Sunday Funday

As soon as I walked out of church this morning and felt the sun's warmth, I said, "I gotta go golfing today!"

And after hubby and I did some yard work for two hours – mainly picking up sticks upon sticks in the backyard – we both went golfing. But not together.

Since Carter was out visiting friends this afternoon, we felt a guilt-free moment to hit the sticks. The kind we enjoyed.

I went golfing at 3 p.m. with my friend, neighbor, and now league partner Marigene. We just had to get the ugly first round out of the way. You know, the one where we forget how to hit or putt. It was super busy at TriCity today – as it probably was at most golf courses – but we didn't complain. We were finally golfing.

I only had one par dance in the 9 holes but my victory was really that I didn't 3-putt... until the last hole.

Jim golfed at 4 p.m. with two buddies but they'd already put in some time on the links. 

Was home in time to visit with Carter, mix up some Monster Cookie dough and make their favorite Crack Chicken meal. Busy day but so blessed it was absolutely gorgeous out. I think maybe 70+ degrees. 

Gotta love Sunday Funday when it's an actual SUN day! 

Spring Invasions

I wish all our visitors today were as nice looking as this deer that showed up at dusk tonight. But nope. They were pretty gross and unwanted.

Yesterday afternoon I just happened to be out on the front deck and noticed these flying or hopping bugs. We didn't think much of it until today.

This morning's view featured all those little flying bastards gathering en mass in the driveway. Oh, and the deck and near the garage doors. Gross!

I learned they are called Snow Fleas, which gives me a creepy crawly feeling, and they're pretty common. Maybe they are here every year and I just didn't notice. So I sought a safe means to eradicate them. I guess a mixture that includes Dawn dish soap does the trick. We'll see. It took my several bottles full of special sauce to have enough to spray them all. 

I hope it worked. But as a backup, we called our Orkin man. You know, the one we call Son #2. He stopped by and added his extra touch, too, so hopefully they're dead or gone or both come tomorrow.

Our only other invasions today were dandelions sprouting and the deer.

"Hi, I'm a harmless flower. Annoying and wide-spread, but harmless!"

We'll see. At least I was able to do some work in the back yard without seeing any snakes. So far. Just want to keep the spring invasions to a minimum! Hope you can, too!

Right now, lightning and thunder our invading our spring evening. Be careful out there!

A Slice of Happiness

My slice of happiness arrived a little after 10 p.m. last night. No, not the pizza. That's just a decoy.

There were few gifts for the birthday boy in there.

And I found a Boston Celtics green candle to light on his cake. Uhm yes. your eyes are not deceiving you. There is one row gone. I told you dad and I would not be able to hold out all week! And it was good!

It was also great to see the kids and have them under the same roof for a night. Even though we were all working remotely today! And of course, straight away after work, they headed down to Madison for rehearsal and dinner. 

They'll be back! And stay a few days.

I can't guarantee how much cake will be left. But Mama Bear will have hugs to spare! 

Find your slice of happiness and never take it for granted!

Once in a Blue Moon

I love that people know I love to capture good photos. My neighbor just called to alert me to a bright moon rising. I raced outside with my super-super zoom and snapped off a few shots before the clouds rolled in.

Not perfect but I didn't wait time grabbing my tripod to steady the camera.

Probably fitting that once in a blue moon I get a moon picture. And once in a blue moon I see my boy. He's still en route to our house and I'm hoping to stay awake to greet him.

Haha. It's been 3 months. Of course I'll stay awake. Good thing I've got something decent to watch on Netflix!

Today Brought to you by the Words Serenity and Now

Today's words – well the words of the past month – are Serenity and Now. Or ... Serenity Now!

Work has been a bit hectic and stressful. But as my boss and I discussed this morning, it's just work. It's a small piece of the giant picture of life. And we're not losing or saving lives as writers in a marketing department. 

So I'm trying to call upon my shortened version of the Serenity Prayer and just keep moving forward. I did have to work a bit tonight after I got home. Had to skip choir practice. But should be caught up when we finally see the birthday boy tomorrow. 

Maybe that's adding to my stress. Missing my boy! C'mon, moms. You can confirm this is a reality!

At least with hubby golfing tonight I was able to catch another episode of The Diplomat. Pretty sure I'll wrap that season up this weekend.

And another positive... a "projected" high of 73 degrees tomorrow! Since I woke up to 31 degrees today, I am looking forward to this little ray of sunshine.

If you're having a stressful week, may you find serenity. Now!

Just Call Us Angells

One of the perks of living in the middle of the state is that it's often the location for statewide conferences and meetings. Occasionally, I luck out and long-distance friends are suddenly in my neck of the woods. Today was one of those days.

My friend Sarge from college was in Stevens Point for a work conference. Love that she was wearing a UW-La Crosse shirt when I picked her up after work and we went to my stomping grounds (SentryWorld) to catch up for a bit.

We haven't changed a bit since we were RAs (resident assistants) together at Angell Hall at UW-L, have we? 

Obviously, it was in the '80s. The 1988-1989 school year to be exact. The amazing thing about that is not that we're OLD. We know! But that we've been friends and somehow stayed in touch for 35 years. Uhm, yes, that is older than most of my current co-workers. Ha.

It really was so awesome to catch up like no time was lost and hug out any stressors in our life. Love my Angell Squad!

I've said it before... Always make the time to see old friends when you can. If you can still laugh about things you did or said 3 decades ago, it's so worth it!

Ooohm-Cha-Gow-Ah! Angells got the powah!

Happy Labor Day

All this time I thought May 1st was all about flowers, baskets (and usually better than 40-degree temperatures) for May Day. And here it's Labour Day. Well for me... Labor Day. 

Yup, 25 years ago today I was in labor for 13 hours and even though things were slow-going, I told the doctor, "I want a May Day baby." Not that I cared about the date so much as wanting relief!

But it's an easy date to remember. I just can't believe this little T-ball playing boy is a 25-year-old man now!

Mommy and Daddy agree this is one of our favorite pictures of all time. He wore out this Nike cap and the one after that!

And still looks so darn cute wearing his hat backward! Yes, I am a bit biased.

Jim and I tried video calling him with a "Happy Birthday" at noon, figuring he was on his lunch break, but he didn't answer. Assuming the positive, I figured he was on a work call. But then he called us back a few minutes later. 

He had just gotten up.

He took the day off to recover from the weekend and relax.

Oh boy! That's our boy! Just smile and giggle. And realize we probably would've done the same thing when we were turning 25. Or just about any age in our 20s! 

He's in Wisconsin for a wedding this weekend so we're hoping he'll come up and see us tomorrow. The house smells like fresh-out-of-the-oven Hornet's Cake (his request) and we might just have to give him a 24-hour time limit before we cut that first piece.

OK. Maybe 25 hours. One for each amazing and blessed year he's filled our hearts.

Happy birthday, Carter Joe! You were worth every second of labor!