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!

No Plans, No Problem

 

When I saw this, I gave myself permission to do as little as possible this long weekend. I gotta say, I'm getting pretty good at it!

I actually didn't want to do anything that would be stressful. So even though I had an opportunity to go Up North and back to see some cousins. Just wasn't feeling the "let's drive 9 hours in road construction and detour" vibes.

That would, however, have put a dent in this audiobook I just started. It's called The Calamity Club and it's like 28 hours! Better be worth it. So far I'm really enjoying it! Might have to increase the talking speed just a bit more.

So although I haven't been running in circles, I have been walking in them. Getting my 10,000 steps AND listening to this book. That will be the extent of multi-tasking this weekend!

Stretching Our Boundaries

Remember in 1988 when Tom Hanks wished to be "BIG"? Turns out you don't even need a magical Zoltar machine to make your wish come true!

If you time it right as the sun lowers in the sky, you can stretch your 5-foot-2-inch frame to 6 feet easily. And look at those long legs going on for miles!! 

Sorry, Zoltar and fake fortune-tellers, but you've been replaced by nature.

Also, once again, I am completely admitting to being a dork. We just happen to be in the midst of a "steps challenge" at work so I am out and about much more than my usual lazy ass is used to. So I start noticing weird things like shadows. And which cows at the neighboring farm acknowledge me when I say "good morning."

You know, the important things!

It's interesting that when my sister Rayna headed out from here yesterday she was going to enjoy an overnight stay in Wisconsin Dells, less than an hour from here. On the way there she visited Roche Cri State Park down the road, which we haven't done in ages. And this morning enjoyed a boat tour of the Upper Dells. I really want to do that!

Sometimes we get so stuck in our routines, we forget to stretch our boundaries – even just a little – and take advantage of some pretty cool things close to home! Also, some dorky things. But a lot are pretty neat! 

Go forth – and stretch your boundaries!

My T-Shirt Era

For us working folk, there's not many casual days in our lives, if you think about it. Saturdays might be an occasion, but there's usually a little dressing up for church on Sundays. After yesterday's fun coincidence of matching my neighbor, this morning I thought, "I'm going to start wearing all these t-shirts I insisted on buying but don't get an occasion to wear."

First one off the pile – King Cone of course! It's a pretty cool shirt, if I do say so myself.

Don't worry, I'm not boring you with a picture everyday. Just had to prove at the same time that I am leaving my desk and getting out walking. A must-do when working at home can keep you chained to your desk. 

I discovered today that 3 laps around the neighborhood "larger circle" will net me 5,000+ steps. So that's a start anyway. Each lap is a nice short break. Just have to keep reminding myself to do it!

Today was also highlighted by military jet training overhead and sonic booms and a nice thunderstorm. All ending before Jim's golf league, naturally.

Also, thanks to the internet and livestreaming, I was able to watch my cowboy nephew Zach compete in the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships in Amarillo, Texas. He's doing pretty good. Now I feel the need to watch The Man From Snowy River, which helped fuel his horse obsession as a young boy!

Don't be to jealous of my exciting life these days! 

Team Steps Challenge

We're having a companywide steps challenge at work in May. It started Tuesday but I didn't realize until today that my FitBit is no synched up with the new version of the work app. Darn technology.

Hopefully I got everything reset and reconnected so I didn't lose all of yesterday's steps and today's. Our Writers Assembling team needs me! 

This after for what was intended as fun, a small group of us from Marketing took a short walk across the street in Schmeeckle Reserve – this amazing 280-acre conservancy area technically on the campus of UW-Stevens Point.

I say "intended" fun because is turned out to be sunny.... but in the 40s and windy. B-r-r-r-r! (Side note: Hubby wore long underwear to golf league tonight!)

The fun part was coming across a small herd of what I could only call "domesticated city deer." 

I mean this dude (I shouldn't assume a dude just because he was very busy chewing on his snack with his mouth open, sorry) just looked at me and I was 5 feet away. No flinching or need to run away from a crazy camera lady!

And yes, my Up North brothers-in-law and nephews would be ashamed of me not knowing the difference between male and female deer. But this one looked like Rudolph's girlfriend Clarice. I obviously follow a different outdoors learning guide.

Anyway, it made for a fun little jaunt to get steps!

And now I better log off because I still need 145 steps to get to 10,000 today. Can't let the team down!

P.S. You know me. I am NOT at all competitive!

Well That Was Fun

I could dub thee Sarcastic Sunday. Because some parts were not that fun.

Take church choir for example. There were 4 us. Not a fancy barbershop quartet. Just 2 men, 2 women. Not the strongest singers. Myself included in that. And our director sang with us to bring it up to 5. Yes, it was just the melody for On Eagle's Wings. But still. Cringe. 

But then it got fun. 

Ran up to Herrschners for some baby blanket yarn (bless them for Sunday hours) and worked on blanket #3 (boy them #2) while watching golf.

I love watching The Masters – especially on Augusta Sunday. And frankly, I want it to be a close competition. And today delivered big time. So many lead changes and people climbing the leaderboard. In the end Rory repeated for a back-to-back win, but he tried to blow it on the last hole – driving it into the woods!

I noticed his daughter Poppy is getting big. Yes, I do "know" some of the kids. I just wonder if they understand what the big deal is when Dad always wins things! You know?

And as the leaderboard was heating up, so too were the temperatures. The windows in the house and the screen door were letting in fresh air! Also, maybe something related to pollen. Not pollen yet, but I sneezed no less than 20 times this afternoon/evening. Grrr.

Did get out for a jaunt around the neighborhood after golf concluded. 

There was a hen party going on around the bend but since I just saw 5 out of 6 sisters the other day, I kept on walking. C'mon, that's funny, right?

Ok. Break time is over. Time to get back to hookin' something! Hope you had real FUN at some point today!

Monday's Micro-Dose of Spring

This. This is 100% me. And also why I decided at 7 a.m. – after consulting with Mr. Deck Chair and the ugly upcoming forecast – I was taking the afternoon off. I mean It's almost April and I've used one day (of 6 weeks' worth) of vacation in 2026.

Best decision!

I logged off at noon and was at my friend Jenny's house in town by 12:15 and we commenced to enjoy a leisurely but calorie-burning 3-mile walk. With so much catching up!

Got home and started assembling a trifle for tomorrow (no spoilers allowed this time). Then sat on the deck to paint my toenails a sparkling pink SUMMER color (of course!). Then sat on the swing to let the nails dry while I listened to my current Book Club book that is changing my life – Theo of Golden. Trust me, as soon as I'm done I'll be blogging about it because I want everyone to read or listen to it!

Took another walk later because well, it was still gorgeous out. Plus I had to get in a few more steps. I think my health and fitness program at work is going to think someone stole my FitBit because... 10,000 steps TWO days in a row?! This is not the Robyn Austin we've come to know.

I fully acknowledge that shortcoming. Working on it, working on it!

The challenge comes with winter allegedly returning in 48 hours or less. Gah. I think Old Man Winter and Mother Nature should just pool their resources and pay for therapy for the lot of us!

On a serious note... graphic photo alert... today is the 2-year anniversary of my sister Rachel's horrific crash that tried to claim her life (a few times!) but the angels decided it wasn't her time yet! If you don't believe in God and miracles then look at this photo and ask yourself how else she and her friend survived!

Even now, she's not out of the woods yet. She's advancing more to walking without a cane or walker but is smart when she knows she should use one of them. And the legal battle for which insurance company will pay her medical bills is ongoing. She even had a deposition today of all days. Minnesota's "no fault" rule means she was 50% at fault for the accident because she was on that road – even though the other driver crossed the line and struck her. Obviously with impact! If any of you are the praying type, she still could use your prayers.

It continues to remind our family that there are so many miracles of spring. We love the birds and the little shoots of flowers blooming. But having our sister still with us tops them all. 💖

Hug your loved ones. Or if they are far away, tell them you love them!

Spring Brake, Palm Sunday, Etc.

So I was thinking that when my church choir and I sang two songs on Palm Sunday that for sure I'd have an "in" to win the cross BINGO. Nope. There were two games that I was one away from BINGO and couldn't claim a payout in time.

Close does NOT count in BINGO. Still, so fun! Too bad there's only 2 Sundays left this "season."

When I got home and it was 64 degrees I quickly changed shoes and went for a walk. Dang the snowplow drivers did some damage to neighborhood yards when they could tell road from anything with 2 feet of snow.

Was fun to catch my friend Marigene on the circle and the a few miles in, though. So nice!

Went to the store later for trifle ingredients and was struck by the knowledge that we really never know of a spring pothole is half an inch deep or half a bucket deep! Uff da. Wow. Actually so grateful for the bucket at this grocery store because my Black Betty would not have handled that well!

Of course, spring brakes wouldn't be complete without something BREAK-ing. For me. That's my bracket. Dang Duke. 

As Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I've got to say about that." 😩

Forget all the madness. Enjoy spring the next 24 hours!

Bring on March Gladness

Don't forget that March Madness actually begins at the high school level with the regionals and sectionals leading up to state hoops. And when we're lucky, it turns into March Gladness.

The crazy and amazing thing Friday night was that our boys won their Regional round 2 game versus a higher seed, Blair-Taylor (which is my college territory around La Crosse).

I had a few things to do and did not travel 80-plus minutes to shoot pictures last night in Elroy when they faced the No. 1 seed. But I quickly heard through the grapevine that our boys claimed the Regional Championship!

That is so exciting. Now onto sectionals for the first time in at least 8 years.

The other part of March MADness or GLADness is always weather dependent, of course!

Today after we both sang in our respective churches, we went to a retirement party for our friend Christine. Alwasys great to see old / long time friends. When we got home, the temps were in the mid-50s so I went for a walk.

Got to chat with my friend and neighbor Cindy and my favorite four-legged creature Buddy. Then ran into golf partner and neighbor Marigene.

We literally went the extra mile, so to speak. I forget how long winters somehow stop us from seeing people! No one likes to hang out on the swing in front of the house when it's 22 degrees! You know?

When Carter called this afternoon he, of course, was having slightly warmer weather "down south" in Iowa. But we both hoped this wasn't a fake spring again. And we know, naturally, that it probably is because this is, well, the Midwest and the calendar won't acknowledge spring yet for 2 weeks.

I heard a rumor, though, that tomorrow's high temp could bring Mr. Deck Chair out of winter hibernation. Just saying.

Hope you find your March GLADness this week!

Summer Scratch 'n' Sniff

I took a lunchtime walk with my friend Jenny and her lilac blooms were heaven scent! As I shared a photo of them, I said, "You can smell this picture, can't you?" That's when I thought that lilacs would be a great adult Scratch 'n' Sniff sticker! 

Sorry if you're too young to remember this staple of all our school notebooks in the '80s! It was entertaining and pretty amazing! 

As it turns out, my thought was not unique. There is actually a company called Everything Smells that has a lilac sticker! I might have to look into that now that I found it. 

Today was quite the summer reveal in Wisconsin. I thought yesterday was a nice golf day...

...But today – with our high of 86 – it would have been a nice afternoon to ride a boat after work. If you were the type of person who has one.

Instead, just like trying to keep up with salt accumulation on the car in the winter, I made a pointless attempt to keep up with washing the yellow-green pollen on my car. after work. It may last a day. Or maybe two. Meanwhile...

I created this very IMPORTANT POLL: Yes it's 85 degrees out but Spring Sports are not over, so...

• Keep the winter clothing in the backseat (👍)
• Remove and trust Mother Nature this once (🤣)

Thank you for your participation.

So far, the results reflect a resounding anti-trust issue with Mother Nature! So I'll give it time. And, so far it is not interfering with space for my golf pull-cart and clubs! 🏌

Be careful in this heat and careful, too, for the wicked weather which may or may not interfere with Tuesday afternoon tee time! Again... Mother Nature trust issues.

Soul Sistahs

It's only appropriate during Mental Health Awareness Month that we mention the best type of therapy is free – spending time with your soul sisters.

It turned out I got a double dose this week and I probably needed it.

Finally connected with my fellow work-from-home-on-Mondays friend Jenny on Monday for a lunchtime walk. Great to catch up and of course, air our concerns about our adult children in their 20s. I wonder if kids realize we never outgrow motherly worries (and wanting the best for our babies) no matter how old they or we get?

It was a nice walk!

Tonight we had our monthly Girls' Night Out group dinner at Tamaracks Pub and Grill. Sometimes there are a dozen of us and tonight we just had 3. Probably the best scenario for some honest and heartfelt conversations. 

My advice for improved mental health? Spend time with people who you can be REAL with. No false pretense. No fake personality. Just you being you. And they still loving you for it. 

It's so good for the soul!

Sundays in Dobberville

After a little hiatus since the BIG jackpot was won, I was wondering what my good luck (er, good duck) fox would do.

As usual with fair-weather dobbers, we had a smaller crowd today since the progressive jackpot was starting over at just shy of $600. But we did have over 100 players there so the jackpots were the larger of the two choices in each game. 

Thank goodness I sat with my group of veteran players because playing 12 cards myself, I almost missed the fact I could yell BINGO during the 4-corners game. Unfortunately, the $70 pot for this one doesn't go far when you have to split it between 4 winners. Still, they graciously rounded up from $17.50 each to an even $18. #winning

None of us at our table won the 50/50 raffle or the big coverall round. I will say being achingly close with just 2 squares to go was pretty painful. But per usual, we smile and nod and promise to be back and say it was for a great cause – this time our high school soccer team.

For me, winning was seeing an interesting exhibit at our museum after BINGO (which I'll blog about tomorrow) and catching a 2-mile walk in the "fake spring weather" with a friend. 

We'll see what other nice surprises are in store this week!

Seasonal Defective Disorder

After surviving Saturday night's ice storm (a.k.a. Another of Mother Nature's Mood Swings) and being able to sing in church choir, it seemed like Sunday would be fine. But "she" just couldn't let things go.

We were able to hold an enjoyable Book Club and meal at El Mezcal last night. But as soon as we exited, the snow was coming down. And by the time I was on the home stretch, it was that fun Millennium Falcon-warp speed view. 

Not a fan.

I did get home safely but forgot how snow falls silently while we sleep.

When I woke up this morning, I thought "Yay, tomorrow is April 1st and TriCity Golf Course opens!" I mean, I have been counting down. But this view out the front squashed my dreams. 

So now I think the TBD opening date should mean "Take Bad weather Down!"

If only we had the power, right? The encouraging thing is that when I took a walk after work with my golf partner the snow was rapidly melting away. And based on the forecast – which I never know when to trust – temps will be well above freezing the rest of the week.

Not sure if there will be golf, but perhaps spring sports in the form of baseball and softball will make their debut! 

Get over you seasonal defective disorder, Mother Nature! Remember how good sunshine and warm temperatures feel!

Fake or Imitation - I Don't Care

In central Wisconsin today, we saw what we love about spring. That perfect temperature where you can take a 2-mile walk after work in short sleeves! And still not quite break a sweat. Yes! So perfect.

Will it last? Heck no!

But we did set at record temperature for Wisconsin Rapids today and I took advantage of it! 

I had too much work to do to get a break at lunch in order to reacquaint myself with my old friend Mr. Deck Chair. But he's ready and waiting for me when the opportunity arises. We just need Mother Nature to cooperate.

I know. Such an LOL. We can't trust her enough to know if it's a really fake spring or just an imitation of what's to come. But based on today, I'd take either.

And based on the very extended forecast, there'll be some ups and downs. But mostly 100% "manageable weather" in Wisconsin.

Hope you found a moment to soak up the sun and warmth today! It's good for the soul, isn't it?

Ringing Out the Old

If I'm blogging around 7 p.m. you know for certain we have no ambitions in this house to stay up until midnight. And that's OK.

I did find some words of inspiration while we close out 2024. Things to bring into the new year and things to leave behind...

I'm glad that instead of waiting for a New Year's decluttering resolution that during my Christmas break I was able to declutter and take 6 garbage bags full of clothes to Goodwill. And glad that today I shredded and discarded quite a bit of "crap" from my home office!

And came across some cash while opening old thank you cards and birthday cards from this year!

I also got some steps in with my friend and golf partner Marigene – even though there was no golfing involved. (Dang.)

Managed to sneak in another Hallmark movie, too. Wow, I only have one more day off/Hallmark movie viewing day before heading back to work. I better step up my game so I can enter the new year on a positive (and possibly romantic) note.

Happy New Year's Eve!!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Austins. It was a very, very, very low-key day today since it was just Jim and I. After sleeping in, we opened out stockings (with our perfect goodies, of course), then had the rest of the day free.

I caught up on few Christmas movies while Jim visited his mother's grave and saw his dad. When I was feeling guilty about too much recliner time, I got outside for a walk around the neighborhood and captured a few more White Christmas photos...

It was pretty – especially when I had no place to drive! And I had just enough fresh air to relax while catching It's a Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation.

Hope you had a lovely day with friends, family, or your favorite movie or book! Merry Christmas!

Many Smiles in the Minne-Apple

You win some. You lose some. But sometimes you have a weekend where everybody wins – eventually.

We arrived in Twins Territory and our hotel in midafternoon Saturday. I was excited we could see Target Field from our hotel room – as advertised!

Cool to be right in the heart of the atmosphere.

After we got settled, we headed to a nearby pub to meet up with Casey and Emily for some pre-game apps. A very short walk from there to the field.

So we had time for Robyn-forced photos!

There were even a few new props that got me excited!

Saturday was Military Appreciation Night at the field.

This included a unique flyover with military helicopters. Very cool.

Our seats were in the front row of a second-level section on the third-base line. Close to Jim's Cincinnati Reds' dugout. At least he had something to smile about. A pitching change for the Twins was a common occurrence Saturday night!

Still amazing to be there, win or lose.

And boy did we ever lose! But great to catch up with the kids for a few hours. And Jim had plenty to smile about with his victory!

Sunday morning was the breakfast of champions at the hotel. Pretty fancy for a continental breakfast, eh?

The stadium was just a mile's walk away so we headed over there so we'd have time to soak in the sights. Including the Bob Dylan mural. Holy amazing!

There's a big fun and games area for all ages on the north side of the stadium. This must be extreme bags because they're throwing coach pillow-sized bags!

Lots of music was rocking the pre-game area – including some beats from our Skol Line!

I can't describe U.S. Bank Stadium in simple teams. It's just such a unique architectural park. Just awesome.

 

Getting our game day faces on!

All the cool glass features had me drooling. I could spend hours taking pictures of this place.

And the Minne-Apple downtown skyline is reflected in the windows, too.

Inside the stadium, we got to walk around a bit and see the highlights – including the local FOX guys doing their pre-game broadcast.

Found our seats! See where the lady wearing the #43 jersey is standing above Bud Grant's name? Our seats were front row to the right of his name.

Nothing between us and our Vikings but a piece of glass. Yup, those pesky railing obstruct the view sometimes. So let's have a scared-of-heights Robyn plop down on the "safe" side of the glass non-railing.

Thank goodness we got there early enough for me to have plenty of time to get used to it. Thankfully!

Also, we got our shirts several years after, I'm sure, another quest for a Superbowl trophy fell short. Or went wide right. They pleadingly say: "Just one before I die." We are hopeless optimists.

Since this was the season home-opener, they did a lot stuff before the first kickoff. Including... wait for it...

Snow inside the stadium!! What?

Yup, they were representing Norse blood with that. It was time bits of foamy-type flakes that disappeared after impact. What a crazy cool thing to do now that we're back indoors!

I began to love my unobstructed view. 

Specially loved that we scored first (despite way too many red uniforms in the stands).

Totally reminded me of the Dome days and how loud we'd get it!!

And I was thrilled to finally get to participate in person with the Viking fan's SKOL clap. So cool!!

And we had plenty to SKOL about – including a Justin Jefferson 98-yard touchdown. I'll never top as one of the greatest plays we've witnessed in person! 

It was exciting to upset the 49ers with a nice win – and fun to have my Twins finally winning at the same time.

I guess everybody does win! Thanks, MN!