's state cross country weekend in Wisconsin Rapids. Typically she sends either a cold front or snow or rain or all of that. Once in awhile, it's a gorgeous day on the golf course.

Not today.

Woke up to a dusting of snow. Enough to write out a fan note on the front deck. Then it was just cool (33 degrees with real feel of 22) but dry. Until the end of the girls Division 3 race.

Isn't that insane? Just a 2-minute snow squall of sorts at the finish line.

Nope. No PhotoShop. Seriously that much snow blowing around. Crazy.

We had two runners qualify from Assumption and one from the Wisconsin Rapids public high school. Since I knew all three, I was there for most of the afternoon. A friend of mine also had her son there coaching a team and her sister's grandson running for another team. So I took pictures for her, too. Might as well take advantage of my time there! We're lucky it's held every year at the Ridges Golf Course about 5 minutes from our house. So hubby just dropped me off and picked me up.

Our Royal Runners were brother (senior Garrett) and sister (freshman Grace). They did well but probably not as well as they hoped. Pretty typical for most runners at state. It's a whole new field of competition. And they're all good. That's why they're at state! Impressive kids!

Came home to warm up just long enough before heading out to dinner with our friends Mike and Cindy. Had to hit Two Lakes Supper Club one more time before it closes for the season. Yummy food and great company as always!

Got home and changed the clocks already. Since it's only 8 p.m. now (for us cheaters who fall back ahead of time), I might just stay up and watch a Hallmark movie!

Yes, a Christmas one. Not ashamed. Have you looked outside lately?!

Cold Hands (and Camera), Warm Hearts (and Belly)

Cold hands, warm hearts was definitely the theme of the day. Woke up to these types of temperatures and it didn’t get much warmer than that.

I had told myself if it rained, I pretty much wouldn’t leave the house. But since it was just chilly (and mostly sunny), I decided to pop over to the Ridges Golf Course and watch our Assumption runners in the Lincoln High School cross country invitational.

It was sooooo windy and yeah, very chilly. I felt bad for the runners! I had bundled up since I didn't have to run for time – just run from spot to spot to take pictures. Even then... B-R-R-R!

I was captured capturing photos. And you can tell a person had to really layer up. Naturally, I forgot gloves (obviously not prepared for this weather) so had to sit in the car after the varsity races to warm up my camera before the girls JV race. I suppose I warmed up myself a bit as well.

After the invitational, I headed home, downed hot coffee and hubby and I headed down to the Whiskey Rapids Saloon for a pot luck and to watch the Badgers game. It started snowing on the way there. Nothing stuck, though. Yet.

Good food. Great game. Big win. Wonderful seeing friends.

That's how you spend a cold and blustery day in autumn.

Just Another Massage Monday

The equation definitely adds up... You've got an extended weekend of scrapbooking followed by a week of white-knuckle driving on icy roads... followed by a 5-mile run in the cold... and sprinkle in some Mother Nature stress... That equals a full-hour, full-body massage!

I love the new math!

I actually did call a week ago to get in – right after scrap camp – but my very talented therapist couldn't get me in until today at 5 p.m. Based on the formula above, that worked out for the best. Ohhhh, very much so.

Every time I get a massage, I always say, "I need to do this more often." But I never do. This time, though, I think she was just getting started. So many knots. So little time. I'm a piece of work. But you already know that! So I'm going to shoot to get back again this month. Maybe it will be a Monday thing.

How was YOUR Monday?